Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek(22 Days / 21 Nights)
Overview
The Ultimate Wilderness Trek in Eastern Nepal
Hiking Friends Travel Nepal
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular and least crowded trekking adventures. This remote journey takes you to both the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain at 8,586 m. Trek through pristine forests, traditional Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan villages, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and some of the most untouched Himalayan landscapes in Nepal.
Trek Facts
| Trek Duration | 22 Days |
|---|---|
| Maximum Elevation | 5,140 m |
| Trek Grade | Challenging |
| Accommodation | Tea House |
| Best Season | Spring & Autumn |
| Permits Required | Restricted Area Permit & Conservation Area Permit |
| Group Size | Minimum 2 Trekkers |
Highlights
- Visit both Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema) and South Base Camp (Oktang)
- Explore one of Nepal's most remote and unspoiled trekking regions
- Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Kabru, Rathong, and Yalung Kang
- Experience authentic Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan cultures
- Walk through the protected Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
- Encounter diverse wildlife and rhododendron forests
- Cross the scenic Sele La Pass (4,290 m)
- Enjoy a true wilderness trekking experience away from crowded trails
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Meet and transfer to hotel Trip briefing and trek preparation Overnight in Kathmandu
Scenic flight to eastern Nepal Drive through tea gardens and rolling hills Overnight in Ilam
Beautiful drive through eastern hill settlements Preparation for trekking Overnight in Taplejung
Overnight in Amjilosa
Forest trails and waterfalls Traditional Tibetan-influenced villages Overnight in Gyabla
Magnificent mountain scenery Ancient monasteries and yak pastures Overnight in Ghunsa
Explore the village Short acclimatization hike Visit monastery and surrounding viewpoints Overnight in Ghunsa
Stunning views of surrounding peaks Increasing alpine environment Overnight in Kambachen
Rest and acclimatization Optional hikes to nearby ridges Overnight in Kambachen
Spectacular glacier landscapes Remote high-altitude terrain Overnight in Lhonak
Incredible views of Kanchenjunga's north face Explore Pangpema Base Camp Overnight in Lhonak
Overnight in Ghunsa
Climb through alpine forests Magnificent mountain panoramas Overnight in Sele Le
Cross high mountain passes Exceptional Himalayan scenery Overnight in Cheram
Close-up views of Kanchenjunga and Yalung Glacier Overnight in Cheram
Overnight in Tortong
Forests, rivers, and traditional settlements Overnight in Yamphudin
Overnight in Khebang
Overnight in Happukhola
Overnight in Bhadrapur
Transfer to hotel Free time for shopping and relaxation Overnight in Kathmandu
Transfer to airport Departure flight
Gear List
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Packing List
Essential Gear for a Safe & Comfortable Trek
Kanchenjunga is one of Nepal's most remote trekking regions. Weather can change quickly, and facilities are basic, so packing wisely is important.
Duffel Bag & Daypack
- Duffel bag (provided by Hiking Friends Travel Nepal)
- Daypack (30-40L)
- Rain cover for backpack
- Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks
Clothing
Upper Body
- 2-3 moisture-wicking trekking t-shirts
- 1 long-sleeve trekking shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
- Thermal base layer top
- Comfortable shirt for evenings
Lower Body
- 2 trekking pants
- 1 thermal base layer bottom
- Waterproof shell pants
- Comfortable trousers for lodges
- Undergarments (4-5 pairs)
Headwear
- Warm beanie
- Sun hat or cap
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Handwear
- Lightweight trekking gloves
- Warm insulated gloves
Footwear
- Well-broken-in trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals
- 3-4 pairs trekking socks
- 2 pairs warm wool socks
Sleeping Gear
- Four-season sleeping bag (-15°C to -20°C recommended)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Travel pillow (optional)
Personal Items
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Quick-dry towel
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toilet paper
- Nail clipper
Water & Snacks
- Water bottles (2 liters total capacity)
- Thermos flask
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Energy bars and snacks
Electronics
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Power bank
- Charging cables
- Spare batteries
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Personal First Aid
- Personal medications
- Blister treatment
- Pain relievers
- Bandages
- Antiseptic cream
- Oral rehydration salts
Important Documents
- Passport
- Nepal visa copy
- Travel insurance
- Passport-size photos
- Flight tickets
- Cash for personal expenses
Optional Items
- Trekking poles
- Binoculars
- Lightweight book or e-reader
- Notebook and pen
- Gaiters (spring or snowy conditions)
- Microspikes (early spring or late autumn if needed)
What Not to Bring
- Heavy suitcases
- Excess clothing
- Valuable jewelry
- Unnecessary electronics
Packing Tip
Keep your duffel bag weight around 10-12 kg and your daypack around 5-7 kg. Pack light but ensure you have enough warm layers, as temperatures near Kanchenjunga North Base Camp can drop well below freezing, especially during the night.
Hiking Friends Travel Nepal provides a complimentary duffel bag for use during the trek.
Cost Details
- Achievement certificate after trek completion.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All domestic transportation as per itinerary
- All the required Permit charges
- Assistant Guide: Provided for groups larger than six people.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
- Duffel bag with the Hiking Friends Travel Nepal logo provided for the trek (must be returned at the end of the trek).
- Government taxes and service charges
- Licensed and first-aid trained English or German-speaking trekking guide
- Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, with a maximum load of 12 kg per guest and 24 kg per porter).
- Tea house accommodation during the trek
- Any extra costs due to delays, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi during the trip if applicable
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Meals and extra night accommodation in the cities(except breakfast)
- Nepal visa fee on arrival(15 days: USD 30, 30 days: USD 50, 90 days: USD 125).
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag, warm clothes trekking poles, suitable shoes etc.)
- Special Permits and Fees: Fees for special filming, drones, and camera permits.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver are not included (recommended: USD 8–20 per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service).
- Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking)
