Kanchenjunga Trek

USD

Accomodation
Tea house/Tent
Max. Altitude
5143m
Group Size
1+
Activity Per Day
Approx. 5 to 6 hours
Transporation
flight/jeep
Grade
Hard

Overview

The Kanchenjunga Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and rewarding trekking adventures, offering an authentic Himalayan experience far from crowded trails. Named after Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world, this trek takes you deep into eastern Nepal’s pristine landscapes and traditional mountain communities.

This trek explores both the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga, passing through dramatic valleys, alpine forests, high mountain passes, and glacial terrains. Trekkers walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to diverse wildlife such as red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears, as well as rich flora including rhododendron and bamboo forests.

The journey begins with a flight or drive to eastern Nepal, followed by gradual ascents through remote villages inhabited by Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities. Their unique culture, monasteries, and traditional lifestyles add strong cultural value to the trek. Unlike popular routes, tea houses are basic, and in some areas camping may be required, making this trek ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and adventure.

The Kanchenjunga Trek is physically demanding due to its long duration, rugged terrain, and high altitude, with elevations reaching over 5,100 meters at Pangpema (North Base Camp). Proper acclimatization is essential for safety and enjoyment.

Best seasons for the trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when weather conditions are stable and mountain views are spectacular. A restricted area permit and a licensed guide are mandatory.

Overall, the Kanchenjunga Trek offers a rare combination of untouched nature, cultural richness, and breathtaking mountain scenery, making it a perfect choice for adventurous trekkers seeking a true wilderness experience in the Himalayas.

Itinerary

    • Accommodation:

      Hotels 

    • Arrival in Kathmandu where an Orbit Nepal Adventure representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel

    • Meals:

      Breakfast 

    • This day we will gives you the diteals information about trekking program and coordinate any last-minute arrangements. After/before the staff meeting, we will take you sightseeing with a tour guide to visit the highlights of Kathmandu - Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymbhunath and Patan Durbar Square. Overnight at hotel

    • Accommodation:

      Lodges 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • We begin with a scenic 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur. From here, a beautiful drive through tea gardens, rolling hills, and rural landscapes takes us to Ilam. This peaceful hill town is famous for its cool weather and extensive tea estates.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • Today also just a driving day. The journey continues northward along winding roads toward Taplejung, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region. Enjoy views of terraced fields, small villages, and forested hills.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • Our trek officially begins with a gentle descent through farmlands and subtropical forests. Following the Tamor River, we pass several small settlements before reaching the riverside village of Mitlung.
       

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • The trail winds through cardamom farms and mixed forests while passing Rai and Limbu communities. The terrain includes short ascents and descents before we arrive at Chirwa.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • Today we are Entering the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, we follow the Ghunsa River. Expect rugged paths, suspension bridges, and scenic gorges before reaching Sekathum.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • This is a demanding stage with steep climbs, rocky trails, and several river crossings. The remote village of Amjilosa has a Tibetan influence and is surrounded by lush forests.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • We trek through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests. The trail gently climbs as we approach Gyabla, a pretty village with traditional wooden houses.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • The landscape gradually opens into wider valleys and grazing fields. Ghunsa, a large Sherpa and Tibetan-style village, is home to monasteries and colorful prayer flags.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • To help with altitude adaptation, we take a short hike to a viewpoint at around 4,200 m. The rest of the day is for exploring Ghunsa and relaxing.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • The trail becomes rugged as we move through rocky terrain and glacial valleys. Magnificent views of Jannu Himal dominate the day.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • As elevation increases, vegetation becomes sparse. The walk along the Kanchenjunga Glacier offers dramatic scenery before reaching the remote settlement of Lhonak.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • A spectacular day as we climb toward Pangpema, the North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. Enjoy close-up views of the massive Kanchenjunga range before returning to Lhonak.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • We retrace our steps through the glacier valley, descending gradually to Ghunsa.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • A steady climb through rhododendron and pine forests leads to the base of the Sele La Pass.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • We cross Sele La Pass (4,290 m), enjoying amazing views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga. A long descent through alpine meadows brings us to Cheram.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Berakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • A rewarding hike takes us to the South Base Camp, a quieter and equally stunning viewpoint of Kanchenjunga. After exploring, we return to Cheram.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • A scenic descent through dense forests and river valleys brings us to Tortong.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • We follow lush forest trails and terraced farmland before reaching the large settlement of Yamphudin, home to several ethnic groups.

    • Accommodation:

      Teahouse 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • A pleasant day of trekking through warm lowland terrain, farmlands, and small village communities.

    • Accommodation:

      Lodges 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

    • We complete our trek and begin the long, scenic drive back to Bhadrapur.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotels 

    • Meals:

      Breakfast 

    • Catch your morning flight back to Kathmandu. After checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring local markets, temples, or simply relaxing.

    • Meals:

      Breakfast

    • Your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek comes to an end. Orbit Nepal adventure team will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
      Leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of one of the most remote and rewarding treks in the Himalayas.

Inclusion

What's Included
    • Airport pick-up and drop-off for both international and domestic flights
    • All required trekking permits
    • Accommodation throughout the trek
    • Meals during the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) with tea or coffee
    • Government-licensed, first-aid-trained trekking guide
    • Salary, meals, equipment, and insurance for the guide and porter
    • Kathmandu - Bhadrapur –Kathmandu flight tickets
    • Private ground transportation during the trek
    • First-aid kit with essential medication
    • Sleeping bag on request (refundable after return)
    • Required duffle bag, trekking map, and water purification tablets
    • All official expenses, including local taxes and government VAT
What's Not Included
    • International airfare and Nepal entry visa
    • Travel and health insurance (must include emergency rescue and evacuation coverage)
    • Personal expenses during the trek such as snacks, beverages, bottled water, hot water, Wi-Fi, and battery charging
    • Tips for the guide and porter (highly appreciated)