Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Makalu & Kanchenjunga RegionStrenuous

Kanchenjunga BaseCamp Trek

Trek to the base of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world's third-highest peak, in far-eastern Nepal. Remote restricted-area trail through Limbu and Rai villages, rhododendron forests, and glacial valleys. 21 days, from USD 2,575.

View Itinerary
21
DaysTotal trek duration
5143m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$2,575
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Kanchenjunga's south face from base camp is one of the most massive mountain walls visible from any trekking trail. The peak rises 3,443 meters above base camp in a single sweep of rock, ice, and hanging glaciers. The scale is difficult to process.

The approach through Limbu and Rai villages in eastern Nepal is culturally distinct from the Sherpa regions of the Khumbu. Millet terraces, bamboo houses, and tongba (fermented millet beer) are part of daily village life. Few foreign trekkers pass through.

The rhododendron forests between 2,500m and 3,500m are some of the most extensive in Nepal. In April and May, the canopy blooms red, pink, and white. Above the treeline, the trail enters glacial terrain with Jannu's dramatic pyramid visible to the west.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a 21-day route to the south base camp of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest mountain on Earth, in far-eastern Nepal. This restricted-area trek passes through Limbu and Rai villages, dense rhododendron forests, and glacial valleys before reaching the base camp at 5,143 meters below the Yalung Glacier.

The trail approaches from Taplejung, a roadhead town in eastern Nepal reached by flight or drive from Kathmandu. The route climbs gradually through farming communities and forest before entering high-altitude terrain above Tseram (3,768m). Kanchenjunga South Base Camp sits on a moraine shelf with the Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga's massive south face directly above. Jannu (7,711m) is visible to the west.

Permits: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (USD 20 per week). All included. Licensed guide mandatory. Since March 2026, solo trekkers can obtain the restricted area permit individually.

For another remote eastern Nepal trek, the Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek with Mera Peak crosses a technical 5,845m pass in the Makalu region. For remote western Nepal, the Rara Lake Trek reaches Nepal's largest lake in 16 days.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
5,143m4,194m3,244m2,295m1,345mKathmanduTaplejungSekathunAmjilosaGyablaGhunsaKhambachenLhonakPangpemaGhunsaSele La base CampCheramRamcheTortongYamphudinKhebangKanyamKathmandu5,143m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

21 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Fly to Bhadrapur & Drive to Taplejung

Taplejung

Fly to Biratnagar and drive to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung (1820m). 249km and 8 to 9 hours drive. Overnight at hotel.

1,820mHotel475m
Day04

Drive to Sekathum

Sekathum

Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1575 m). 39km, 5-6 hours drive. Overnight at Hotel.

1,575mLodge245m
Day05

Trek to Amjilosa

Gurgagon

Trek to Amjilosa (2380 m) , 9km 6hours trek. Overnight at teahouse

2,380m6h trekTea805m
Day06

Trek to Gyabla

Gyabla

Trek to Gyabla (2725m), 7km 5hours trek. Overnight at teahouse.

2,725m5h trekTeahouse345m
Day07

Trek to Ghunsa

Ghunsa

Trek to Ghunsa (3415 m). 10km, 5hours trek. Overnight at Hotel.

3,415m5h trekHotel690m
Day08

Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa

Ghunsa

Rest and acclimatization day at Ghunsa. Overnight at Hotel.

3,415mHotel
Day09

Trek to Khambachen

Khambachen

Trek to Khambachen (4,145 m). 10km and 6hours trek. Overnight at teahouse.

4,115m6h trekTeahouse700m
Day10

Trek to Lhonak

Lhonak

Trek to Lhonak (4,792 m). 10km, 5hours trek. Overnight at teahouse.

4,792m5h trekteahouse677m
Day11

Trek to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp)

Lonak

Trek to Pangpema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 m) and trek back to Lonak. 7hours trek. Overnight at teahouse.

5,143m7h trekTeahouse351m
Day12

Trek Back to Ghunsa

Ghunsa

Trek back to Ghunsa (3415m) 6hours trek. Overnight at teahouse.

3,415m6h trekteahouse1,728m
Day13

Trek to Sele Le Base Camp

Sele Le Base camp

Trek to Sele Le base camp (4290m.) 7hours trek. Overnight at tea house.

4,290m7h trekTeahouse875m
Day14

Trek to Cheram ( Tseram)

Cheram

Trek from Sele Le Base camp to Tseram (3870meters) via Sele Le Pass (4290 meters) then Sinion La (4440 meters) then Mirgin La (4480 meters) 7hours walk. Overnight at Teahouse

3,870m7h trekTeahouse420m
Day15

Trek to Ramche

Ramche

Trek from Tesram to Ramche (4580 meters) then hike up Oktang Base Camp - also known as Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4740 meters) and back to Tesram 8hours walk. Overnight at Teahouse.

4,580m7h trekTeahouse710m
Day16

Trek to Tortong

Tortong

Trek to Tortong (2,995 m) 5hours trek. Overnight at Teahouse.

2,995m6h trekTeahouse1,585m
Day17

Trek to Yamphudin

Yamphudin

Trek to Yamphudin (2,080 m)7 hours. Overnight at Teahouse.

2,080m7h trekTeahouse915m
Day18

Trek to Khebang

Khebang

Trek to Khebang (1915 m) 7hours. Overnight at Teahouse.

1,915m7h trekTeahouse165m
Day19

Drive to Kanyam

Kanyam

Drive to Kanyam. Overnight at Hotel.

1,630m5h trekHotel285m
Day20

Drive to Bhadrapur

Kathmandu

Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur and Fly back from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.

1,345mHotel285m
Day21

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 2,575
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

11

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Flight fare from Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit and all other necessary permits.

All Surface transfer from Kathmandu.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge.

Not Included

9

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$70per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$40per person / night · breakfast included

Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$70 per person per night for a single room and US$40 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

The third-highest mountain on Earth from its base camp. Only Everest and K2 are higher.

Thrill

One of the most remote treks in Nepal. You may not see another trekking group for days.

Connection

Limbu and Rai culture in eastern Nepal is completely different from the Sherpa regions. Authentic cultural immersion.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You want to trek to the base of the world's third-highest peak in genuine wilderness.

You can walk 6 to 7 hours a day for 17 trekking days on remote trails.

You are comfortable with basic teahouse and camping accommodation. Facilities are simple above Tseram.

Maximum altitude is 5,143m. Prior altitude experience above 4,500m is recommended.

You have 21 days available and want one of the most remote trekking experiences in Nepal.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)

Day pack

Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

windproof pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
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Trail Stories

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