The world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8598 meters), is only surpassed by Everest and K2. It is without a doubt one of the most spectacular massifs in the Himalayan range, majestically rising from the borders of Sikkim and Nepal (India). The region is accessible from both Nepal and India, and it is inhabited by isolated mountain settlements of Tibetan and Limbus people. The official start of our trek is in Taplejung, Nepal. The Short Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is considered to be the least explored, less popular, unspoiled, undeveloped, but surprisingly beautiful and rewarding trek in Nepal. The trail climbs above canyons, valleys, and remote villages to reach the third-highest mountain's north face. You may walk the isolated trails that wind beneath this massive mountain for days without coming across anyone. As you stroll through the isolated alpine region of far eastern Nepal, it is a voyage of absolute calm.
We pass through rural Limbu, Rai and Tibetan communities on our walk in the northeast. Native to Kanchenjunga, the Limbu people speak a Tibetan dialect and practice a synthesis of Hindu, Buddhist, and animist beliefs. This challenging hike offers the full Himalayan experience along with vast vistas, narrow valleys, and rushing rivers. As we make our way uphill toward the glaciers and high alpine meadows, we hike for days through lush bamboo and rhododendron forest. At Kanchenjunga Base Camp (KBC), Pang Pema marks the conclusion of our round-trip trek (5140 meters). Over 16 Himalayan peaks, including Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak) (5663 meters), Jannu (7710 meters), Kabru (7412 meters), Everest (8848 meters), and Makalu (8586 meters), are visible in this stunning panorama. On the trip, it's possible to see wild pheasants, red-billed blue magpies, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and even red pandas. We trek over the Kanchenjunga moraine, where you will be encircled by a 360-degree view of the towering Himalayas, to get to our ultimate goal, the stunning Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
We conclude our hike in the middle highlands of eastern Nepal, which are incredibly less crowded and home to some rare natural gems, before boarding a flight back to Kathmandu via Bhadrapur. The 18-day Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is perfect for anyone looking for a trip that is actually off-the-beaten-path and offers some of the least traveled trekking terrain in Nepal. Moreover, if you are unsatisfied with the Short Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, then you may consider the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek or combining both Base Camp (Kanchenjunga Circuit) Trek too. For more details, why not get in touch with our local specialists right away? We are ready to help you 24/7.
Moreover, if you are not satisfied with Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, then you may also have a look at Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek and many more packages.
Day 01: Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Free day for final trekking preparation.
Day 03: Take an early flight to Bhadrapur, then drive to Taplejung (1820 m, 12 hrs).
Day 04: Drive Taplejung to Sekathum (5 hrs, 1750 m).
Day 05: Trek Sekathum to Amjilosa (2308 m, 5-6 hrs)
Day 06: Trek Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730 m, 5 hrs)
Day 07: Trek Gyabla to Ghunsa (3595 m, 5 hrs)
Day 08: Acclimatization day! Explore the raw beauties of Kanchenjunga Conservation area.
Day 09: Trek Ghunsa to Khambachen (4050 m, 5-6 hrs)
Day 10: Another acclimatization day, which is crucial to our successful journey to the North Base Camp, also offers breathtaking side trip..
Day 11: Trek Khambachen to Lhonak (4780 m, 4-5 hrs)
Day 12: Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m) and return back to Lhonak (or stay overnight in the North Base Camp if the situation permit)
Day 13: Trek Lhonak to Ghunsa (6 hrs)
Day 14: Trek Ghunsa to Amjilosa (7/8 hrs)
Day 15: Trek Amjilosa to Sekathum 3 hrs then drive to Taplejung.
Day 16: Drive Taplejung to Bhadrapur (12 hrs)
Day 17: Final opportunity of experience scenic flight to Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure
Note: Above itinerary is basically a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.
One of our team will greet you at the airport for the transfer to your Hotel where there is time to relax. We set up welcome meeting with your guide at a convenient time depending on arrival at our office. For those that wish, there is the chance to go out together as a group for dinner afterwards something we like to do. There are no other activities planned for today. Depending on your arrival schedule you will have time to get around the bustling bazaar; the hotels we use are normally situated in the lively Thamel area. There is a feast of outdoor gears, souvenir shops, great bookshops and a huge variety of restaurants. It's a great place to wander through and get your bearings.
This is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions or clear up any issues you may have. We make sure everyone is properly equipped for the trek and we give you an idea of what to expect on a day to day basis. We often arrange a walking tour, visiting the bazaar, temples, stupas and the Durbar Square area as per your request which are situated in the center of old Kathmandu. It is a casual stroll taking in much of the day to day life of Kathmandu and its many bazaars: a thriving mixture of people selling fruit, vegetables and spices with devotees visiting their favorite gods at temples and small shrines dotted along the streets and alleyways. With rickshaw Walla’s weaving their way through the bustle with the ever present sacred cow meandering amongst it all there is rarely a dull moment.
Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bhadrapur. The 45-minute flight takes you to Bhadrapur, where the scenery and weather are very different from those in Kathmandu. This region's people have different accents, skin tones, and cultural traditions than those in Kathmandu. It truly feels as if you've been transported to another universe. The highway connects Bhadrapur and Taplejung, passing through beautiful tea estates. During this 8-9-hour drive, you will encounter three distinct weather conditions: hot, cold, and snowy. The scenery changed from flat to lush hills to rocky terrain, which would be a lovely experience.
By traveling along the Tamor Nadi, passing through a number of bridges and communities, we will eventually reach in Sekathum.
A series of impressive suspension bridges leads us back and forth across the Ghunsa Khola to Jaubari, then across another bridge to the narrow trail leading up the steeply sided slopes to Amjilosa and its yak pasturelands.
After passing numerous waterfalls and the dispersed settlements that were peacefully tucked away in the valley below the mountains, we continued upward through the densely forested area with mature oak and dense rhododendron trees. As we gently travel in the direction of Gyabla, eagles soar lazily above us, yaks graze solemnly in lush meadows, and occasionally, indications of animals can be seen among the trees or high on the hills.
The morning is spent walking steadily to the Tibetan village of Phole, and then we make the steady climb to the picturesque town of Ghunsa and its superb view of the surrounding countryside.
Today is a designated rest day to help the body acclimate to the high altitude, and Ghunsa is perfectly suited to the task by virtue of its scenic alpine surroundings and points of cultural interest, including the local gompa.
Emerald green forests concede to the frost-browned vegetation of the alpine regions of the Kanchenjunga region as we climb steadily to the upper glacial valleys on our path, with mighty Jannu standing before us in all its glory as we trek through the scenic landscape towards Khambachen.
Another highly recommended acclimatization day that provides an unbeatable side trip while also contributing to your successful adaptation to the elevation to reach the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
A day of astonishing views as we trek into the heartland of the towering Kanchenjunga massif, gradually ascending to the base of the mountain's forbidding glacier and on past snow-fed waterfalls and occasional glimpses of highland wildlife such as blue sheep perched high on the slopes. If there's snow about and we're extremely fortunate we might even sight the light footprints of the region's most mysterious creature, the enigmatic snow leopard.
The day's first order of business is the steady climb to the lofty and isolated outpost of Pangpema, where we pause for lunch before heading out on the final push to the trek's ultimate goal of Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The fluttering colors of the prayer flags eventually guide us in to the site at the very threshold of the towering peak, with magnificent panoramas of the surrounding region's snow-capped peaks providing the icing to the cake on the day's journey. After spending suitable time at the base to appreciate the views and celebrate the achievement we head back down to Lhonak. A day of astonishing views as we trek into the heartland of the towering Kanchenjunga massif, gradually ascending to the base of the mountain's forbidding glacier and on past snow-fed waterfalls and occasional glimpses of highland wildlife such as blue sheep perched high on the slopes. If there's snow about and we're extremely fortunate we might even sight the light footprints of the region's most mysterious creature, the enigmatic snow leopard.
Returning by the same route to Ghunsa, we gain a different and refreshing perspective of the region's beautiful scenery.
After breakfast, we return from Ghunsa to Amjilosa, passing through beautiful forest, pastures, ridges, streams, and breathtaking White Mountains views. Ghunsa to Amjilosa is a six-and-a-half-hour trek. To reach Gyabla, the first section of the journey follows a pleasant road through the jungle. The majority of the trail climbs and descends on steep terrain. Amjilosa is known as a honey town, and honey can be found in nearly every home. We'll spend the night at the teahouse after that.
The final day of hike declines once it reaches Sekathum. After collecting memories, savoring the cool breezes, mingling with locals, traveling through the villages, and cruising along the verdant roads, we will arrive in Taplejung, where we will spend the night in a respectable tea house.
We reach in Bhadrapur for the night after an almost 12-hour jeep ride.
Enjoy the short mountain flight then relax in Kathmandu.
Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.
A very successful trekking with the guys from Nepal Trekking Experts. They took care of everything. We just followed them and admired the beautiful and remote places of north-eastern Nepal. Completely unspoiled area, very diverse. From rhododendron forest to completely rugged nature. The beautiful peaks of Janu, Khambachen and at the end the third mountain of the World - Kanchenjunga. Highly recommended for those who are looking for lesser known region, very remote, basic but unspoiled and a unique nature and culture!