Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek

Your adventure begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From Bhadrapur, the journey continues by road toward Phidim, passing through lush hills, winding mountain roads, and traditional settlements. The approximately 265 km drive takes around 6–7 hours, offering your first glimpse into the eastern Himalayan landscape. Phidim is a peaceful hill town and an important gateway toward the Kanchenjunga region.

Altitude: Phidim – 1,120 m
Flight: Kathmandu–Bhadrapur, approximately 45–50 minutes
Drive: Approximately 265 km | 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Today you continue deeper into eastern Nepal by road, following rugged mountain terrain toward the Kanchenjunga trailhead. Depending on road and local conditions, the drive takes you toward Chirwa or Sekathum, where the trekking adventure begins in earnest. The landscape gradually becomes wilder and more remote as you approach the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. After reaching your overnight stop, take time to rest and prepare for the first full day of trekking.

Altitude: Sekathum - approximately 1,660 m
Drive: Distance and duration depend on the road conditions and overnight point
Walking: Short local walk, approximately 3 hours if required
Elevation change: Approximately +200 m / -200 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Your first full day on the Kanchenjunga trail takes you through beautiful Himalayan foothills, where forested slopes, rushing rivers, suspension bridges, and small mountain settlements create an unforgettable introduction to the region. The trail gradually climbs and descends through a landscape that feels increasingly remote and untouched. With approximately 850 m of ascent and 50 m of descent, this is a demanding but rewarding day that builds the rhythm for the journey ahead.

Altitude: Sekathum - 1,660 m
Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
Elevation gain: +850 m
Elevation loss: -50 m
Distance: Approximately 12–14 km, depending on the exact trail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Today the trail enters deeper into the wilderness of the Kanchenjunga region. You follow narrow mountain paths through dense forests, crossing streams and climbing steadily toward Amjilassa. The route is physically demanding, but every climb brings you farther away from the outside world and closer to the spectacular high mountains. After around 7 hours of walking, you reach Amjilassa, a small mountain settlement surrounded by dramatic forested hills.

Altitude: Amjilassa - 2,340 m
Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
Elevation gain: +950 m
Elevation loss: -150 m
Distance: Approximately 12–14 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

The trail continues through beautiful temperate and rhododendron forests as you make your way toward Gyabla. Today's route involves both climbing and descending, with approximately 800 m of ascent and 500 m of descent. The changing vegetation and increasingly dramatic mountain environment remind you that you are steadily gaining altitude. After approximately 5 hours of trekking, arrive at Gyabla and enjoy a well-earned evening in this peaceful Himalayan village.

Altitude: Gyabla - 2,730 m
Walking time: Approximately 5 hours
Elevation gain: +800 m
Elevation loss: -500 m
Distance: Approximately 10-12 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Today marks an important step higher into the Kanchenjunga wilderness. The trail climbs gradually through forests and open mountain landscapes toward Ghunsa at 3,415 m, one of the most important settlements on the northern approach to Kanchenjunga. With around 800 m of ascent and 100 m of descent, the approximately 5-hour walk offers beautiful scenery and a growing sense of entering the high Himalaya. Ghunsa is a traditional Tibetan-influenced mountain village and an ideal place to slow down and acclimatize.

Altitude: Ghunsa – 3,415 m
Walking time: Approximately 5 hours
Elevation gain: +800 m
Elevation loss: -100 m
Distance: Approximately 10–12 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Today is dedicated to acclimatization and is intentionally easy and relaxed. Rather than pushing higher with luggage, you take a short exploration hike around the Ghunsa area, gaining approximately 500 m of elevation before returning to the village. This active rest day helps your body adjust naturally to the increasing altitude while allowing you to enjoy the scenery, local culture, and peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Altitude: Ghunsa - 3,415 m
Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
Elevation gain: +500 m
Elevation loss: -550 m
Purpose: Acclimatization and relaxed exploration
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Leaving Ghunsa behind, the landscape changes dramatically as the trail climbs into the high alpine zone. Forests become thinner and the surrounding mountains begin to dominate the horizon. You follow the river through rugged terrain toward Kambachen at 4,145 m. The approximately 6-hour trek involves around 750 m of ascent, making it an important altitude-gaining day. Arriving at Kambachen, you will feel the remoteness of the Kanchenjunga wilderness more strongly than ever.

Altitude: Kambachen - 4,145 m
Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
Elevation gain: +750 m
Elevation loss: -50 m
Distance: Approximately 10–12 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Another carefully planned acclimatization day allows your body to adjust to the high altitude before moving toward Lhonak and Pang Pema. After a relaxed morning, enjoy a short exploration hike into the surrounding mountains. The hike gains approximately 500 m before returning to Kambachen. Take the evening to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the spectacular high-altitude landscapes ahead.

Altitude: Kambachen - 4,145 m
Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
Elevation gain: +500 m
Elevation loss: -500 m
Purpose: Acclimatization and mountain exploration
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Today is one of the most spectacular stages of the trek as you leave Kambachen and continue toward Lhonak at 4,780 m. The trail follows the Kanchenjunga Glacier area through increasingly barren and dramatic terrain, with enormous Himalayan peaks rising around you. The approximately 6-hour walk gains around 750 m, so a steady pace and careful acclimatization are essential. By the time you reach Lhonak, you are truly in the heart of the high Himalaya.

Altitude: Lhonak - 4,780 m
Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
Elevation gain: +750 m
Elevation loss: -50 m
Distance: Approximately 9–11 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

This is a truly unforgettable day. From Lhonak, you trek toward Pang Pema at 5,140 m, the northern base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. The trail leads through a stark and magnificent glacial landscape, with immense peaks surrounding you from every direction. The approximately 3–4 hour excursion gains around 450 m before returning toward Lhonak. Standing at Pang Pema beneath the world's third-highest mountain is one of the defining moments of the entire journey.

Altitude: Pang Pema - 5,140 m
Walking time: Approximately 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: +450 m
Elevation loss: -50 m
Distance: Approximately 8–10 km round trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Tent / Lodge depending on final arrangement

Today is a challenging high-altitude adventure toward Dromo Sporn at approximately 6,000 m. You begin early, climbing into the spectacular high mountain environment while surrounded by glaciers and towering Himalayan peaks. The ascent and descent require approximately 6 hours, with around 850 m of elevation gain and 850 m of descent. After lunch, you descend further toward Lhonak at 4,780 m, with an additional approximately 3 hours of walking. This is an ambitious day and should be undertaken according to mountain conditions, acclimatization, and the guide's assessment.

Altitude: Dromo Sporn - approximately 6,000 m
Altitude: Lhonak - 4,780 m
Walking time: Approximately 6 hours for the climb + 3 hours descent
Elevation gain/loss: Approximately +850 m / -850 m for the climb
Additional descent: Approximately 50 m up / 400 m down
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

After the demanding high-altitude excursion, today brings a long descent back toward the warmer and greener landscapes around Ghunsa. The trail retraces part of the spectacular route through the Kanchenjunga wilderness, gradually losing altitude as the scenery changes from barren alpine terrain to forests. Expect around 8 hours of walking, with approximately 1,500 m of descent. Reaching Ghunsa feels especially rewarding after the days spent at extreme altitude.

Altitude: Ghunsa - 3,415 m
Walking time: Approximately 8 hours
Elevation gain: +300 m
Elevation loss: -1,500 m
Distance: Approximately 17-20 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

The route now turns toward the challenging high passes connecting the northern and southern sides of the Kanchenjunga region. From Ghunsa, the trail climbs steadily through alpine terrain toward Sele La High Camp at approximately 4,100 m. With around 900 m of ascent and approximately 5–6 hours of trekking, this is a demanding day. As you gain altitude, the surrounding mountains become increasingly dramatic, preparing you for the high-pass crossing tomorrow.

Altitude: Sele La High Camp - 4,100 m
Walking time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: +900 m
Elevation loss: -100 m
Distance: Approximately 8–10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge / High Camp

Today is one of the great adventure days of the Kanchenjunga trek. You cross the high Sele La Pass at 4,186 m and continue over Sinion La at 4,646 m, navigating rugged alpine terrain and exposed mountain passes. The route is physically demanding but richly rewarding, with magnificent views across the Kanchenjunga landscape. After approximately 8-9 hours of trekking, you descend to Tseram at 3,870 m, where the warmer air and lower altitude provide welcome relief.

Altitude: Sele La - 4,186 m
Altitude: Sinion La - 4,646 m
Altitude: Tseram - 3,870 m
Walking time: Approximately 8–9 hours
Elevation gain: +800 m
Elevation loss: -1,100 m
Distance: Approximately 12-14 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

The trail climbs gradually from Tseram toward Ramche at 4,500 m, following the magnificent valley toward the southern side of Kanchenjunga. After reaching Ramche and having lunch, you continue on an afternoon excursion toward Oktang at approximately 4,730 m, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the southern face of Kanchenjunga. This is a powerful and emotional section of the trek, offering an extraordinary perspective of the mountain and surrounding glaciers. After the excursion, return to Ramche for the night.

Altitude: Ramche - 4,500 m
Oktang Viewpoint: Approximately 4,730 m
Walking time: Approximately 4-6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: Approximately +600 m / -600 m
Distance: Approximately 10-12 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Today you begin a long and rewarding descent from the high alpine environment. Leaving Ramche, the trail gradually drops through changing vegetation and increasingly green landscapes toward Torongdin at approximately 3,100 m. With around 1,600 m of descent, the approximately 6–7 hour walk provides a significant change in scenery and altitude. Enjoy the warmer temperatures and forested surroundings as you move closer to the lower valleys.

Altitude: Torongdin - 3,100 m
Walking time: Approximately 6-7 hours
Elevation gain: +100 m
Elevation loss: -1,600 m
Distance: Approximately 14–16 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

The journey continues through beautiful forests, traditional mountain settlements, and the greener southern landscapes of the Kanchenjunga region. You descend toward Sherpaguan or Yamphudin at approximately 2,000 m, depending on local conditions and accommodation availability. The approximately 6–7 hour trek includes around 1,000 m of descent, making this another rewarding day of returning gradually to lower elevations.

Altitude: Sherpaguan / Yamphudin - approximately 2,000 m
Walking time: Approximately 6-7 hours
Elevation gain: +100 m
Elevation loss: -1,000 m
Distance: Approximately 12-15 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

Today you leave the trekking trail behind and begin the overland journey toward Ilam, one of eastern Nepal's most beautiful hill regions. The road winds through mountain landscapes, villages, forests, and terraced hillsides, offering a fascinating contrast to the high Himalayan terrain experienced during the trek. After reaching Ilam at approximately 1,000 m, enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the famous tea-growing landscapes of eastern Nepal.

Altitude: Ilam - approximately 1,000 m
Drive: Distance and duration depend on road conditions and final departure point
Walking: No trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lodge

After breakfast, drive from Ilam to Bhadrapur Airport, following the scenic roads through eastern Nepal. From Bhadrapur, take your flight back to Kathmandu. After landing, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a comfortable evening in the capital. The transition from the remote Kanchenjunga wilderness back to Kathmandu provides a chance to reflect on the incredible journey you have completed.

Altitude: Kathmandu - 1,400 m
Drive: Ilam to Bhadrapur - distance and duration depend on road conditions
Flight: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
Walking: No trekking
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Hotel

Today is reserved for exploring Kathmandu and experiencing the cultural side of Nepal. Depending on your interests and available time, visit historic temples, courtyards, monuments, and vibrant local neighborhoods. After spending weeks surrounded by mountains and remote villages, Kathmandu offers a fascinating contrast of history, architecture, spirituality, and everyday Nepali life. It is also your final opportunity to shop for souvenirs or simply relax before your international departure.

Altitude: Kathmandu - 1,400 m
Activity: Cultural sightseeing
Walking: Easy sightseeing walks
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel

Your remarkable Kanchenjunga adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, enjoy your remaining time in Kathmandu before transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight. As you leave Nepal, you take home far more than memories of mountains—you carry the experience of remote Himalayan trails, high passes, ancient cultures, and the extraordinary presence of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Altitude: Kathmandu - 1,400 m
Transfer: Hotel to airport
Flight: International departure via Doha
Meals: Breakfast