Following the trails lead by the crystal clear glaciers stands the mighty Kanchenjunga massif high and boastful of its endearing features that captures your attention with its graceful yet powerful features. Entitled the ‘third highest mountain’ in the world, it has also been named as ‘Five Treasures of Snow’ after its five peaks, representing gold, silver, gems, grains and holy books of God.
Gifted with lush alpine grasslands, natural rocky outcrops, sub-tropical forests and dense temperature with the low river valley, Kanchenjunga offers vast array of flowers & wildlife; rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, Himalayan black bear, red panda, Impheyan pheasant and shy drongo to name a few. Besides the boastful ecological zones, subtropical lands and glacial valleys surrounding it, Kanchenjunga shelters the traditional culture of the Rai and Limbu who are natives to the Taplejung area.
Enjoy a hardcore and chilling trek to the Kanchenjunga land challenging yourself to the end of your limits. Be prepared to have your mind and body transcend beyond borders to the high mountains and don’t forget to go on a detour to the National parks, rafting, bungee or other fun stuff amidst your long trek and treat yourself.
Itinerary
What's Included
What's Excluded
Enquire
Day 01: Kathmandu to Biratnagar flight and drive to Hille (1800m)
You will take a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar of about 40- 50 minutes which offers stunning views of the entire trek and mountains from Kanchenjunga to Langtang. From Biratnagar you will take a drive to Hille, exploring all spectacular sceneries of lowlands. Hille is a Tibetan settlement valley where you will be staying at night.
Day 02: Hille – Shidua
From Hille, you will be doing early trek to Buranse Danda, along a ridge towards the Tamur River. At the top of that ridge, you will arrive at Shidua. You will be camping there at night.
Day 03: Shidua – Door Pani (2780m)
After breakfast in Shidua, you will trek through the forest area to Chitre, where you will get to see the local wildlife along the journey. Also, the views of Mt. Makalu (8476m) and Chamlang area the main highlights. Then, the trail climbs up through the rhododendron forests and amazing views over the valleys of Arun Koshi and Tamur koshi to the hamlet of Door Pani 2780m where you will be spending your night.
Day 04: Door Pani – Gupa Pokhari (2890m)
You will have gentle climb to a mountain ridge Milke Danda through more rhododendron forests and drop down to the village of Tongise Phedi. The trail continues along pretty grassy fields with views of snowy mountains range where Mt. Makalu is a constant view. As the journey continues, Kanchenjunga range appears and you reach Mongol Bharai pass which is lined with Mani stones. The trail goes up and down before reaching two small lakes at Lamo Pokhari and you will see another collection of mountain pools at Gupa pokhara where you will be camping.
Day 05: Gupa Pokhari – Nesum
From Gupa Pokhari, you will follow the trail uphill from Milke Danda ridge to second ridge which runs northeast towards the Tamur Koshi. Till Akhar Deorali (3200 m), you will be enjoying the shade of rhododendrons and then follow the path through mixed deciduous forests to Gurja Gaon( 2000 m) where you will have lunch. The later part of day is long, you will be descending through cultivated village of Chatrapati. Finally, drop down to a rocky trail to Nesum (1620 m) and camp for night.
Day 06: Nesum – Taplejung
From Nesum, the trail continues its descent to the Tamur Koshi, and continuing down past scattered farms to a suspension bridge over the small river.You will have to show the permit for inspection and cross Dobhan (640m). At Dobhan, you will cross the Tamur Koshi ascent to Taplejung, the central part of this region.
Day 07: Taplejung – Chirwa (1190m)
You will follow the east bank of Tamur along the riverside with landslides and rocky fields. Then, you will reach to a valley by the Limbus peoples where the valley narrows and descends to a wooden bridge across the Thiwa Khola (1140 m). Again, then climb up and down along the riverbank of Chirwa. Chirwa is a pleasant bazaar where you will camp.
Day 08: Chirwa – Sakathum (1640m)
You will be walking to north along the east bank of the Tamur River to the Chhetri village, Tapethok (1320 m) which is a checkpoint of Kanchenjunga National Park. From there, you will cross the Simbuwa Khola, a river formed by the Yalung Glacier, along the Tamur to the Walunchung gola (3220m). Then, you will walk down to the Tamur and cross on a new suspension bridge which is just above the confluence with the Ghunsa Khola.
Day 09: Sakathum- Amjilossa (2490m)
From Sakathum, you will start on the narrow trail along the north bank. After climbing few ups and downs beside the river, you will reach some stone steps and the small hamlet of Ghaiyabari (2150m). Another climb from the gorge bottom passes by Solima. You need to be careful while walking as the trail passes along the gorge. Again, after following the tricky uphill and downhill, you will reach Tibetan settlement Amjilossa where you will be staying at night.
Day 10: Amjilossa – Gyabla / kyapar (2730m)
This day is going to be a relatively short day which starts with the climb along the Ghunsa valley. You will start to feel the mountains are getting closer as you climb to a flat ridge through a forest of bamboo, rhododendron and brown oaks and waterfalls. Then, climb steeply to Kyapart, about 350m up from the Ghunsa Khola. Again, the trail begins by climbing to the Sherpa village of Gyabla/ Kyapar.
Day 11: Kyapar – Ghunsa (3410m)
Your day will begin with steep drop into a ravine, followed by fir and rhododendron forests along the riverbank. It takes all mornings to trek to Phole (3210m). Above Phole, the valley widens and the trail improves through fields and larch forests. Then you will be dipping down to the riverbed before crossing to Ghunsa Khola and crossing a bridge to the village of Ghunsa and camp there overnight.
Day 12: Ghunsa – Khambachen (4150m)
From Ghunsa, you will head to north where the trail makes ascent through a forest of larch and juniper along the east bank of the river. After crossing a sandy, boulder-strewn floodplain, the path crosses a rickety, wood and stone bridge to the west side of the river at Rambuk Kharka (3720m) you will have the glimpse of Jannu Glacier. Later, you will also get a view of Jannu (7710m) . Again, you will descend the mountainside to your camp at Khambachen and stay overnight.
Day 13: Acclimatization day in Khambachen
This is going to be your acclimatization day to allow your body to adjust in the higher altitude. It will also be your rest day in Khambachen. The views from here are amazing, there are the peaks of Khabur (6332m) and Phole (6645m) and Jannu are lined up at the east. And the snowcapped ridges beyond the Kanchenjunga Glacier to the north.
Day 14: Khambachen – Lhonak (4790m)
Above Khambachen, the trail enters a desolate landscape and the path climbs gradually across the slopes of landslides to pasture area called Ramtang (4350m). The trail runs along the lateral moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier which follows the north bank of the river and cross over to the Lhonak Glacier. On the valley’s east side you will see the crown shaped Merra Peak (6344m). Then, you will arrive at the campsite at the village of Lhonak.
Day 15: Lhonak trip to Pangpema (5140m)
From Lhonak to reach Pangpema, you will ascend through the plain and follow the line of the moraine. The trail then climbs onto the ridge before dropping to a pair of lonely-looking huts at Pangpema. Today, you shall have excellent views of the towering peak of Kanchenjung.
Day 16: Pangpema to Khambachen and to the Passes
In the early morning, you will wake up with the views that are crisp and clear. You will start your hike up the ridge north of Pangpema where you can see the view that inspire religions. At the point of300m up the slope, you will have a panorama of Kanchenjunga, Taple Shikar and Gimmigela Chuli. Then, you will link to the Kanchenjunga south treks by crossing the Mirgin La (4663m) and the Lapsang La pass (5160m) depending on the weather conditions.
Day 17: Rest day in High Pass
You will have rest day today at the High Pass to make progress from the labors of the previous day. You can roam around and explore the beautiful glimpse around the pass of the spectacular snowcapped mountains and ridges.
Day 18: High Camp – Ramche (4620m)
From High Camp, it takes about seven hours Trek to Ramche. The view is amazing as you ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. You can explore around south base camp. The most impressive is the east part of Khumbakarna Glacier.
Day 19: Ramche – Tseram (3870m)
It is relatively short day walk to Tseram. You will see the magnificient scenery as you descend. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru will be the highlights of this walk. From a chorten at about 4500m, you will have a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga south face. Later, you will descend to Tseram for over night camp.
Day 20: Tseram – Torontham (2990m)
From Tseram, the trail is fairly downhill and as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted. You will see the glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Then you steadily descend through the forests of mixed rhododendron and pine to reach Torontham.
Day 21: Torontham – Yamphudin (1690m)
From, Torotham, you will take steep ascent that take you down into the valley of the Simbua Khola after crossing an interesting wooden bridge. Then, ascend across some fairly steep and exposed slopes after re-entering the forest. Again, you will pass through Lamite Bhanjyang (3410m) and Amji Khola ascending to a pass at Dhupi Bhanjyang (2540m). Then you will reach Yamphudin crossing the ridge at 1690 m.
Day 22: Yamphudin – Phumphe (1780m)
From Yamphudin, you will follow the west bank and cross the Kabeli Khola. You will ascend through rocky cliffs on the rubble of past landslides. Then, you will be crossing on a fragile-looking suspension bridge, and going down to the ridge. Again, you will pass through the dotted house of Pauwa of Mamanke (1780m) and continue to ascend rice terraces up to reach Phumpha.
Day 23: Phumphe – Phawa Khola
Your day will start by climbing to a ridge and descending through series of side valleys past Phun village to Kesawa where the trail will continue to ascend to a Gurung settlement at Bhanjyang (pass). From there, the trail travells a ridge and descends to the Limbu village of Khunjari. Below on the banks of Phawa Khola at 1430m you will be camping.
Day 24: Phawa Khola – Taplejung
From Phawa Khola, you will descend from to Taplejung for your overnight stay. This will be your last day of the trek. Since, explore the place and enjoy the local customs and traditions at evening.
Day 25: Taplejung – Kathmandu
From Taplejung, you will fly in the morning back to Kathmandu via Biratnagar. At the evening, you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultures, traditions and local cuisines. (You may stay longer for short tours such as drives at National parks, rafting, bungy jumping, paraglyding, etc).
You will take a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar of about 40- 50 minutes which offers stunning views of the entire trek and mountains from Kanchenjunga to Langtang. From Biratnagar you will take a drive to Hille, exploring all spectacular sceneries of lowlands. Hille is a Tibetan settlement valley where you will be staying at night.
Day 02: Hille – Shidua
From Hille, you will be doing early trek to Buranse Danda, along a ridge towards the Tamur River. At the top of that ridge, you will arrive at Shidua. You will be camping there at night.
Day 03: Shidua – Door Pani (2780m)
After breakfast in Shidua, you will trek through the forest area to Chitre, where you will get to see the local wildlife along the journey. Also, the views of Mt. Makalu (8476m) and Chamlang area the main highlights. Then, the trail climbs up through the rhododendron forests and amazing views over the valleys of Arun Koshi and Tamur koshi to the hamlet of Door Pani 2780m where you will be spending your night.
Day 04: Door Pani – Gupa Pokhari (2890m)
You will have gentle climb to a mountain ridge Milke Danda through more rhododendron forests and drop down to the village of Tongise Phedi. The trail continues along pretty grassy fields with views of snowy mountains range where Mt. Makalu is a constant view. As the journey continues, Kanchenjunga range appears and you reach Mongol Bharai pass which is lined with Mani stones. The trail goes up and down before reaching two small lakes at Lamo Pokhari and you will see another collection of mountain pools at Gupa pokhara where you will be camping.
Day 05: Gupa Pokhari – Nesum
From Gupa Pokhari, you will follow the trail uphill from Milke Danda ridge to second ridge which runs northeast towards the Tamur Koshi. Till Akhar Deorali (3200 m), you will be enjoying the shade of rhododendrons and then follow the path through mixed deciduous forests to Gurja Gaon( 2000 m) where you will have lunch. The later part of day is long, you will be descending through cultivated village of Chatrapati. Finally, drop down to a rocky trail to Nesum (1620 m) and camp for night.
Day 06: Nesum – Taplejung
From Nesum, the trail continues its descent to the Tamur Koshi, and continuing down past scattered farms to a suspension bridge over the small river.You will have to show the permit for inspection and cross Dobhan (640m). At Dobhan, you will cross the Tamur Koshi ascent to Taplejung, the central part of this region.
Day 07: Taplejung – Chirwa (1190m)
You will follow the east bank of Tamur along the riverside with landslides and rocky fields. Then, you will reach to a valley by the Limbus peoples where the valley narrows and descends to a wooden bridge across the Thiwa Khola (1140 m). Again, then climb up and down along the riverbank of Chirwa. Chirwa is a pleasant bazaar where you will camp.
Day 08: Chirwa – Sakathum (1640m)
You will be walking to north along the east bank of the Tamur River to the Chhetri village, Tapethok (1320 m) which is a checkpoint of Kanchenjunga National Park. From there, you will cross the Simbuwa Khola, a river formed by the Yalung Glacier, along the Tamur to the Walunchung gola (3220m). Then, you will walk down to the Tamur and cross on a new suspension bridge which is just above the confluence with the Ghunsa Khola.
Day 09: Sakathum- Amjilossa (2490m)
From Sakathum, you will start on the narrow trail along the north bank. After climbing few ups and downs beside the river, you will reach some stone steps and the small hamlet of Ghaiyabari (2150m). Another climb from the gorge bottom passes by Solima. You need to be careful while walking as the trail passes along the gorge. Again, after following the tricky uphill and downhill, you will reach Tibetan settlement Amjilossa where you will be staying at night.
Day 10: Amjilossa – Gyabla / kyapar (2730m)
This day is going to be a relatively short day which starts with the climb along the Ghunsa valley. You will start to feel the mountains are getting closer as you climb to a flat ridge through a forest of bamboo, rhododendron and brown oaks and waterfalls. Then, climb steeply to Kyapart, about 350m up from the Ghunsa Khola. Again, the trail begins by climbing to the Sherpa village of Gyabla/ Kyapar.
Day 11: Kyapar – Ghunsa (3410m)
Your day will begin with steep drop into a ravine, followed by fir and rhododendron forests along the riverbank. It takes all mornings to trek to Phole (3210m). Above Phole, the valley widens and the trail improves through fields and larch forests. Then you will be dipping down to the riverbed before crossing to Ghunsa Khola and crossing a bridge to the village of Ghunsa and camp there overnight.
Day 12: Ghunsa – Khambachen (4150m)
From Ghunsa, you will head to north where the trail makes ascent through a forest of larch and juniper along the east bank of the river. After crossing a sandy, boulder-strewn floodplain, the path crosses a rickety, wood and stone bridge to the west side of the river at Rambuk Kharka (3720m) you will have the glimpse of Jannu Glacier. Later, you will also get a view of Jannu (7710m) . Again, you will descend the mountainside to your camp at Khambachen and stay overnight.
Day 13: Acclimatization day in Khambachen
This is going to be your acclimatization day to allow your body to adjust in the higher altitude. It will also be your rest day in Khambachen. The views from here are amazing, there are the peaks of Khabur (6332m) and Phole (6645m) and Jannu are lined up at the east. And the snowcapped ridges beyond the Kanchenjunga Glacier to the north.
Day 14: Khambachen – Lhonak (4790m)
Above Khambachen, the trail enters a desolate landscape and the path climbs gradually across the slopes of landslides to pasture area called Ramtang (4350m). The trail runs along the lateral moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier which follows the north bank of the river and cross over to the Lhonak Glacier. On the valley’s east side you will see the crown shaped Merra Peak (6344m). Then, you will arrive at the campsite at the village of Lhonak.
Day 15: Lhonak trip to Pangpema (5140m)
From Lhonak to reach Pangpema, you will ascend through the plain and follow the line of the moraine. The trail then climbs onto the ridge before dropping to a pair of lonely-looking huts at Pangpema. Today, you shall have excellent views of the towering peak of Kanchenjung.
Day 16: Pangpema to Khambachen and to the Passes
In the early morning, you will wake up with the views that are crisp and clear. You will start your hike up the ridge north of Pangpema where you can see the view that inspire religions. At the point of300m up the slope, you will have a panorama of Kanchenjunga, Taple Shikar and Gimmigela Chuli. Then, you will link to the Kanchenjunga south treks by crossing the Mirgin La (4663m) and the Lapsang La pass (5160m) depending on the weather conditions.
Day 17: Rest day in High Pass
You will have rest day today at the High Pass to make progress from the labors of the previous day. You can roam around and explore the beautiful glimpse around the pass of the spectacular snowcapped mountains and ridges.
Day 18: High Camp – Ramche (4620m)
From High Camp, it takes about seven hours Trek to Ramche. The view is amazing as you ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. You can explore around south base camp. The most impressive is the east part of Khumbakarna Glacier.
Day 19: Ramche – Tseram (3870m)
It is relatively short day walk to Tseram. You will see the magnificient scenery as you descend. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru will be the highlights of this walk. From a chorten at about 4500m, you will have a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga south face. Later, you will descend to Tseram for over night camp.
Day 20: Tseram – Torontham (2990m)
From Tseram, the trail is fairly downhill and as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted. You will see the glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Then you steadily descend through the forests of mixed rhododendron and pine to reach Torontham.
Day 21: Torontham – Yamphudin (1690m)
From, Torotham, you will take steep ascent that take you down into the valley of the Simbua Khola after crossing an interesting wooden bridge. Then, ascend across some fairly steep and exposed slopes after re-entering the forest. Again, you will pass through Lamite Bhanjyang (3410m) and Amji Khola ascending to a pass at Dhupi Bhanjyang (2540m). Then you will reach Yamphudin crossing the ridge at 1690 m.
Day 22: Yamphudin – Phumphe (1780m)
From Yamphudin, you will follow the west bank and cross the Kabeli Khola. You will ascend through rocky cliffs on the rubble of past landslides. Then, you will be crossing on a fragile-looking suspension bridge, and going down to the ridge. Again, you will pass through the dotted house of Pauwa of Mamanke (1780m) and continue to ascend rice terraces up to reach Phumpha.
Day 23: Phumphe – Phawa Khola
Your day will start by climbing to a ridge and descending through series of side valleys past Phun village to Kesawa where the trail will continue to ascend to a Gurung settlement at Bhanjyang (pass). From there, the trail travells a ridge and descends to the Limbu village of Khunjari. Below on the banks of Phawa Khola at 1430m you will be camping.
Day 24: Phawa Khola – Taplejung
From Phawa Khola, you will descend from to Taplejung for your overnight stay. This will be your last day of the trek. Since, explore the place and enjoy the local customs and traditions at evening.
Day 25: Taplejung – Kathmandu
From Taplejung, you will fly in the morning back to Kathmandu via Biratnagar. At the evening, you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultures, traditions and local cuisines. (You may stay longer for short tours such as drives at National parks, rafting, bungy jumping, paraglyding, etc).
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- All ground transportation.
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS).
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
- All government and local taxes.
- Nepalese visa fee.
- International flights.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s).
