Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you can take some time to relax and recover from your flight.

In the evening, you’ll meet your trek leader and team for a short briefing about the upcoming Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, including route details, permits, and preparation tips. If time allows, you can explore the bustling streets of Thamel, famous for its lively markets, trekking shops, and traditional Nepali cuisine.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and preparing for your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. After breakfast, you’ll join a guided city tour to visit some of the valley’s most iconic landmarks, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — each offering a deep insight into Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel for a trek briefing and gear check. Your guide will review the trekking route, safety protocols, and ensure all necessary permits and equipment are ready. This is also a great time to pick up any last-minute trekking supplies in Thamel.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After an early breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, located in the eastern plains of Nepal. On a clear day, the flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range, including glimpses of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

From Bhadrapur, you’ll begin a long but picturesque jeep drive through Birtamod to Taplejung (1,820m). The road winds through lush hills, terraced farmlands, and charming settlements, showcasing the diverse landscapes of eastern Nepal. Taplejung, a beautiful mountain town, serves as the starting point of your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek.

Once in Taplejung, you’ll settle into your accommodation, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the trek that begins the next day.

Overnight stay in Taplejung.

After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic drive from Taplejung to Mitlung and then to Sukethum, the official starting point of your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. The route follows the winding Tamor River, passing through picturesque villages, cardamom farms, and lush green hills.

From Sukethum, you’ll begin your trek toward Amjilosa. The trail takes you through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo, crossing several suspension bridges over roaring rivers. You’ll walk alongside the Ghunsa Khola, occasionally climbing steep sections that open up to breathtaking views of waterfalls and rugged cliffs.

After a few hours of steady trekking, you’ll arrive at Amjilosa, a small Tibetan village surrounded by forested hills.

Overnight stay in Amjilosa.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Amjilosa and continue your journey through beautiful forested trails filled with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo trees. The trail gradually ascends, following the Ghunsa Khola River, with several ups and downs along narrow paths and small wooden bridges.

As you gain altitude, the vegetation starts to thin, revealing stunning views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. You’ll pass through small yak pastures and traditional wooden houses before reaching Gyabla (also known as Kyapar), a peaceful Tibetan settlement nestled among terraced fields.

The village offers a first glimpse into the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the Kanchenjunga region. You can spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the tranquil mountain atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Gyabla.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, following a gradual ascent along the Ghunsa Khola River. After leaving Gyabla, the trail passes through dense forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron before opening up to wider valleys and breathtaking mountain views.

You’ll trek through scenic landscapes dotted with prayer flags and Mani walls, reflecting the strong Buddhist culture of the region. As you approach Phale, a small Tibetan refugee settlement, you can stop for a short break and explore local handicraft shops.

From Phale, the trail continues gently uphill along the river to Ghunsa, the largest and most culturally vibrant village in the area. Ghunsa features traditional wooden houses, a small monastery, and friendly locals who warmly welcome trekkers.

Overnight stay in Ghunsa.

Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the higher altitude before ascending further toward Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Ghunsa, a charming Sherpa village, offers a peaceful setting surrounded by pine forests, icy streams, and dramatic peaks.

You’ll take short hikes around the village to boost acclimatization — a popular option is a walk to a nearby ridge or Lapsan La viewpoint, which provides excellent views of Jannu Himal (7,710m) and the surrounding snow-covered mountains.

During the day, you can visit the local monastery, interact with villagers, and learn about their Tibetan-influenced culture, lifestyle, and traditions. Enjoy a relaxing evening with warm meals and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

Overnight stay in Ghunsa.

After breakfast, the trail gradually ascends along the right bank of the Ghunsa Khola, passing through beautiful pine, rhododendron, and juniper forests. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the mountain scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.

You’ll walk through meadows, moraine valleys, and landslide-prone sections, always surrounded by breathtaking views of Jannu Himal (7,710m), Kumbhakarna, and other peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. The trail involves several gentle climbs and descents before reaching Kambachen, a small, serene settlement located in a broad glacial valley.

Upon arrival, you can rest and enjoy the quiet mountain atmosphere while acclimatizing further for the higher elevations ahead.

Overnight stay in Kambachen.

Today’s trail takes you deeper into the high alpine zone of the Kanchenjunga region. Leaving Kambachen behind, you ascend gradually along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, following a rugged and rocky path with incredible views of towering peaks such as Mera Peak (6,364m), Wedge Peak, and Nepal Peak.

The terrain becomes more barren as you trek through glacial moraines and cross small streams fed by melting snow. Despite the thin air, the journey is breathtaking as the vast landscapes open up around you. After about 5 to 6 hours of steady trekking, you’ll reach Lhonak, a remote and windswept settlement perched beside the glacier.

From here, the panoramic views of Wedge Peak, Nepal Peak, and Twins Peak are simply stunning. Spend the evening resting and preparing for the next day’s adventure to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.

Overnight stay in Lhonak.

This is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable days of the entire trek. The trail from Lhonak gradually ascends toward Pang Pema, also known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, offering jaw-dropping views of the world’s third-highest mountain – Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m).

As you move higher, the landscape becomes stark and dramatic, surrounded by towering ice walls, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks such as Chang Himal, Ramtang, and Taple Shikhar. The walk, though challenging due to altitude, is filled with incredible Himalayan scenery at every step.

Upon reaching Pang Pema, you’ll stand at the base of the majestic Kanchenjunga, with its massive north face rising directly in front of you – a truly awe-inspiring moment and a perfect spot for photography. After spending some time soaking in the grandeur and tranquility of this sacred region, you’ll retrace your steps back to Lhonak for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Lhonak.

After witnessing the incredible beauty of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, today’s journey takes you back from Lhonak to Kambachen. The trail descends gradually through rocky moraine paths and glacial landscapes, offering a completely different perspective of the mountains you admired on the ascent.
You’ll retrace your route along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, enjoying breathtaking views of Mera Peak, Wedge Peak, and Kanchenjunga’s massive north face. The descent is easier and allows time to appreciate the serenity of the high Himalayas, where the crisp mountain air and the sounds of flowing streams create a peaceful atmosphere.
As you reach Kambachen, you can relax and reflect on the remarkable experience of reaching Pang Pema. The warm hospitality of the locals and the cozy teahouses provide a comfortable resting point after a long day.
Overnight stay in Kambachen.

Today’s trek is a steady descent from Kambachen to Ghunsa, following the same beautiful trail that winds through lush forests, rocky sections, and glacial streams. The route offers a wonderful opportunity to revisit familiar landscapes from a new angle, with stunning views of Kanchenjunga and Jannu Himal accompanying you along the way.

As you descend, the vegetation becomes denser, and you’ll once again enter the rhododendron and pine forests, alive with the sounds of mountain birds. Passing through small bridges and serene stretches of the Ghunsa River, the trek feels refreshing after several days in the higher altitude zones.

Upon arriving in Ghunsa, the charming Sherpa village welcomes you with its traditional wooden houses, friendly locals, and Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind. You can take the evening to rest, enjoy a warm meal, or explore the village surroundings.

Overnight stay in Ghunsa.

Today’s journey involves a gradual descent from Ghunsa to the lower valleys, retracing the beautiful forested trail through rhododendron, pine, and bamboo groves. The path offers a refreshing change in scenery, with warmer temperatures and lush greenery replacing the cold alpine terrain of the higher altitudes.

As you descend, you’ll pass by small waterfalls, suspension bridges, and traditional hamlets, where locals go about their daily routines. Keep an eye out for Himalayan birds and langurs, which are commonly seen in this region. The trail is peaceful, providing plenty of time to enjoy the natural surroundings and reflect on the journey so far.

Depending on your pace and weather conditions, you can choose to stop for the night at Amjilosa or Gyabla, both of which offer cozy teahouses and a tranquil resting environment.

Overnight stay in Amjilosa or Gyabla.

Today marks the final day of your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, you’ll descend along the beautiful Ghunsa Khola valley, following a well-defined trail through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming local settlements. The route passes several suspension bridges and terraced farmlands, offering one last glimpse of the rural lifestyle and natural beauty of the Kanchenjunga region.

After reaching Sukethum, the trekking portion officially concludes. From here, you’ll board a jeep for a scenic drive to Taplejung, passing through winding mountain roads surrounded by green hills and picturesque villages. This drive provides a comfortable and relaxing transition from the remote Himalayan wilderness back to civilization.

Upon arrival in Taplejung, you can enjoy a hot shower, delicious local meal, and a well-deserved rest after days of trekking in the stunning eastern Himalayas.

Overnight stay in Taplejung.

After breakfast, you’ll start your journey back from Taplejung to Bhadrapur by private jeep. The scenic drive winds through lush hills, terraced fields, and charming rural towns, offering a last glimpse of eastern Nepal’s vibrant landscapes. Along the way, you can enjoy short breaks for local tea and snacks while reflecting on your incredible trekking experience to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.

Upon reaching Bhadrapur Airport, you’ll board a short flight back to Kathmandu. The aerial views of the Himalayas during the flight are mesmerizing, allowing you to relive the beauty of the mountains from above.

After arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, enjoy a warm shower, or explore the city’s lively streets and souvenir shops.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Your unforgettable Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home or onward journey.

As you depart, take with you the cherished memories of breathtaking Himalayan vistas, warm local hospitality, and the cultural richness of eastern Nepal. We hope your trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp has been a truly rewarding experience and look forward to welcoming you again for more adventures in Nepal.

Have a safe and pleasant journey!