The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, which is also known as the KBC trek in short, is a challenging, remote trek in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas, taking trekkers to the foot of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8,586m), which is situated across the Nepal and Sikkim border and just a few miles away from Tibet. This route was officially opened in 1988 for hikers. However, the mountaineers have been exploring this since the early 1900s.
The entire Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking will offer you the opportunity to witness a collection of wildlife and trek over high mountain passes offering mind-blowing views. This trek traverses diverse landscapes from deep forests and alpine terrain to high-altitude glaciers, offering stunning views and a rich cultural experience with climbing from intensively cultivated hillsides of Nepal Midlands populated by the Tibetan, Rai and Limbu influenced villages.
Highlights:
Overnight Hotel. Included meals: dinner. Fly 45mins
Taking a flight in the afternoon, we head south-east to reach Biratnagar after approximately 45 minutes. Biratnagar is Nepal’s second biggest city after Kathmandu with a population of more than 200,000. It is known as Nepal’s industrial powerhouse and doesn’t have too much to offer apart from a few temples. Most of the year it is hot and humid, so tourists prefer to stay in their hotel.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast and dinner. Alt: 1800m/5,904ft.
As we depart Biratnagar to reach Phurmbu, it will take us 30 minutes to fly to Suketar. Suketar is a village with a predominantly Limbu heritage population. Without spending much time here, we start our trek to Phurmbu, which will take almost 4-5 hours of hiking, moving slightly uphill through fields and grasslands. Phurmbu is also known as the gateway to the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking. Most people living in this area are farmers, so there is not much left to see.
We will pause for our lunch at local restaurant before continuing our hike towards our destination, Phurmbu. As we hike slightly uphill, which might take around 4 to 5 hours of walking, we will reach today’s destination, Phurmbu (1800m). Phurmbu is a small village that is mostly occupied by Limbus, Chettris, and Brahmins, where we will spend the night in a traditional homestay, allowing us to experience the cosiness of rural Nepali hospitality.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 1270m/4165ft. Trek 6 hours.
We begin our day by leaving Phurmbhu behind and continuing deeper into the eastern hills on our Kanchenjunga trek journey. As moving forward we will notice human influence slowly decreasing, and we get to see more and more nature, walking through jungles and forests along small rivers. We will have lunch in one of the local restaurants. And after around 6 hours of mostly uphill and downhill, our trail leads us to Chirwa (1,185m), a small Limbu village.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alt. 1,322m/4,336ft. Trek 6-7 hours.
After an early breakfast, we leave Chirwa and continue our Kanchenjunga base camp trekking, deeper into the Himalayan foothills. One of today’s highlights is definitely the cardamom fields, which we will see shortly after leaving Chirwa. At some points, we will even find the trail completely covered by cardamom plants, which is one of the best parts of this Kanchenjunga trek. We stop for lunch in a local homestay on the way, and we continue walking along a river. Many trekkers like to take a quick, refreshing swim in the river as this section of the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is relatively easy.
After only three hours and a quite easy trek, we reach Tapethok (1,322m), with the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Project Tourist Check Point, where trekkers have to register and show their ID and trekking permits. The population of Tapethok consists mostly of Limbu. The population of the Tapethok consists mostly of Limbus, and trekkers can try typical Limbu tea, which is similar to Tibetan tea, containing salt, butter, and milk. Limbu people’s staple diet is rice as well as dheedo, which is quite famous among Nepalese people, a porridge-like mash made from millet flour. However, trekkers are recommended to try this local delicatessen only on their way back from the Kanchenjunga trek, as sometimes dheedo can influence one’s digestive system in quite some unwanted ways for those not used to it.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 1,660m/5,445ft. Trek 5 hours.
The next days of our Kanchenjunga base camp trekking start with an easy walk along the riverside trail, but becomes a bit more challenging as the trail ascends uphill. Approximately after around 4 hours of trekking, we will reach Sakathum. Sakathum is a small Limbu village on a hill overlooking a river. We can choose whether to stay in a homestay at the riverside or continue to the actual village. Limbu people’s typical drink is Limbuko Chyang, as this stop offers another glimpse into Limbu culture, made from rice and slightly different from the chyang that is made by the Newari population of the Kathmandu valley. Again, trekkers are advised to only try it on their way down, to minimize any risk of getting sick.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 2,510m/8,232ft. Trek 5 hours.
After leaving Sakathum, today’s Kanchenjunga base camp trekking trail leads us along a river in a constant uphill and downhill. Two quite challenging ascents are waiting for us before reaching our destination, one before Jobari, a small Rai-Limbu village, and another one right before Amjilosa. As the trail of our Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is ascending, the increasing presence of Sherpa people can be noticed, as well as a decrease in temperature. As we keep walking ahead, we reach Ghunsa Khola, along which our trail leads us for some time.
Today’s highlight is definitely the diversity of different plants and animals, which can be witnessed all along the way. Here you will pass through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, and if trekking in May and June, you may spot countless strawberry plants. After 5 to 6 hours, we will reach Amjilosa, a small Sherpa village with only 10 to 12 houses. And here we will spend the night in one of these traditional homes.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 2,730m/8954ft. Trek 4-5 hours.
As we gain altitude on our Kanchenjunga base camp trek, the presence of human settlement diminishes and nature begins to fully take over. Today’s trail guides us through bamboo and rhododendron forests which is Nepal’s national plant. The chance of seeing deer and porcupines in March and April is excellent months ideal for wildlife. After we hike for about 4 to 5 hours, Gyalpa appears in front of us, a Sherpa village famous for its tasty potatoes.
Overnight Lodge. Included meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 3595m/11791ft. Trek 5.5 hours.
We leave Gyalpa early in the morning, continuing our Kanchenjunga base camp trekking into higher elevations where the trail becomes more demanding today and the landscape becomes increasingly alpine and the air thinner.
After about 3.5 hours of trekking, the awaited lunch break is spent in Phale, an old Tibetan refugee camp established following the Tibetan Uprising of 1959. Even to this day, around 600 to 700 Tibetan refugees call Phale home. The community has built a gumba (monastery) and makes a living selling beautiful handicrafts to trekkers. If you all enjoyed Limbu tea earlier on the trek, then you are most welcome to try a cup of Tibetan tea, which is quite similar and best for the cold.
After we have our lunch and with a bit of sightseeing around the camp, we continued on a flat trail that winds through a serene pine forest. This serene pine forest leads us across a river from time to time. On the way, we will also pass by a memorial, which was built in memory of the 22 diplomats, politicians, and NGO workers from several countries working in the field of forest conservation, who died in a plane crash years ago.
By late afternoon, we reach today’s place to sleep, Ghunsa, one of the largest Sherpa villages on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking route. This place holds multiple lodges, small shops, and a population accustomed to trekking visitors. Ghunsa provides a welcome return to a bit of comfort after several remote stops. Having reached an altitude of almost 3,500m, it gets quite cold, especially at night, and wearing a jacket is necessary from now on. Here we will also be able to see yaks, grazing along the riverbanks, often in large numbers.
Overnight Lodge. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 3595m/11791ft.
During today’s rest day, interested trekkers can visit Ghunsa’s cultural museum, which tells a lot about the local Sherpa culture and other regional ethnic groups. Moreover, this place also has an incense factory, where juniper oil is produced.For those feeling energetic, there is an optional hike to the small Nango Pausanga peak, which is an excellent way to stay active and gives us time for the next stages of the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 4,099m/13,445ft. Trek 6 hours.
After a restful break in Ghunsa, we shall be ready to continue our journey to the Kanchenjunga base camp trek. The trail leads us through peaceful pine forests and follows the river, which we will cross around lunchtime. With very few settlements along today’s path, make it is necessary to carry a packed lunch.
Juniper plants will accompany us along the way, and while the surrounding landscape is beautiful, however, trekkers should keep in mind that there is always a (minimal) chance of landslides. Each trekker must be aware of the risk.
In the afternoon, the trial steadily ascends and moves further away from civilization. Locals only come up during the season to stay with their yaks and to plant potatoes. About 1 to 2 hours before reaching our destination, we can finally see some impressive peaks, such as Kumbakarna (7711m), NyaklaLachung, and PholesobiThongi, a stunning preview of what lies ahead on the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 4,785m/15,695ft. Trek 6 hours.
As we move ahead to our main destination to the Kanchenjunga base camp trek, we now cross the 4000m mark. This also offers one of the beautiful views of our Kanchenjunga base camp trekking, some highest peaks of the Himalayas. We can witness the breathtaking highest Himalayan peaks, especially during clear early morning, and the unforgettable highlight of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking.
Until we reach Ramdang, a seasonal yak shelter with a small stupa, our trail steadily ascends. From here, Kanchenjunga South can be seen quite closely as well as Whiteweb (6950m) and Mera Peak (6334m). As the altitude increases, vegetation becomes less and less abundant. Only small juniper plants can still be found in large numbers.
Further along, even more and more peaks become visible, Nepal Peak (7177m), Tent Peak (7362m), Patibhara (6838m), and Pyramid Peak (7140m), to mention just a few. Hunting is illegal in the Kanchanjunga National Park area, which is why their number has not decreased.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 4,785m/15,695ft to 5,200m/17,056ft. Trek 7 hours.
Today is the highlight of the Kanchenjunga Trekking adventure as we finally cross the 5,000m mark on our way to the Pangpema, the northside of the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking, which is located at a stunning 5,200m. During the 3 to 4-hour walk, mountains like Chyang Himal (6802m) and Gimigela (6425m) can be seen. In this area, avalanches are quite common, but not really dangerous for our trail.
Arriving at Pangpema camp around noon, we have our packed lunch there while enjoying a fantastic view of Kanchanjunga South and Central (8586m). Different from other base camps, Pangpema’s climate is quite pleasant, being warm and not too windy. Here, in this camp, you can notice thousands of prayer flags marked, and unfortunately, this place has a few local restaurants that serve tea and snacks.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 3595m/11791ft. Trek 6 hours.
After completing more than half of our Kanchenjunga base camp trek, the trail begins to descend slowly. So today, we walk all the way back to Ghunsa, which takes approximately 5 hours.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alt. 4,290m/14,071ft to 4,090m/13,415ft. Trek 6 hours.
As we completely leave the higher altitude levels of the Kanchenjunga base camp trek, we have another pass to cross. From Ghunsa, we need to walk almost straight uphill until reaching Sele La Pass (4,290m). Most probably, the surroundings will be covered by snow, and why proper equipment is a must. Shortly after the pass, we find Sele, a small camp with only two homestays. Sele is a bit similar to Khambachen camp, although it has different views to offer.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alt. 4480/14694ft to 4640m/15219ft to 3,870m/12694ft. Trek 7-8 hours.
Today’s section of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking leads us to two passes, the Mirgin-La Pass (4,750m) and the Sinelapache-La Pass (4,785m). The trail, a constant change of uphill and downhill, runs along the Nepal-Sikkim border. Along the way, we will pass by small lakes (like Sinelapache Lake), with breathtaking views of Kanchanjunga, Kabru Mountain, and Talung Mountain, to name just a few. With some fluke, trekkers might catch sight of the rare snow leopard in this region. After having our packed lunch, we continue walking mostly downhill to Cheram, a small camp with only one hotel and one homestay open during the season. One should perk up one’s ears not to miss yeti sounds. Indeed, a local army officer is certain of having heard a yeti in 2008. He described elephant-like sounds, but since it is very unlikely to find elephants up in the mountains, his only logical conclusion was that a yeti must have caused the noise. So keep your ears open!
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,995m/9,824ft. Trek 6 hours.
As we move further along the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking, the altitude keeps decreasing, and nature is getting more diverse again. Jungles with huge rhododendron trees, the river Simbhuwa Khola, and a quite easy trail make this a pleasant, enjoyable day. We shall reach Tortong, which is a small camp only open during the seasons, after around 6 hours of walking.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alt. 3310m/10856ft to 2080m/6822ft. Trek 6 hours
The Kanchenjunga base camp trekking brings us back to the lowlands, where we shall have another pass to cross: Lasia-La (3310m). However, one should be mentally prepared for another 2 hours of trekking because on this path, landslides are likely to happen, and if the road is blocked, we might have to take a detour. Once the path is crossed, which takes around 3 hours to reach, the toughest part is over, and we continue walking rest trail mostly downhill. Today’s destination of our Kanchenjunga base camp trekking, which is reached after 6 to 8 hours, depending on which route is taken, is Yamphudin, a village with mostly Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa populations.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alt. 2080m/6822ft.
This day is a rest day and here the trekkers will have the opportunity to explore the village’s surroundings and experience a vivid mix of Nepalese cultures.
Overnight Homestay
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alt. 1920m/6297ft. Trek 4hours.
After the rest, our next trial of the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is a constant mix of uphill and downhill, and we shall continue walking through jungles and small Limbu villages. After 5 hours, we shall reach Mamagkhe, where interested trekkers can visit the local Limbu heritage museum to learn even more about the culture that is dominant in this area.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,120m/6953ft. Trek 5-6 hours
Our trail leads us up and down through rice, millet, and corn fields, which leads us closer and closer to civilization. On the way, we can find many Limbu villages, and after 6 hours, we reach Khesewa, another small Limbu village. We spend the night in a local homestay in Khesewa. And those who are still eager to try the Limbu people’s home-made alcohol should grab the chance now.
Overnight Homestay. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,276m/7,465ft. Trek 5 hours.
Today we shall be passing through the Sincheung Valley, as today’s trail goes constantly up and down, which offers again decent views of Kanchanjunga. The temperature of this place is much higher than it was up in the hills. After defeating a last step ascent, we find a commercial village known as Lalikharka. This place is quite popular among the Nepalese tourists and pilgrims. Because with another 3hours of hike, there is a superb viewpoint and one of the biggest temples in Eastern Nepal known as Pathibara Devi Mandir, where Hindu pilgrims perform all kinds of worship, including sacrifices.
Overnight Hotel. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2300m/7544ft. Trek 3 hours.
The last day of the Kanchenjunga base camp trekking is separated into 2 hours uphill, followed by 2 hours downhill. As we are pretty much back to civilization, the nativeness and virginity of the mountain are not much left. After having stayed in homestays for almost two weeks in our today’s destination, Suketar, we shall have quite a change as this place has a decent number of hotels from which we can choose to stay. From where we will board our flight to Biratnagar, as most of the lodges and hotels are very close to the airport.
Included meals: breakfast.
1 hour (to Kathmandu)
Taking an early morning flight from Suketar, we will reach Kathmandu after around 1 hour. The lasting memories of the Kanchenjunga base camp trek of remote trails, high passes, and cultural encounters, and the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas come to a close here.
