Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

The journey to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp begins with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Depending on the departure time, you’ll have breakfast in Kathmandu or Bhadrapur. As you land at Bhadrapur, you’ll take a local bus to get to Ilam. The drive passes through the stunning landscape of Ilam, and you will get to see a tea plantation. A drive should take around 4 hours to get to Ilam. Check in at the accommodation point and spend some time exploring the tea plantations. The day’s overnight stay and dinner are at Ilam’s guest house.

Day two is another driving day that takes you to Taplejung from Ilam. After having a morning meal at Ilam’s guest house, you’ll take a local bus to drive towards Taplejung. The journey is approximately 6 hours long and offers a raw yet scenic glimpse into Nepal’s countryside.

The road from Ilam to Taplejung is mostly bumpy, so expect an adventurous ride. As you drive, enjoy views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and small rural settlements. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Kanchenjunga Massif in the distance. The road becomes steeper as it passes Phidim village. Likewise, the landscape gradually shifts as you enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, with greener hills and cooler air. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Taplejung, where you’ll rest for the night at a local guest house or teahouse.

Good morning in the Talejung. After waking up, have breakfast, enjoy the fresh air, and be ready for another exciting ride. Today’s journey takes you to Sekathum, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga trek. You will take a local jeep to drive towards Sekathum from Taplejung. The drive passes through narrow and winding roads. The road becomes rougher and more remote as you head deeper into the hills.

At the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area check post, your trekking permits will be checked and recorded before continuing further through various settlements. The drive continues following the beautiful Tamor Nadi, with views of lush forests, steep ridges, and cascading waterfalls. After about 4 hours, you’ll reach Sekathum. Once you arrive, settle into your teahouse or tent, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest well. Your actual trek begins tomorrow.

Today marks the start of your actual Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. After waking up in Sekathum, enjoy a warm breakfast and get ready for the trail ahead. The hike starts with crossing numerous suspension bridges and walking through Rhododendron forests. The first phase of the hike includes mostly an uphill section, whereas the second part involves challenging climbs.

The trail follows the Ghunsa Khola and leads you through remote villages like Ghaiyabari, Jognim, and Solima, offering scenic views of the valleys and surrounding greenery. Lamatar is your lunch point where you’ll fill your tummy and rest. In the final stretch, you’ll hike along a beautiful ridge called Chanjalung Danda. The trail becomes a bit steeper here, but after a short climb, you’ll arrive at the peaceful village of Amjilosa. Your overnight stay and dinner will be at the tea house or tent in Amjilosa.

After filling your tummy with a yummy morning breakfast, you’ll make your way towards Gyabla. Following the Ghunsa Khola Valley, you’ll begin by hiking through quiet forest trails filled with rhododendron, bamboo, oak, and birch trees. The trail takes you through Thanyani and past beautiful waterfalls and summer grazing pastures along the way. The soothing sound of the Ghunsa Khola and the rich forest cover make this day’s walk peaceful and refreshing.

After six hours of hiking, you’ll reach Gyabla village, surrounded by majestic Jaanu Peak. Gyabla is a small village with a mix of local ethnic groups. Take time to explore if you’re feeling energetic. The village offers a great glimpse into rural mountain life. If you’re tired, feel free to rest at your teahouse. In the evening, enjoy a hot, delicious dinner, then relax and settle in for the night in the calm surroundings of Gyabla.

On the sixth day, the pathway moves forward from Gyabla to Ghunsa following the North Base Camp Kanchenjunga trek itinerary. After breakfast, the trek begins. The trek starts along an off-beat forest trail with stone steps and occasional uphill climbs. You’ll walk past small streams and rivers, and if you’re trekking in spring or autumn (peak trekking season), you might spot traces of snow along the path.

The trail is narrow at times, so be cautious and make way for mules or Himalayan yaks carrying goods to the higher villages. About halfway through the trek, you’ll reach Phale, a good spot to stop for lunch and rest. After lunch, you’ll tackle a few more uphill sections, but the beautiful mountain views and quiet forest paths help keep the walk enjoyable. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and continue alongside the river. The final stretch flattens out, and you will reach Ghunsa. Overnight and dinner are at the tea house or tent in Ghunsa village.

As you are already above 3,000m, your body must adjust to the changed surroundings to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Thus, day seven is the acclimatization day/rest day, which allows you to rest and adjust to your body at a higher elevation. However, acclimatization also involves engaging in light activities and keeping your body active, rather than a complete rest day.

During the day, you can explore the charming Sherpa village of Ghunsa, which features teahouses, shops, and is the largest settlement in the area, boasting a health post facility, police station, and an office within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. You can also opt for a short hike to Ghunsa Viewpoint or Dhunkunda.

After an acclimatization day, you’ll continue your trek on day eight. After breakfast at Ghunsa, the route to Khambachen starts via an open pine forest. As you leave the village, you’ll see colorful prayer wheels painted in red and gold. The trail splits here: one leading toward Kumbhakarna Himal and the other, which you’ll take, heading to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. The first part of the trail is fairly gentle. You’ll walk along the side of the Thango River and begin to feel the remoteness of the area.

The terrain changes, with more rocky paths and boulders, surrounded by juniper trees and rhododendrons. As you move forward, you’ll pass small resting spots like Tartang (3,583 m), Chhermalung (3,740 m), and Labuk (3,797 m), where you can stop for lunch and take a break. The trail becomes slightly steeper as you pass through a landslide-prone area, where you’ll also see Hajare Gufa, also known as the Thousand Caves. After a final two-hour walk from Labuk, you’ll reach the quiet village of Khambachen. Once you arrive, check into your tea house, enjoy a warm meal, and rest well for the next day’s journey deeper into the Kanchenjunga region.

Today’s trek takes you closer to your final destination, which is North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. After breakfast at Khambachen, you’ll make your way to Lhonak. The day’s trek gives you the feeling of being on a challenging journey through the Himalayas, as you’ll trek over rocky and open trails shaped by the moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. The path slowly climbs upward to Ramtang, located at an altitude of 4,240 meters. As you walk, you’ll get your first clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga, along with other snow-covered giants in the region.

The trail then leads you to Lhonak. The views from here are breathtaking. You’ll see some of the most impressive Himalayan peaks, including Twins Peak (6,750m), Wedge Peak (6,750m), Mera Peak (6,344m), and Nepal Peak (6,910m). The vast landscape, open sky, and towering mountains make Lhonak one of the most scenic highlights of the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek. Overnight at Lhonak.

Today is the most exciting and rewarding day of the entire trek, the day you finally reach North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. Early in the morning, with a headlamp, you’ll make your way. The journey begins with a steady climb, passing Syamjo (4,851 m), an area renowned for its blue sheep sightings. As you continue, the trail becomes more challenging, with snow, loose rocks, and icy patches. Walk slowly and carefully, especially in areas affected by landslides.

You’ll then reach Thanakpu (4,966 m) and Jorkyu (5,035 m). After a final stretch through a narrow and rocky trail, you’ll arrive at Pangpema (5,143 m) — the official North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Here, you’ll get a spectacular, up-close view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Other peaks, such as Jannu, Twins Peak, Wedge Peak, Nepal Peak, and Mera Peak, also come into sight. Spend some time here soaking in the beauty, taking photos, and enjoying the sense of achievement.

After a pleasant time at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp and feeling accomplished, you’ll return to Lhonak. Due to the harsh weather conditions at base camp, you can’t stay overnight there, so you must descend to Lhonak for an overnight.

Good morning, Champion. As you have successfully completed the trek to the North Face of Kanchenjunga Base Camp, it’s time to retrace your steps back. However, if you wish to extend your trip to the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, including the journey to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, you can continue your ascent; otherwise, you’ll start your descent. The eleventh day’s descent takes you to Ghunsa village.

You’ll follow the same trail back, starting with a descent through rocky and uneven terrain. The path takes you past glaciers, boulders, and streams, so take each step carefully. As you make your way down, you’ll pass through Khambachen, a familiar stop where you can take a break and enjoy the views one more time. Continuing the journey, the trail becomes easier as more greenery and forested areas replace the dry, rugged terrain. You’ll finally reach Ghunsa, where you can settle into your teahouse, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and get some rest. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.

Have your morning meal and start your downhill walk to Amjilosa. As today’s walk will be longer, you will begin the day’s trek early. The walkway to Amjilosa follows Ghunsa Khola and passes through several settlements before reaching the day’s destination. On the day, you’ll walk for 8 hours to reach Amjilosa from Ghunsa, covering 18 km / 11.1 miles. Overnight and supper at the tea house or tent at Amjilosa.

Day Thirteenth marks the end of the trekking journey in Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. After breakfast at Amjilosa, the trek begins with a descent to Sekathum. As the day’s trek is mostly downhill, your knee may hurt, so take care of it. The trek takes 6 hours to descend from Amjilosa to Sekathum, covering a distance of 7 km (4.3 miles). Overnight at the tea house or tent at Sekathum.

After an early breakfast in Sekathum, your long return drive begins. You’ll first head back to Taplejung and continue onward to Bhadrapur. The route passes through winding mountain roads and sections of both paved and rough terrain.

Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery, green hills, terraced farms, and quiet villages as you descend from the Kanchenjunga region. Once you reach Bhadrapur, check in at your guest house, relax, and enjoy a warm meal before settling in for the night.

After saying goodbye to the Kanchenjunga journey, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur. The 45-minute flight offers a beautiful view of the city from the plane’s window. We’ll drop you off at your hotel upon arrival at Kathmandu’s airport. Overnight in Kathmandu.