- Destination: Nepal
- Region: Kanchenjunga
- Maximum Altitude: 5143m.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Activity: Trekking/High Pass
- Trip Grade: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Activity per day: Approx. 5 to 6 hours walking
- Trek duration: 14 Nights/15 Days
- Best Time: September to December and March to May
- Transportation: Both way Domestic
- Start/End Point: Bhadrapur to Bhadrapur
Trip Overview
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek- 15 Days
‘Embark on an Adventure to the Base Camp of Third Highest Mountain of the World, Mt. Kanchenjunga 28,169 feet (8,586 metres) and Celebrate Exquisite Thrills of Adventure.’
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek takes you to the Northern Base Camp of the Third Highest Mountain Peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga 28,169 feet (8,586 metres) and lets you witness breathtaking North Face of Kanchenjunga and many other alluring snow-fed summits. In fact, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m) is located at higher elevation than in the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,610m). People can go with any of the base camps or can do both. Frankly telling, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is more preferred than the South Base Camp.
One of the most preferred wilderness adventure in Nepal, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is not only popular for witnessing majestic mountain peaks but it also offers the trekkers to celebrate the real thrills of adventure passing through ridges, moraines, glaciers, canyons, mani walls, prayer flags, deep woods and waterfalls. Terraced fields and the local villages will add more splendors to this trek.
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area will be another attraction of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. This protected area provides the opportunity of experiencing a wide range diverse species of flora and fauna during the trek. One can encounter Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Pheasant, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Musk Deer, etc. during the walk to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and while returning back to Taplejung.
Passing through the local villages like and like Gyabla, Amjilosa, Ghunsa, and Lhonak will be a magnificent experience. The local teahouse/lodge accommodation, local people hospitality, local food items and serene surroundings will, definitely, mesmerize you during the walk to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and back to Taplejung.
This 15 Days Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Itinerary has been designed with proper acclimatization, food and accommodation so than the trekkers who are venturing on the trek wont have any inconvenience.
Things to do during Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek -15 days
- Celebrate an adventurous trekking to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at an altitude of 5,143m
- Enjoy the wilderness walk via Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and experience diverse species of wildlife, including Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Pheasant, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Musk Deer, etc.
- Put your footsteps at the Base Camp of the third highest mountain of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga( 8,586 metres)
- Traverse through picturesque local villages Ghunsa, Lhonak, Gyabla and many others and explore their unique lifestyle
- Enjoy the pleasant walk via high pasturelands, waterfalls, deep woods and terraced farmlands
- Enjoy Exploring ancient monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens
- Make an important exploration on blended culture and civilization at the border between Tibet and Nepal
- Witness Kanchenjunga glaciers, moraines and canyons
- Witness the North Face of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 metres) and many other incredible mountain summits
Is Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek a Restricted Area Trekking?
Yes, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a restricted area trekking in Nepal protected by Kanchenjunga Conservation Area/Kanchenjunga National Park. Like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo and Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek, it is still in the list of restricted area trekking because the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trekking Trail is located at the border between Nepal and Tibet. Particular area is declared as a restricted area trekking because of the security issue between two countries. Same thing is with Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. To enter into Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trekking area, one requires to obtain a special/restricted area trekking permit from the government office along with TIMS Card and Protected Area Entry Permit.
Required Permits and How to Obtain Them?
The ones who are planning for their Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trekking require obtaining three different trekking permits. These permits are: TIMS Card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit and Special Area/ Restricted Area Permit. TIMS Card cost USD 10, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit costs Rs.3000 and Restricted Area Permit cost USD 100 for the first week and has to pay USD 15 per day. Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit Cost from December to August is low because December to August is off season or a low time for Kanchenjunga Trekking.
The authorized trekking or travel company with whom you are planning your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek will arrange or help you obtaining these permits. Ask them to get them for you beforehand the trek.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Best Time of the Year
What is the best time of the year for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trekking? Of course, this question will be very common and mandatory to be raised beforehand venturing on the trail because one must know the best weather/time of the year so that they can make their Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek a memorable and can accomplish comfortably. The best time to travel to Kanchenjunga region is between Sep-Nov. These months in Nepal not only offer best time for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek but they also are the finest times of the year for trekking and hiking. The temperature is mild, the region and the trail receives no rain and snowfall and the mountain breathtaking during the months September, October and November.
Similarly, people who are willing to travel to Kanchenjunga region can find the months March, April and May equally beautiful as September, October and November. The flowering rhododendron in lower Kanchenjunga region makes the trail more enchanting during the trek.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is an adventure trekking in a restricted area of Nepal located in Kanchenjunga region. The trek begins at an altitude of 1400m in Kathmandu and then we take a 45 minutes flight to Bhadrapur and drive to To Taplejung (1820m. /5971fit) . Gradully, we get to the highest elevation, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) (5,143m/16,880ft) which is very challenging. So, we are ascending up to 5100 m high which means trekking above 5000m is not easy, really it’s not easy. Therefore, a well preparation beforehand the trekking is must. Those who can walk 6-7 hours above 4000m can easily conquer over Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek.
Preparations
Definitely, one must prepare very well before you venture into a particular trekking trip. Exactly the same thing is required for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. One must practice shorter hiking/trekking going up and down for at least 5-6 hours in the hills or in the mountains that helps to build up stamina and in order to enable your body to adopt new altitude you get during the trek. Besides, do some regular exercises like jogging, running, walking and so on prior to the trekking. If you have any serious health issues that may trouble you during the trek, please address them on time consulting the doctor.
Carry first-aid kit with some basic medicines you may require on the trek. Be accompanied with all necessary trekking equipment and with a professional trekking crew including an experienced and hospitable guide. Also, most importantly, prepare and carry authentic travel insurance with you so that you may not be hindered if any cases of rescue occur on the trail. Pack up some light snacks like chocolate, candy and biscuits so that you won’t go starved in case you don’t get food on time. Make sure that you have everything you require in the mountain to go up to 5000m high into the wild mountains.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Transportation
Since Bhadrapur is around 500kms from Kathmandu for drive, trekkers who are undertaking their Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek go with domestic flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu. The flight lasts for 45 minutes.
People also can go with drive but it takes almost two days to get Bhadrapur/Taplejung from Kathmandu and the roads will get disturbed due to heavy traffic and accidents. Also, sometimes, the rain and the landslides sweep away the country road. Therefore, it is not recommended to take a drive to Bhadrapur/ Taplejung, the trailhead of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek.
From Bhadrapur, you have to take a drive for 6-7 hours and will do the same while returning back to Bhadrapur for another short flight to Kathmandu.
Food and Accommodation on the Trail
Since Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the remote and less crowded treks specified as a restricted area trekking by the government of Nepal, the trekkers who are undertaking this trek will be having a very basic food and accommodation at local teahouses and lodges. The local lodges and teahouse are run by the local people and they offer only ordinary accommodation because they are very remote from the modern cities. However, the beds you are using will be comfortable and clear enough to spend a single night.
Now, let’s talk about Kanchenjung North Base Camp Trek Foods. Again, the food items are presented in the menu by the local teahouses/lodges. Actually, they don’t offer many items of food in their menu and you have to find some of the items from it. They, normally, offer Nepali Daal Bhat, Curries, Noodle Soup, French Fires, Tibetan Bread, Dumpling etc. Some of the local lodge/teahouses offer you continental, Chinese and Asian foods too. But, don’t expect to enjoy your favorite food item of food like you do in modern restaurants in the cities. In fact, you make one local item favorite during the trek. Can’t you? Or Nepali Daal Bhat can be your favorite.
You are suggested to bring some light snacks for the trek so that you don’t go starved on the trail if you even don’t want to have the food items mentioned in the menu.
Vegetarian? Yes, vegetarian will have the options of foods. They will offer you only vegetable items if you don’t want to have meat on the trail. You don’t need to panic about it.
You are allowed to have your own item of snacks or food during the trek at teahouse/lodge.
Kanchnejunga North Base Camp Trek Elevation Ranges
Once you are in Kathmandu (1400m), you are at 1400m and you will be transferred to Bhadrapur via 45 minutes domestic flight from Kathmandu. Then, you will drive to Taplejung which is located at an elevation of 1820m. /5971fit. Passing through to Sukethum (1585m. /5200ft), Amjilosa (2395m./7857ft.), Gyabla (2,730m/8,960ft) and Ghunsa (3,600m/11,810ft), we get to Kambachen (4,100m/13,450ft) Finally, we get to the most awaited destination and the highest elevation of this trek, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) (5,143m/16,880ft) passing through Lhonak (4,790m/15,715ft).
Summing up, the trek begins with an elevation of 1400m in Kathmandu and takes you to the highest elevation of 5143m which Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. We will have an acclimatization at an elevation of 3,600m/11,810ft which is Gunsha.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Acclimatization is very important if you are going above 5000m in the mountain. We will have a day acclimatization at Gunsha (3,600m/11,810ft) on the trail beforehand getting to the highest elevation of 5143m which Kanchenjunga North Base Camp . Also, we get the elevation gradually by ascending with the proper pacing. If you ascend quickly while trekking in the mountain, there is high possibility of getting acute altitude sickness.
If you want to add another day for acclimatization, we will set Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Itinerary accordingly.
Yes, there are some cases of altitude or acute mountain sickness with the trekkers every year. Then, what happen to them? They are evacuated safely or made okay with some first aids taking them to the lower elevation. Acute mountain sickness is sudden so that one has to adopt some important precautions:
- Get elevation gradually with proper acclimatization
- Address your health issues if you have beforehand the trek
- Don’t smoke and drink a lot at higher elevation
- Avoid having impure water and food during the trek
- Use right and reliable trekking equipment
- Have a sound sleep
- Report immediately to the leader if you have any problem during the trek
- Carry first-aid kit with some basic medicines
Internet, Phone and Wifi Services on the Trail
You can simply install local Nepali SIM card in your cellphone and take it to the mountain. You can also buy data pack to run internet on the trail. In fact, for some days at higher elevation, it may not work, but, it will help you a lot during the trek. You can buy either NT or NCELL Sim car and install call and internet on your phone. It will take no more than Rs.100 for you to get it.
You can also have the access of internet or Wi Fi on the trail at local lodges/teahouses. They may charge you Rs. 200-500 per password or per device.
You can even talk to your family, relatives and the friends from the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trekking Trail very easily and can share your images and the videos instantly. There wouldn’t be these facilities few years back.
Can Solo traveler do this Trek?
No. Solo traveler cannot do Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek . No solo traveler is permitted to do trekking in restricted area like Kanchnejunga area in Nepal by the government. One has to find at least 2 people or can join the bigger group to do Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. Also, the group has to be accompanied at least a guide during the trek. It means, without hiring an authorized and licensed guide, the group is not allowed to go in Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trekking trail.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Permits
One who is planning for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek require obtaining there different trekking permits. These permits are: TIMS Card, Kanchnejunga Conservation Area Entry Permit and Special Area/ Restricted Area Permit. TIMS Card cost $ 10, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit costs $.30 and Restricted Area Permit cost USD 100 for the first week and has to pay USD 15 per day. Kanchnejunga Restricted Area Permit Cost from December to August is low because December to August is off season or a low time for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek.
The trekking or travel company with whom you are planning your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek will arrange or help you obtaining these permits. Ask them to get them for you beforehand the trek.
Guide and Porters
You have to hire at least one guide/porter to do Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek because one is not allowed to go there without guide/porter as per the rule by the government of Nepal as it is a restricted area trekking in Nepal.
The guide you are hiring will be highly experienced and professional. If you choose to hire porters, they will be helping you throughout the trek in many ways. The porters will speak just a little English but still they can communicate with the foreign tourists.
The guide and the porters will not leave you alone from the beginning to the end of the trek. The will continuously be helping you by carrying your luggage, serving you foods, arranging your accommodation and helping your accommodate in new culture and environment.
You just have to pay their wages and don’t have to worry about their insurance, food and accommodation during the trek. Normally, the cost of a guide ranges between USD 25-30 and the porter costs between USD 15-25 per day.
Estimated Budget for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek
The expenses goes for different titles like Permits, getting Equipment and Clothing, guide and porter, transportation, food, drinks and tips.
Permits Costs
TIMS Card- USD 10
Kanchenjunga Protected Area Permit- $30
Special Area Entry Permit Costs:
September to November (Autumn Season) is US$ 40 for the first week and then US$ 7 for each additional day spent in the restricted area.
December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer Seasons) is US$ 30 for the first week, then US$ 7 for each additional day spent in the restricted area.
Transportation Cost
The only transportation you will use is the domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which will last for 45 minutes. The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur cost ranges from USD 112-120 but the return flight costs double this cost.
Food and Accommodation Cost
Normally, one accommodation costs between Rs.1000-1500. The accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
One item of food cost ranges between Rs. 600-1000.
Extra Costs
Donation and Tips
Drinks
Equipment and Clothing
Details Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel
You can arrive in Kathmandu via any international flight that people recommend for you. Optionally, you can take a drive if you are using road to enter Nepal. You can use Indian and Chinese border for this. Whatever way you use for arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you and takes you to the hotel. The representative will let you know about the short orientation meeting regarding your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. Since we do not have any scheduled activities to do for today, you just rest and relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the city if time favors you.
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Today, largely, you will spend your time with astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu. You will go to explore them one by one after your breakfast. The private vehicle will come to receive you along with a professional and experienced city guide at the hotel where your stay and transfer you to the historical and religious sites which includes Swyombhunath Stupa( Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. You end this trip at around between 3-4 pm and prepare well for your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek .
Day 3 Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung (1820m. /5971fit) 45 minutes flight and 6 to 7 hours drive
Drive to the Kathmandu airport from hotel and take a short and scenic flight to Bhadrapur. The flight lasts for 45 minutes. Next, you will take a drive for 6-7 hours to get Taplejung. On this drive, you will enjoy passing through local villages, terraced farmlands, river and deep woods. Stay overnight at local lodge at local lodge at Taplejung.
Day 4 Taplejung (1820m. /5971fit) to Sukethum (1585m. /5200ft) to Amjilosa (2395m./7857ft.) 3-4hrs drive and 4-5hrs walk.
Again, you will drive to Sukethum for 3-4 hours passing through beautiful landscapes and local villages. Then, you begin the walk towards Amjilosa. Be in the hiking outfit and begin to hit the trail heading to Amjilosa. You will be enjoying this first day’s trek passing via local settlements, terraced farmla
Day 5 Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m/8,960ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
Enjoy a beautiful breakfast at Amjilosa and start your walk for Gyabla. The trail, today, again passes through forested area and you will reach a flat ridge. Comparatively, you will see fewer local settlements than in the trekking of other days. The picturesque landscapes, ridges, pristine atmosphere, green hills and some alluring mountain peaks will make your today’s trek more fascinating. After a trekking of 5-6 hours you will arrive at the village of Gyabla where you can see majority if the people are influenced by Tibetan culture.
Day 6 Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,600m/11,810ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek
Today, you will pass though forested ridge and arrive at Ghuna River. Cross the Ghuna River and you will reach Pahle/Phole settlement soon. You will see the people engaged in carpet manufacturing factories. These people, mostly, are rufuges. The further walk from this refugee settlements, you will reach Ghunsa Village. Before you reach Ghunsa village, you will also see a trail going to the village of Olangchun Gola (3,191m).
Day 7 Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa
Walk around beautiful settlement of Ghunsa village and explore it. Meet the people living there and try to learn their lifestyle influenced by Tibetan culture and tradition. Walk up to the ridge an can witness incredible Kumbhakarna Peak (7,711m), also known as Januu Peak. Otherwise, relax at the lodge and take a good time.
Day 8 Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,100m/13,450ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
You will follow the trail towards north following the riverbank. You will accompany with incredible mountain scenery. Enjoy the walk through alpine meadows with different flowering plants. You will pass through the forested trail and arrive at the bridge of Rampuk Kharka. continue the walk and arrive at a waterfall. Next, you will encounter a trail passing through landslide area. After few minutes of walk, you will witness magnificent view of Mt. Jannu. Walk further celebrating the mountain views and finally you will arrive at the village of Kambachen.
Day 9 Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4,790m/15,715ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
The trail gets rockier today as we ascend. Actually, we are closer to Pang Pema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Walk through rocky fields and large boulders initially and next you will begin trekking along the hillside and arrive at the waterfall. You will encounter a bridge, cross it and you’ll reach Ramtang (4,370m), where you can go to explore Ramtang Monastery. Within a few hours of walk, you will reach the village of Lhonak passing through the trail alongside Kanchenjunga Glacier. This little village offers us an astonishing mountain views, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mera Peak, Nepal Peak, Wedge Peak and many other mountain summits in Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Day 10 Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) (5,143m/16,880ft) and back to Lhonak- 8 to 9 hours trek
Today, you are going to put your footsteps at the third highest mountain base camp of the world. Rise early and head towards the base camp. Once you reach Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, you will get astonished by witnessing spellbinding mountain panoramas including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Januu and Chang Himal and numerous other alluring peaks. You will admire and capture the surreal mountain vistas and trek back to Lhonak for overnight stay. You can celebrate the triumph of putting your footsteps at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
Day 11 Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,600m/11,810ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek
Pass the trail via stunning isolated villages and the core wilderness. Retrace along the same trail and arrive at the village of Ghunsa. Though are retracing along the same trail, you will still enjoying the trek back to Ghunsa from Lhonak.
Day 12 Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,510m/8,240ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek
Pass through Gyabla village and arrive at the village of Amjilosa. Before arriving at the village of Amjilosa, you will enjoy your trek passing through beautiful landscapes, farmlands, forested area and pastures.
Day 13 Amjilosa to Sukethum (1585m. /5200) 3hrs trek, to Bhadrapur through Taplejung (1820m. /5971fit) 7-8hrs drive.
Initially, you will trek for 3 hours and take a drive for 7-8 hours to get Bhadrapur via Taplejung. On the way, you will enjoy walking and driving though local villages, rivers, forested areas etc. Wait for the next day’s flight to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) drive and 45 minutes flight. Transfer to Hotel.
Take a short flight for 45 minutes to Kathmandu airport. Arrive in Kathmandu and drive to hotel. Go for a cultural dinner in the evening with our team. You will be informed about it.
Day 15 Final Departure
We will set a drive to the airport so that you can catch your international flight homewards or towards another destination. Dropping safely to the Kathmandu airport, we say good bye to you. Have a wonderful time ahead.
Cost Exclude/Includes
Question and Answer
Cost & Date
All set dates are guaranteed departures. If the following dates are not suitable for your travel plans then contact us for your custom trip dates. The private trips are available on any date of your selection at any time of the year.
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Milan and his team made our trip to Kathmandu unforgettable. My travel partner and I got to the country having no idea what to do and how we would navigate the city until Milan came in and saved the day. His team went above and beyond to make sure we didn’t have to do any logistics and could just enjoy our vacation. With knowledgeable tour guides and the best hospitality in the city, Milan gave us an insider’s view of Nepal with an experience that left us feeling like family.