<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangchenjunga">Mt. Kanchenjunga</a>, 8586m is the third highest mountain in the world. The untouched Kanchenjunga ranges stand as the border of Nepal, Tibet, and Sikkim in the Taplejung region. Kanchenjunga trekking is the best way to know the cultural richness and uniqueness of the region. The trek lies in the isolated area of far-eastern Nepal near Sikkim in the Taplejung district.
Basically, there are two base camps of Kanchenjunga. They are Kanchenjunga Northern and Southern Base Camp. This is a <a href="https://oshovisiontreks.com/destinations/nepal/restricted-camping-region/">restricted trekking region</a> so, you cannot go solo treks in this region. There must be at least two people in the trekking group. And a licensed trekking guide must accompany you during the trek.
To trek into this region, you need two different permits. The Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit. With these permits, you will get to see best views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Yalung Kang peaks above 8,000m. Whereas, the peaks above 7,000m are Jahnu Himal, Jonsong, Kabru, Tent Peak, Kambachen, etc.
During the trek, you will pass through Tamor valley, Arun valley, many glaciers, snowy rivers, and icefalls. You also get to visit various high altitude settlements which include Walungchung in Tamur and Kangbachenga in Ghunsa valley.
Kanchenjunga is the land of diverse flora and fauna. On your trekking way, you might encounter the unique orchids and rhododendrons in the world. This trekking region offers a good exploration of the tropical forests of rhododendron, oak, and chestnut. And, diverse wildlife and vegetation.
Buddhist culture and religion are predominant in the region. Ethnic groups like Limbu, Rai, Gurung, and Sherpa dominate the region. Their unique and solitary culture, tradition, and lifestyle gets you closer.
<h2>Highlights of the Kanchenjunga Trekking</h2>
<ul>
<li>Reside at the base camp of world’s third highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga</li>
<li>Visit the less explored land of mystery at the challenging mountain passes and rhododendron forests</li>
<li>Get closer with native tribes at serene villages around high mountains</li>
<li>Explore the abundant wild flora and faunas. Kanchenjunga Conservation area is among the unspoiled conservation area.</li>
<li>Get the fascinating mount panorama with a variety of tropical forest of rhododendron and bamboo forests</li>
<li>Enjoy scenic mountain view, colored flowers, wild coniferous wood, Buddhist monasteries, and remote valleys along Mirgin la pass</li>
</ul>
Trek Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Trek/Travel Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,338m, Kathmandu | - |
Day 02 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation | 1,338m, Kathmandu | - |
Day 03 | Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Illam | 1,000m, Ilam | Kathmandu-Bhadrapur: 40-45 minutes, 3-4 hours of drive towards Illam. |
Day 04 | Drive to Taplejung and Trek to Mitlung | 921m, Mitlung | 5 hours of drive and 4 hours of trek |
Day 05 | Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa | 1,270m, Chiruwa | 6-7 hours |
Day 06 | Trek to Sekathum | 1,600m, Sekathum | 5-6 hours |
Day 07 | Trek to Amjilossa | 2,510m, Amjilossa | 6-7 hours |
Day 08 | Trek to Gyabla | 2,730m, Gyabla | 5-6 hours |
Day 09 | Trek to Ghunsa | 3,595m, Ghunsa | 5-6 hours |
Day 10 | Day rest at Ghunsa for acclimatization | 3,595m, Ghunsa | - |
Day 11 | Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen | 4050m, Khambachen | 6-7 hours |
Day 12 | Acclimatization day at Khambachen | 4050m, Khambachen | - |
Day 13 | Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak | 4,500m, Lhonak | 5-6 hours |
Day 14 | Trek to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga Northern Base Camp) | 5,140m, Pangpema | 6-7 hours |
Day 15 | Trek back to Ghunsa | 3,595m, Ghunsa | 7-8 hours |
Day 16 | Trek to High Camp | 4,100m, High Camp | 5-6 hours |
Day 17 | Trek to Tseram via Mirgin La Pass | 3,800m, Tseram | 7-8 hours |
Day 18 | Trek to Ramche via Oktang (Kanchenjunga Southern Base Camp) | 4,580m, Ramche (4,730m, Oktang) | 7-8 hours |
Day 19 | Trek to Tortong | 2,980m, Tortong | 7-8 hours |
Day 20 | Trek to Yamphudin | 2,080m, Yamphudin | 7-8 hours |
Day 21 | Trek to Mamanke | 1,810m, Mamkanke | 5-6 hours |
Day 22 | Trek to Kesuwa | 2,100m, Kesuwa | 5-6 hours |
Day 23 | Trek to Lalikharka | 2,220m, Lalikharka | 6-7 hours |
Day 24 | Trek back to Taplejung (Suketar) | 2,300, Suketar | 3-4 hours |
Day 25 | Drive back to Bhadrapur | 91m, Bhadrapur | 11 hours of drive |
Day 26 | Fly back Kathmandu and farewell dinner in the evening | 1,338m, Kathmandu | 40-45 minutes of flight |
Day 27 | Final Departure | - | - |