kathmandu to kanchenjunga base camp trek

Kathmandu to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

The trek from Kathmandu to Kanchenjunga Base Camp takes you to the world’s third-highest, and subsequently Nepal’s second-highest, peak. Standing at an astounding 8,586m, Mount Kanchenjunga lies on the far eastern side of Nepal, which shares the border with Sikkim, India. The 220km Kanchenjunga circuit trek can be a straining but memorable journey to take, yet it is a lot less crowded and more serene than the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Base Camp

There are two base camps in the Kanchenjunga region: one at the north in Pangpema and the other at the south in Oktang. If you are following the standard route, i.e, from KTM to Bhadrapur or from KTM to Birtamod, then you can take either of the following two ways to trek to the Kanchenjunga region: from north to south or from south to north. Both of these routes start with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, or a 16-hour road trip from Kathmandu to Birtamod, and finally, to Taplejung. 

In case you want to leverage the benefit and experience of both these routes, then you can follow the circuit, which is simply a combination of the north and the south route, for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.

Why trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek offers an unforgettable experience, boasting unprecedented sights of natural beauty, wildlife, and vegetation diversity along with a multitude of cultural sites to follow and witness. It is more than just any other ordinary trekking experience; it is an entire life disguised as a 21-day hike.

The alpine forests, Kanchenjunga glacier, glacial rivers, and the remote villages embellished by their cultural stature are some of the major highlights of the Kanchenjunga region. Other than just natural wonders and beauty, it also has great religious significance to boast about. As the name itself implies, Kanchenjunga means the five great treasures in the snow: gold, silver, grain, holy scriptures, and precious stones.

It also houses 5 mountain peaks with altitudes measuring +8000m, like the West Kanchenjunga(8,420m), the Main Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the Twin Peaks (8,476m), and Yalongkang (8,505m). To maximize the experience to its best, we recommend the Kanchenjunga trek during the Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sept-Nov) seasons.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m. | 4,593 ft.)

  • Activity: Drive to the Hotel. Rest Day in Kathmandu. Permit Making and Trek Preparation Day
  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and then drive to Taplejung (1,820 m. | 5,971 ft.) via Ilam.

  • Duration: 45 minutes flight (Kathmandu – Bhadrapur and 9 hours driving (Bhadrapur to Taplejung)
  • Highlights: Scenic flight and drive through the tea garden and hills
  • Overnight: Facilitates lodges and stays at Taplejung

Day 03: Drive Taplejung to Sekathum (1,660 m. | 5,446 ft.). 

  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Route: Taplejung → Mitlung→Chirwa → Sekathum
  • Highlights: Terraced fields, a view of the Tamor River, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and passing through Rai and Limbu villages.
  • Activity: Taking permits for the Conservation Area and entering it, enjoy the wildlife and lush green forest, and its vegetation.
  • Overnight: Provision of lodges

Day 04: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,498 m. | 8,195 ft.). 

  • Duration: 5-6 hours walking
  • Route: Sekathum → Solima → Amjilosa
  • Highlights: Ascent along the Ghunsa Khola, crossing suspension bridges, rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and villages of Jonggim and Ghaiyabari
  • Overnight: Lodging Facility in Amjilosa

Day 05: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m. | 8,956 ft.). 

  • Duration: 4-6 hours walking
  • Route: Amjilosa → Gyabla
  • Highlights: Steep ascent, dense bamboo forest, rhododendron forest, oak forest, and waterfall views.
  • Overnight: Lodging and guest house in Gyabla

Day 06: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,415 m. | 11,204 ft.). 

  • Duration: 6 hours walking
  • Route: Gyabla → Phale → Ghunsa
  • Highlights: Ghunsa River passes through Phale village settlement and monasteries.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Ghunsa.

Day 07: Acclimatization day in Ghunsa.

  • Duration: 4 hours walking
  • Activities: Acclimatization and a short hike to nearby hills.
  • Highlights: Ghuna River and village, Phale village settlement, monasteries, and views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 08: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,100 m. | 13,451 ft.). 

  • Duration: 5-6 hours walking
  • Route: Ghunsa → Rampuk Kharka → Khambachen
  • Highlights: Moraine of the Kanchenjunga glacier and views of the mountains.
  • Activity: Second acclimatization for the steeper ascent ahead
  • Overnight: Lodging in Khambachen.

Day 09: Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4,790 m. | 15,715 ft.). 

  • Duration: 5 hours walking
  • Route: Khambachen → Ramtang → Lhonak
  • Highlights: Incredible view of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Nepal Peak, the Twins, and the Ramtang Monastery.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Lhonak.

Day 10: Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (5,140 m. | 16,863 ft.) and back to Lhonak. 

  • Duration: 6-7 hours walking
  • Route: Lhonak → Pangpema → Lhonak
  • Highlights: Reach the Northern Kanchenjunga Base Camp, stunning views of Wedge Peak, Tent Peak, and the Twins.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Lhonak.

Day 11: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,415 m. | 11,204 ft.) via Kambachen. 

  • Duration: 6-7 hours walking
  • Route: Lhonak → Kambachen → Ghunsa
  • Highlights: Descent through the beautiful landscape back to Ghunsa.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Ghunsa.

Day 12: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le Base Camp (4,290 m. | 14,074 ft.). 

  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Route: Ghunsa → Sele Le
  • Highlights: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a moderate to challenging trek due to elevation gain and remote location.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Sele Le.

Day 13: Trek from Sele Le Base Camp to Cheram (3,865 m | 12,680 ft.). 

  • Duration: 7-8 hours walking
  • Route: Sele Le → Sinion La Pass → Mirgin La Pass → Cheram
  • Highlights: Panoramic view of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and Everest, and rhododendron forest.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Cheram.

Day 14: Trek from Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m. | 15,026 ft.).

  • Duration: 5-6 hours walking
  • Route: Cheram → Ramche
  • Highlights: Southern Kanchenjunga Base Camp area, Yalung Glacier and south face of Kanchenjunga, ascent through pine and rhododendron forest, and views of Talung, Kabru, and Rathong mountain peaks. Night stop at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.
  • Overnight: Lodging at the Southern Base Camp of the Kanchenjunga trek.

Day 15: Day hike up to Oktang (4,730 m. | 15,518 ft.) and back to Ramche.

  • Duration: 4-5 hours walking
  • Route: Ramche → Oktang → Ramche
  • Highlights: Breathtaking (literally, since high altitude) views of Kanchenjunga’s south face.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Ramche.

Day 16: Trek from Ramche to Tortong (2,995 m. | 9,826 ft.). 

  • Duration: 6-7 hours walking
  • Route: Ramche → Tortong
  • Highlights: Long descent to Tortong through rhododendron forest and mesmerizing view of snow-covered Himalayas.
  • Overnight: Lodging in Tortong

Day 17: Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin (1,692 m. | 3,910 ft.). 

  • Duration: 7-8 hours walking
  • Route: Tortong → Lasiya Bhanjyang → Yamphudin
  • Highlights: Passing through Lasiya Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang, and a visit to Yamphudin village at a lower elevation with Yamphudin’s reputation for its cultural heritage, traditional rituals, and celebrations.
  • Overnight: Lodging and guest house facility in Yamphudin.

Day 18: Trek from Yamphudin to Kanyam(1,210 m. | 3,969 ft.). 

  • Duration: 8 hours drive
  • Route: Yamphudin → Kabeli Khola → Kanyam
  • Highlights: Cardamon and tea cultivation, local exchange, and encounters. 

Day 19: Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur Airport and fly back to Kathmandu (1,400 m. | 4,593 ft.)
Day 20: Final Departure

A Tabular Overview of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary

DaysRoutesDistanceAltitudeDuration
Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu1,400 m. (4,593 ft.)—-
Day 2Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and then drive to Taplejung via Ilam.152km1,820 m. (5,971 ft.)45-minute flight, 
9-hour driving
Day 3Drive Taplejung to Sekathum.39 km | 24.2 mi1,660 m. (5,446 ft.)7-8 hours
Day 4Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa .9 km | 5.5 mi2,498 m. (8,195 ft.)5-6 hours walking
Day 5Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla .8 km | 4.9 mi2,730 m. (8,956 ft.)4-6 hours walking
Day 6Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa.11 km | 6.8 mi3,415 m. (11,204 ft.)6 hours walking
Day 7Acclimatization day in Ghunsa.—-—-4 hours walking
Day 8Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen.11 km | 6.8 mi4,100 m. (13,451 ft.)5-6 hours walking
Day 9Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak.10 km | 6.2 mi4,790 m. (15,715 ft.)5 hours walking
Day 10Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema and back to Lhonak.9 km | 5.6 mi5,140 m. (16,863 ft.)6-7 hours walking
Day 11Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa via Kambachen.21 km | 13 mi3,415 m. (11,204 ft.)6-7 hours walking
Day 12Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le Base Camp.6 km | 3.7 mi4,290 m. (14,074 ft.)5-6 hours
Day 13Trek from Sele Le Base Camp to Cheram9 km | 5.6 mi3,865 m. (12,680 ft.)7-8 hours walking
Day 14Trek from Cheram to Ramche.—-4,580 m. (5,026 ft.)5-6 hours walking
Day 15Day hike up to Oktang and back to Ramche.14 km | 8.6 mi4,730 m. (15,518 ft.)4-5 hours walking
Day 16Trek from Ramche to Tortong.—-2,995 m. (9,826 ft.)6-7 hours walking
Day 17Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin.9 km | 5.6 mi1,692 m. (3,910 ft.)7-8 hours walking
Day 18Trek from Yamphudin to Kanyam—-1,210 m. (3,969 ft.) 8 hours drive
Day 19Drive from Birtamod to Bhadrapur Airport, followed by a flight back to Kathmandu.320 km1,400 m. (4,593 ft.)45-minute flight
Day 20Final Departure—-—-—-

By Air – Kathmandu to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

1. Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (by Flight)

Buddha Airlines, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines are the popular airlines for domestic travel in Nepal. Yeti Airlines and Buddha Airlines tend to have daily flights available as of May 2025. The total estimated duration for a one-way flight to Bhadrapur is around 45 minutes. Choose air travel to experience a scenic flight from Kathmandu on a budget with less time duration.

The Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, and Buddha Airlines all have similar prices for travelling to Bhadrapur. Buddha Airline offers a one-way travel at USD 120 while Yeti Airline is offering USD 226 for a round trip at the moment of this post (which is still around USD 120 for one way).

2. Bhadrapur to Taplejung (by Jeep or Private Vehicle)

After arriving at Bhadrapur, you take a jeep or a private vehicle to reach Taplejung, covering a distance of approximately 240km. The road trip takes anything between 8-10 hours to complete. You get to Taplejung through Illam and then through Phidim. So, you can enjoy the sights of beautiful hills, terrain, landscape, rivers, and rivulets along with the renowned tea field of Illam.

The road conditions may be bumpy or uneven. Additionally, depending on the mode of transportation chosen, such as a local bus, comfort levels may vary. The comfort tends to be lower in local buses compared to a private vehicle for obvious reasons.

  • Distance: ~240 km
  • Duration: 8–10 hours
  • Route: Bhadrapur → Ilam → Phidim → Taplejung

3. Trek Start from Taplejung

Once you reach Taplejung, you will start your trek to KBC following either the north base camp route or the south base camp route (or the circuit trek, even), which will be taken care of depending on the plans and itinerary you’ve chosen.

You need to get the Restricted Area Permit and the KCAP before you get started, so be sure to confirm that with your trek guide. You can, then, start the journey from either Suketar or Mitlung.

  • Route options: North Base Camp or South Base Camp
  • Entry point for trekking: Suketar or Mitlung
  • Permits required: (Restricted Area Permit, KCAP

By Road – Kathmandu to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

1. Kathmandu to Birtamod (by Bus)

The road trip from the capital to Kanchenjunga Base Camp starts by booking a bus. You can either book a tourist bus in advance, set a location for pick up, and begin the journey to KBC, or you can take a local bus from Koteshwor or Gongabu Bus Park. The tourist bus comes with facilities such as better seat comfort, hygiene, and other accommodations. While the public bus is not unpromising, it still lacks some things of conveniences, like you may not be able to choose the seat you desire. But the good part is that it is cheaper, while tourist buses are a little expensive.

Once you take off, it takes about 14 to 16 hours before you reach Birtamod. From there, you can further continue your road journey to Taplejung before you start the actual trek.

  • Depart from Koteshwor or Gongabu Bus Park
  • Duration: ~14–16 hours overnight
  • Type: Tourist or local bus

2. Birtamod to Taplejung (by Local Bus or Jeep)

After reaching Birtamod, the next thing you want to do is take a jeep or a local bus to Taplejung, where the actual trek begins. It will take an additional 10 to 12 hours of road trip before you reach Taplejung. The road trip follows a scenic route to Taplejung via Illam.

  • Duration: ~10–12 hours
  • Scenic route via Ilam

3. Start the Trek from Taplejung

No matter if you choose roadways or the airways, Taplejung is the hub you reach before starting the trek through the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek route. The trekking route from here onwards is the same, irrespective of how you reached here.

The trail options may vary between the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, the South Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, or even the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, but that will be managed by the trek guide you hired according to the plans you’ve paid for.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of trekking to KBC tends to fall into the expensive spectrum. This region, in eastern Nepal, itself lies in a remote setting, and to top it off, the challenging land terrain makes fetching even the basic needs and requirements a matter of great achievement.

Also, KBC is a restricted area in Nepal and requires a special pass and permits to enter. Additionally, considering the difficulty, risk, and the fact that it’s a restricted area, the area has strict policies to not allow any solo trekkers, which increases the number of trekkers and decreases the total price in return (due to provisions of discounts).

Another primary factor determining the cost is the number of days. Now, keeping in account the lodging facilities for at least 10 places along the trek, duration of the trek, additional costs for guide and porters, and other accommodation during the trek, including the accommodation in Kathmandu, the overall trek cost may lie between USD 1800 and USD 2500 Per Person. However, if the number of travelers increases, the price per person declines.

Cost Estimation
Flight costs (KTM – Bhadrapur)~120 USD
Jeep/bus fare~10-20 USD
Restricted Area PermitNPR. 100 (For Nepalese) NPR. 500 (For SAARC countries) USD 20 per week for the first 4 weeks USD 25 per week after that
Kanchenjunga Cons. Area PermitNPR. 100 (For Nepalese) NPR. 500 (SAARC countries) NPR. 2000 (~USD 20 for foreigners)
Guides~30-35 USD
Porters~20-25 USD per porter
Hotel Bookings, Lodging (at least 10 places during the trek), accommodations at KTM, and miscellaneous.1500-1600 USD per person
Total Estimated Cost:~1800 USD per person

Best Time to Travel

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek takes you on a journey that will be memorable for a lifetime. This base camp trek is a challenging feat you want to achieve. As challenging as it is, the trek is still safe, especially the trek to the south base. The trek offers a unique perspective towards people’s culture, tradition, religious beliefs, nature, and wildlife. 

As the camp is quite underrated, it remains serene, uncrowded, and spacious throughout the year. As a result, there are many options available to choose from while embarking on a trek to Kanchenjunga when it comes to selecting the right seasons and months.

  • Spring (March–May): The camp is usually available throughout the year due to a spacious and uncrowded trekking environment; the season of spring is still one of the best times to hike Kanchenjunga. Nature starts blooming yet again after the end of months-long cold and frosty winter. The skies are clearer and the views more eminent.
  • Autumn (Sept–Nov): This is the best time to trek anywhere in Nepal, let alone KBC. If you can choose, then October is the month you choose. It is the month of festivities and celebrations. The sky lit blue during the day and pitch black during the night as there are few to no clouds in the sky. The season is dry and weather—stable. The Kanchenjunga trek packages lush green forests with wildlife in full swing. The views of Jannu and Kanchenjunga in particular seem the best along the trek.
  • Avoid monsoon (June–August) – This might be the only time to avoid trekking here. The weather is cold, rainy, and too unpredictable if it wasn’t already! As difficult as the trek already is, the risk increases even more around this time due to the increased possibility of floods and landslides.

Preparation & Practical Tips

The journey to Kanchenjunga is dangerous and not only for natural and climatic reasons. Thus, caution needs to be taken throughout the trek. Kanchenjunga is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and yet less crowded base camp treks in Nepal. But that does not take away its reputation for being challenging and potentially dangerous, particularly due to the high altitude of Kanchenjunga, its remote location, and its unpredictable weather. And, it is at times like this where one can profit from some preparations, suggestions, guidance, and practical tips.

So, for the Tips and Suggestions,

The normal Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek (either to the south, north base, or the circuit) requires at least 2 people to start the hike. This means you cannot solo trek to the base camp of Mt Kanchenjunga. Since you can’t arrange any solo trekking, the trip cost is only going to rise. So, a good suggestion is to choose the itinerary based on your requirements. Scrap anything that you can off the list because if the budget fits, then you can always add more at the end. 

Altitude Sickness is yet another problem faced during the trek to the Kanchenjunga. The highest point of the Kanchenjunga can be as high as 5,140m and can take 21 days to complete (depending on your choice of route). And, bearing in mind the time you spend at the base camp and other different parts along the trek, you need to begin your trek with great preparation. Since you are going to spend almost a month at such high altitudes, remember:

  • To take acclimatization seriously and as a must-step during such high treks. Keep yourself hydrated and be careful of your alcohol and liquor consumption.
  • To carry cash, as there are no ATMs after Birtamod, and there is no telling for what purpose you may need your money for!
  • Buy snacks and gear in Kathmandu for a more affordable price and quality. You can also hire the hiking equipment there for a specific duration.
  • Electricity & phone signal are limited after Taplejung, so manage your mobile devices accordingly. Buy a SIM card or activate roaming services in your own country. Do not forget to share your number with the guide, porters, and your friends.
  • Pack light but warm (high altitude, cold nights) clothes. You don’t want to bear the burden of heavy packing, nor do you want to shiver at such a high altitude.
  • Travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage is recommended.
  • Be sure to provide the guide with all the information and fulfill the prerequisites beforehand for permits for the Kanchenjunga trek.

Darshan

Darshan has been part of Action Nepal Treks for over 10 years. He started off as a young trekking assistant and worked his way up through his relentless dedication and hands-on learning. At present, he’s a skilled trek leader with extensive mountain knowledge. He excels at high-altitude treks and cultural tours in Nepal, and also creates custom travel plans to fulfill the needs of each traveler. His main motto is to provide safety, comfort, and exceptional trekking experiences for every group he leads. So, he takes full responsibility from start to finish. From route selection, planning, and group coordination, he manages all. Personality-wise, he is calm and confident. So, undoubtedly, he is a favorite among both our clients and team members. In short, thanks to his competence and years of experience, he delivers each trek smoothly and enjoyably.

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