Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Trek to the base of the worlds third-highest peak through some of Nepals most remote and pristine wilderness. The full circuit visits both north (Pangpema) and south (Oktang) base camps.

Challenging20 days5,143 mMar–May, Oct–Nov
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Duration
20 days
Max altitude
5,143 m
Permits
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, Restricted Area Permit, TIMS Card
Accommodation
Teahouses and local lodges
Network
Patchy in upper sections
Drinking water
Available at lodges; purification recommended
Budget
USD 700-1,500

Overview

Trek overview

Long-form route context for planning, pacing, and realistic expectations.

Trek to the base of the worlds third-highest peak through some of Nepals most remote and pristine wilderness. The full circuit visits both north (Pangpema) and south (Oktang) base camps.

This itinerary is synced from TrekGuard mobile app data and includes 20 planned days, 220 km of walking, and 9,500 m of total elevation gain.

Highlights include Pangpema North BC (5,143m), Oktang South BC (4,730m), Remote wilderness, Limbu & Sherpa culture.

Itinerary

Daily route plan

Day 1

Taplejung to Sekathum

5 hrs / 12 km / sleep 1,575 m

Drive to Sekathum and begin trekking along the Tamor River.

Day 2

Sekathum to Amjilosa

6 hrs / 11 km / sleep 2,310 m

Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests with river crossings.

Day 3

Amjilosa to Gyabla

5 hrs / 7 km / sleep 2,730 m

Continue through forests and waterfalls to the Tibetan-origin village of Gyabla.

Day 4

Gyabla to Ghunsa

5 hrs / 10 km / sleep 3,595 m

Ascend to Ghunsa, a significant Sherpa village and key acclimatization point.

Day 5

Ghunsa acclimatization

4 hrs / 6 km / sleep 3,595 m

Acclimatization day. Explore the village and surrounding ridges.

Day 6

Ghunsa to Khambachen

6 hrs / 10 km / sleep 4,050 m

Trek with views of Jannu (Kumbhakarna) to the yak-herding settlement of Khambachen.

Day 7

Khambachen acclimatization

4 hrs / 6 km / sleep 4,050 m

Acclimatization day. Hike to Jannu viewpoint.

Day 8

Khambachen to Lhonak

5 hrs / 10 km / sleep 4,790 m

Trek through moraines to Lhonak, the last stop before North Base Camp.

Day 9

Lhonak to Lhonak

7 hrs / 14 km / sleep 4,790 m

Hike to Pangpema North Base Camp (5,143m) for views of Kanchenjungas massive north face. Return to Lhonak.

Day 10

Lhonak to Ghunsa

6 hrs / 17 km / sleep 3,595 m

Long descent back to Ghunsa.

Day 11

Ghunsa to Sele Le

7 hrs / 11 km / sleep 4,290 m

Ascend toward south side, crossing high passes with panoramic views.

Day 12

Sele Le to Tseram

7 hrs / 12 km / sleep 3,870 m

Cross more passes and descend to Tseram.

Day 13

Tseram to Ramche

7 hrs / 10 km / sleep 4,610 m

Trek to Ramche near the Yalung Glacier.

Day 14

Ramche to Ramche

6 hrs / 10 km / sleep 4,610 m

Hike to Oktang South Base Camp (4,730m) for views of Kanchenjungas south face and Yalung Glacier. Return to Ramche.

Day 15

Ramche to Tortong

6 hrs / 14 km / sleep 2,995 m

Big descent through forests and meadows to Tortong.

Day 16

Tortong to Yamphudin

5 hrs / 12 km / sleep 2,080 m

Continue descent through diverse landscapes and Limbu/Rai villages.

Day 17

Yamphudin to Taplejung

6 hrs / 14 km / sleep 1,820 m

Final trek back to Taplejung through villages and farmlands.

Map

Interactive route preview

Leaflet route rendering with checkpoints, altitude markers, and GPX geometry where published.

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GPX and KML downloads

Static route references for offline planning.

Duration
20 days
Altitude
5,143 m
Updated
2026

Route files are planning references only. Always follow current trail conditions, local notices, and guide advice.

Packing checklist

Use a mobile-friendly checklist for clothing, electronics, medicine, documents, and trail gear.

Altitude and safety

Prepare before pushing higher.

Climb gradually and take acclimatization seriously.

Check weather, wind, and daylight before long days.

Descend and seek help if altitude symptoms worsen.

Planning aid — not a guide or rescue service. GPX lines, checklists, forecasts, and altitude readouts support your judgment. Trails, weather, permits, and illness can change faster than any app. Download offline map packs before signal ends; fresh weather and Streets/Satellite tiles need network. SMS SOS sharing needs cellular texting — not satellite.

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Download map packs on Wi‑Fi, pull weather while online, then use GPS altitude, planner & safety tools on trail — free on Google Play. Not a guide or rescue service.

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