

I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.
The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...
Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK
Kanchenjunga Base camp Trekking is very rich from the point of view of its natural beauty. The Kanchenjunga is situated in the eastern frontier between Nepal and India. It is 8586mt. high. This region was opened for trekking tourism only in 1988. The trekking in Kanchenjunga area is relatively strenuous since the region is regarded as the most remote place of Nepal. However the presence of numerous wild animals, birds and flora in abundance make the trekking in Kanchenjunga region very interesting and pleasant.
Until 1849 Kanchenjunga was thought to be the world's highest mountain, but today's established height of 8,586m ranks it third, after Everest and K2. This trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is one of the most remote treks having opportunity to view very beautiful areas of Nepal, which still lies surrounded in mystery. The inhabitation consists of only scattered villages, of Rai and Limbu farmers. This area is full of wildlife including musk deer, blue sheep and, for the believer, the Yeti! Magnificent views of Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga massif will make the trip worth your while. Because of the enough sunlight and rain the region has preserved several varieties of wildlife and vegetation. The culture within the Kanchenjunga ‘Treasures of Snow’ region has been nicely conserved; numerous monasteries dotted throughout the hills are preserving and promoting Buddhist religion and culture.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek takes you from the tropical lowlands to the high glaciers and the surrounding peaks of Kanchenjunga, Khambochen, Yalung kang and Jannu. Starting with a descent through terraced fields and forests to the Tamur River, the trail passes through many villages before gaining altitude to alpine terrain around Ghunsa, Kanchenjunga Glacier, Lhonak and Pangpema (5,140 m), the highest point of this trek. We descend through a fascinating landscape and terraced fields to the trek end point - Taplejung.
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Title: | Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking |
| Category: | Highly Adventurous | |
| Grade: | Strenuous & Difficult | |
| Total Days: | 29 Days | |
| Group Size: | 2 to 12 Pax | |
| Departure Date: | Everyday During the Season | |
| Maximum Elevation: | 5,315m. (17,010ft.) | |
| Transportation: | Flights Only | |
| Accommodation: | Tent (Camping) Trekking | |
| Trekking Hours: | Approximately 5 to 7 hrs. Each Day. | |
| Best Season: | Sep. to Nov. / March to May | |
| Trip cost: | USD 2,990.00 |
| Day 01. | Arrive at Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 02. | City Tour and freelancing. |
| Day 03. | Fly to Biratnagar, Drive to Hile |
| Day 04. | Trek to Sedua |
| Day 05. | Trek to Door Pani |
| Day 06. | Trek to Gupha Pokhari |
| Day 07. | Trek to Nesum |
| Day 08. | Trek to Dovan |
| Day 09. | Trek to Chirwa |
| Day 10. | Trek to Sakathum |
| Day 11. | Trek to Amjilassa |
| Day 12. | Trek to Kyapar |
| Day 13. | Trek to Ghunsa |
| Day 14. | Ghunsa: Rest day for acclimatized |
| Day 15. | Trek to Khambochen |
| Day 16. | Trek to Lhonak |
| Day 17. | Day trip to Pangpema base camp |
| Day 18. | Trek to Ghunsa |
| Day 19. | High Camp |
| Day 20. | Trek to Ramche |
| Day 21. | Trek to Tseram |
| Day 22. | Trek to AamjiKhola |
| Day 23. | Trek to Yamphudin |
| Day 24. | Trek to Ponphe |
| Day 25. | Trek to Pha-Khola |
| Day 26. | Trek to Suketar |
| Day 27. | Suketar – Biratnagar – Kathmandu |
| Day 28. | Free day in Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 29. | Departure |
| Day 01. | ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport, transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 02. | KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is densed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is to know the historical facts of Nepal. Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of Soyambhunath is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and a main temple at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the top of the hill. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors. Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century. |
| Day 03. | KATHMANDU – HILLE (1900m.): You take a 50 min. flight to Biratnagar, an industrial city in the lowlands of Eastern Nepal. Afterwards you drive to Hile, a Tibetan settlement where you install your first camp. |
| Day 04. | HILE – SHIDUA (2270M): Here you start your trek to Buranse Danda, towards the Tamur River along a ridge at the top of which is situated Shidua where you camp for the night. Today’s trek concludes after having approximately 6 hours walk. |
| Day 05. | SHIDUA - DOOR PANI (2780M): Trekking to Chitre though to a forest today, you will have opportunity to observe various interesting wildlife with attractive flora and fauna along the way. The views of Mt. Makalu and Chamlang are on the part of your fortune for today. Further on through to the rhododendron forests to the hamlet of Door Pani will be a time immemorial experience for you. Eventually you will camp for the overnight stay after 6 hours of adventurous walk. |
| Day 06. | DOOR PANI - GUPHA POKHARI (3000M): After a gentle climb through yet more rhododendron forests to a mountain ridge, we drop down to the village of Tongise Phedi and continue to Chanki, an area used for summer pasture. You continue through grassy fields with Mt. Makalu with constant view. Shortly the Kanchenjunga range appears and you come to Mongol Bharai pass, lined with Mani stones. Then you will have to descend to a lake called Gupha Pokhari. Today's trek is approximately of 6 hours. |
| Day 07. | GUPHA POKHARI – NESUM (1650): Today we cross a high pass and descend through a dense forest towards Gurja Gaon and continue to descend to Nesum with Mt. Jannu and Mt. Kanchenjunga leaving behind us. This area also cradles interesting wildlife such as musk deer, Ghoral, Jharal etc. Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours having camp in Nesum. |
| Day 08. | NESUM – DOVAN (1765m): Today you visit the central hub of this region, Taplejung. You descend to Doban through paddy fields, with more cultural group of people and start the trek up the Tamur River following uphill. Today's trek is approximately of 6 hours. |
| Day 09. | DOVAN – CHIRWA: Continuing up the Tamur River in a valley populated by the Limbu people, the descendants of the Kirati warriors who ruled Nepal at the dawn of Nepalese history. Your camp is next to Chirwa, a pleasant bazaar with a few teahouses and shops where the lifestyle of the mountain can be seen. Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours. |
| Day 10. | CHIRWA – SAKATHUM: This day you continue up the Tamur passing Tapethok and crossing the Simbuwa Khola, a river formed by the Yalung Glacier. You will climb over another ridge to join the Ghunsa Khola valley and camp by the banks of the river at Sakathum. Today's trek is approximately 7 hours. |
| Day 11. | SAKATHUM – AMJILASSA: Following a steep and narrow trail upriver reaches spots having wonderful views of the Ghunsa Khola underneath. Now the path descends steeply and you will arrive at the mountainside village of Amjilassa for your overnight stay. Today's trek is approximately of hours. |
| Day 12. | AMJILASSA – KYAPAR: Today you will be doing some genuine climbing during the next 5 days! You climb up to Kyapar perched in the middle of terraced hills, steep climbs from the Ghunsa Khola. Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours. |
| Day 13. | KYAPAR – GHUNSA (3475m): You descend from Kyapar and make an easy climb up to the right bank of the Ghunsa Khola. After the village of Phere, you enter rhododendron forests and climb a gentle hill before descending back down to the Ghunsa Khola and crossing a wooden bridge and fences to the village of Ghunsa. Today's trek is approximately of 6 hours |
| Day 14. | GHUNSA: Rest day for proper acclimatization and for stealing the beauties of the area. |
| Day 15. | GHUNSA – KHAMBACHAN (4130m): Today you have to climb a little higher continuing along a level path through grassy filed and a rhododendron thicket, and finally cutting across a rocky area. You deserve a rest today to collect your thoughts on how wild and wonderful everything has been so far. Eventually, the tip of Jannu Glacier including Jannu Himal and Kumbhakarna Himal, south face of Kanchenjunga comes into view ahead. Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours. |
| Day 16. | KHAMBACHAN – LHONAK (4780m): From this point the path continues along broad terraced hills, but it is a painful walk with many brambles. Soon the level area ends and you come to the edge of Kanchenjunga Glacier Cutting across the level plain at this junction you arrive at your campsite at Lhonak, from where you can see Mera Peak (6344m). Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours. |
| Day 17. | DAY TRIP TO PANGPEMA BASE CAMP (5150m): Go through a short zone of ablation out of Lhonak and walk along the hills on the right bank of the Glacier you will have excellent views of the towering peaks of Kanchenjunga today. Can be seen, Kanchenjunga 1st and 2nd, Kumbhakarna Himal, Nepal peak, Jongsang, Tent Peak and Lopsangla glaciers on continuing about 4 hours hike. |
| Day 18. | KHAMBACHAN – GHUNSA: Today you will select to cross either of the 2 passes: Lopsang-La, the higher pass at 5315m, and Mirgin La the lower pass at 4700m depending on the weather conditions. Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours. |
| Day 19. | HIGH CAMP: Coming to this camp you will have rest for the whole daylong to recover from the efforts made on the previous days to make most of your adventure. |
| Day 20. | HIGH CAMP – RAMCHE (4560m): You descend to the Simbuwa Khola valley and camp at Ramche; the trip would be the best day with spectacular mountain views including the gigantic Yalung Kang Glacier. Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours |
| Day 21. | RAMCHE – TSERAM (3700m): Today you take a day tip to the Yalung glacier for a magnificent view of the south face of the Kanchenjunga massif. You will have opportunity to come across roofless bivouac caves. Afterwards we descend to Tseram for overnight stay. Today’s trek is approximately of 7 hours. |
| Day 22. | TSERAM – AMJIKHOLA (3100m): From today commences our descent through forests of rhododendron to Torontan. And then you will come crossing steep downhill. Afterwards you will come across terraced fields. Today's trek is approximately of 4 hours. |
| Day 23. | AMJIKHOLA – YAMPHUDIN (2150m): descending further today to Yamphudin you will leave mountain paths and many Bhanjyangs (La) such as Lamite and Dhupi Bhanjyang. Yamphudin is a mixed community of Sherpa, Limbu, Rai and Gurung and is the first real village after Ghunsa. Today's trek is approximately 7 hours. |
| Day 24. | YAMPHUDIN – PONPHE (1720m): Today you will descend from Yamphudin to the Kabeli Khola. Kabeli khola rises some 200-300m from the river bottom to become a mountain path, winding around various ridges and streams with gentle undulations. Today's trek is approximately of 7 hours. |
| Day 25. | PONPHE - PHA KHOLA: From Ponphe you will walk down a ridge descending through as series of side valleys past Phun village to Kesawa. The trail continues to ascend to a Gurung settlement at Bhanjyang. From here the trail traverses a ridge and descends to the Limbu village of Khunjari. Afterwards, you will camp below on the banks of Pha Khola, Today's trek is approximately 7 hours. |
| Day 26. | PHA KHOLA – SUKETAR: We descend today to the airport of Taplejung for our overnight stay; getting back to more civilization and the views of some village and green hill. Today's trek is approximately of 5 hours. |
| Day 27. | SUKETAR – KATHMANDU: This morning you proceed to check in the airport and then you will be transferred to Suketar Airport via Biratnagar for your flight back to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day has been left free. |
| Day 28. | FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU: After breakfast you are free on your own in Kathmandu. You will be served with Traditional Nepali Dinner. |
| Day 29. | DEPARTURE After breakfast is leisure for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination |
September to November & March to May is the best seasons for attempting Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Please note that when climbing to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, you will be moving from warmer climates at low levels to conditions of well below freezing. Be prepared for all eventualities! Summer (June, July & August) is finest temperature and trekking can be done without any problem.
The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you traveling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.
01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Down jacket
10. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
11. Small wash towel
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Thin, lightweight inner socks
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
22. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
23. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
24. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
25. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
26. Water bottle
27. Toiletries
Pre - Meeting Before Trip
Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Trekking
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking you will spend four nights at 3-star in Kathmandu and Twenty-four nights at the locally best available Tent Camp in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; or Group Leader.
Meals during Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from our own kitchen. Your cook-man offering various different items in a day and will be different each single day menu. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same Camp, you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Trekking Staff:
The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.
Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.
Acceptance of risk:
The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.
INSURANCE:
It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects
Climate:
Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.
The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.
Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Health:
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.
Client Details:
In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.