Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking

Nepal alternative treks has been operating lodge trekking in Kanchanjunga  since 2011 as lodges are availble in this route. Lodge accommodation is still very basic and poor though it is good enough. Foods are also basic and mostly lodges provide Nepali meals Dal Bhat and Tibetan  meals. It is the best way to explore there and reduce the cost of organized trek. World's third highest mountain Mt.Kanchanjunga is main attraction to view and real authentic culture is highlight to experience. 

The breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu with beautiful glaciers offers further excitement to all trekkers along this trekking trail. Besides nature the trekkers also witness culture and lifestyle of Limbus and rais in this trail. These are two dominant ethnic groups in eastern Nepal. During Kanchenjunga treks, one is bound to have an unforgettable experience of difference that cannot be found somewhere else in the world.

Fact of this Trekking   

Trip Duration : 23 days trek 

Max. Altitude: 5142m./16968ft.

Minimum Altitude: 1340m./4422ft.

Grade: Moderate

Activities: Trekking 

Accommodation: Lodge

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner 

Transportation: Plane and Overland 

Trek Departure: Every day throughout the Month

 Group Size: 1 person to 20 persons (maximum)

Best season: March, April, May, Sep, Oct & Nov.

Available Time: All months 

Per day trekking: 5-6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-on

Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu - Bhadrapur by flight - Taplejung overland 
Early morning fly to Bhadrapur then drive to Taplejung by jeep then stay overnight at hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  

Day 2: Trek to Lalikharka (2265m/7,431ft) 3 hours walk
The trail to Lalikharka is mostly passes through  lush green forests. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:  Lalikharka - Khesewa (2120m/6,955ft) 5 hours walk
After breakfast, We begin our real trek to Khesewa. Most of walk is an easy descent until Phundrawa then begin our ascent. It is a quite steep climb until Yangpang from where we climb steadily up until Phumphe Danda followed by another ascent to Khesewa. We walk through forests and small villages. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 4: Khesewa - Mamankhe (1785m/5,856ft) 5 hours walk
Today, we start our trek towards the Kabeli Khola. Then, we walk on a trail that passes through forests before crossing a small stream. We enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan peaks while passing through several beautiful small villages. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 5: Mamankhe - Yamphudin (2080m/6824ft) 5 hours walk
The trail lead us uphill on an easy trail whereby we mostly walk alongside the Kabeli Khola. We also admire the beautiful ridge behind the stream. We follow our walk through a beautiful waterfall nearby then we cross a small suspension bridge. Finally, we arrive Yamphudin after passing a small settlements. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 6: Yamphudin - Tortong (2,995m/9,826ft) 6 hours walk
We head toward on a path commonly used by local and pass through terraced farms and green meadows. We have the constant company of the Himalayas to enjoy along the journey. The trail follow the Amji Khola then  cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 7: Tortong - Cheram (3,870m/12,696ft) 5 hours walk
After breakfast, we start our steady climb to Cheram while Simbuwa khola appears in close view on right side. Today, beautiful Lalung valley and Tuplung peak company us and same time thick rhododendron forest and the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier make us joyful walk. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 8: Acclimatization and Rest
We intend to  acclimatize the high altitude before get higher elevation. We have few options to explore around as short hiking, explore Yalung Glacier and day hike to  a viewpoint for Kabaru and Rathong peaks. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 9: Cheram - Ramchaur (Ramche) (4,580m/15,026ft) 5 hours walk
We ascend for sometime to get the snout of the Yalung Glacier . We enjoy the views of several Himalayan peaks then we trek through a small settlement of Lapsang toward Ramche.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 10: Ramchaur (Ramche) - Yalung Base Camp (4500m), back to Cheram- 6 hours walk
We continue up the valley then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. Further ahead, glimpse of the Jannu Himal welcomes us. Visiting Oktang Monastery, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks are close by. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 11: Cheram - Sele La (4290m/ 14,074ft) 6 hours walk
We cross four passes today beginning with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass we continue to Mirgin La pass, Sinion La pass and Sele La pass. The prayer flags are strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail near to the Sele La pass. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 12: Sele La - Ghunsa (3,595/11,794) 5 hours walk
Today, we move towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. We walk steep climb through a chorten marked by prayer flags then walk down through rhododendron, birch and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village of houses with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 13: Ghunsa - Kambachen (4,050m/13,287ft) 5 hours walk
We trek further north on the bank of river enjoying magnificent mountain scenery.Along the trail, we pass through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers, then cross rhododendron and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past a waterfall and cross the tricky section of a landslide. Then  begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu just before gettig Kambachen. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 14: Kambachen - Lhonak (4,780m/15,682ft) 5 hours walk
Today, We have a challenging day. The trail lead us through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank before a waterfall. After crossing waterfall, then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak.  
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 15: Lhonak- Kanchenjunga base camp, overnight at Pangpema (5,143/16,873ft) 4 hours walk
After breakfast, we walk alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. We descend towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp after passing Pangpema. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal and other Himalayan peaks are extraordinary view from base camp. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 16: Pangpema - Lhonak (4780m./15774ft.) 6 hours walk
We trace back our steps to Lhonak. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 17: Lhonak - Ghunsa (3475m/11,400ft) 6 hours walk 
We walk downhill all the way to Ghunsa via Kambache. 
Meals included : Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 18: Ghunsa - Amjilosa (2,308m/7,572ft) 5 hours walk
We descend towards Phale. We pass through several Manes and a monastery nearby. We walk through Juniper forests and reach Phale then  steady descent to Gyabla. We cross a bridge over Chhundatangka Khola to reach Gyabla. As we continue our trek, we see a waterfall nearby. We reach Amjilosa after crossing suspension bridge. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 19: Amjilosa - Chirwa (1,270m/4,166ft) 5 hours walk
Today , we pass a beautiful waterfall nearby then continue our trek and pass a small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. We  again cross another suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola and reach Sukathum. We follow Tamor Nadi and pass through many beautiful villages alongside .
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 20: Chirwa - Phurumbu (1,549/5,082ft) 6 hours walk
As we desend, we notice higher density and  lush vegetation. We pass through several villages before reaching Sinwa. Now, we continue our descent and cross a bridge over the Sisne Khola. We pass through another village and cross another suspension bridge this time over the Yaphre Khola to reach Phurumbu. 
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 21: Phurumbu - Taplejung (2420m./7986ft.) 5 hours walk
After, we walk to Taplejung, our trek ends today. We can take a much needed break after reaching Taplejung. 
Meals included:Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

Day 22: Taplejung - Bhadrapur overland 
Drive to Bhadrapur overland and stay overnight. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 23:  Bhadrapur- Kathmandu over fly 
Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. 
Meals included : Breakfast

Trek ends

Kanchenjunga Special permit
Kanchenjunga trekking route is in Taplejung district. This area is considered as protected region and has to obtain the permits under certain formalities. Trekkers must obtain permit through government registered trekking company as Nepal Alternative treks and government registered trekking guide is compulsory. The permit cost is $ 20 per week per person. We have included in our service though. 

Kanchenjunga conservation area project ( KCAP)
The provision of  KCAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (ACAP)permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person . You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying KCAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. It is included in our package. 

Trekking Clothing equipment for Kanchenjunga Trekking

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants 
-  T-shirts. 
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap 
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 
- Small daypack - 25 liters. 
- Wind proof jacket  and rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 
- Small towels 
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 
- A pair of gloves 

Travel insurance 

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is Kanchenjunga base camp which is elevated at 5143 meter. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Kanchenjunga Base camp Trekking is moderate level of trek,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5143 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Mr. James and Ms. Mariya

USA

I found my experience in Nepal to be an overall favorable experience.  Our guides were very hospitable, knowledgeable and helpful. This company arrangement for our trip was perfect. I would like to come back again for longer time. Thanks !

Ms. Anna
USA

Thank you –Tej for wonderful trek. Nepalese are great loving, caring people. I will come back again!  I enjoyed it.

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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