Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

Altitude

5100

Region

Kanchenjunga

Overview
Itinerary
Pricing
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Overview

At 8,586m, Kanchenjunga is the world's 3rd highest mountain, located in the far north eastern corner of Nepal, on the border with Sikkim.
Kanchenjunga, which means "the Five Treasures of Snow" after its five high peaks, and has always been worshipped by the people of Taplejung, Darjeeling and Sikkim.
The surrounding region is less accessible than the Khumbu or Annapurna's and still sees few Western visitors.
Kanchenjunga has a special place in the hearts of British climbers and explorers. From Douglas Fresh field's initial circumnavigation in 1899, the first ascent in 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band, to the ground-breaking ascent of the North Ridge, by Doug Scott, Pete Boardman and Joe Tasker in 1979 - many chapters in British climbing history have been dedicated to "Kanch". Together with the huge bulk of Jannu, Chang Himal's imposing North Face and the impenetrable ridges of Ratong, the mountain vistas on this trek are every bit as impressive as the peaks in the Everest region.
Kanchenjunga north base camp trek is an ideal trekking trial in the far eastern part of Nepal. Kanchenjunga region is opened for trekking in 1988. Kanchenjunga north base camp trek is for those who have enough time for walking holiday and interested to venture into the remote areas of Nepal. Kanchenjunga north base camp trekking route is little bit long comparatively to other trekking routes but rewarding. Our itinerary approaches the North Base Camp first, trekking through deep ravines, forests of bamboo, rhododendron and larch pine to the Tibetan village of Phole and the high mountains. We take care to spend time acclimatizing around Ghunsa and Kambachen village, before continuing along the Kanchenjunga north base camp. The views of Jannu, Kanchenjunga and Chang Himal are jaw dropping.
Kanchenjunga region protected by Kanchenjunga conservation area (KCA) requires special permit along with the previous hiking and trekking experience. Best season for Kanchenjunga north base camp trek is April-May and October- November.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m)

A very warm welcome to the Kingdom of Himalayas to all our valued guests! Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport our representative welcomes you and assists you transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu i.e. Utsav or Nepali Chula (Kitchen). Here you will not simply experience the traditional Nepalese dish but will be entertained with Nepalese traditional dance and folk songs. After the dinner, you will be transferred back to your respective hotel.

Day 2

City sightseeing tour of...

Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Bauddhanath: Stupa with its 130 ft. dome. One of the world's largest Stupa, Bouddha is generally acknowledged to be the most important Tibetan Buddhist monument outside Tibet. Pupshupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. -After the city tour, our leader or guide will do the final briefing of the expedition. They will also take the opportunity to check the members' personal equipment as the city bazaars and climbing shops will provide the last chance to correct any deficiencies. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3

Fly to Bhadrapur 45 min (91)m and drive to Ilam (125)m

We will take the morning flight to the small airport at Bhadrapur in the East of Nepal. It is 45 minutes flight. We will then drive in a private Jeep/bus to the town of Ilam where we spend the night in a hotel. This region is well known for its tea plantations and Darjeeling is not far away on Indian side of the border.

Day 4

Drive to continue to Taplejung (1820)m 6-7 hours

We leave early in the morning and drive through tea and cardamom plantations. We will stop at the top of a pass on the road where we get our first magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga. We drive onto Taplejung where we meet the trekking crew and spend the night in Lodge.

Day 5

Drive to Ranipul 5-6 hrs

Driving on a pretty rough road in 4WD jeep provides unique an experience, passing through local villages, beautiful rice terrace, millet field, crossing over big bridges on Tamor river multiple times. 5-6 hours of drive will bring us to Hellok/Ranipul (Driving distance: 40km) . Overnight in Lodge

Day 6

Trek to Gyabla (2730m)

From Amjilasa the trail contours the hillside before dropping down through bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest. It's undulating and narrow with the odd exposed section, though any sense of exposure is removed by the presence of the bamboo. Eventually we reach a small stone house by the river before climbing up again. The path crosses a couple of small bridges at the base of waterfalls. Lunch is at a great spot by an icy pool at the base of yet another stunning waterfall. It's a short walk in the afternoon uphill to Gyabla, a small Tibetan settlement with impressive views up the valley towards Khabur (6,332m). The air here feels much cooler and we have the sense of entering the high mountains (5 hours). Overnight in camp

Day 7

Trek to Ghunsa (3420m)

After putting on some warmer layers of clothing we set off and drop down to the river yet again. After 1.5 hours we arrive at 3,000m and enter Larch pine. The path now becomes very easy underfoot and the valley begins to open out. We arrive at Phole (3,140m) for lunch. Phole is a fair sized Yak herder settlement with a rather run down Gompa. It's another 1.5 hours trekking to Ghunsa, a Sherpa village, which benefits from a small hydro-electric power plant. We will camp outside of one of the Trekking lodges here and look forward to two nights in this relaxing spot (4.5 - 5 hours). Overnight in camp

Day 8

Acclimatisation day at Ghunsa (3420m)

In the morning we can do some washing and have a chance to sort out our gear before having an acclimatisation walk. The walk heads up towards the Lapsang La through forest to a point above the tree line at c4,200m. We should be back in Ghunsa in the early afternoon to relax and have a shower. You can make a phone call and even send a postcard from here. Overnight in camp

Day 9

Trek to Kambachen (4050m)

Heading north from Ghunsa the trail follows the east bank of the river. It really is delightful walking through Larch and Juniper, with some trickier sections across small landslides and along the riverbed. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka (3,720m) and have lunch just beyond against the backdrop of snow capped peaks and spires. In the afternoon we continue on past a sacred waterfall before contouring up the hillside and crossing a large landslide. It's important to move quickly across this hazard as there is always the danger of stone fall from above. Just beyond the landslide we have our first views of Jannu, as it comes into view above a ridge. It is simply breathtaking and consequently, it may take us a while to walk the last section into Kambachen (7 hours). Overnight in camp

Day 10

Acclimatisation day at Kambachen (4050m)

It is possible to continue to Lhonak (4,785m) today, but this would be pushing our acclimatisation schedule and would likely result in some members of the group suffering from the symptoms of altitude sickness. Instead, we will base ourselves from Kambachen as there is plenty to see and do from here as part of an 'active pottering' day. We will most likely walk up the Nuphchu Khola Valley for superb views of Jannu. It's also possible to trek up towards Jannu's base camp, though the Ghunsa Khola can be difficult to cross so this might not be the sensible option. Having had a second night in Kambachen, we should find the walk up to Lhonak tomorrow fairly steady and crucially, the long day to base camp the following day will feel easier for everybody. Overnight in camp

Day 11

Trek to Lhonak (4,780m)

From Kambachen, the trail follows the hillside on the north bank of the river. At a waterfall, the base of which can sometimes be icy, the path almost disappears and there is a section of boulder hopping. We cross a bridge and climb up to Ramtang, a grazing pasture with a couple of Yak herder huts. It takes another hour or so to reach Ghunsa. At first, we amble along gentle paths, which weave between boulders, taking in the superb views. Not long before we arrive at Lhonak the path is narrow and loose where it crosses some small landslides, before dropping down to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. Here there are 6 Yak herder huts set out on the expansive and grassy valley bottom. Chang Himal has now come into view ahead and the route beside the Kanchenjunga Glacier all the way to Pangpema is visible (3.5 - 4.5 hours). Overnight in camp

Day 12

Day hike to Pangpema - Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m) retrun to Lhonak

An early morning start would be recommended. It is going to take around 7-8 hours for return journey. The trail follows the edge of the glacier all the way and is mostly fairly gradual on grassy trails. There are some rockier sections and a couple of narrow landslides, which need to be crossed quickly. Chang Himal looms over our right shoulders all morning with its steep North Face and at the head of the valley is Kirat Chuli (7386m), Pangpema is a flat, grassy base camp with a couple of porter huts. For better views of the vast bulk of Kanchenjungas North Face, we can walk up a little higher above base camp to a natural viewing platform.

Day 13

Trek to Ghunsa (3420m) 4-5 hrs

It is going to be long day but mostly downhill walk should not be the case. Overnight tea house

Day 14

Trek to Thyangnam (2400m) 6-7 hrs

Initially we pass through the beautiful forest before opening out to steep, grassy hillsides where Thyangnam is nestled in the middle of the woods, all by herself. There is a small waterfall next to the camp and it's a perfect place to take cold shower after days of exhaustion. Overnight in tea house

Day 15

Trek to Sekathum (1585m) 5- 6 hrs

After a steep climb on grassy hillsides until we get to Amjilasa, it's a steep descent that will take most of the day. We will walk pass the confluence of the Tamur and Ghunsa Khola, from where the camp is not very far. Overnight in tea house

Day 16

Drive back to Taplejung 1820m,

About 5-6 hours of dirt road driving in a 4WD will bring us back to Taplejung. Overnight in tea house

Day 17

Drive to Bhadrapur airport, fly back to KTM.

Again early morning start is recommended, long drive on the well paved road takes abour +/-9 hours, we will be flying back to Kathmandu in the evening flight.

Day 18

At Leisure in Kathmandu

Rest and relax at the hotel after such long strenuous trip. The day is also reserved as a contingency day due to flight delays or other unforeseen conditions. For those eager to see as much of Kathmandu as possible, an early start is worthwhile to visit the temples of Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath and districts of Bhaktapur and Patan. Durbar Square is also on the essential list, as is the shopping area of Thamel. In the evening you can have your last night in Nepal, enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show or go out to Thamel.

Day 19

Departure for home

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.

Pricing

What's included in the pricing

Kanchenjunga area restricted permit, National park entry fee.
4 (Four) night accommodation in Kathmandu before & after in 4 star standard category. Room on twin sharing basis, breakfast is included.
All pickup and drop transportation from airport to airport both domestic & international airport and other transportation in the valley.
Return Domestic Flight ticket KTM-Taplejung-KTM (In Twin Otter) all guests & a guide. If there are any Airline companies operating direct flight KTM-Taplejung then our entire guest will be flying directly to Taplejung but this is unpredictable. (No Helicopters Flight cost is included on your expedition cost).
Transportation from Bhadrapur-Taplejung-Bhadrapur private Mini bus/Land Cruiser/according to group size (In the event of if there is no direct flight available from KTM-Taplejung at the time.) Then we will have to take the flight to Bhadrapur instead.
One day guided city sightseeing tour in around Kathmandu according to our itinerary.(largest Buddhist stupa in the world at Bouddha Nath and the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pasupati Nath). And Monkey temple at Swayambhu Nath. With Transportation, fully licensed Tour guide and entry fees included. Extra city sightseeing tour can be arranged by GHT on request for additional fee, after the expedition if required.
An experienced Sherpa guide who knows the area, mountain, local people and culture very well.
Helpful porter 1:2 (one porter between two guests ratios)
All necessary camping and kitchen equipment.
Insurance of all local porters (Coverage of Accidental death/Medical expenses and emergency Helicopter evacuation cost)
One locally made water proof Duffel bag with your Name & Grand Himalaya's Logo on it will be provided by us for the Trek up to BC & back to KTM; it is yours so you may take it back to home with you or return to us at the end of trip.
Celebration meal in Kathmandu after the trek with all the local staffs
Local SIM Card can be arranged on early request

What's excluded from the pricing

Your International & home country domestic airfares, transfers en route & excess baggage
Your personal insurance. Medical, mountain rescue & repatriation cover is obligatory.
Main meals (Lunch & Dinner) in Kathmandu (Allow up to $12-15 per meal) apart from celebration meal in Kathmandu after the expedition.
Your Nepal entry visa fee (USD $50 available on entry) Valid for 30 days & it is your responsibility to obtain your visa before depart home for trip.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any personal or emergency reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Satellite phone usage is available, but at an additional cost of $5 per minute for personal use.
Tipping to the BC staff (allow up to $350 per guest)
Personal Trekking /Climbing gear.

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Gropu-size discounts ****Discounts are solely based on your group size. We do not add anyone to your group.

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