Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek - 28 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your hotel. After you are greeted with welcome drinks at the hotel, we will have a quick pre-trip meeting to discuss on the necessary formalities and trekking itinerary. You can then check in to your room, freshen up and rest. Or if you are not one of those “lay back” types, you can take a stroll around the vicinity of your hotel and get the feel of this hyperactive capital city of Nepal. On the streets, people seem to be on sheer rush, barely noticing one another, but if you utter “Namaste”, they will definitely reciprocate with a smile! Well, that’s Nepal’s Nepalese for you. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

 

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

Short stroll in the evening yesterday might not have acquainted you to Kathmandu. So we want to make sure that you know this city like you know yourself. Once done with your breakfast, let’s hop in to our reserved vehicle and then head on for a comfy ride with one of our experienced city guides. You will be visiting the most renowned historical/cultural landmarks in Kathmandu. Our guide will take you to the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. All these sites are enlisted in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. After this informative and interesting tour, we drive back through the busy and noisy streets of Kathmandu to the serene premises of your hotel. The best use of the remaining time can be made by shopping the trekking goodies. Most of the items are available on rent and our guide will help you identify the best renting outlet. So, after you have hoarded all the handy gears for your trek, get back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.  

 

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (80m/50min)

From the soaring heights of Kathmandu, our flight takes a nose dive to eastern plains of Nepal. In about 45 minutes, we land at Biratnagar, the second largest city and an industrial hub of Nepal. Owing to its proximity to the Indian town of “Jogbani”, the people of Biratnagar give you the reminiscence of Indians. We can freshen up ourselves at the hotel and then stroll around the huge marketplace herein. We have one more flight to take tomorrow before we actually start our trek. Overnight at hotel in Biratnagar; breakfast included.
 

Day 04: Fly from Biratnagar to Suketar (2420m/1hour) & trek from Suketar to Lali Kharka (2266m/6hours)

We gobble up our breakfast and board on an early morning flight to Suketar. After about 30 minutes on air, we land at airfield of Suketar (2420m). We meet up with our trekking crew and rest for some time. All geared up, we commence our footy mission, walking by the rich pastures and interesting settlements. On this first day of our trek, we take several descents until we finally arrive at our campsite in Lali Kharka. Overnight at tent in Lali Kharka; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 05: Trek from Lali Kharka to Keswa (2125m/6 hours)

We begin with a steep climb to ridge at 2800m and then descend steeply to the village of Pokora at 1430m. As we cross the suspension bridge over the Phawa River, we are greeted by fascinating terraced farmlands. Getting indulged in the beauty of the surrounding, we now take a steep ascent to Kunjari (1700m), a village dwelt by the people of Limbu community. We halt here for lunch and then resume our trek, with an ascent, passing by dense forests to the settlement of Sinchebu Bhanjyang (2240m), which offers splendid views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jannu (7710m) and Mt. Kyabru (7412m). We move ahead towards the Kabeli River valley and take a left diversion to descend below a ridge, which brings us to a scattered village of Keswa (2125m). There are several flat areas here, ideal for camping. Overnight at tent in Keswa; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 06: Trek from Keswa to Mamanke (1786m/5 - 6hours)

We begin with an easy descent past a series of waterfall and cross a bridge over Nadewa River. Crossing a saddle to an enormous pipal tree, we take a diversion towards the north and arrive at Yanpang. A refreshing cup of tea here will get us going for the rest of the day. The trail now leads us through the forest. We pass by large waterfall and then descend to a ridge at 1850m. Moving ahead for about half an hour from here will get us to Phumphe (1860m). Leaving behind the terraced fields of Keswa, we follow an adventurous route leading to Nandeva Khola. From here, we descend alongside the terraced fields and cross a suspension bridge over the Khaksewa River at 1540m. The route now takes us steeply up until we arrive at the settlement of Mamanke (1786m). There are some good and flat camping areas here. Overnight at tent  in Mamanke; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 07: Trek from Mamanke to Yamphudin (1692m/5 - 6hours)

Beginning with an easy climb, the walk to Yamphudin is along a trail which contours the hillside above the Kabeli River. We then make a gradual descent towards a gushing stream and cross a suspension bridge over it. Switchbacks await us ahead which lead up the far side of a valley to a chorten. We now descend beneath the rocky cliffs on debris of the past landslides. From here the trail drops down to Kabeli River and then ascends along the west bank to Yamphudin (1692m), a charming settlement tucked beneath the ridge of the Deurali Danda, which we cross in the coming days. Overnight at tent in Yamphudin; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.


 

Day 10: Trek from Torontan to Tseram (3868m/5.5 hours)

Let’s gear up for a steep climb of almost 900m. We start off by trailing through the rhododendron forests and ascend to the isolated herder’s hut at Tsento Kang (3360m). We continue through the forest relishing the view of the snowy peaks from the gaps between the trees and pass by another herder’s hut at Watha (3370m). From here we head on for about an hour’s walk to a shrine decorated with rock cairns, prayer flags and a trisul (a weapon of the Hindu God- “Shiva”). Relishing the views of the snow-capped giants and the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier, we embark on a gravel streambed that leads us to Tseram (3868). Just before Tseram, the towering heights of Mt. Kabru(6700m) and Mt. Rathong (6678m) start to peep over the moraine. As we camp during the night, the mercury level drops down, which reminds us that we are gaining height. Overnight at tent in Tseram; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Trek from Tseram to Ramche (4610m/3- 4 hours)

Today the trail takes us up to the tree-line and passes by a junction with another small trail to Mirgin La. Above a mani wall at 4040m, the alpine meadows slope up the valley towards the peaks of Rathong (6678m) and Kabru (6700m). Getting struck with the chilly icy winds is a kind of a norm in this region. We climb alongside the terminal moraine of Yalung Glacier to a yak pasture at Yolung Bara (4260m). We now head north towards the frozen lake at Lapsang (4433m). As we make our way up alongside the lake, we arrive at a meadow in a broad flat valley at Ramche (4610m). The frozen lake at Lapsang, crystal clear streams and magnificent views of Mt. Kokthan, Rathong (6678m) and Kabru (6700m) are the highlights of the walk to Ramche. Overnight at tent in Ramche; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12: Rest and exploration day at Ramche

A well deserved rest and excursion day to break the trekking monotony! Grabbing our pack lunch, we set off very early for the first close-up encounter with Kanchenjunga. As we follow the valley around its sweeping curve, we come across the vast southern wall of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The ridge forms a cirque which is about 15 kilometers in length and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie the three main summits of Mt. Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. The sight is truly breathtaking. Proceeding further towards Oktang (4630m), we descend to the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where we can witness the panoramic view of the mountains in this region. What’s even more impressive is the eastern part of Kumbhakarna Glacier, flowing from the east face of Mt. Jannu (7710m), also locally known as “Kumbhakarna”.  After this ecstatic indulgence in the mountainous panorama, we return to our campsite in Ramche. Overnight at tent in Ramche; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13: Trek from Ramche to Mirgin La (4645m) via Lapsang (4433m/ 6.5hours)

Leaving our campsite, we trek down the valley retracing our steps back to the settlement of Lapsang (4430 m). We arrive at this familiar trail junction and embark on the small uphill route to Mirgin La (4645m) a pass that has to be crossed in order to get to the north face of Kanchenjunga. As we make a gradual descend from the Mirgin La, the views, in particular of Mt. Jannu, are simply jaw-dropping. Our campsite will be somewhere beyond the pass. Overnight at tent in Mirgin La; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 14: Trek from Mirgin La to Gunsa (3415m/6hours)

We begin our trek with a steep descent towards the Lamba Sumba Kharka, which offers a captivating view of the south-west face of Mt. Jannu. From here, the going is almost like a walk in the park.  Gradually descending along an excellent trail, we arrive at the Tibetan village of Gunsa (3415m). The tiny gompas and the prayer flags fluttering from the wooden houses are a common sight here. We have a good opportunity to visit a local hostelry and sample the Tongba, a local alcoholic beverage made up of fermented millet. Overnight at tent in Gunsa; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 15: Trek from Gunsa to Khambachen (4145m/5 - 6hours)

The trail makes a gradual ascent alongside the south bank of the Gunsa River, through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Moving ahead, we pass by many mani walls and chortens until we arrive at Rampak Kharka, where we halt for lunch. After lunch, we head towards the north of the river and thereby climb steeply before descending to the Tibetan village of Khambachen (4145m). We can capture an excellent view of Mt. Jannu (7710m) from here. Overnight at tent in Khambachen; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 16: Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4792m/4 - 5hours)

We begin our trek, with a gradual ascent through the open fields towards Ramtang village, from where the incredible fluted summit of Wedge Peak first becomes visible.  After the lunch break at Ramtang (4375m), we continue our way across the moraine towards the north-west of the Kanchenjunga glacier until we finally arrive at the settlement of Lhonak (4792m). The trek up to Lhonak via Ramtang village is not too strenuous despite the increase in altitude. The route offers us breathtaking views of the valley and mountain peaks. During the afternoon, Nepal Peak, the twins- Mera and the White Wave peaks, all come into view. Overnight at tent in Lhonak; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 17: Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (5140m/3 - 4hours)

The trail gradually ascends across the plain and follows the line of the moraine. We now climb onto the ridge and then gently drop to Pang Pema (5140m), the North Base Camp, which is poised directly opposite to the towering north face of Kanchenjunga. Be prepared for the chilly night, because soon as when the sun goes down, the mercury level takes a nose dive! Overnight at tent in Pang Pema; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 18: Rest cum an excursion day at Pang Pema; Hike to Jongsang La Pass (6100m) and back to Pang Pema (5140m/4-5 hours)

It is a rest day to say, but for the enthusiastic strollers, there are several diversions lined up for the day. One is to ascend the lower slopes of Drohmo for panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its adjoining peaks. Another possibility is to continue up the increasingly difficult terrain on the right flank of the glaciers for alternative views of the more remote peaks around the Jongsang La Pass (6100m), which takes about 4 – 5 hours. After the exploration, we hike back to our campsite at Pang Pema. Overnight at tent in Pang Pema; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 19: Trek from Pang Pema to Ramtang (4375m/3 - 4hours)

On day 19 and 20, we will basically be retracing our steps towards Gunsa. A short hike from Pang Pema, relishing the panorama of Nepal Peak and the twin mountains- Mera Peak and the White Wave peak, will bring us to our campsite at Ramtang (4375m), where we halt overnight. Overnight at tent in Ramtang; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 20: Trek from Ramtang to Gunsa (3415m) via Khambachen (4145m/3 - 4hours)

We begin our trek along a familiar trail making a gradual descent to the Tibetan village of Khambachen (4145m).  We make our way ahead passing by the mani walls and chortens, through the beautiful pine and rhododendron clusters and descend to the Gunsa river, before we enter the village of Gunsa (3415m). Overnight at tent in Gunsa; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day21: Trek from Gunsa to Kyapra (2725m/6hours) 

From Gunsa, we embark on the route that takes us out of the mountains following the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur rivers. The trail now pierces the spectacular forests of rhododendrons, conifers, birch and oaks.  Along the steep valley sides, our route continuously follows the river, cascades downwards and eventually brings us to the settlement of Kyapra (2725m).  Overnight at tent in Kyapra; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 22: Trek from Kyapra to Sakathum (1650m/7 hours)

Our route today follows an undulating trail for the first few hours until we reach Amjilasa. From here, the route takes a long steep descent, offering splendid views of the Gunsa River valley until we arrive at a Tibetan village of Sakathum (1650m). This village has a small tea shop, where you could probably enjoy the recharging sip of the locally made alcoholic beverage, Tongba. On a clear weather, we can relish the first close up view of Mt. Jannu (7710m). Overnight at tent in Sakathum; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 23: Trek from Sakathum to Chirwa (1185m/6 hours)

As we begin our trek to Chirwa, en route we can witness a spectacular sight of the confluence of Simbua and Gunsa rivers merging with the massive Tamur Koshi river.  We now follow the trail along the Tamur River until we arrive at a cheerful village of Chirwa (1185m). About 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of the village will bring us to a wonderful campsite. Overnight at tent in Chirwa; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 24: Trek from Chirwa to Phurumba(1900m) via Mitlung (890m/4 hours)

Today, the route leads us alongside the cultivated lands and rich pastures. We descend to Mitlung (890m) and stop for a healthy lunch. The trail then gets curvy through the steep path of stones until we arrive at Phurumba (1900m), where we camp overnight. Overnight at tent in Phurumba; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 25: Trek from Phurumba to Taplejung (1820m/3 hours) and Taplejung to Suketar (2420m/ 2 hours)

Bidding farewell to Phurumba, we continue ascending alongside a ridge for about 3 hours and arrive at Taplejung village (1820m). We can stroll around village for some time, observing the villagers getting indulged on their daily routine. As Nepalese folks are generally friendly, chances are that we may get invited to a few village homes. A leisurely walk for about 2 hrs from Taplejung will finally get us to the airstrip at Suketar, which literally concludes not our trip, but the trek. We can celebrate this accomplishment by jamming up with our crew members tonight. Overnight at teahouse in Suketar; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 26: Flight from Suketar to Biratnagar (80m/1 hour) and flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu (1400m/50min)
From Suketar, we hit the sky and land at the Biratnagar airport in about 30 minutes. We will catch a connecting flight to Kathmandu from here and after another 45 minutes on air, we touch down at the domestic wing of the Kathmandu airport. A representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your designated hotel in Kathmandu. You have gotten back from a long tiring trip, so you would probably want to flex your muscles a bit and get groomed. You have an extra day at Kathmandu tomorrow. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 27: A free day in Kathmandu
This is a free day in Kathmandu to fulfill anything that you missed out spotting in this energetic capital of Nepal. You can indulge yourself in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some stuff for your friends and relatives. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.

Day 28: Departure to your homeland

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

  Important  Snippets  

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

Accommodation

While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu /p>

Porter and Staff Care

When it comes to high altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitude conditions, are provided with adequate clothing and equipments.

Difficulty

It is understandable that scaling any altitude over 5000 metres is indeed challenging. But you needn't worry too much as our guides are super experienced and technically sound as far as attaining the altitude is concerned. In their company, your ascent will be convenient and safe.

Our Guides

Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you could actually connect with the nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides, who are fairly literate, multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the Kanchenjunga region. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining, but also equally informative.

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you, makes your trip secure and hassle free.

For more queries, Visit our  FAQ section or contact us directly at  marketing@marrontreks.com

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.

For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com

Cost Includes

• Airport pick-up and drop services.
• Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.
• Applicable domestic airfare as per the itinerary.
• Entrance and monumental fees during the sightseeing in Kathmandu as prescribed in the itinerary.
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Biratnagar on “BB” basis as per itinerary.
• All ground transportation costs in accordance to the itinerary.
• All trekking accommodation costs on full board (B, L,D) basis as per the itinerary.
• Four seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion) duffel bag, t-shirt and Cap (provided as complimentary gears).
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
• Salary to guide, porters, kitchen staffs and helpers for the trekking period.
• Personal insurance for crew members.
• All applicable tourist fees, conservation fees, "special permit" fees & TIMS fees necessary for trekking.
• All government and local taxes.
• Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.

Cost Excludes

• International airfare and domestic taxes.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Lunch & dinner expenses incurred before or after the trekking period.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).
• Tips to the guide, porter, driver, hotel, kitchen staffs and helpers (Tipping is expected).
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Excess baggage charges (luggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is 20 kgs.).
• Personal insurance and other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.).
• Cost of personal trekking gears and equipments (kindly refer to our equipment lists: http://www.marrontreks.com/itineraries/132-28/kanchenjunga-north-and-south-base-camp-trek-28-days.html#equipment-list ) .
• Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies like (but not limited to) natural calamities, accidents, illness, thefts, damages etc.
• Garbage deposit fees (refundable).
• Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section above.  

Departure Date

Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the trek packages. We operate group as well as individual/private treks. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.