One of the most challenging and remote treks, you get close up views of Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain that lies on Nepal's eastern border with Sikkim. It is a beautiful, unspoilt and remote area where you see some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the world. Kanchenjunga means 'five great treasure houses of snow' in Tibetan.
Starting with one of the most scenic flights to Suketar, you trek on trails used only by the local people, passing Rai and Limbu villages and pristine forests to South Face Base Camp at Ramche (4360m). Crossing to the northern side of Kanchenjunga, you make an unforgettable glacial excursion around Ramche.
Trek Grade: Kanchenchunga South Face Base Camp Trek is a Grade 4 trek involving maximum altitudes around 5143m and involves days of up to 7-8 hours walking.
Days | Activity |
---|---|
Day 1 | Fly from Kathmandu to Suketar (2420m), trek to Lalikharka (2265m, 4 hrs) |
Day 2 | Trek to Khesewa (2120m, 5-6 hrs) |
Day 3 | Trek to Mamankhe (1785m, 6-7 hrs) |
Day 4 | Trek to Yamphudin (2080m, 3-4 hrs) |
Day 5 | Trek to Torontan (2995m, 5-6 hrs) |
Day 6 | Trek to Cheram (3870m, 4-5 hrs) |
Day 7 | Cheram: Acclimatization and Rest |
Day 8 | Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) (4580m, 2-3 hrs) |
Day 9 | Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp (4500m, 7-8 hrs), back to Cheram |
Day 10 | Cheram to Sele La (4290m, 6-7 hrs) |
Day 11 | Trek to Ghunsa (3595m, 5-6 hrs) |
Day 12 | Trek to Kambachen (4050m, 5-6 hrs) |
Day 13 | Trek to Lhonak (4780m, 4-5 hrs) |
Day 14 | Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, overnight at Pangpema (5143m, 3-4 hrs) |
Day 15 | Pangpema to Lhonak (4780m, 4-5 hrs) |
Day 16 | Lhonak to Ghunsa (3475m, 7-8 hrs) |
Day 17 | Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m, 7-8 hrs) |
Day 18 | Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m, 5-6 hrs) |
Day 19 | Chirwa to Phurumbu (1,549m, 4 hrs) |
Day 20 | Phurumbu to Suketar (3 hrs) |
Day 21 | Fly to Kathmandu |
Trekking: Additional information
Please note that the published itinerary can only be a statement of intent and should be used as a guide only. Each day may vary due to the walking times of the group, camping and trail cond
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Fly from Kathmandu to Suketar (2420m), trek to Lalikharka (2265m, 4 hrs)
After catching an early morning flight to Suketar in the east of Nepal, you start your trek to Lalikharka passing through lush green forests. The trail starts to climb gently up Surke Danda through a rhododendron forest. Crossing a ridge at 2580m, the trail branches north to Pathibhara temple, a pilgrimage site for Hindus. The trail descends and contours around the hillside to Lalikharka where there are a few lodges.
Trek to Khesewa (2120m, 5-6 hrs)
You pass the Limbu village of Tembewa and climb to a ridge. The trail then descends steeply through a couple of villages to a suspension bridge which you cross, climbing back up steeply to Kunjari, another Limbu village (1700m). Looping around to Sinchebu Bhanjyang, this is a Gurung village with several bhattis where the locals can drink tea (or raksi). From here, there are good views of Kanchenchunga and Kyabru. You have now entered the Kabeli Valley. You descend from here to Khesewa, a village that is scattered across the mountainside.
Trek to Mamankhe (1785m, 6-7 hrs)
After breakfast, you cross the Nadewa Khola and a landslide area to reach Phundruwa. Traversing to Yangpang, you continue up through a forest, past a big waterfall and down the valley to a ridge where you see two shops (1850m) before dropping down to Phumphe village (1780m). You then descend steeply through rice terraces and cross the Khalsewa Khola on a long suspension bridge. You climb up to Mamankhe, a prosperous Limbu village with a number of shops and a big school.
Trek to Yamphudin (2080m, 3-4 hrs)
Though today is quite a short day, you go mostly uphill on a trail following the Kabeli Khola. Yamphudin is at the junction of two rivers. It is a mixed community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais and Gurungs. There is a Kanchenchunga Conservation Area check post where your entrance permit is checked.
Trek to Torontan (2995m, 5-6 hrs)
Climbing through bamboo and going through a forest of pine and rhododendron, you pass a pond and reach a ridge. Here you can see across to the Taplejung road far below. You descend through the forest and emerge above the Simbua Khola. Crossing the river, you reach Torontan.
Trek to Cheram (3870m, 4-5 hrs)
Starting in a deep forest, you cross a number of landslides to reach Tsento Kang, a goth (3360m). After another hour you reach a Buddhist shrine that is found in a cave. Climbing to Cheram, you see a large house in a meadow. You have Tuplung peak for the company for the most part of today’s journey.
Cheram: Acclimatization and Rest
You have a day here to help you acclimatize to the high altitude. There is a good a viewpoint for Kabaru and Rathong peaks. You can spend the day resting or exploring the areas around the Yalung Glacier.
Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) (4580m, 2-3 hrs)
You climb through forest to a landslide area, passing a mani walls and a stone house and climb along the side of the Yalang Glacier. The valley opens as you approach the glacier and you may see yaks in the high pastures. You pass a lake at Lapsang (4430m) and then walk through a high meadow at Ramche (4620m).
Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp (4500m, 7-8 hrs), back to Cheram
Following the stream by the moraine, you bear right to climb onto the moraine. There is a chorten and from here you have a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga’s southern face. A little further and you can admire Jannu Himal. Climbing the rough moraine you continue towards Oktang Monastery and up to reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from here are impressive: Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks all seem very close. You return down to Cheram.
Cheram to Sele La (4290m, 6-7 hrs)
A strenuous day today, you cross four passes starting with Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4645m) and continue to the Mirgin La pass (4663m). The Sinion La pass (4660m)is not very far and finally, you ascend the Sele La pass (4290m). There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass.
Trek to Ghunsa (3595m, 5-6 hrs)
Heading northwards you reach a chorten marked by prayer flags where the trail descends steeply through rhododendron, birch and pine forests to Ghunsa. This beautiful village has houses with dark and weathered pine walls that are decorated by Buddhist prayer flags. Gunsa is a Tibetan village with a tiny gompa. Here you can try the local ‘tongba,’ an alcoholic beverage made from fermented millet.
Trek to Kambachen (4050m, 5-6 hrs)
From Ghunsa, you continue north along the river, accompanied by magnificent mountain scenery. You pass meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers and go through rhododendron and pine forests. Crossing a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, you continue past a waterfall and cross the tricky section of a landslide area. You then see a spectacular view of Mt. Jannu.
Trek to Lhonak (4780m, 4-5 hrs)
Another challenging day and you start early today, first trekking through rocky fields and passing large boulders on the hillside, going along the river to reach a waterfall. You cross a bridge to reach Ramtang monastery. Taking care over a landslide section you descend to the river and finally arrive at Lhonak.
Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, overnight at Pangpema (5143m, 3-4 hrs)
From Lhonak, you trek towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp (4950m) following the trail alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. After you pass Pangpema, you reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Here the views to Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal and other Himalayan peaks are extraordinary. You descend back to Pangpema to spend the night.
Pangpema to Lhonak (4780m, 4-5 hrs)
From Pangpema you retrace back your steps down to Lhonak.
Lhonak to Ghunsa (3475m, 7-8 hrs)
From Lhonak, you descend all the way to Ghunsa via Kambache.
Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m, 7-8 hrs)
From Ghunsa you go down towards Phale passing several mini walls and a monastery. Walking through juniper forests to reach Phale, from here it is a steady descent to Gyabla. Crossing a bridge over Chhundatangka Khola you pass a waterfall and then cross a suspension bridge over Sumbung Khola before reaching Amjilosa.
Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m, 5-6 hrs)
Passing a waterfall and then the small settlement of Solima, you cross a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. You cross another suspension bridge before reaching Sukathum. Your trail now passes several villages beside Thunsa Khola before you reach Chirwa.
Chirwa to Phurumbu (1,549m, 4 hrs)
As you get lower you see larger villages. Your trail is now going through much more lush vegetation. You pass several villages before reaching Sinwa where you continue your descent to a bridge over the Sisne Khola. This is now on the Pathibhara Trek trail. Passing another village and crossing another suspension bridge, you finally reach Phurumbu.
Phurumbu to Suketar (3 hrs)
Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek ends today. You finish your walk on the Pathibhara Trek trail and take a much-needed rest after reaching Suketar.
Fly to Kathmandu
Flying back to Kathmandu in the morning, you have the rest of the day free. You might like to try out one of the many cooking classes or workshops on offer, go for some more sightseeing or do some last minute shopping.