Kanchenjunga Trekking

Kanchanjunga Circuit Trekking is suitable for travelers who have time and want to explore "off the beaten" trail of Nepal experiencing the untouched civilization and culture of the Tibetan people. While trekking in this trail you will witness more than 8 mountain peaks above 7000 meters. The trek is filled with many high passes which offer extraordinary mountain views. While crossing the Mirgin – La pass at an elevation of 4,725 meters we will witness splendid view of Chamlang, Makalu and the mighty Everest. The terraced fields and dense Rhododendron forests add more beauty to the Himalayas at the beginning of the trek. This trek to Kanchanjunga Base Camp allows you to experience the real life of mountain people with unique Buddhist culture that is preserved in this region. The rare Red Panda and snow leopard can also be found in this region.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Trip Info
Weather
Equipment
Useful Info

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. “B”. (06-07 Hours).
Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur then drive to Taplejung [2,420m] “B,L,D”. (45 m flight and 09-10 Hours).
Day 04: Trek to Lalikharka [2,265m]. “B,L,D”. (04-05 Hours).
Day 05: Trek to Khesewa [2,120m]. “B,L,D”. (05-06 Hours).
Day 06: Trek to Mamankhe [1,785m]. “B,L,D”. (05-06 Hours).
Day 07: Trek to Yamphudin. [2,080m]. “B,L,D”. (04-05 Hours).
Day 08: Trek to Tortong [2,995m]. “B,L,D”. (07-08 Hours).
Day 09: Trek to Cheram [3,870m]. “B,L,D”. (02-03 Hours).
Day 10: In Cheram [3,870m] Acclimatization and Rest. “B,L,D”.
Day 11: Trek to Ramchaur (Ramche) [4,580m]. “B,L,D”. (03-04 Hours).
Day 12: Trek to Yalung Base Camp [4,500m] back to Cheram [3,870m]. “B,L,D”. (03-04 Hours).
Day 13: Trek to Sele La [4,290m]. “B,L,D”. (06-07 Hours).
Day 14: Trek to Ghunsa [4,290m]. “B,L,D”. (02-03 Hours).
Day 15: Trek to Kambachen [4,050m]. “B,L,D”. (05-06 Hours).
Day 16: Trek to Lhonak [4,780m]. “B,L,D”. (05-06 Hours).
Day 17: Trek to Kanchenjunga base camp/Pangpema [5,143m]. “B,L,D”. (06-07 Hours).
Day 18: Trek to Lhonak [4,780m]. “B,L,D”. (03-04 Hours).
Day 19: Trek to Ghunsa [3,475m]. “B,L,D”. (06-07 Hours).
Day 20: Trek to Amjilosa [2,308m]. “B,L,D”. (05-06 Hours).
Day 21: Trek to Chirwa [1,270m]. “B,L,D”. (06-07 Hours).
Day 22: Trek to Taplejung [2,420m] via Mitlung [921m]. “B,L,D”. (07-08 Hours).
Day 23: Drive to Bhadrapur “B,L,D”. (09-10 Hours).
Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B". (Flight/Car).
Day 25: In Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B". (Flight/Car).
Day 26: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B".

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel: NAMASTE! A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport who will transfer you to the Hotel. A short briefing will be done after you have settled down. If you have any queries please do let us know. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath - (B): You will have breakfast in the Hotel. After breakfast we will drive to various UNESCO listed world heritage sites of Nepal which are situated inside the Kathmandu Valley. Swyambhunath is the initial heritage site that we will be visiting; a famous and important stupa for Buddhists which is situated at the top of a hill in Kathmandu Valley. The temple is also known as Monkey Temple due to hundreads of monkeys living around the temple area. We then head to the ancient palace of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square which consists many historical temples such as temple of the living Goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, and the Kasthamandap, a famous three storey building which was built from a wood of a single tree. Later today we will visit the most scared Hindu shrine of the world, Pashupatinath followed by the visit to Bouddhastupa one of the oldest and biggest stupa in Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur then drive to Taplejung [2,420m] - (B/L/D): Today we will be heading towards the starting point of our trek. Firstly, we take a flight to Bhadrapur which lies in Southeastern part of Nepal from where we drive to Taplejung. Overnight in Taplejung. Flight- 45 min, Drive- 09-10 hours.

Day 04: Trek to Lalikharka [2,265m] - (B/L/D): Today our trek begins officially. The first day is a gentle trek through the green forests with trail ascending and descending simultaneously. The trek today is not that challenging so we might reach LAlikharka for lunch. Overnight in Lalikharkha.Walking hour 04-05 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Khesewa [2,120m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast at the tea house we start our trek. The first stage of today’s trek is a descent to Phundrawa from where we start trekking uphill. The trail then is steep uphill till Yangpang followed by a gradual ascent to Phumphe Danda and onto Khesewa. Overnight in Khesewa.Walking hour 05-06 hours.

Day 06: Trek to Mamankhe [1,785m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast at the tea house we continue our trek in the direction of KabeliKhola from where we set on a trail that goes through dense forests before passing a small stream. The Himalayas start to appear in the background while we trek through beautiful villages of this region. Overnight in Mamankhe. Walking hour 05-06 hours.

Day 07: Trek to Yamphudin. [2,080m] - (B/L/D): The path today is mostly ascending. We trek alongside the KabeliKhola (River) with water sound continuously adding wonderful trekking experience and giving us a taste of nature. On our way we also see wonderful waterfall and get chance to walk over a suspension bridge.We pass through small settlements before reaching Yamphudin to spend the night.Overnight in Yamphudin.Walking hour 04-05 hours.

Day 08: Trek to Tortong [2,995m] - (B/L/D): Today we trek along another river named AmjiKhola. Throughout the trek Himalayas are always in the background with magnificient views. We trek through terraced fields and local villages trekking on the trail used by the villagers.We also cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong. Overnight in Tortong.Walking hour 07-08 hours.

Day 09: Trek to Cheram [3,870m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast we resume our journey. Today we walk alongside the SimbuwaKhola (River) with Tuplung peak providing the Himalayas view. Today we will be trekking in Lalung valley passing through dense Rhododendron forests on our way. Overnight in Cheram.Walking hour 02-03 hours.

Day 10: In Cheram [3,870m] - (B/L/D): Acclimatization and Rest: Today is a rest day and acclimatization day. As the air pressure decreases when we go higher in altitude it is very important to spend this day to make your body familiar with the decreasing air pressure. Today, we can hike around the Yalung Glacier or visit the view point for Kabaru and Rathong peaks. Overnight in Cheram.

Day 11: Trek to Ramchaur (Ramche) [4,580m] - (B/L/D): Today is a short day. We start our trek after breakfast at the tea house. The trail today offers pleasant walk on a valley trail with mountain views.We walk pass a small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche. Overnight in Ramche.Walking hour 03-04 hours.

Day 12: Trek to Yalung Base Camp [4,500m] back to Cheram [3,870m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast, we begin to trek further higher following a stream with glimse of Kanchanjunga and JannuHimal while passing the Oktang Monastery before reaching the Yalung base camp. We spend some time at the base camp admiring the beauty of the region. We descend back to Cheram to spend the night. Overnight in Cheram. Walking hour 03-04 hours.

Day 13: Trek to Sele La [4,290m] - (B/L/D): This day is filled with crossing passes where we cross 4 passes on a single day. We first cross SinelapcheBhanjyang followed by Mirgin La pass. Then we trek further towards Sinion La pass. We then ascend in the direction of Sele La Pass where many prayer flags are strung in one of the steeper portion.Overnight in Sele La. Walking hour 06-07 hours.

Day 14: Trek to Ghunsa [4,290m] - (B/L/D): On this day we hike northern towards TangbgharmaDanda. After reaching a chorten the trail descends through rhododendron and pine forests and reaches the beautiful settlement of Ghunsa. Overnight in Ghunsa.Walking hour 02-03 hours.

Day 15: Trek to Kambachen [4,050m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast at the tea house we continue northern with outstanding mountain views in the background. The trail today passes through meadows then into the rhododendron forests. Then we will cross a bridge at RampukKharka followed by a waterfall from where we head towards the landslide area where we need to be very careful. After crossing the risky portions we are rewarded with extraordinary views of mountains. Overnight in Kambachen. Walking hour 05-06 hours.

Day 16: Trek to Lhonak [4,780m] - (B/L/D): We start our day after your breakfast. The trail today is also similar to yesterdays with landslide areas. So we trek very steadily through the rocky trail and along the river. We reach Ramtang monastery after crossing the bridge.Overnight in Lhonak.Walking hour 05-06 hours.

Day 17: Trek to Kanchenjunga base camp/Pangpema [5,143m] - (B/L/D): Today we will be trekking alongside the Kanchanjunga Glacier. We first cross Pangpema and trek to the Kanchanjunga Base Camp. The base camp offers marvelous views of Mt. Kanchanjunga, JannuHimal along with many other peaks.Overnight in Pangpema.Walking hour 06-07 hours.

Day 18: Trek to Lhonak [4,780m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast we start our trek. Today we will be walking on the same trail we used before. We trek back to Lhonak for overnight stay. Overnight in Lhonak.Walking hour 03-04 hours.

Day 19: Trek to Ghunsa [3,475m] - (B/L/D): Today’s trail is also the same as we used to get up to the Kanchanjunga Base Camp. We descend down to Ghunsa passing Kambache.Overnight in Ghunsa.Walking hour 06-07 hours.

Day 20: Trek to Amjilosa [2,308m] - (B/L/D): Descending continues on this day as well. The trail is mostly downhill through Juniper forests before reaching Phale and down to Gyabla. Before reaching Gyabla we cross ChhundatangkaKhola over a bridge. We cross another suspension bridge over SumbunfKhola. After crossing the river we finally reach Amjilosa.Overnight in Amjilosa.Walking hour 05-06 hours.

Day 21: Trek to Chirwa [1,270m] - (B/L/D): Trekking begins after breakfast at the teahouse. The first part of today’s trail offers wonderful waterfall followed by a village at Solima from where we head towards GhunsaKhola and cross it on a suspension bridge to reach Sukathum. Further ahead we see two more rivers named Thunsa River and TamorNadi River. Overnight in Chirwa.Walking hour 06-07 hours.

Day 22: Trek to Taplejung [2,420m] via Mitlung [921m] - (B/L/D): Today is the last day of the trek. We trek towards Taplejung waving Goodbye to the wonderful mountain life. The trail today offers wonderful views of hills with magnificient flora and fauna on display.Overnight in Taplejung.Walking hours 07-08 hours.

Day 23: Drive to Bhadrapur - (B/L/D): Today we will drive to Bhadrapur airport. Overnight in Bhadrapur. Drive 08-09 hours.

Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu [1,338m] - (B): We will fly to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu we will transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu. Flight time 45 min.

Day 25: In Kathmandu [1,338m] - (B): This is a free day in Kathmandu. You can walk down the streets of Thamel for Souvenir shopping or enjoy good food at the restaurants around Thamel. There are plenty of options. We are always happy to give you suggestions. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 26: Trip ends! - (B): A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will assist you to the airport according to your flight time. Returning back with memories that last lifetime.“NAMASTE!”

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

Arrival and Departure Transport.
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in Tea house while trekking.
Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu Flight.
Bhadrapur-Suketar-Bhadrapur Drive.
Trekking porter with insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Kanchanjunga Trekking Region map.
Tims and Acap fees.
Special Permit for Kanchanjunga.
Government taxes.
Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) you should get visa Upon your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM:
This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

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Kanchenjunga Trekking