Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek - 15 days

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek - 15 days


Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek is the most preferred route of the Kanchenjunga trail as it provides proper acclimatization and leads you to a greater altitude of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m) than in the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,610m). In addition, this 15-day itinerary is perfect for time-limited travelers looking for the shorter version of the Kanchenjunga trek

The adventure of the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek begins with the flight to Bhadrapur and driving to Sukethum via Mitlung. You'll embark on your trekking journey from Sukethum and pass through several notable highland villages like Gyabla, Amjilosa, Ghunsa, and Lhonak; you'll reach North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga (Pang Pema). 

The base camp, which lies at a greater altitude of 5,143m, offers spectacular mountain vistas with the most outstanding view of the north face of Kanchenjunga. Once you admire the region's beauty and the majestic Himalayas from the north base camp, you'll follow the same trail and return to Kathmandu. Your short Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek will end with the final flight home. 

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.

Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.

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Trip Highlights

  • A more adventurous trekking route leads to Kanchenjunga North BC at a greater altitude of 5,143m than in the Kanchenjunga South BC (4,610m) 
  • Walk around the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
  • Encounter diverse species of wildlife, including Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Pheasant, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Musk Deer, etc.
  • Traverse through several beautiful rivers like Ghunsa, Yamtari, Sumbung, Saekang, etc
  • Witness the majestic 150-meter-high waterfall on the way to Amjilosa
  • Explore ancient monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens
  • Pass through some notable highland villages, including Ghunsa, Lhonak, Gyabla, etc
  • Trek leads near the borders of Sikkim and Tibet
  • Spend wonderful walking around the foothills of the world’s third highest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586)
  • Hike alongside the moraine of magnificent Kanchenjunga Glacier
  • Stunning mountain views, including the north face of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Kanchenjunga West from the Kanchenjunga North BC/ Pang Pema
  • Amazing glaciers, narrow canyons, rock formations
  • Unique Himalayan Tibetan-influenced culture

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Day 3 Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Drive to Mitlung (921m/3,021ft) through Taplejung- 45 minutes flight and 7 to 8 hours drive
Day 4 Drive from Mitlung and to Sukethum and Trek to Amjilosa (2,510m/8,240ft) - 3 to 4 hours drive and 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 5 Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m/8,960ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 6 Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,600m/11,810ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek
Day 7 Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa
Day 8 Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,100m/13,450ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 9 Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4,790m/15,715ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 10 Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) (5,143m/16,880ft) and back to Lhonak- 8 to 9 hours trek
Day 11 Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,600m/11,810ft)- 6 to 7 hours trek
Day 12 Trek from Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,510m/8,240ft)- 7 to 8 hours trek
Day 13 Trek from Amjilosa to Sukethum and Drive to Taplejung (2,420m/7,932ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek and 5 to 6 hours drive
Day 14 Drive from Taplejung to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 5 to 6 hours drive and 45 minutes flight
Day 15 Final Departure

Route Map

Route map for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Route map for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Third Rock Adventures will receive you and transfer you to the respective hotel. On arrival, check in to the hotel; you can rest for a while and later visit the main places of Kathmandu, such as Thamel, Durbar Marg, etc.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation

Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a bustling city full of culture, history, and religion. Its exotic atmosphere is unique and worth visiting. It is a fantastic place to wander around with many beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples, colorful streets, fascinating museums, and cultural heritage sites. You’ll visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley, including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Later after completing the sightseeing, you’ll attend the small meet-up where your trek guide will brief you about the upcoming Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek. You can freely discuss your queries. Next, you’ll get back to the hotel and start preparing for the forthcoming Kanchenjunga Trek.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

Day 3
Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Drive to Mitlung (921m/3,021ft) through Taplejung- 45 minutes flight and 7 to 8 hours drive

Today you’ll fly to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu and drive along the countryside, passing through Taplejung until you reach Mitlung. Along the way, you’ll also catch the lovely view of green hills, rice terrace fields, streams, rivers, etc.

Overnight stay in Mitlung.

Day 4
Drive from Mitlung and to Sukethum and Trek to Amjilosa (2,510m/8,240ft) - 3 to 4 hours drive and 5 to 6 hours trek

After breakfast, you’ll first drive to the Tibetan village of Sukethum, which is also the starting trekking point of this trip. En route, you’ll pass through small, captivating settlements of Sinwa, Tawa, Thiwa, Chiruwa, Taplethok, Temewa, Hellok, etc. Further driving along, the bankside of the river, such as Tawa, Thiwa, Sisuwa, and Ghatte Khola you’ll reach Sukethum.

After a brief stopover, you’ll begin your trek with an uphill climb along the Ghunsa Khola. En route, you’ll cross several bridges and come across small villages of Jongim, Ghaiyabari, Solima, and Lowagaon. Crossing the bridge, you enter the lush forests. Once you arrive in Amjilosa, you can explore the village and connect with the locals.

Overnight stay in Amjilosa. 

Day 5
Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m/8,960ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek

Gyabla Village Gyabla Village | Photo by: Stan Adam, flickr

Start your day with a power-pack breakfast and proceed towards Gyabla (Kyapra). Further, the trails lead through the forested area and reach a flat ridge. Today, you’ll encounter very few human settlements so you can enjoy the pristine trekking trail with enchanting views of snowy peaks. Trekking for a few hours, you arrive in this small village of Gyabla. Here most of the people follow the culture and lifestyle influenced by Tibetan.

Overnight stay in Gyabla. 

Day 6
Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,600m/11,810ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek

With today’s trek, you’ll reach the important landmark, Ghunsa Village. It is the famous stopover place for acclimatization during Kanchenjunga Trek. Start your trek by climbing the forested ridge, then cross the Ghunsa river. First, you’ll reach Pahle/Phole (3,240m), a small refugee settlement where you can find local carpet factories. Further walking along the forested trail, you’ll reach Ghunsa village. But before reaching Ghunsa, just a mile ahead on the left section, you’ll notice the course that leads to Nango La (4,795m). That route takes you to the ancient village of Olangchun Gola (3,191m).

Overnight stay in Ghunsa. 

Day 7
Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa

Today you can either rest or explore the beautiful landscape of Ghunsa village. You can hike to the nearby ridges and enjoy the alluring views of Kumbhakarna Peak (7,711m), also known as Januu Peak. Next, you can interact with the locals and learn about rural lifestyles, culture, and traditions. Further, visit some ancient monasteries where you can learn about Buddhist culture highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

Overnight stay in Ghunsa.

Day 8
Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,100m/13,450ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek

Kambachen Kambachen

Today you’ll head further north along the riverbank. The impressive mountain scenery will accompany you and come across meadows filled with beautiful colorful flowers. After crossing the forest trail, you’ll cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka and continue until you arrive at a waterfall. From here, you’ll cross the tricky section of a landslide area. After this part, you’ll get a glimpse of the magnificent view of Mt. Jannu. Continue to walk on the mountain trail till you arrive at Kambachen.

Overnight stay in Kambachen. 

Day 9
Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4,790m/15,715ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek

Lhonak Lhonak, Kanchenjunga

Today you’ll trek towards Lhonak one step closer to Pang Pema. After breakfast, you’ll begin your hike through rocky fields and large boulders. Gradually you’ll hike along the hillside and arrive at the waterfall. After crossing a bridge, you’ll reach Ramtang (4,370m), where you can visit Ramtang Monastery. 

Further, walking for a couple of hours alongside the splendid Kanchenjunga Glacier, you’ll reach Lhonak. This tiny settlement near a dry lakebed offers astonishing mountain views, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mera Peak, Nepal Peak, Wedge Peak, etc. 

Overnight stay in Lhonak. 

Day 10
Trek from Lhonak to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) (5,143m/16,880ft) and back to Lhonak- 8 to 9 hours trek


Today you’ll hit the trail that leads to Pang Pema/ Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Finally, your dream will come true. Wake early and head towards the base camp. This trail to the base camp is a favorite amongst the trekkers as it offers an incredible scene of the north face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak. This panorama is one of the best you’ll encounter on this trip.

Once you arrive at the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, you’ll admire the stunning mountain vistas, including Januu and Chang Himal, which will leave you spellbound. Explore the surroundings and enjoy the surreal views of snow-capped mountains above the massive Kanchenjunga Glacier. You can click photos and celebrate your success. Later you’ll trek back to Lhonak.

Overnight stay in Lhonak. 

Day 11
Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,600m/11,810ft)- 6 to 7 hours trek

Gunsa Village Ghunsa village

After spending a wonderful time at the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, you’ll retrace the path to Ghunsa village. Walking again along the isolated trail, you’ll reach Ghunsa village through Kambachen. On the way, you’ll relish the view of the dramatic alpine landscape and mountain vistas.

Overnight stay in Ghunsa. 

Day 12
Trek from Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,510m/8,240ft)- 7 to 8 hours trek

Start your day with breakfast and depart from Ghunsa village. Taking the earlier route, you’ll pass through Gyabla village and continue your walk along the hillside. Trek continues and passes through small pastures, water streams, and forested areas. Once you arrive at Amjilosa, you can take a rest.

Overnight stay in Amjilosa. 

Day 13
Trek from Amjilosa to Sukethum and Drive to Taplejung (2,420m/7,932ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek and 5 to 6 hours drive

Begin the day with breakfast and a walk around the gorgeous environs of the place before setting off on the descending trek to Sukethum. You’ll cross several bridges and descend to the Sukethum. Passing the same small settlements on the earlier trail you took while starting this trek, and you’ll reach the Sukethum. Enjoying the panoramic Himalayan views, you’ll again drive towards Taplejung. 

Overnight stay in Taplejung.  

Day 14
Drive from Taplejung to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 5 to 6 hours drive and 45 minutes flight

Early morning, you’ll have breakfast and start driving towards Bhadrapur. Afterward, you’ll take a domestic flight to Kathmandu. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can freshen up and explore the surroundings. You can even do last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel. 

Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

Day 15
Final Departure

A representative from Third Rock Adventures will drop you at the international airport on time to fly back home. Besides, you can also extend your trip by opting for any other trekking and tour packages in Nepal. 



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Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Carter Cook
flagsUnited Kingdom
Nov 24, 2022

Amazing trek to Kanchejunga Base Camp

I canceled the EBC trek and did this Kanchenjunga trek and I loved it. The trail and teahouses weren't much crowded and I could enjoy quality time with my expeirenced guide Passang. He was energetic and enthusiastic to serve me. I was so happy that he chose the best available room for me and the food were good. The view was great obviously because of good weather. I am back and already planning with my adventure with Third Rock to the mountains of Nepal.
Freddie Doyle
flagsMexico
Nov 21, 2022

Best trek

I did Everest Base Camp Trek in 2018 andthis year I did Kanchenjunga Trek again with Third Rock Adventures. Naba, the main person behind TRA suggested me for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek. I enjoyed every single moment of my trip during the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek.The trail was so peaceful and the guest house along the trail was very peaceful. The food was very organic! I love the Ghunsa village and the Khambachen village very much. if you are looking for a trek in Nepal for Everest Base Camp alternative, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is the best option!
Florence Allen
flagsUnited Kingdom
Nov 20, 2022

Best trek

The previous travel agency I went with wasn't as professional as Third Rock Adventures. Third Rock Adventures was so helpful with everything, even small work. The guides were so welcoming and the founder, Naba was so great person. We had an amazing time doing this trek. I have to say that the trek is amazing. If you are looking for less-crowded trek, this is the trek for you.
Katherine King
flagsUnited States of America
Nov 20, 2022

Kanchenjga BC

It was a tough and challenging trek, at least for me but thanks to the experienced guide who was so calm and ready for everything coming. He encouraged me to go on when I thought of returning. When I look back, I feel so good that I did this trek. There are a few more hotels established to cater to trekkers coming to explore the base camp of Kanchenjunga. I highly recommend Thrd Rock for challening treks like this.
Emerson Lake
flagsUnited Kingdom
Apr 28, 2022

Kangchenjunga Trekking with Third Rock

Trekiing to Kanchenjunga BC is not a simple trek. It takes your strong determination to complete this trek, and additionally, you need someone who is highly experienced guide. I am much more thankful to Naba for assigning me Gadul for this trek who was perfect partner for this trek. It is recommended only when you have experience of trekking for at least more than 2 treks. Rest assured the adventure to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp (North) is marvelous.
Dante Lawrence
flagsUnited States of America
Apr 26, 2022

Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

My third trek after EBC and ABC trek. And admittedly, this is the most challenging among these three trek. The trek gives you lifelong experience and memories. Glad that I chose Third Rock for this trek because this trek is less-popular and less-frequented. You need highly experienced guide like Gadul for this trek. If you are planning to do remote trek like this, I request and recommend you go with Third Rock Company.
Neva Arellano
flagsSpain
Nov 26, 2019

Kanchenjunga trek

Amazing service by the company. They have experienced guide who can take you to anywhere in Nepal and return safely back with beautiful memories. This trek is probably the best trek I have ever done. This is my second trek with this company and I always recommend them to anyone who ask me for the local Nepali travel- adventure company.
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