KANCHANJUNGA SOUTH BASE CAMP

This trek approaches to the Eastern Nepal where the world’s third highest peak Kanchanjunga 8598m.

  • Trip Duration :
    21 Days
  • Rating :
  • Highest Altitude :
    4363m m.
  • Difficulty :
    N/A
  • Season :
    N/A
  • Activity :
    Nepal Trekking
  • Price:
    USD 0
  • Start-End :
    -
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This trek approaches to the Eastern Nepal where the world’s third highest peak Kanchanjunga 8598m dominates the skyline. Mt. Kanchanjunga, one of the world’s most challenging peaks to climb, geographically lies on the Nepal-Sikkim (India) border. Treks in the eastern Nepal are fully organized camping based trek which includes 3 square meals per day cooked by our trained Sherpa cooks. The trek begins right after a flight to Biratnagar followed by the drive to Phidim.

As the trek begins we follow the glacial rivers; Tamur and Ghunsa and finally get to the origins of these rivers on the northwest side of Kanchenjunga. On arrival we know we are in a different world; beautiful and untamed. 3600 alpine magnificence where the peaks such as; Pyramid Peak, Jannu, The Twins and the mighty Kanchenjunga (8586m) offer eye feasting views. The latter half of the trek is dramatically enchanting as it traverses the southern side of the mountain via Mirgin La Pass (4663m). The trek also highlights the cultural encounter in the remote villages dominated by the ethnical tribes including Rai, Limbu and Sherpas. Kanchenjunga National Park, the home to elusive snow Leopard is paradise for wildlife lovers as well.

Day 1 :  Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 :  Sightseeing tour
Day 3 :  Fly Kathmandu to Biratnagar and drive to Phidim
Day 4 :  Trek to Lali Kharka (2220m)
Day 5 :  Trek to Keswa [2100m]
Day 6 :  Trek to Mamanke [2000m]
Day 7 :  Trek to Yamphudin [1650m]
Day 8 :  Trek to Lamite Jungle camp [2920m]
Day 9 :  Trek to Torontan [3080m]
Day 10 :  Trek to Tseram [3750m]
Day 11 :  Trek to Ramche [4360m]
Day 12 :  Rest day in Ramche – Exploration
Day 13 :  Trekking beyond the Mirgin La [4663m]
Day 14 :  Trek to Gunsa [3475m]
Day 15 :  Trek to Kyapra [2300m]
Day 16 :  Trek to Sakathum [1600m]
Day 17 :  Trek to Chirwa [1180m]
Day 18 :  Trek to Phurumba
Day 19 :  Trek to Taplejung – Drive to Phidim
Day 20 :  Trek to Taplejung – Drive to Phidim
Day 21 :  Depart Kathmandu

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities. Overnight at Hotel.
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. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swayambhunath. Overnight at Hotel.
Biratnagar and drive to Phidim. From Kathmandu we take a flight to Biratnagar. On reaching Biratnagar we will drive to Phidim, our trek starting point. 3-4 hours of drive will bring us to Phidim.
Today our trek begins and for the next three weeks we will be wondering in the places dominated by beautiful and wild nature. We head to Lali Kharka with the trekking crew. On the trail, we walk by rich pastures and pristine settlements. After several descents for 3-4 hours, we arrive at Lali Kharka. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
As we traverse along the steep route to Pokhara village, fascinating terraced farmland unfolds soon after crossing a suspension bridge above the Phawa Khola. The route further leads to Kunjari where we halt for lunch. After lunch, we continue following the trekking trail. We get to see dense forests and sometimes a small village located on a hill, as we progress along the trail. On skirting along a gently sloping mountain path, we reach Tambawa and later Bhanjyang, where we spot several teahouses. At this point, we can capture mesmerizing sight of Kanchenjunga glowing against the sun. After having trekked for 5-6 hours, we conclude the day’s trip. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Leaving behind the terraced fields of Keswa, we follow an adventurous route to Nandeva Khola. After crossing the river, we trudge along the glaciated mountain passes. Further ahead, the route winds through dense forest and the village of Loppoding. We come across shady areas where we can rest for a while after strenuous trekking. The sinuous trail then takes us to the right bank of the Kabeli Khola. After a while, terraced fields reappear and the village of Anpan comes into view. We continue ascending till we reach Ponpe Dhara. There are shady spots on the way where we can have a brief rest. As we proceed along the trail, we see several hamlets and terraced fields stretch along the crest of the ridge. There is a rest area where we can pause for a while to bask in the fascinating sight of Mt. Jannu. We continue our descent along the winding path, as we pass through the village of Anpan and terraced fields along Khangwa Khola. We arrive at a suspension bridge. We cross the bridge and continue descending the undulating mountain passes till we reach the village of Mamankhe. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Beginning with an easy climb, the walk to Yamphudin is along a trail which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. We cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides and the trail eventually becomes level with the river a couple of hours before Yamphudin. Along the way, we can stop to bathe in one of the many clear pools in this beautiful river. It is a truly idyllic spot and after lunch by the river, we complete the day's walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last habitation we will see until we reach Gunsa. Needless to say, it is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of the Deorali Danda, which we must cross next. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Beyond Yamphudin, the trail ascends a steep spur before dropping again to cross the Omje Khola. Walking through a beautiful and dense forest, we stop for lunch in a meadow atop this spur, which commands fine views of the valley beyond Yamphudin to the south and of the Omje Khola Valley and Deorali Danda to the north. A steep descent to the river brings us to our campsite in a clearing in the Lamite forest. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
From our campsite we ascend steeply for 3 hours through dense forest to the crest of the Deorali Danda. From the top, Mt Jannu is clearly visible. After crossing the pass, we descend across some fairly steep and exposed scree slopes before re-entering the forest, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, a steep descent takes us down into the valley of the Simbua Khola and after crossing an interesting wooden bridge, we arrive at Torontan. This campsite lies amongst the towering fir trees of what is now a mainly coniferous alpine forest.
This morning, we follow the right bank of the river, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. The trail is fairly steep and, as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram, the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peep over the moraine.We camp at Tseram, where night-time temperature plummets, reminding us that we are really gaining height. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
A relatively short day's walk today to our next camp at Ramche. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this walk into Ramche which is situated on a broad, flat ablation zone. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Leaving our camp at Ramche, we take a packed lunch and set off very early for our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley around its sweeping curve, we come across the vast southern wall of the mountain. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 kms long and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie the three main summits of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. These three summits, jutting out into the sky presents a really grand sight. Proceeding further on towards Oktang [4630m], we descend onto the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where we can see the panoramic view of the mountains in the area. Especially impressive is the eastern part of Khumbakarna Glacier flowing from the east face of Jannu [Kumbhakarna being the local name for Jannu]. We then return to our camp at Ramche. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Leaving our campsite, we trek down the valley, passing the small settlement of Lapsang, before turning off towards the Mirgin La - the pass we must cross in order to reach Gunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. As we descend from the Mirgin La, the views, in particular of Mt Jannu, are simply magnificent. Our campsite will be somewhere beyond the pass. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
A steep descent from our campsite brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka where there are more splendid views of the awesome south west face of Jannu. From here, the going is easy. Descending on an excellent trail to the village of Gunsa, where we camp in the fields by the river. Gunsa is a Tibetan village with a tiny gompa and prayer flags fluttering atop the wooden houses. It comes as a welcome sight after the rigorous walk of the previous days and provides an excellent opportunity to visit a strange local hostelry and sample the 'tongba' [alcoholic beverage fermented out of millet]. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
From Gunsa, our route out of the mountains follows the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur Kholas and passes through spectacular forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. We pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and, an hour or so further on, we camp in the forest at a spot called Tang. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Heading for the village of Sakathum, our route follows an undulating trail for the first couple of hours until we reach Amjilasa. From here, there is a long steep descent from which we can see the Gunsa Khola Valley stretched out before us. We camp in the fields of Sakathum. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Leaving Sakathum, we head to Chirwa. En route we meet the confluence of two rivers, Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola at Tamur Kosi. On following the trail along Tamur khola, many other small tributary streams come our way. After trekking for about 4-5 hours we enter the pristine village of Chirwa. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
The route further leads to cultivated land and rich pastures. On reaching Mitlung, we halt for a healthy lunch. Then our trail zigzags through the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours we come to the valley of Phurumba. We camp at Phurumba for the night. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
As we leave the valley, we continue ascending along the ridge for about 3 hours to Taplejung village. We can wander around the village getting familiar with village life, cultural richness, custom and village people. Thereafter, 2 hours of drive will bring us to Phidim where our trek concludes officially. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
3-4 hours of drive from Phidim will bring us to Biratnagar and then we take a flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Overnight at Hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. We ensure that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative from Nepal Himalayan Voyages will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

Cost Includes

  • Assisted upon arrival at the airport by our office representative.
  • All arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary by a/c vehicles.
  • 03 nights twin/double room accommodation as per your choice of Hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast basis.
  • 17 nights / 18 days trek arrangements on full board basis including, Guide, Porters, Cook and tents as per the itinerary.
  • Two men dome’ or ‘A’ shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping [Clients need to have their own sleeping bag, you can hire in Kathmandu]. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows.
  • All sightseeing tours mentioned above itinerary in Kathmandu with our local English speaking guide including entrance fees.
  • Airfare for the sector Kathmandu / Biratnagar and Biratnagar / Kathmandu with airport transfers.
  • National park fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System.
  • Equipment clothing for porters and staff only.
  • Insurance for all Nepali staff and porters.
  • All applicable taxes presently 24.3%.

Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare and taxes.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Any transportation cost outside of the regular itinerary.
  • Extra baggage charges.
  • Personal gears and clothing.
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation, table drinks, snacks while trekking.
  • Any insurance.
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