Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek – 16 Days

Kanchenjunga is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world and is believed to be the abode of the Gods. A vast territory having few inhabitants surrounded by nature in the middle of wild and unspoiled landscapes. Kanchenjunga falls under Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Home to a wide range of biodiversity including red panda and “Ghost of the Mountain” Snow Leopard.   

Traversing across small hillside villages, wild rain forest, remote alpine grounds, chasing river networks, glaciers, and moraines reach the base of the 3rd highest mountain in the world. Where destinations come to life and the trekking experience is honest as it gets. The Kanchenjunga North Base camp Trek is a physically demanding trek. So a high level of physical and mental fitness is required. On average, you will gain an altitude of 400-800 meters a day.

The Kanchenjunga North Base camp Trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Upon reaching Bhadrapur head on a long drive to Taplejung. The drive takes you from the low flat lands of Terai to the Churia hills the youngest Hill line present in the southern part of the country. From Taplejung start your trek towards the village of Sinuwa. Next following the forested trail reach the tiny village of Chirwa.

Chasing river networks and traversing across deep wilderness head towards Ghunsa Khola Valley and eventually to Sakathum village. From Sakathum move towards the Tibetan village of Amjilosa. Leaving Amjilosa following the forested trail of rhododendron and bamboo reaches the tiny settlement of Gyable. Next, the trail takes you traversing through large alpine pasture lands, crossing villages and sections of deep wilderness to Gunsa. A large Tibetan village perched in the heart of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. After an acclimatization excursion exploring the wonders of Gunsa proceed towards Kambachen. Along the trail cross several slopes and glacier moraines. Then following the northern side of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and the flat terrain past the Lhonak Glacier reach the village of Lhonak. From the village soak in the splendid views of Wedge peak, Mera peak, Nepal peak, and Twins peak.

Next following the tracks of the Lhonak Glacier on the northern ridges. Traversing across mountain country eventually reach the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From the base camp witness grand panoramic views of the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga, Janu Himal, Everest, Makalu, Tharpu Chuli, Kabru, and endless other mountain ranges, icefalls, and glaciers.

The following day traversing downhill trails eventually reach the settlement of Ghunsa. From Ghunsa following the deep rich wilderness move to Amjilosa. The following day proceeds towards Sakathum and eventually head on a long drive to Taplejung. From Taplejung head towards Bhadrapur and finally catch a scenic flight to Kathmandu.

The Kanchenjunga North Base camp Trek takes you to horizons one can never forget. A region with unparalleled beauty where you will sense the entirety of the landscape and then complement that with the people living there. Be a part of this adventure with the Alpine Club of Himalaya capturing your imagination.

Entry fee and Permits

The following permits are required for trekking to Kanchenjunga Region.

Kanchenjunga Trek Permit Cost 

• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) Nrs 2,000 per person. There is no time limitation for the permit.
• Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) USD 10 per person, per week.

Kanchenjunga Trek RAP Requirements 

This permit must be processed through a valid local travel agency registered in Nepal. You will need a minimum of two trekkers in a group to obtain the permit.

You will need:

• Valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and a valid Nepal visa extending past the expiry date of your RAP.
• On the agency’s headed paper you need to supply details of
  • Application
  • Itinerary
  • Insurance details for guide
  • Online submission id (as provided by agency)
  • Details of dollars
• E-copy of passport-sized photo

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses providing basic facilities. At some locations, you will be staying in makeshift camps.

Meals and drinking water

Along the Kanchenjunga Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali and Tibetan ethnic cuisines. The region has several tea-house along the trail run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities.

However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail that are untreated. So direct use of the water is not recommended. You may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Kanchenjunga Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region. The clear weather brings great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures. The nights are clear and are a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Kanchenjunga Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

Travel Insurance

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue. Any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by the Participant

If you decide to cancel your booking for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek please notify Alpine Club of Himalaya in writing (via email or official communication) as early as possible. The following cancellation charges apply:

• 60 days or more before trek start date: 20% cancellation fee of the total trip cost
• 30 to 59 days before trek start date: 50% cancellation fee of the total trip cost
• Less than 30 days before departure: No refund; 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

These fees cover administrative costs, permits, pre-arranged logistics, and potential losses caused by late cancellations.

Cancellation by the Organizer

In the rare circumstance that Alpine Club of Himalaya must cancel the trek due to unforeseen or uncontrollable events such as extreme weather, natural disasters, or safety concerns in the region, you will be offered either:

• A full refund of all payments made
  OR
• The option to reschedule your trek for a future available date at no additional cost

Your safety is our highest priority, and cancellations are only made when absolutely necessary.

Force Majeure Clause

Alpine Club of Himalaya cannot be held responsible for cancellations, delays, or extra expenses resulting from force majeure events, including but not limited to:

• Earthquakes, floods, landslides
• Political unrest, strikes, or border closures
• Epidemics, pandemics, or other health emergencies
• Airspace closures, airline cancellations, or flight delays

In such cases, participants are responsible for any additional personal costs such as extra accommodation, changed flights, or insurance claims. We strongly recommend that all trekkers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and force majeure events before joining the trek.