The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote Himalayan adventures, taking you deep into the eastern mountains where tradition, wilderness, and breathtaking scenery merge into a powerful trekking experience. This 24-day journey explores both the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak.
Beginning with a scenic flight to Suketar, the trail winds through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and culturally rich villages inhabited by Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities. As the trek progresses, the landscape shifts dramatically—from warm lowlands to icy high-altitude glaciers. You’ll cross high passes such as Sele La, visit monasteries, stay in traditional villages like Ghunsa, and sleep in remote mountain lodges surrounded by towering peaks.
The trek’s ultimate highlight is reaching Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at Pangpema (5143m), where the mighty mountain reveals its full grandeur. You also explore the Yalung Glacier and Yalung Base Camp, offering two distinct Himalayan perspectives. With dramatic glaciers, deep valleys, pristine forests, and unmatched alpine beauty, this trek is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking a rugged, less-traveled route.

More about Kanchenjunga Trekking

Kanchenjunga trekking is the wilderness off the beaten track in Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. The Kanchenjunga Mountain range covers the eastern part of Nepal and India. Kanchenjunga trekking route is opened for foreigners for trekking in only 1988. Actually Kanchenjunga is a remote and undeveloped area as compared to other trekking destinations of Nepal. However Kanchenjunga treks is a really paradise for the adventure lovers. Here trekkers get an opportunity of a great walking through terraced fields, forests of birch, bamboo and rhododendron. Himalayan bear, barking deer and the lesser panda are among the rich animal and bird life that fill most of part of Kanchenjunga trekking.
The breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu with beautiful glaciers offers further excitement to all trekkers along this trekking trail. Besides nature the trekkers also witness culture and lifestyle of Limbus and Rais in this trail. These are two dominant ethnic groups in eastern Nepal. During Kanchenjunga treks, one is bound to have an unforgettable experience of difference that cannot be found somewhere else in the world. Kanchenjunga trekking trail leads with amazing scenery of landscapes, alpine green woodlands, vegetation and mountains, this adventurous trek after exploring the southern base camp, and then heading to cross three high passes Mirgin, Tamo-la and Simion-La at above 4,500 m, on reaching the top fantastic views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang. After Simion La, walk descends gently to Tamo La at 4,560 m with grand view of Khumbakarna, then trail finally heads down hill towards the Buddhist area of Ghunsa, 3,480 m, Kangbachen 4,000m and then to Lhonak at 4,780 m high here with another wonderful rest day for local hike and excursion to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp also called Pangpema at 5,150 meters the highest point of this adventure.

Is lodge trek is possible in Kanchenjuga?

Although first climbed in 1955, Kanchenjunga was still restricted area for normal trekkers until the late 1980’s that restrictions were lifted to allow trekkers rather than just mountaineering expeditions to approach Kanchenjunga from Nepal. Special, restricted permits are needed to walk here as you traverse pristine conservation areas. Solo hiking is not allowed and local guides must be employed to obtain permits.
Kanchenjunga is classed as a demanding trek due to its remoteness and altitude. There are no crowds and you will meet few other trekkers. Participants should be physically fit enough to walk for at least 6 hours a day. However, because the government is emphasizing tourism in the area as part of the Great Himalayan Trail you can now walk Kanchenjunga on a tea-house basis. Staying at local accommodation, assists locals with augmenting their incomes.

Optional trekking routes length of trekking days

Nature Trail happy to tailor-make your itinerary based on your length of your stay in Nepal and dependent your strength and interest. You can choose from the Kanchenjunga south trek, the Kanchenjunga north trek, the Kanchenjunga circuit, which visits both the north and south base camps, or we can tailor-make an itinerary for you. On all treks you will meet local Tibetan refugees, who welcome you with hospitality and smiling faces as you walk through rippled farmland, meadows and forests of pink barked rhododendrons.

Trekking and best time to trekking in Kanchenjugna area

Spring season (March to May) and autumn season (September to November) are ideal months to trek to Kanchenjunga. The temperature is not as much in the first few days of the trek, the river wouldn’t have expanded much, and above all, the trekkers will be greeted with a fine sight of the landscape. But if you make it in November, you can have the whole area to yourself as you won’t have the crowd that throngs in October. Plus, the weather will still be good enough to provide an amazing view.
January, July, and August are some of the worst months to go for a Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. In January, the snow and ice will prove to be a major challenge and you will seriously need mountaineering equipment. The lodges in places like Pangpema and Ramche are locked down. The temperature can go as low as – 30 Celsius. So if you’re thinking of spending a night at the base camps, don’t, because it will extremely challenging. July and August, meanwhile, gets most of the rain and it’s not just the trekking route but the flights (of Suketar) get cancelled due to it. Trekkers can expect landslides, and such instances might completely change the face of the trail. Despite all this, the rain brings all the plans and greenery to life, making for a poor trail but a great sight of the area.