Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp North Trek is a remote and challenging high-altitude trek in the northern region of Kanchenjunga, located in Taplejung District, eastern Nepal. This trek is less frequented than the southern or circuit routes, offering trekkers a solitary, pristine Himalayan experience with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Jannu, Pandim, and other surrounding peaks.
The trail begins in Taplejung, moving northwards through traditional Limbu and Sherpa villages, passing forests of rhododendron and bamboo, and gradually rising into alpine meadows and high glacial valleys. The trek offers stunning panoramas, snow-capped peaks, and close encounters with the raw Himalayan wilderness. Unlike the southern route, the northern approach provides fewer teahouses, more isolated trails, and an authentic wilderness experience.
Trekking to the northern base camp involves crossing high passes, navigating moraine valleys, and sometimes walking alongside glacial streams, giving trekkers a full sense of adventure. The trek also passes through culturally significant villages and remote monasteries, where you can observe centuries-old Tibetan-Buddhist traditions, prayer flags, and mani walls.
The altitude ranges from 1,200 m in Taplejung to over 5,000 m at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, making proper acclimatization essential. This trek is strenuous and recommended for experienced trekkers seeking solitude, remote landscapes, and spectacular Himalayan views. The northern route is also ideal for photographers and nature lovers due to its undisturbed wilderness, rare wildlife sightings, and panoramic vistas.
Highlights
- Trek through remote eastern Himalayan villages
- Reach Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema) with panoramic views
- Cross high ridges, rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows
- Cultural exposure to Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan-influenced communities
- Stunning views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Pandim, and Kumbhakarna
- Off-the-beaten-path adventure, minimal tourist traffic
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Kanchenjunga
- 17 Days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Lodges, tea houses, guesthouses
- Strenuous
- 5140m
- -
- -
Best Season
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, pleasant temperatures – best season Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendron blooms, moderate temperatures – second best Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, possible snow at high passes – for experienced trekkers Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Trails muddy, leeches possible – not recommended
Tour Plan
Kathmandu → Bhadrapur (Flight) → Drive to Taplejung
- Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur
- Drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung (~6–7 hours)
- Scenic views of Jhapa, Ilam, rivers, and tea gardens
- Lunch en route
- Dinner at hotel/lodge in Taplejung
- Overnight in Taplejung
Trek to Sinuwa
- Early breakfast at Taplejung
- Trek from Taplejung to Sinuwa (~5–6 hours)
- Pass through rural villages, terraced fields, and rolling hills
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Sinuwa
Trek to Chirwa
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Sinuwa to Chirwa (~5–6 hours)
- Forest trails, rivers, and local villages
- Lunch en route
- Scenic mountain views
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Chirwa
Trek to Sekathum
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum (~5–6 hours)
- Cross rivers, walk through dense forests and terraced fields
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Sekathum
Trek to Amjilosa
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (~5–6 hours)
- Passing small villages and highland pastures
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Amjilosa
Trek to Gyabla
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (~5–6 hours)
- Scenic Himalayan views and remote village trails
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Gyabla
Trek to Ghunsa
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (~5–6 hours)
- Rolling hills, traditional Limbu villages, rhododendron forests
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Ghunsa
Acclimization at ghunsa
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Short hikes around Ghunsa for acclimatization
- Explore local culture and villages
- Lunch and dinner at teahouse
- Overnight in Ghunsa
Trek to Kambachen
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (~5–6 hours)
- High-altitude trails, scenic mountain views
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Kambachen
Trek to Lhonak
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (~5–6 hours)
- Entering glacial valleys and alpine zones
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Lhonak
Trek to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) and return Lhonak
- Early breakfast at Lhonak
- Trek to Pangpema (~7–8 hours round trip)
- Explore Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, glaciers, and ice peaks
- Lunch during trek
- Return to Lhonak
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Lhonak
Trek to Ghunsa
- Breakfast at Lhonak
- Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (~6–7 hours)
- Descend through alpine valleys and forested trails
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Ghunsa
Trek to Amjilosa
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Ghunsa to Amjilosa (~5–6 hours)
- Walk through highland pastures and villages
- Lunch en route
- Dinner in teahouse
- Overnight in Amjilosa
Trek to sekathum & drive to taplejung
- Breakfast at teahouse
- Trek from Amjilosa to Sekathum (~5–6 hours)
- Drive from Sekathum to Taplejung (~1–2 hours)
- Lunch en route
- Dinner at hotel/lodge
- Overnight in Taplejung
Taplejung to Bhadrapur
- Breakfast at Taplejung hotel
- Drive to Bhadrapur (~6–7 hours)
- Lunch en route
- Dinner at hotel in Bhadrapur
- Overnight in Bhadrapur
Flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
- Breakfast at hotel
- Flight to Kathmandu (~1 hour)
- End of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek