Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek - 13 Days

Trekkers near Kanchenjungs South Base Camp
At a Glance
  • Duration13 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 4730m
  • Group Size 2 - 20 Person
  • Start City Kathmandu City
  • End City Kathmandu City
  • Trip Type Private and Group Joining
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season March - June and September - February

About Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is among Nepal’s best treks for adventure freaks. Exploring the south face of Kanchenjunga at 8,586 meters, the world’s 3rd largest mountain is already a blessing. Camping trek in the stunning wild meadows in the mountains landscapes is already a very big challenge. This shorter and lower Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek to the desolate mountain country of the Yalung Glacier is very thrilling. 

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp route first takes you to Biratnagar in the eastern lowlands of Nepal. On another flight to Suketar, we officially begin our trek to Kanchenjunga. Now, we walk to villages such as Mitlung, Chirwa, and Sekathum. Camping in the wild forest, we walk further into Arun Valley before getting to Kambachen. Firstly, we reach Kanchenjunga's north base camp in Pangpema before getting to the High Camp.

Exploring more of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, we reach Mirgin La Pass for the most stunning views of Koktang, Rathong, and Kanchenjunga. This is going to be the most rewarding and adventurous section of Trekking in Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Walking down, we pass Lamite Bhanjyang, and Yamphudin before getting to Suketar airport. 

Breeze Adventure writes the details of this Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek for your comfort. 

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek has been rated “Moderate to Difficult” in terms of distance and remoteness. We will be trekking in the remote mountain region for more than 3 weeks (6 to 7 hours daily), and that’s not a Joke. Further, the trek begins from Suketar at 2419 meters and climbs up to 4730m. At such a height, the chances of altitude sickness cannot be ignored. However, the hard work pays off and you will have one of the best times of your life. 

Best Time for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek 

Kanchenjunga South Trek is possible during any time of the year. However, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) is the best season for the Kanchenjunga Trek. During the Spring, colorful rhododendrons are blooming all around. In the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. In monsoon and Winter, we recommend tea house trekking in Kanchenjunga. A thick layer of snow and the slippery path makes this the hardest month for the walk. You should know if the tea houses operate while you trek. 

Last words, 

Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you to our hotel. We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek. Overnight at hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast and start sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle. We will see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will learn about each site’s historical, religious, and cultural significance. We will make the special trekking permit for the Kanchenjunga Trek.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

After having early breakfast, we will drive to the domestic airport and fly to Bhadrapur for about an hour. We’ve got a long drive today. Once, we land at Bhadrapur, we will catch a jeep and drive to Suketar. It’s best to be well-rested before we begin the trek. You will the gorgeous views on the drive. We pass villages and their surrounding agricultural fields.  It’s a picturesque scene. Overnight in a guest house.

  • Max Altitude: 2420m
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Time: 10 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Transport: Flight | Jeep

After a tasty morning meal, we descend through millet and rice fields until we reach a suspension bridge over the Phawa Khola (1430 meters). We continue to a small Gurung settlement called Sinchebu Bhanjyang (2240 meters) and maybe stop for a snack or tea here. It’s a special moment here actually, as we catch our first glimpses of Kanchenjunga and Kyabru. Take some deep breaths and admire these wonderful mountains. Continue over the pass and descend to Khesewa. Overnight in teahouse. 

  • Max Altitude: 2120m
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 15km

We begin our day after a nice breakfast. We pack up and head to the trail, hiking through mixed forests on a relatively flat path, towards the Kabeli Khola. A series of small waterfalls puts a smile on our faces. We head north, stopping for lunch at Yangpang with awesome views of Mt. Jannu. We end the day with a steep uphill climb for about 20 minutes up to Pumpe Dada. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 1785
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Time: 6/7 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 16km

Today’s trek will be mostly uphill on an easy trail that mostly follows alongside the Kabeli Khola. Throughout the hike, we admire the beautiful ridge beyond the stream. We follow a few switchbacks up the valley and then descend under rocky cliffs, on rubble from past landslides. After walking for some time, we cross a small suspension bridge and pass through small settlements before reaching Yamphudin. It’s quite an easy day today, as we have a long day ahead of us. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 2080m
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 14km

Above Yamphudin, facilities are few and far between. We’ve planned well, though, and have plenty of provisions. From Amje Khola, it’s a relentless climb, though the trail is well-maintained. At Chitre, we may see some grazing yaks, a very sweet sight. Continuing, we pass a teeming forest, with draping Spanish moss, which looks like it is out of a movie. There is a little here, and we stop for our quick lunch. Then we continue hiking through the mysterious forest until we break into an opening, cross a suspension bridge, and head on a gentle uphill to Tortong. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 2995m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 8 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 19km

We begin our gradual climb to Tseram for 3-4  hours after breakfast from Tortong. Our trail is right at the side of the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy walking within the beautiful Lalung Valley and have Tuplung Peak accompanying us for the most part of today’s journey. We pass through thick rhododendron forest and enjoy the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier. After reaching Cheram village we have our lunch and hike up to a lake for 1-2 hours. The little lake and the view of the mountains, Yalung Glacier are an amazing part of the day. If the weather is clear, we can have an awesome sunset view of the Himalayas. Then we head down to Tseram. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 3870m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 12km

We begin our short trek after breakfast. From Tseram, we ascend for a little while before reaching the start of the Yalung Glacier.  It is a beautiful walk on a path through the valley. Savor the views of several Himalayan peaks as we pass through the small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche. Ramche is the last teahouse on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek. It is located on the wide ground. If there is a big group of people we have to spend our night in a tent enjoying the stars and the Himalayas at night. Overnight in a teahouse/ Tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 4580m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 14km

After walking all the way up to here! why don’t we have an extra day to explore this untouched and peaceful nature? Yes, we have a full excursion day around Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. We take a packed lunch and set off very early for an up-close encounter with the majestic Kanchenjunga. We follow the valley around its sweeping curve, to the vast southern wall of the mountain. Along this ridge exist the three main summits of Kanchenjunga at 8420 meters, 8586 meters, and 8474 meters. These three summits jut out into the clouds, providing an amazing scene. Keep going towards Oktang, descend onto the glacier, and traverse it to a point below Talu, where we get a panoramic view of more pristine mountains. Especially impressive is the eastern part of Khumbakarna Glacier flowing from the east face of Jannu. We then return to our camp at Ramche. 

  • Max Altitude: 4730m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 3 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 7km

Head back down on the same trail to Tseram, where we stayed just nights before. It’s a bit long but an easy day so let your feet walk as your eyes enjoy the scenery. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 2995m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 8 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 19km

From here we follow the ancient trade market route from India to Tibet! The old Indian generation used to use this route for their business When there was no road connection between Tibet, Nepal, and India. However, this trail was not used for a long time after the road development in Nepal, Tibet, and India. Now, the support of the local people and the government has developed the ancient trail to Ranipul which makes it easier and shorter for all the trekkers. We can save several days and skip the long downhill walk to Yamphudin by taking this route to Ranipul. The trail goes a bit up in the beginning and then we walk mostly downhill to Ranipul. We have our lunch on the way and head to Ranipul for 4 hours. Walking into the very quiet forest would be an amazing moment on our last trekking day on our Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. Ranipul is a little village near the Tamar River. Overnight in a local teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 1550m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 7 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 16km

We wake up and have a tasty celebratory breakfast in the teahouse. The hiking part of the trek is over – it’s bittersweet. We have a scenic drive through rolling terraced hills and quaint villages until we reach Taplejung, where we stop for lunch. After our quick lunch, we continued our drive to Bhadrapur. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 91m
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Time: 10 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Transport: Jeep

We will have breakfast and drive to the Bhadrapur airport for our flight to Kathmandu. The flight to Kathmandu offers an awesome view of Nepalese villages and mountains. Once we land at Kathmandu airport, we will drive to Thamel Hotel have a good rest, and explore around Thamel. 

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Thank you very much for choosing us as your adventure partner in Nepal regarding the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. We look forward to another adventure with you. Have a safe flight home and we wish you a happy life back home.

    Cost Details
    What's Included
    • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
    • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
    • All needed transportation for the trek.
    • Kanchenjunga Trekking Permit
    • Local guest house/teahouse accommodation in mountain (and in Birtamod).
    • Government-authorized, experienced guides and porters
    • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
    • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
    • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
    • First Aid Kit
    • Maps
    • Service charge and government taxes
    • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu
    What's Not Included
    • International airfare
    • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
    • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
    • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
    • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
    • Tips for guide and porter
    • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
    • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
    Add-Ons & Options

    Enhance Your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek with Exclusive Services:

    Private Porter Service: Opt for a private porter at an additional $250.00 cost. On this plan, you will get your private porter who will carry only your trekking gear and will walk with you during the trekking. 
    Flight from/to Bhadrapur: Opt for the flight to and from Bhadrapur instead of a long bus drive from Kathmandu. On this plan, you will fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to the trekking starting point Taplejung. Also, after the trek, you will drive to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu by plane. It cost $ 200 one way.

    Group Discount Prices
    Number of peoplePrice per person
    2 pax
    US$1699
    3 - 5 pax
    US$1599
    6 - 10 pax
    US$1499
    11 - 20 pax
    US$1399

    Essential Information

    Weather and Temperature

    Weather at 4500m+ above sea level is very freezing and unstable. March to May is very pleasant with a daytime temperature of about 8 °C and nights are about 3°C– 4°C on average. June- August receives rainfall above 600mm. Nights without rainfall are quite warm. Right after summer, the Autumn Weather in Kanchenjunga gets quite stable.

    In September, the temperature is about 10 °C. But November and December get colder. The winter temperature in Kanchenjunga can drop up to -7 °C. Nights with snowfall up to 100cm can be freezing. However, the trail gets dry by late February.

    People, Culture, and Religion

    In the charming Limbu villages, we meet the friendly Rai, Limbu, and Tibetan villagers. We might enjoy the Tongba, the hot millet wine from the locals, and learn about their unique lifestyle. These ethnic groups speak their own dialect Gurung Launagage. Influenced by Indians in the east and Tibetans from the south, their culture differs from the rest of the country. People of Kanchenjunga celebrate the festivals as Loshar (celebrated in May), Maghi Sankranti (January), and Buddha Jayanti ( also in May). 

    Accommodation during this Trek

    Kanchenjunga South Camp trek has been listed as a ‘camping hike’ as accommodations/general facilities on this trek are limited. It is up to you whether you would camp or stay in a teahouse.

    During the peak months, most teahouses are open and they serve clean rooms and good food. Lodges in Kanchenjunga South Camp do make your stay comfortable, but the true thrill of mountain adventure is available during the camp trek. You will literally be living under the stars in the mountains. Sounds fanatic, doesn’t it?

    Food and Beverage during the Trip

    The tea houses serve warm healthy food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will have a menu with limited national and international foods you can choose from. Camping trek in Kanchenjunga means eating whatever you carry. You will mostly be having Nepalese Dal Bhat that keeps you charged during the trek. You might make a special request for the food of your choice so that the team from Breeze Adventure can serve you accordingly. Locally grown fresh vegetables might be available in the villages. 

    Trekking Trail on Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

    The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek route is definitely remote and hard to conquer. But since we encounter many local villages on the way, we experience safety and homeliness. The hospitable locals are always glad to welcome you into their lives. This recently built trekking trail is mostly raw and yet to be built. But your guide shall help you find the way and keep you safe on the route to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. However, trekking solo is not recommended as you might get lost on the way.

    Transportation before and after the Trek

    There are many transportation options for Kanchenjunga trekking. Firstly, we can take a night bus to Biratnagar and drive to Lalikharka. Alternatively, you can drive to Taplejung and then take a short Jeep ride to the starting point. While this cheapest option, driving 14-16 hours before the trek might be very hectic. Thus, You can fly to Biratnagar and then drive to Lalikharka. Or, you can fly all the way to Suketar from Biratnagar and save yourself from the long walk. This domestic flight is arranged by Breeze Adventure at an additional cost. 

    Guides and Porters

    You are recommended to have a licensed trekking guide during the journey. A trekking guide will help you pack the trekking gear, get the permit, and find the route of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. Similarly, you need to hire a porter since you have to carry a lot of personal items and food items for the trek. If you are going on the camping trek, you might need more than one porter and also a cook (optional). Since Breeze Adventure already has a professional team, you don’t need to worry about anything. 

    Acclimatization on Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

    Acclimatization Days help your body cope with decreasing oxygen levels. It’s also your opportunity to savor the true Himalayan beauty while your body recovers from the trek. As per the Itinerary, we have the rest day at Ramchen, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. But we might add a couple more acclimatization days as per your need. Sometimes, we might also stop due to poor weather. 

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