Overview
The slightly shorter and lower of the Kanchenjunga treks, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, is hardly less stunning than the others. The path climbs through lush, ancient forests teeming with Spanish mosses before reaching the desolate mountain country of the Yalung Glacier, just below the south face of Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters/28,169 feet – the third largest mountain in the world. In fact, before it was discovered that Everest is the highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga was said to be the tallest.
With over 15,00 meters of altitude change, you are in for a bit of a challenge. However, the hard work pays off and you will have one of the best times of your life. Pass through remote, charming Limbu villages that see few trekkers. It is possible to walk for days without seeing another foreigner. Because of this, you will be able to develop more personal relationships and even friendships with the Rai, Limbu, and Tibetan villagers, who show you their great hospitality. If you have the interest, try some cups of Tongba, locally made hot millet wine. After the first cup is finished, you’ll get your cup filled and refilled until your heart’s content.
These ethnic groups speak their own dialect and many aspects of their culture differ from those of the Nepali people in the middle hills and Terai region. You will find this fascinating to learn about. In terms of wildlife of the trek, we might run into the Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and perhaps the elusive Red Panda. Oh, and the legend of the Yeti lives in these areas, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Immerse yourself in the mystique of the mountains. Listen to nothing but the blowing wind and the sound of your foot and the trail meeting each other. Reach Yalung Glacier and enjoy a heart-stopping view of the south face of Kanchenjunga, which takes up nearly your entire view. From here, descend slowly back to Suketar, admiring the beauty throughout.
We have listed this trek as a ‘camping trek’ because accommodations/general facilities on this trek are limited. During the main tourism months, most teahouses are open. It is up to you whether you would rather camp or stay in a teahouse. We will discuss these logistics with you.
NOTE: If you would like to skip the night bus and fly to Biratnagar and take a shorter drive to Lalikharka, we can arrange this for an additional cost.
Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more colour and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. Depending on the time of the year that you take the trek, teahouses may not be open. We will give you the details before you book your trek.
The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Trip Highlights
Astonishing views of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Rathong and Talung.
Get to know about the Rai and Limbu communities and try some cups of Tongba
Scenic drives to Lalikharka and from Ranipul through the beautiful middle hills
Peace and quiet on the empty Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trail – allowing you to forget about all your worries off the trail
Have a chance to see the abundant wildlife on the trail, including the Red Panda and Blue Sheep
Eye-popping view of the south face of Kanchenjunga from Yalung Glacier
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and night bus to ilam.
- Day 02: Drive from ilam to Taplejung and Lalikharka. (2420m).
- Day 03: Lalikharka to Khesewa (2120m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 04: Kheseuwa to Pumpe Dada (1785m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 05: Trek from Pumpe Dada to Yamphudin (2080m), 2-3 hours.
- Day 06: Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong (2995m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 07: Trek from Tortong to Tseram ( Cheram) and hike up to Lake (3870m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 08: Trek from Tseram to Ramche and explore Yalung Glacier, (4580m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 09: Rest day for exploration around Ramche and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, (4730m)
- Day 10: Retreat trek from Ramche to Tortong,(2995m).
- Day 11: Trek from Tortong to Ranipul, (1550m) 6-7 hours.
- Day 12: Drive from Ranipul to Taplejung (4 hours) and Taplejung to ilam (4 hours), (1150m).
- Day 13: Drive from ilam to Kathmandu.
Trip note
Accommodation
All our packages include accommodation in the cost. This accommodation is included during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be a twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.
Food
Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental ,Italian , Tibetan and Indian at teahouses. While camping, we will prepare the meals for you. After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek. All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers. For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season. It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures. It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.
Note:
Please be assured that Breeze Adventure manage our treks to the highest standards. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority. We will support you to the best of our abilities with any issues that may arise. We will work with you to ensure you get the most from your trek and visit Nepal
