Kanchenjunga, the mountain of the five treasures, is 8,586 meters high and offers spectacular views. The mountain range is divided into East, South East, South West, and North West, and the views and routes vary from side to side. The following is a detailed Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary. In 1955, brave mountaineers established routes, and the first expedition led by George Band and Joe Brown almost reached the summit. However, they were stopped because of Sikkim’s reverence for the sacred summit. As the first route departed from Yalung glacier, it passed through ice falls and glaciers and crossed the snow completely.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route Map
Additionally, if you’re looking for the right time to embark on this trek, you should pack your suitcases in the Spring and Autumn. The weather is not as cold and the river is not as powerful as in other seasons and you can follow the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itinerary.
Many ascents followed the British expeditions, including those by Indian military forces from the north-east side, as well as the ascent of the first woman, Ginette Harrison, from the spur to the north peak in 1998. In addition to the challenge of reaching the top of the mountain, there is also a certain amount of mysticism surrounding the journey. It is also possible to see the mythical Kanchenjunga demon, which is associated with the Yeti.
The Trek begins;
Starting from Kathmandu, where you will have plenty of time to arrange your arrangements and obtain the necessary permits. For example, the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, the journey to the highest commercial point of the mountain takes around 20 days. The route takes you to Tumlingtar via a commercial flight. Once there, you can catch a jeep to Guphapokhari, where you will find hostels to stay at, or you can carry the tent with you.
In an 8-hour trek through the mountains, you will travel through mixed forests and small towns to get to the Dhoban checkpoint the next morning. Once you arrive at Dhoban, the next challenge is crossing the Tamaur River and walking a total of nearly 7 hours to arrive at the Mitlung checkpoint. By the time you reach Sekathum (located at nearly 1,600 m) you will pass through forests, rice fields, small streams, villages, and waterfalls along with a scenic landscape, and there will also be a place to sleep or you can opt to take out the tents.
After reaching Sekathum, a journey of six hours is waiting for you, crossing bamboo forests, amazing waterfalls and Sherpa communities. The Sherpas are very friendly people and will provide shelter if necessary.
The next step is Amjilosa, a narrow passage that leads you to Thyangyan from where you walk up to Gyabla (a town with Sherpa communities), passing along bamboo and pine forests on the way. Upon arriving in Gyabla, you will see a series of communities. Plus, if you’re lucky, you may spot a red panda in the deep forest! In my opinion, this is another additional attraction of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary route.
Midway of trek, time to relax
Finally, the route will lead you to Ghunsa, which is a great place to relax after all the travel so far. Take a day or two and then head towards Kambachen (located at 4,100m). The path is mostly soft and passes through a forest of rhododendrons, spectacular waterfalls and views of the Khumbakarna Himal, the Nupchu Himal and the Chang Himal mountains. Guests are welcomed with a warm sense of hospitality.
As you travel on, you will be treated to some amazing views of El Merra, the White Wave, and Wedge Peak. At the same time, you will also find local accommodation. By this time you will have walked 5 hours from Ghunsa to the 4,785 m.
After Lhonak you will arrive at the final stage of the trek towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp. This walk will take around three hours and entail passing along a path of rocky trails until you reach Pang Pema, also known as Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
At 5,100 meters above sea level, you can see Mount Pathivara, Mount YalungKang, the Twin and Tent Peak, glaciers, red pandas, snow leopards, snow cocks, and blood pheasants here. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary route can be adjusted according to your strength and endurance.
Having reached this point, you will be at the highest base camp in the world. The Kanchenjunga is a challenging climb that requires experience and body strength to complete, so do not attempt it on your own or without the proper training!
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu – Biratnagar (72m/236ft), 35min flight.
Day 02: Biratnagar – Suketar – Mitlung (850m/2,790 ft), 15min flight, 5-6 hrs trek.
Day 03: Mitlung – Chirwa (1,190m/3,905ft), 6-7 hrs.
Day 04: Chirwa – Sekathum (1,640m/5,390ft), 5-6 hrs.
Day 05: Sekathum – Amjilosa (2,490m/8,168ft), 5-6hrs.
Day 06: Amjilosa – Gyabla (2,730m/8,955ft), 4-5hrs.
Day 07: Gyabla – Ghunsa (3,430m/11,250ft), 5-6hrs.
Day 08: Ghunsa Rest and acclimatisation day.
Day 09: Ghunsa – Kambachen (4 150m/13,615ft), 5-6 hrs.
Day 10: Kambachen – Lhonak (4,790m/15,900ft), 4-5 hrs.
Day 11: Lhonak – Pang Pema Base Camp (5,160m/16,923ft), 2-3 hrs
Day 12: Pang Pema Base Camp, rest and exploration day.
Day 13: Pangpema – Kambachen (4,150m/13,650ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 14: Kambachen – Ghunsa – Phale (3,140m/10,302ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 15: Phale – Amjilosa (2,140m/7,100ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 16: Amjilosa – Chirwa (1,190m/3,900 ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 17: Chirwa – Linkhim (1,520m/4,985ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 18: Linkhim – Suketar (2,700m/8,856ft.), 5-6 hrs
Day 19: Suketar – Biratnagar- Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft), 30min and 35min flights.
