The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a true exploration into the bewildering wild east of Nepal. Distinct from the paved paths of Everest that see a large number of footfall, Kanchenjunga is a more serene trek that introduces you to the raw Himalayan nature. Along your journey, you will witness the Limbu and Rai cultures of the lowlands before stepping into the high-altitude settlements of the Sherpa and Walung people, where Tibetan-Buddhist traditions are more prominent.
The 17-day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek starts with a dramatic shift in scenery. In the first few days, you will experience the humid tea gardens of Bhadrapur to the steep, terraced hills of Taplejung. Your journey further takes you along the Tamur River into the deep rhododendron forests. Keep your eyes peeled, as these forests are inhabited by the rare and endangered Red Pandas.
The real drama begins after Ghunsa. As the valley opens up, it reveals the North Face of Kanchenjunga. Your journey also takes you across the Sele Le Pass (4,290 meters), which bridges between two worlds. It links the high-alpine North side with the lush, dramatic South side. Our guides emphasize the Kanchenjunga Rhythm, where you start early to beat the valley mist and maintain a steady, yet comfortable pace to handle the vertical ascents of the eastern terrain.
Join Nature Lovers Treks and Tours on the pristine and quiet Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. Due to its restricted status, spots are limited for the 2026/2027 season. Book yours today!
Why Go on the 17-Day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek in Nepal?
While the Everest and Annapurna regions draw masses, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek remains a hidden sanctuary. This trek is suitable for travelers seeking the raw and untamed spirits of the Himalayas. It is a strenuous journey with immense rewards.
Here are the top reasons to go on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:
Dual Base Camp Experience: Why settle for one when you can visit two base camps? Our itinerary takes you to the North Base Camp at Pang Pema for the sunset view over the North Face. In the South Base Camp at Oktang, you can find a close-up view of the soaring Yalung Glacier.
The Peak of Terror: On Day 7 of the trek, you can hike toward the base of the 7,710-meter Jannu Peak, or the Kumbhakarna. Climbers often call it the peak of terror, as it is one of the most intimidating vertical walls in the world. Seeing this peak from Khambachen is a spiritual experience.
Authentic Travel: Forget Starbucks or luxury lodges in Kanchenjunga. You rely on authentic teahouse experiences. Throughout the journey, you will eat locally grown potatoes and sukuti (dried meat). In the lower village, you can also try the fermented millet brew of Tongba.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The 17-day trek takes you through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. This region is home to the elusive snow leopard, the Himalayan black bear, and the red panda. Also, since this region receives more rainfall, the landscapes are lush. The ancient forests look like something out of a prehistoric movie.
A Typical Day During the Nepal Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Your day at Kanchenjunga begins at 6:30 with a steaming cup of Alainchi Chiya (black cardamom tea). The Kanchenjunga region is the global Alainchi capital. More than just a drink, the medicinal property of this spice is a secret remedy to open the lungs on a damp, misty morning.
After breakfast, typically consisting of deep-fried Gurung Bread, you hit the trails by 8:00 AM. Unlike the crowded Everest, you will find serene and peaceful trails. Your guide will remind you of the “Bistarai-Bistarai” (slowly) mantra as you follow the Kanchenjunga Rhythm.
At around noon, you will stop for lunch. As for Ningro, wild fiddlehead ferns are foraged from the local rhododendron forests. By 4:00 PM, you will reach your teahouse, where you can catch the warmth by gathering around a stove fueled by aromatic juniper branches.
In the evening, your guide will perform the mandatory oximeter check followed by a warm dinner, featuring spiced dried meat or Sukuti. On special nights, you can share a pot of Tongba. Sipping this fermented millet beer through a bamboo straw is a customary Eastern hospitality ritual, which helps warm your body and soul before heading to bed.
Nepal Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: Cost for Transportation, Permits, Guides, and Porters
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a serious commitment. This trek into Nepal’s wild east demands complex logistics. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours manages all necessary logistics, including the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, domestic flights, and private jeep transfers.
To further ensure a hassle-free and seamless experience, our package includes a 1-porter-per-2 trekker ratio. While costs are covered in the package, carry extra local cash for additional expenses. You will need the extra buck for solar charging, a bucket shower in remote villages, or a well-deserved pot of Tongba to celebrate the completion of your journey.
Major Highlights of 17-day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek via Selele Pass
- Experience the "Grand Traverse" by visiting both the North Base Camp (Pang Pema) and South Base Camp (Oktang) in a single epic journey.
- Stand before the massive North Face of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, for a sunset view at 5,143 meters.
- Conquer the high-altitude Sele Le Pass, the rugged bridge connecting the remote northern and southern wilderness.
- Gaze at the vertical granite wall of Mt. Jannu (7,710m), known to climbers as the "Peak of Terror," from the Khambachen valley.
- Explore the ancient stone village of Ghunsa, the cultural heartbeat of the high-altitude Sherpa and Walung communities.
- Trek through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a pristine sanctuary home to the elusive Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear.
- Navigate the debris-covered moraines of the Yalung and Kanchenjunga Glaciers, where the landscape changes with every shifting ice block.
- Witness the "Five Treasures of the Snows" from the Oktang viewpoint, offering a close-up of the soaring 8,000-meter ridges.
- Journey through the humid, prehistoric rhododendron forests and the world’s most famous cardamom gardens in the lower foothills.
- Experience the rare authenticity of the East, where teahouse hospitality still centers around a warm pot of local Tongba.
Customized 17-day Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a rugged journey visiting both the North and South base camps. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours delivers a seamless package with all-inclusive logistical arrangements. However, we understand that no two trekkers are the same.
To cater to your specific needs, we offer a fully customizable Kanchenjunga package. You can choose to add extra acclimatization days in the village of Ghunsa or opt for a private helicopter return.
Discuss your interests with Nature Lovers Treks and Tours travel experts, and together we will craft an itinerary that specifically meets your goals.
