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Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp (27 Days)
offered by supplier M17338 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 27
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Nepal
Specialty Categories:
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1000 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 3000 US Dollar (USD)
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Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, lies on Nepal's eastern border with Sikkim. On trekking along the challenging trails amid the mesmerizing vistas of Kanchenjunga, we get to witness exotic wilderness. This wonderful trek begins and ends at the small airstrip at Sukhetar (Taplejung), which lies in the remote north east corner of Nepal. It takes you through fascinating villages and pristine forests to the awe-inspiring South Face Base Camp at Ramche, before crossing the Mirgin La to the north side of Kanchenjunga and the Pang Pema base camp. As trekkers skirt through this amazing adventurous and exploratory trail, they attain a glorious and unforgettable experience.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience as exotic panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range peaks sprawls before you. The Nepali support team will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu, being a historical and cultural heart of Nepal, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and adventure seekers. The city presents a wonderful mixture of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities which bear immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous & biggest Hindu shrine Pasupathinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in town Boudhanath, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and Soyambhunath. In the evening, a trip orientation meeting will be organized.
Day 3: Fly to Biratnagar. From Kathmandu we take a flight to Biratnagar. On reaching Biratnagar, we make all the preparation for the forthcoming journey.
Day 4: Fly to Suketar & trek to Lali Kharka (2220m). We take a short 30-40 minute flight to Sukhetar. Soon after refreshment, we head to Lali Kharke with the trekking crew. On the trails, we walk by rich pastures and pristine settlements. After several descents for 2-3 hours, we arrive at Lali Kharka where we will camp for the night. (Walk approx 2 - 3 hours)
Day 5: Trek to Keswa (2100m). As we transverse along the steep route to Pokora village, fascinating terraced farmland unfolds soon after crossing a suspension bridge above the Phawa Khola. The route further leads to Kunjari where we halt for lunch. After lunching, we continue following the trekking trail. Dense forests and villages zoom in and out as we progress along the trail. On skirting along a gently sloping mountain path, we reach Tambawa and later Bhanjyang where we spot several teahouses. At this point, we can capture mesmerizing sight of Kanchenjunga glowing against the sun. After having trekked for 5-6 hours, we conclude the day’s trip at a proper campsite. (Walk approx 5-6 hours)
Day 6: Trek to Mamanke (2000m). Leaving behind the terraced fields of Keswa, we follow an adventurous route leading to Nandeva Khola. After crossing the river, we struggle through the glaciated mountain passes. Further ahead, the route winds through dense forest and the village of Loppoding. We come across shady areas where we can rest for a while after strenuous trekking. The sinuous trail then takes us to the right bank of the Kabeli Khola. After a while terraced fields reappear and village of Anpan comes into picture. We continue ascending till we reach Ponpe Dhara. There are shady spots on the way where we can grasp brief rest. As we proceed along the trail, several hamlets and terraced fields stretches before us along the crest of the ridge. There is a rest area where we can pause for a while to bask in the fascinating sight of Mt. Jannu. We further continue treading along the winding descent and pass through village of Anpan hamlets and terraced fields along Khangwa Khola. A suspension bridge comes on the way. We cross the bridge and continue descending undulating mountain passes till we reach village of Mamankhe. We set our campsite at this village. (Walk approx 6 hours)
Day 7: Trek to Yamphudin (1650m). Beginning with an easy climb, the walk to Yamphudin is along a trail which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. We cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides and the trail eventually becomes level with the river a couple of hours before Yamphudin. Along the way, we can stop to bathe in one of the many clear pools in this beautiful river. It is a truly idyllic spot and after lunch by the river, we complete the day's walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last habitation we will see until we reach Gunsa. Needless to say, it is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of the Deorali Danda, which we must cross next. (Walk approx 5 hours)
Day 8: Trek to Lamite jungle camp (2920m). Beyond Yamphudin, the trail ascends a steep spur before dropping again to cross the Omje Khola. Walking through beautiful and dense forest, we stop for lunch in a meadow atop this spur which commands fine views of the valley beyond Yamphudin to the south and of the Omje Khola Valley and Deorali Danda to the north. A steep descent to the river brings us to our campsite in a clearing in the Lamite forest. (Walk approx 3 - 4 hours)
Day 9: Trek to Torontan (3080m). From our campsite we ascend steeply for 3 hours through dense forest to the crest of the Deorali Danda. From the top, Mt. Jannu is clearly visible and definitely closer! After crossing the pass, we descend across some fairly steep and exposed scree slopes before re-entering the forest, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, a steep descent takes us down into the valley of the Simbua Khola and after crossing the 'interesting' wooden bridge, we arrive at Torontan. This campsite lies amongst the towering fir trees of what is now a mainly coniferous alpine forest. (Walk approx 6 - 7 hours)
Day 10: Trek to Tseram (3750m). This morning, we follow the right bank of the river, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. The valley climbs fairly steeply and, as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram, the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong start to peep over the moraine. We camp at Tseram where the night-time temperature plummets, reminding us that we are really gaining height. (Walk approx 5-6 hours)
Day 11: Trek to Ramche (4360m). A relatively short day's walk today to our next camp at Ramche. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this walk into Ramche which is situated on a broad, flat ablation zone. (Walk approx 4 - 5 hours)
Day 12: Ramche - Exploration. Leaving our camp set up at Ramche, we take a packed lunch and set off very early for our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley around its sweeping curve, we are suddenly confronted with the vast southern wall of the mountain. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 km long and never less than 7500 metres high. Along this ridge lie the three main summits of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. It is truly breathtaking. Proceeding further on towards Oktang (4630m), we may then descend onto the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where we can see all the mountains of the area in panorama. Especially impressive is the east part of Khumbakarna Glacier flowing from the east face of Jannu (Kumbhakarna being the local name for Jannu). We then return to our camp at Ramche. (Walk approx 5-6 hours)
Day 13: Trekking beyond the Mirgin La. Leaving our campsite, we trek down the valley, passing the small settlement of Lapsang, before turning off towards the Mirgin La - the pass we must cross in order to reach Gunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. As we descend from the Mirgin La, the views, in particular of Mt. Jannu, are simply magnificent. Our campsite will be somewhere beyond the pass. (Walk approx 6-7 hours)
Day 14: Trek to Gunsa (3475m). A steep descent from our campsite brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka where there are more splendid views of the awesome south west face of Jannu. From here, the going is easy, descending on an excellent trail to the village of Gunsa, where we camp in the fields by the river. Gunsa is a Tibetan village with a tiny gompa and prayer flags fluttering from the wooden houses. It comes as a welcome sight after the rigorous walking of the previous days and provides an excellent opportunity to visit a strange local hostelry and sample the 'tongba' (alcoholic beverage fermented out of millet). (Walk approx 4 hours)
Day 15: Trek to Khambachen (4040m). The trail ascends gently through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, passing many walls and chortens. We stop for lunch by the river at Rampak Kharka. After lunch there is a steep climb before descending to our camp at the summer village of Khambachen. The views of Mt. Jannu or Khumbakarna from here are excellent. (Walk approx 5 hours)
Day 16: Trek to Lhonak (4790m). The trek up to Lhonak via Ramtang village is not too strenuous and despite the increase in altitude we are able to trek along easily, enjoying the breathtaking views of the valley and mountain peaks. Our lunch stop is at Ramtang, from where the incredible fluted summit of Wedge Peak first becomes visible and during the afternoon Nepal Peak, the Twins, Mera and the White Wave all come into view. The campsite at Lhonak is on a grassy plain perched high above the Kanchenjunga Glacier opposite Wedge Peak. (Walk approx 5 to 6 hours)
Day 17: Trek to Pang Pema (5140m). A leisurely 3 hour walk from Lhonak takes us up to Pang Pema. The trail follows the moraine before finally reaching Pang Pema, the North Face Base Camp, which is in a sheltered spot directly opposite the towering north face of Kanchenjunga. This is one of the most spectacular campsites in the world and is a fitting climax to this unique trek. (Walk approx 3 to 4 hours)
Day 18: Pang Pema rest day. Today is a rest day but for the more energetic amongst us there are several possibilities for day walks. One is to ascend the lower slopes of Drohmo for panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its adjoining peaks. Another possibility is to continue up the increasingly difficult terrain on the right flank of the glaciers for alternative views of the more remote peaks around the Jongsang La Pass.
Days 19-20: Retreat trek to Gunsa (3430m). For the next 2 days we retrace our steps to Gunsa, camping overnight at Ramtang or Khambachen en-route.
Day 21: Trek to Kyapra (2300m). From Gunsa, our route out of the mountains follows the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur Kholas and is through spectacular forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. We pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and, an hour or so further on, we camp in the forest at a spot called Tang. (Walk approx 4 - 5 hours)
Day 22: Trek to Sakathum (1600m). Heading for the village of Sakathum, our route follows an undulating trail for the first couple of hours until we reach Amjilasa. From here, there is a long steep descent from which we can see the Gunsa Khola Valley stretched out before us. We camp in the fields of Sakathum. (Walk approx 4 - 5 hours)
Day 23: Trek to Chirwa (1180m). Leaving Sakathum, we head to Chirwa. En route we meet the confluence of two rivers, Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola. At this point we get to witness the most magnificent view of two river uniting into Tamur Kosi. On following the trail along Tamur khola, many other small tributary streams come our way. After trekking for about 4-5 hours we enter into pristine village of Chirwa. (Walk approx 4 - 5 hours)
Day 24: Trek to Phurumba. The route further leads to cultivated land and rich pastures. On reaching Mitlung, we halt for a healthy lunch. Then our trail zigzags through the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours we come to the valley of Phurumba. We camp at Phurumba for the night. (Walk approx 4 hours)
Day 25: Trek to Taplejung - Suketar (2300m). As we leave the valley, we continue ascending along the ridge for about 3 hours to Taplejung village. We can wander around the village getting familiar with village life, cultural richness, custom and village people. Thereafter, after leisurely ascents for about 2 hour, we finally reach the airstrip at Suketar where we conclude the rip of the day. (Walk approx 5 hours)
Day 26: Flight to Kathmandu via Biratnagar. We fly back to Biratnagar and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.
Day 27: Depart Kathmandu. Our The Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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