Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

15 days

Duration

Moderate

Trip Level

Group Size

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek is the short version of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Before reaching the isolated Yalung glacier, the trails usually climb through the pristine farmlands, tranquil villages, and the forest. It lies underneath Mount Kanchenjunga – the 3^rd tallest mountain in the world. Kanchenjunga was initially claimed to be the tallest before discovering Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

It goes through the Yalung Glacier and ends for a while at the Kabru viewpoint and Rathong peaks. These all are part of the range that extends south from Kanchenjunga lies at Ramche. Kabru is the world’s most southern 7,000 meters high. From Ramche, you can walk to a ridge with splendid views of the Kanchenjunga South and Mount Janu.

You can spend days walking without seeing another foreigner. Due to this, you can establish personal relations with local people who show you their great hospitality and friendship. If you desire, try some cups of Tongba, locally made hot millet wine. Once the first cup is over, refill the hot water as much as possible.

Like other treks in Nepal, the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek spreads from lowland to alpine forests and glaciers, which allows you to explore the many bio-diversities. We might go to the Himalayan Tahr, the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and even the elusive Red Panda regarding this trip’s wildlife.

This trek requires a high level of physical fitness and experience to ensure you enjoy this challenging but stunning trek in Eastern Nepal.

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek: Highlights

Wander around the diverse flora and fauna within the protected Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. You may see a snow Leopard’s presence there if you are lucky.

peace on the empty trail of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp – helps you to forget all your concerns about the route.

Get to know about the local communities, such as Rai and Limbu, and try some cups of Tongba with their warm hospitality.

Eye-catching views of the Kanchenjunga South and Mount Jannu while you are at Yalung Glacier, commonly known as Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Days	Destination	Altitude in Meters	Distance
1.	Fly to Bhadrapur	93	1h00
2.	Drive to Taplejung	1820	8-10h00
3.	Trek to Laikharka	1880	6h00
4.	Lali Kharka to Khasewa	1960	5-6h00
5.	Trek to Phumbe Danda	1780	6h00
6.	Phumbe Danda to Yamphudin	1662	6h00
7.	Trek to Torongding	2340	7h00
8.	Torongding to Tseram	3868	6-7h00
9.	Trek to Ramche (Trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp)	4160	3h00
10.	Ramche to Torongding	2340	6-7h00
11.	Trek to Yamphudin	1662	7-8h00
12.	Yamphudinn to Khebang	1910	5h45
13.	Trek to Khandembe	1500	5-6h00
14.	Drive to Bhadrapur	93	10h00
15.	Fly back to Kathmandu	1350	1h00

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Plan My Trip

Best time to visit

Early March to mid-May and October to late November are the best months to visit Kanchenjunga. However, during the monsoon season is not advisable to trek from the end of May to the middle of September. This is because many residents will migrate to lower elevations during the winter, and tea houses will close so that camping is the only alternative, and it will be freezing.

You can see an impressive show of Rhododendrons in the spring, with the many varieties flowering in different colors. Of course, the trails will be drier in spring, and the sky will be crystalline in fall, but the paths can be changed with monsoon rain. So, if you plan for your next trek, here is everything you need to know about Kanchenjunga Trekking.

Permits and Regulations

As a restricted area, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek requires special permission to trek, which is issued from registered trekking companies accompanied by a professional guide or porter. The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek permit cost is US$ 20 per person per day, whereas 3000 NPR per person for KCA. Trekking Information Management Systems (TIMS) card doesn’t require the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Accommodation

Accommodations in lodges/tea houses offer a limited variety of meals, including traditional noodle soup and pancakes, mostly in Nepalese cuisines, such as Rice and Lentils (popularly called Dal, Bhat). The lodges and the tea houses are more straightforward than in the Everest and Annapurna region. If trekkers often do not like traditional Nepalese food, we recommend that our expert team prepare a variety of high-quality western food. As a result, however, the cost will be higher than the lodge trek since it is necessary to transport all the logistics from Kathmandu while completing the tour.

Getting There and Away

There are many ways to reach the starting point of this trek from Kathmandu. Depending on your dates, You will find the best way to match your route to the available flights.

Flights from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur are always available (no flights from Bhadrapur to Suketar) from where you drive to Taplejung. Sometimes, Some airplanes operate the trip to Suketar airport near Taplejung. You can also fly to Biratnagar from Kathmandu, where you can fly to Tumlingtar, an alternate starting/ending point for long treks.

If you are planning to trek to South Kanchenjunga Base Camp, please check out this ultimate guide to prepare for your trek. We will assist you in designing it and get in touch to organize the expedition with the entire board.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 meters)

Once arrive in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative at the airport then transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Trek preparation & fly to Bhadrapur in the afternoon (93 meters)

2^nd day of your journey will begin with your breakfast. Almost leisure day, once complete the process of permits, fly to Bhadrapur in the afternoon. Overnight at Birtamod.

Day 3: Drive to Taplejung (1820 meters)

Early morning, you will take a local bus or jeep to Taplejung a long day drive. It takes approximately 8 to 10 hours.

Day 4: Taplejung to Laikharka (1880 meters) 6h00 walk

We meet our trekking team and have some time to rest. We continue our footy mission all geared up, walking along the rich pastures and interesting settlements. We take several descents on this first day of our trek before we eventually arrive at our campsite in Lali Kharka.

Day 5: Lalikharaka to Khasewa (1960 meters) 5h30 walk

We start with a steep climb to the ridge at 2800 m, and then steeply descend to Pokora village at 1430 m. Interesting terraced farmlands welcome us as we cross the suspension bridge over the Phawa River. Getting indulged in the beauty of the surrounding area, we now take a steep climb to Kunjari (1700 m), a village dwelled by the Limbu people. We stop here for lunch and then resume our trek, ascending through thick forests to the Sinchebu Bhanjyang settlement (2240 m), which offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jannu (7710 m), and Mt. Kyabru (7412 m). We push ahead towards the valley of the Kabeli river and take a left diversion to descend under a ridge that leads us to a scattered village of Keswa (2125 m). There are many flat areas here, which are suitable for camping.

Day 6: Khasewa to Phumbe Danda (1780 meters) 6h00 walk

We start with an easy descent past a series of waterfalls, crossing a bridge across Nadewa River. Crossing a saddle to a large pipal tree, we take a diversion to the north and arrive at Yanpang. A refreshing cup of tea here is going to get us going the rest of the day. Now, the trail takes us through the trees. We pass by a wide waterfall, and then go down at 1850 m to a hill. From here, going forward for around half an hour should get us to Phumphe Danda.

Day 7: Phube Danda to Yamphudin (1692 meters) 6h00

The walk to Yamphudin begins with a simple climb, along a path that runs along the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. We cross the ridges and stream beds, which make up the sides of the valley, and the trail eventually becomes level with the river a few hours before Yamphudin. We may pause to bathe along the way in one of the many clear swimming pools in this beautiful river. It is a truly idyllic place, and we complete the day’s walk to Yamphudin after having lunch by the water. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area, and the last dwelling we will see until Gunsa is reached. It’s a nice place tucked away under the Deurali Danda wall, which we’ll have to pass next.

Day 8: Yamphuding to Torongding (2340 meters) 6h00 walk

We climb to a pass at Dhupi Bhanjyang (2540 m) on a curvy path across corn and barley fields and a meadow. The path now leads us down through the fern cluster to the edge of the Omje river (2340 m) and climbs up along the bamboo forests to the Chitre settlement until it takes us to the Lamite Jungle Camp (3415 m). Then a steep descent back into the forest brings us down into the Simbua river valley. We get to Torongding, crossing a wooden bridge.

Day 9: Torongding to Tseram (3868 meters) 6h00 walk

Let’s prepare ourselves for a steep climb of nearly 900 m. We begin by trailing through the forests of rhododendrons and ascending to the isolated herder’s hut at Tsento Kang (3360 m). We continue through the forest, enjoying the view from the gaps between the trees of the snowy peaks and passing by the hut of another herder at Watha (3370 m). From here, we head for about an hour’s walk to a shrine adorned with rock cairns, flags of prayer, and a Trishul (the Hindu god’s arms-” Shiva). Relaxing the views of the snow-capped giants and the Yalung Glacier’s massive snout, we embark on a gravel stream that leads us to Tseram (3870).

Day 10: Tseram to Ramche (4160 meters) 3h00 walk

Today, the trail takes us up to the tree-line and passes through a junction to Mirgin La with another small trail. The alpine meadows slope up the valley to the peaks of Rathong (6678 m) and Kabru (6700 m) above a mani wall, at 4040 m. Getting stuck with the chilly icy winds is something of a standard in this region. We climb up to a yak pasture at Yolung Bara (4260 m) alongside the Yalung Glacier terminal moraine. We are now going north towards Lapsang Frozen Lake (4433 m). As we climb along the mountain, we enter a meadow in a broad flat valley at Ramche. The highlights of the walk to Ramche are the frozen lake at Lapsang, crystal clear streams, and spectacular views of Mt. Kokthan, Rathong (6678 m), and Kabru (6700 m).

Day 11: Ramche to Torongding (1995 meters) 7h00 walk

We continue our journey back to Torongding along the Simbua Khola (days 6 and 7 in the opposite direction). Nearby the teahouse, there is a pond at 3310 meters, which is a nice place to stay overnight, although sometimes there might be a water shortage. There is a new simple lodge at Anda Phedi after another 40-minutes, the trail descending gently down to the Torongding. This is one of the most beautiful walks, you always heard the shifting sounds of the river, and a vast array of rhododendrons giving way to moss-hung forests with massive pines and larches, all combined with different wide-leaf turns with autumn is quite restful. There are few better places to be in the warm sun, with a breeze.

Day 12: Torongding to Yamphudin (2080 meters) 8h00 walk

Today is a long downhill. Today, after a descent of 1220 meters, it brings us back to the more populated and familiar Yamphudin region. You cross the Simbuwa Khola at the begging and climb for an hour through the old forest then continue a steep climb with zigzags yak harm track for one and a half hours. The trail is an unstable slip to the right, 150 m above before a bypass drops to the grassy Lasiya Bhanjyang. The trail climbs up the hill behind the Bhatti via silver pines and a distant view of Mt Jannu/Kumbhakarna (7711 m) to the northeast.

Day 13: Yamphudin to Khebang (1910 meters) 5h30 walk

You descend in the beginning to cross the Omje Khola. You now climb across a forest of plants of cardamom and orchid. You enter a tiny village where, with thin materials, you can find numerous human settlements, tiny roof-filled houses, and local shops. From here, the road climbs up to Khebang Danda, and then you descend to the village of Khebang. Khebang is a comparatively big village where the villagers practice the religions of Hindu and Buddhism.

Day 14: Khebang to Khangdembe (1500 meters) 6h00 walk

The path begins to descend to Jorepul and then continues climbing. You also walk along with the paddy fields with flat and low land crossing and the roof houses with chaff. There are several villages along the way where the shops in these villages will buy items you may need. Khangdime is a city that provides transportation facilities.

Day 15: Khangdembe to Bhadrapur (93 meters) 10h00 drive

We have a long trip right in front of us today. Time to dwell on the beautiful things that our exhausted legs have seen and to relax! When we hit Bhadrapur in the evening, we will enjoy a hearty dinner with maybe some beer and rest for the night in a nice hotel!

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu

On our way back to Kathmandu, we enjoy the fast mountain flight once again. Our guide will drop you at your hotel upon arrival in Kathmandu, and you’ll be free to enjoy the rest of the day shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing before it’s time for us to say goodbye to you at our farewell dinner!

Day 17: Final Departure

Once you complete, the wonderful trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, you will be transferred to the airport 3-hours before your departure time.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu International Airport

DEPARTURE TIME

Please arrive, at least 2 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer

Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast

All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks

All necessary documentation and permits

All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)

Professional guide and porters

A First Aid Kits

Applicable Government Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare

Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)

Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)

Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters

Travel Insurance

Guide and Porter gratuity

Prices are quoted and payable only in (US$ dollars). All prices published on our websites, brochures, and marketing materials are set as low as possible. The trip prices may vary at any time subject to government actions, numbers of travelers, duration of holidays, standard hotel. An increase in transportation costs due to hike fuel prices before we have accepted your booking. However, we guarantee our prices which have already signed up for your tour. Please contact us to get a custom quote.

Is the water at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek to drink?

No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Kanchenjunga Trek. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).

Am I going to be sick on my trek at altitude?

Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.

How can I conquer the altitude sickness?

There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).

What happens if an emergency evacuation is required while I am trekking?

We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.

What about simple medication during the trek?

There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.