Kanchenjunga Trek
Nepal · 24 Days · Strenuous
Restricted Area Trek From US $2,830 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Duration
24 Days / 23 Nights
Difficulty
Strenuous
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Flight + Drive
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude
5,143m / Oktang BC
Overview
Nepal's most remote wilderness trek visiting both base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586m).
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 5,143m / Oktang BC
- Duration: 24 days / 23 nights
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $2,400 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $2,830 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $3,480 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $2,400 | US $2,830 | US $3,480 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $2,160 | US $2,550 | US $3,130 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $1,990 | US $2,350 | US $2,890 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $1,820 | US $2,150 | US $2,640 |
| 14+ Pax | US $1,680 | US $1,980 | US $2,440 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
📍 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your guide. The Kanchenjunga Trek is Nepal's most remote and demanding multi-week trek — a two-base-camp circuit beneath the world's third-highest mountain (8,586m) in the far east of Nepal. A restricted area requiring special permits, all arranged by Mantra Adventure. Welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2
Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Biratnagar, Drive to Taplejung (1,820m)
📍 Taplejung
Morning flight to Biratnagar in Nepal's eastern Terai, then a 6–7 hour drive up into the Ilam hills to Taplejung — the gateway town for the Kanchenjunga trek. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Drive to Sekathum (1,660m), Begin Trek
📍 Sekathum
Drive to the trailhead at Sekathum and begin walking up the Ghunsa Khola valley through subtropical forest. The character of eastern Nepal — cardamom cultivation, Rai and Limbu villages, different from the Sherpa culture of the west — immediately asserts itself. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Sekathum to Amjilassa (2,490m)
📍 Amjilassa
Ascend through dense forest of oak, rhododendron and bamboo. The Ghunsa Khola river runs far below. Eastern Nepal's forest is extraordinarily rich in bird life. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Amjilassa to Gyabla (2,730m)
📍 Gyabla
Continue through forest, occasionally breaking into terraced clearings with mountain views. The valley narrows. The first high Himalayan peaks begin to appear above the valley walls. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,410m)
📍 Ghunsa
Arrive in Ghunsa — the largest village in the upper valley, inhabited by Tibetan Buddhist Sherpa people. The monastery above the village is the spiritual centre of the community. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Acclimatisation in Ghunsa
📍 Ghunsa
Rest day in Ghunsa. Acclimatisation hike above the village for altitude exposure. Visit the gompa and explore the Tibetan-influenced village architecture. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m)
📍 Kambachen
Trek north up the increasingly dramatic valley with Kanchenjunga's satellite peaks visible above. Kambachen sits at a wide valley floor with extraordinary mountain views and basic teahouse accommodation. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,790m)
📍 Lhonak
Enter the high alpine zone. The valley floor is moraine and glacial gravel. Lhonak — a small cluster of stone shelters — sits at the base of the approach to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 10
Day 10: Lhonak to Kanchenjunga North BC (5,143m) and Return to Kambachen
📍 Kambachen
Day hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at 5,143 metres — the Oktang viewpoint with a close-up perspective of Kanchenjunga's immense north wall. Return to Kambachen for a lower sleeping altitude. Walking time: 7–8 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 11
Day 11: Kambachen to Ghunsa (3,410m)
📍 Ghunsa
Retrace to Ghunsa for the acclimatisation-consolidating descent. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 12
Day 12: Ghunsa to Sele La Base / Mirgin La (4,663m)
📍 Mirgin La
Cross the Mirgin La pass towards the southern circuit. The trail leads over a high ridge with sweeping views across both the Ghunsa and Yalung valleys. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 13
Day 13: Mirgin La to Tseram (3,870m)
📍 Tseram
Descend to the southern approach to Kanchenjunga and the Yalung valley. Tseram is the staging post for the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp approach. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 14
Day 14: Tseram to Ramche/Kanchenjunga South BC (4,580m) and Return
📍 Tseram
Day hike to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp — with views of the enormous Yalung Glacier and the southern faces of Kanchenjunga, Kabru and Talung. Return to Tseram. Walking time: 6–7 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 15
Day 15: Tseram to Torontan (2,995m)
📍 Torontan
Begin the long descent south through the Simbuwa Khola valley. The altitude drops significantly and the vegetation changes from alpine desert to sub-tropical forest. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 16
Day 16: Torontan to Yamphudin (2,080m)
📍 Yamphudin
Continue descending through terraced farming villages of the Rai people — the original inhabitants of eastern Nepal's hills. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 17
Day 17: Yamphudin to Mamankhe (1,730m)
📍 Mamankhe
Trek through sub-tropical forest and Limbu villages. Cardamom farms line the trail. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 18
Day 18: Mamankhe to Khebang (1,960m)
📍 Khebang
Continue through the lower hills towards Taplejung. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 19
Day 19: Khebang to Taplejung (1,820m)
📍 Taplejung
Final trekking day — descend to Taplejung and the trailhead. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 20
Day 20: Fly Taplejung to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Morning flight from Taplejung (or Suketar airstrip) to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Celebration dinner. Overnight: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 21
Day 21: Kathmandu Sightseeing
📍 Kathmandu
Explore Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO heritage sites. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 22
Day 22: Reserve / Spare Day
📍 Kathmandu
Buffer day for weather or flight delays. Free time in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 23
Day 23: Reserve / Spare Day
📍 Kathmandu
Second buffer day. Final shopping, spa or city exploration. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 24
Day 24: Final Departure
📍 Kathmandu
Airport transfer for your international departure. Kanchenjunga — two base camps, the world's third-highest mountain and the most remote corner of Nepal — is the ultimate Himalayan adventure. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Nepal trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Trek?
This trip is rated Strenuous. Requires good fitness and ideally prior high-altitude or multi-day trekking experience. Begin cardio and hiking training 3 months before departure.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.
➤ What permits are required?
Restricted Area Permit (USD 500–3,000) + relevant national park fees. Mantra Adventure handles everything. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Kanchenjunga Trek (Strenuous): Cardiovascular fitness built over 3-4 months including hill walks with a pack. Prior trekking experience strongly recommended.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 5,143m / Oktang BC. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.