The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a 16-day adventure into the remote eastern Himalayas of Nepal, leading to the base of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third-highest peak, located in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area near the borders of Sikkim, India, and Tibet. This off-the-beaten-path trek, opened to trekkers in 1988, attracts fewer than 1,000 visitors annually, offering solitude and an authentic Himalayan experience compared to crowded routes like Everest or Annapurna. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts, it combines stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural immersion with Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa communities.
Starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a scenic drive to Taplejung, the trek follows the Tamur and Ghunsa rivers through lush subtropical forests, rhododendron and oak woodlands, and high alpine meadows. Highlights include crossing Lapsang La Pass (5,160m), visiting the Tibetan village of Ghunsa, and reaching Pangpema (5,143m), the North Base Camp, with jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu (7,710m), Kabru (7,412m), and distant peaks like Everest and Makalu. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, spanning 2,035 sq. km, is home to diverse flora (69 orchid species, 30 rhododendron varieties) and fauna, including snow leopards, musk deer, and the Himalayan Monal.,
This trek is highly challenging, with daily hikes of 5-7 hours over rugged terrain, steep ascents, and altitudes up to 5,160m, requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are ideal, offering clear skies, blooming rhododendrons in spring, and crisp views in autumn. Monsoon (June-October) and winter (December-February) are less suitable due to rain, snow, and closed tea houses at higher altitudes like Lhonak., The trek is fully tea house-based, with basic accommodations and Nepali meals (dal bhat, vegetables) provided, though facilities are rudimentary at higher elevations.
Hairy Yak Adventures ensures a safe journey with government-licensed guides and porters trained in first aid and high-altitude trekking. All permits, including the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (NPR 2,000/$16) and Restricted Area Permit ($20/week), are arranged. We provide essential gear like sleeping bags and trekking poles (returnable). Arrive in Kathmandu one day before for a briefing and to explore UNESCO sites like Boudhanath Stupa. This trek offers a rare chance to experience Nepal’s untamed wilderness, vibrant cultures, and unparalleled Himalayan vistas.
Trek to the base of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third-highest peak, in the remote far-eastern Nepal, offering pristine wilderness and solitude.
Explore the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to rare wildlife like snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and red pandas, plus diverse flora including rhododendrons.
Immerse in the unique cultures of Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa communities, with visits to traditional villages and Buddhist monasteries.
Reach Pangpema (5,143m), the North Base Camp, for an up-close experience with Kanchenjunga’s north face and its glaciers.
Traverse diverse landscapes, from subtropical lowlands and terraced fields to alpine meadows and glacial moraines.
All land transport and flight tickets (Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and return).
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (NPR 2,000/$16) and Restricted Area Permit ($20/week).
Tea house accommodation throughout the trek with three meals daily (Nepali meals like dal bhat, vegetables; tea/coffee included).
Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and porters (one porter for every two to three participants, max 15kg per person; additional cost for solo trekkers).
Guide and porter wages, equipment, insurance, and other staff facilities.
Complimentary sleeping bag, trekking poles, and duffel bag (returnable).
Comprehensive first aid kit with oximeter and emergency arrangements.
All program activities as per the itinerary on a full-board basis.
Hotel accommodation, lunch, and dinner in Kathmandu and Bhadrapur.
Travel insurance (must cover helicopter rescue evacuation in emergencies).
Personal expenses (e.g., soft/hard drinks, tips, souvenirs, Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging).
All bar bills.
Items of a personal nature (e.g., personal trekking gear beyond provided items).
Costs or delays due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., landslides, weather, illness, flight cancellations).
Panoramic vistas of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Jannu (7,710m), Chang Himal, and other peaks in the Kanchenjunga massif.
Stunning views of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and rugged high-altitude terrain from Pangpema.
Scenic trails along the Tamur and Ghunsa rivers, with lush forests, waterfalls, and vibrant rhododendron blooms in spring.
Breathtaking high-altitude passes like Sele La (4,480m), offering sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas.
Ideal for experienced trekkers with strong physical fitness, seeking a challenging, remote adventure in a less-touristed region.
Strenuous due to high altitudes (up to 5,143m), long trekking days (6–8 hours), and rugged terrain; prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended.
Not suitable for beginners or those with serious health conditions due to remote locations, basic facilities, and potential altitude challenges.
Perfect for adventurers craving solitude, cultural immersion, and pristine Himalayan landscapes away from crowded trails.
Physical Preparation:
Train 3–4 months with cardio (running, cycling), strength exercises (squats, lunges), and hikes with a 10–15 kg backpack to build endurance.
Practice hiking on uneven, rocky terrain to prepare for steep ascents, descents, and glacial paths.
Proper Gear:
Pack sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing (moisture-wicking base, fleece, waterproof jacket), and a sleeping bag rated for -15°C to -20°C for high-altitude nights.
Include trekking poles, a headlamp with extra batteries, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and water purification tablets or a filter.
Pack Light:
Keep your 50–70L backpack to 10–15 kg; porters (cost ~USD 20/day, one per two trekkers) can carry up to 25 kg, but minimal gear enhances comfort.
Pack compact clothing and toiletries for 18–22 days; camping gear (tents, mats) is essential due to limited teahouses in remote sections.
Hydration and Altitude:
Drink 3–4 liters of water daily; use purification tablets or a filter for river/stream water, as bottled water is unavailable.
Monitor for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness); carry Diamox and descend if symptoms worsen.
Acclimatization:
Plan rest days at 3,500–4,000m (e.g., Ghunsa or Kambachen) to adjust to altitudes up to 5,143m.
Ascend gradually to minimize AMS risk; follow guide recommendations for pacing.
Cash and Connectivity:
Carry ample Nepali Rupees (NPR) from Kathmandu or Biratnagar; no ATMs beyond Taplejung or Suketar.
Expect minimal mobile coverage; a satellite phone is recommended for emergencies in remote areas.
Power Solutions:
Bring a solar charger or power bank; teahouse charging costs NPR 200–500 per device and is limited in remote areas like Pangpema.
Carry spare batteries for headlamps; conserve power.
Contact: Hairy Yak Adventures
Phone: +977-9801214198
Email: info@hairyyakadventures.com
The trek lies in Nepal’s far eastern region, with limited infrastructure and fewer than 1,000 trekkers annually, offering a secluded experience compared to popular routes.,
You need a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (NPR 2,000/$16) and a Restricted Area Permit ($20/week), arranged by Hairy Yak Adventures, with a minimum of two trekkers required.
Tea houses provide basic lodging with shared rooms, mattresses, blankets, and Nepali meals (dal bhat, vegetables), but facilities are rudimentary at higher altitudes like Lhonak.
Acclimatization days at Ghunsa and Kambachen, slow pacing, hydration (3-4 liters daily), and avoiding alcohol help prevent altitude sickness, with guides monitoring health.
You’ll visit Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa villages, explore Tibetan monasteries in Ghunsa, and witness festivals like Ubhauli and Udhauli if trekking in May or October.