Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek
Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Drive from Birtamod to Taplejung
Today, we will start our long drive early. The hilly road first goes to the tea plantation of Ilam where we will stop for lunch and then head to Taplejung which will take about 8 hours. Taplejung is one of the most beautiful areas in eastern Nepal. It has a spectacular landscape with many attractive places like Pathibhara Devi Temple, Panchthar, Tamur River, Khangchendzonga National Park, Panchthar- Ilam- Taplejung Red Panda Protected Forest, and many more. We will pass through beautifully terraced fields and hills
Trek from Taplejung to Simbu
On the very first day of the trek, we will trek to Simbu for about eight hours. It’s a scenic village with valleys and hills surrounding it. The path today is mostly through forests and farmlands. The sight of this side of the trek is gracefully imperfect and shines gently through the distinction. Overnight in Simbu.
Trek from Simbu to Khesewa
After having breakfast, we will begin our trek. We can see nice views of the Himalayas which we are heading towards over the next few days. The route is mostly a gradual descent until we reach a place called Phundrawa. From here, the ascent begins more difficult until Yang Pang and up to Phumphe Danda. We will take a quick break, enjoy the vista and hike further up to Khesewa for the night.
Trek from Khesewa to Mamanghke
Today, we will leave behind Khesewa to reach Mamangkhe. After a quick breakfast, we will head up the trail through a hill. The lands are mostly cultivated here in a scattered fashion. We will reach Kabeli Khola and then the village of Anpan. From there, we will trek up to the village of Mamangkhe for the night stay. Mamangkhe is the heart of the Limbu, Rai, and Kirat cultural regions. We can visit the museum and cultural center in Mamangkhe. Some people even choose to trek up to Mamangkhe and return back. This is why this trek is also called the Limbu Cultural Trial.
Trek from Mamanghke to Yamphuding
Today, we will trek for about six hours. It’s not an easy trek but the views are satisfying and breath-taking. We will pass through villages first to reach a river, then cross it and trek through some stone steps and later reach Yamphuding at the junction of the Kabeli and Amji rivers. It is the biggest village on the south side of Kanchenjunga. Overnight at this village.
Rest day at Yamphuding
We will rest in this village where several communities of Gurung, Sherpa, and Rai live. The tiny village is at a picturesque location and we will feel the beautiful quietness. Relax today at this altitude and adapt to the environment as we will be preparing for a long trek in the coming days.
Trek from Yamphuding to Tortong
Today, we will trek from Tortong to Cheram. The five-hour walk is mostly uphill through forests. We will cross Tsento Kang and Watha, and arrive at Cheram. If the day is not cloudy, we will see peaks in the distance. Cheram is a large meadow at an altitude of 3,870 meters where we will camp tonight.
Trek from Tortong to Cheram
It’s a rest day at Cheram but we will hike up to Ramche. The two 4-5 hours trek to Ramche is a walk through the forests near the Yalung Glacier and a walk alongside the Simbuwa Khola, passing through Lapsang. Then, we will walk further up the valley or ascend a ridge for a tremendous view of blue sheep.
We will then follow the stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We will further move ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We can even consider continuing to Oktang Monastery. The beautiful route passes through yak pastures, juniper woods, rivers, and lakes.
Trek from Cheram to Ramche
We will trek back from Ramche to Torongding. The journey will be 6 to 7 hours long. This will be a pretty easy walk, mostly descending where we may meet trekkers on their way up to Ramche. Then, we will climb towards the pass at Cheram before Torongding. Overnight in Torongding.
Trek from Ramche to Torongdong
After breakfast, we will start our trek which takes about 7 to 8 hours. It will not be easy even if it’s descending downhill. A little difficult with frequent ascends and descends. Yamphuding is the biggest village on the south side of Kanchenjunga, and from here we have two choices. Either trek back to Taplejung via the same trail which takes 3 days or trek more interesting routes towards Kamdine, which takes 2 days. From Taplejung it is an 8-10 hours drive back to Birtamod and from Kamdine it is a 13-15 hours drive back to Birtamod. Overnight in Yamphuding.
Trek from Torongding to Yamphuding
The trek will be 5 to 6 hours long. It is a low hill trek passing through unspoiled local villages and terrace fields. Locals do not have a lot of contact with trekkers and are very friendly and curious It is a rare trail and they also have a proper facility for homestay.
Trek back from Yamphuding to Khebang
We will trek back from Khebang to Khamdime which will take about 5 to 6 hours. After reaching Khamdime, we will roam around the place, also a regional school present there. Overnight in Khamdime.
Trek back from Khebang to Khamdime
We will drive back to Birtamod. It will take about 10 to 12 hours to reach Birtamod. The first 3-4 hours are off-road then we will merge in the Taplejung to Birtamod highway to Taplejung.
Drive back to Birtamod
Driving and flying hours: 30-40 minutes and 45 minutes respectively
Early morning, we will drive to Bhadrapur for about 30 to 40 minutes and then we will fly back to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur Airport. It takes about 45 minutes. Then we will have a rest in the hotel, we will have a delicious farewell dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu
Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- All ground transportation during Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- All domestic flights (Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu)
- Full board meals( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- Best available standard Guesthouse/ Trekking Lodge during the trek
- Necessary staff, guide (6 guest: 1 Guide) & porters (2guest: 1 porter) including all their (Food Accommodation, Salary, and Insurance)
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry permit & Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket (If you Needed Return after Trekking)
- One special cultural show and farewell dinner program
- First aid medicine items
- Some seasonal fruit items as the in trekking
- Duffle Bag, T-shirt, and Trip certificate
- Our government tax & official expenses
- Extra Breakfast, Lunch in the Kathmandu
- Dessert & Bar Bills
- Your international air ticket & travel insurance
- Tips for the trekking crew members
Good to Know
Your Journey, Step by Step
The transportation for the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp combines domestic flights, private vehicles, and trekking on foot.
From Kathmandu, you will take a domestic flight to Bhadrapur, Airport – the nearest airport to the Kanchenjunga region. You will be taking the domestic flight of Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines for around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Bhadrapur.
From Bhadrapur, if there is enough time, you will be transferred to a private vehicle for a scenic drive for around 8 hours to reach the starting point of the trek Taplejung.
After finishing the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek, you will follow the same types of transportation. Scenic drive from Taplejung to Bhadrapur airport and domestic flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
While trekking at higher altitudes, acclimatization is essential for the body to cope with decreasing oxygen levels. Due to the presence of low oxygen levels, walking continuously can cause altitude sickness. As per the itinerary, we have the rest day at Yamphuding, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek. But we can add a few more days for acclimatization as per your need.
The variety of food during Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is limited. You might not get a variety of food options but provided food choices and simple Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari will make no regret while selecting food.
If you are fond of beverages, the traditionally prepared millet juice (Tongba) is available in the Limbu settlements.
The scarcity of drinking water throughout the route of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek is zero. You can get various sources of water like taps or springs where you can fill up your water bottle. It is recommended that you carry two water bottles and water purification pills or filters.
In the Kanchenjunga region, connectivity to mobile networks or internet access might be limited. The lower area possesses strong mobile networks or strong wifi connections to stay connected with friends or families. While at higher altitudes, mobile networks may be non-existent however tea houses provide internet access through WiFi.
In the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, the availability of electricity is limited as you ascend to higher altitudes. Tea houses or Lodges provide the electricity facility but charging the batteries or electrical equipment might be challenging or you have to pay some additional costs. So, it is recommended trekkers bring their own power bank or portable chargers to ensure keeping their essential devices fully charged.
The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek is a journey of around 16 to 18 days, full of rough hilly terrain with extensive lengths uphill and downhill, narrow cliffs, crossing rivers, and upstream. The trek demands a high level of physical fitness as it involves 6 to 7 hours of uphill and downhill walking and altitude gain can be quite significant.
To successfully conquer the trek, trekkers must be in good physical shape, stamina, and condition. So it is highly advisable you train for at least 3 months before trekking on Kanchenjunga South Base Camp focusing on physical shape, cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.
We at Bold Himalaya provide you with dedicated, highly experienced, and licensed holder guides and porters who will be invaluable companions for your trek. Throughout the journey, they will confer essential support and assistance so you have a smooth and enjoyable trekking trip at the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek.
A Guide will help you to get the permit, pack essential gear, and plans the perfect itinerary for your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek. Moreover, a guide will assist with cultural interactions acting as a bridge between you and local people. They can aid you by giving a knowledge about cultural and traditional insights as well as navigating your trekking route of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek. We provide a guide to every trekking group with a size of people, if you are a larger group then you will require more guides.
Porters may come in handy while trekking at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. He will take care of your heavy lifting by carrying your backpacks, equipment, food, and other essential materials. He will ensure you have less physical strain and has an enjoyable journey without any worries.
Therefore, trekking with a guide and porters will support you not only in guiding and carrying equipment but also assure that you are safe by giving priority to the management of altitude sickness symptoms and monitoring weather and climate so that you can have enjoyable trekking at the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.
There are a number of expenses connected with the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek. You can estimate the required cost for the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek by a list of the following requirements.
- Trekking permits cost
- Guide and Porters cost
- Food and Accommodation cost
- Transportation cost
- Trekking equipment cost
- Travel insurance cost
- Other Miscellaneous costs
After expenses on the given requirements and trekking on Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, it will cost around US$ 2000 per person to complete the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek.
Obtaining a special permit from the government is essential if you are planning to trek on Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. The region surrounding Kanchenjunga has been designated as a conservation area to help preserve the environmental and cultural assets of the area. Therefore, the permit will give you to access the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. You will require two types of permits.
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area permit
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit
During the permit application process, it is compulsory require to provide documents such as passport-sized photographs, passport, VISA, and travel insurance details. After transmitting such documents to us we will handle the submission and obtain the necessary permits for the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek.
Trekking to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is difficult and hazardous which takes you up to an altitude of 4,580 meters/15,026 feet. The high altitudes and severe cold might be problematic for trekkers and anything might happen on the journey. Having travel insurance is essential to cover all medical expenses or helicopter rescue facilities if sudden circumstances occur during the trek. Be sure your insurance policy covers all of your activities while in Nepal.
Beginning of The trek from Taplejung at 1,441 meters and leads you up to an altitude of 4,580 meters at Ramche, there is a quite possibility the trekkers might suffer altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If managed properly, altitude sickness is nothing to worry about. You can consult with your guide if the symptoms of altitude sickness began to show.
The symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
To deal with altitude sickness while trekking, you should follow the mentioned preventive measures.
- Acclimatize properly
- Take it easy and climb slowly
- Drink 3 to 4 liters of water daily to stay hydrated
- Consume highly nutritious and carbohydrate-rich foods
- Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills
- Descend to a little lower if necessary
A packing list is crucial as it draws a clear picture of all these essential things that you will need during the trek. Considering the uncontrollable weather conditions and demand of the trek, a comprehensive packing list for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp may include:
Travel Documents
- Valid Passport
- Travel Insurance
- Nepal visa
- 4 passport-size photos
- Cash and credits
Clothing items
Headwear
- A brimmed hat or suncap
- sunglasses
- Headscarf
Bodywear
- Waterproof jacket and down jacket
- Lightweight thermal tops
- Insulated jacket
- Hiking pants or fleece pants
- Light thermal trouser
Handwear
- Gloves
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Hiking socks
- Trekking sandals
- Gaiters
Trekking equipment, gears, and accessories
- Trekking backpack and trekking poles
- Duffel bag
- Head torch and extra batteries
- raincoat
- Water bottle
- Face mask
First aid and medicines
- Antibiotics and painkillers
- Bandages
- Eye drops and earplugs
- Water purification tablets or water filters
- Sunscreen cream and Lip balm
Toiletries and Personal hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- personal first aid kit
- Deodorants
- Hand and face moisturizing cream
- Toilet paper
Miscellaneous items
- Contact lenses or power glasses
- Umbrella
- Powerbank
- Cameras
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Autumn and Spring seasons are considered to be the best season for the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek. The days are warm and nights are cool and the sky and weather are completely clear, making the views of verdant hills, and vibrant forests excellent visibility.
Travel insurance is essential while traveling at the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek ensuring you can do worry-free trek with peace of mind. It covers all medical expenses or rescue facilities if any unforeseen circumstances occur during the trek.
For the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek, you will require two types of permits – A restricted area permit and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit. The permit can be only obtained with a guide.
We strongly advise you to hire a porter for this trek. Hiring a porter for the trek will allow you to relax and enjoy the walk without having to worry about your backpack. The porters can carry up to the maximum weight limit of 15 kilograms.
The highest altitude of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek is 4,610 meters/15,124 feet at Ramche (South Base Camp).
The majority of the settlements in the Kanchenjunga region have no cell service or connectivity of mobile networks is limited. WiFi is only available at tea houses in the Kanchenjunga region for an additional fee.
Trekkers who visit Nepal for a trek can rent or purchase the items they need. However, renting the trekking gear is preferable to purchasing it since it is more convenient and less expensive.
Our company Bold Himalaya also owns a shop that provides all the necessary hiking gear and equipment.
This trek explores Nepal’s border with Sikkim and Tibet. The lower region has a mixed community following Hinduism dominated by the ethnic group Limbu and the Rai people who follow animist beliefs. The upper region has a distinct community of Bhote and Sherpa people who follow Buddhism.
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