Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek: 17-Day Ultimate Itinerary
17 Days
Moderate
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)
Private Car/Jeep/Flight
Teahouses/Lodges
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit, Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and TIMS Card
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a 17-day adventurous trek into one of the world's most isolated yet scenic regions in Nepal, offering unparalleled views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-tallest mountain in the world. Starting from Kathmandu, this trek takes you deep inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, where old traditions, austere alpine landscapes, and varied biodiversity are in store for you.
The trek passes through Sherpa and traditional Limbu villages, rhododendron woods, icefields, and high-altitude villages before it reaches Lhonak and Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, 4,785 m). It's a moderately challenging trek for experienced trekkers looking for a less-frequented Himalayan trekking adventure without the presence of Everest or Annapurna trekkers.
Day | Location | Altitude | Trek Duration |
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,300 m | – |
2 | Sightseeing and Trek Preparation | 1,300 m | – |
3 | Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Taplejung | 91 m 1,820 m | 45 minutes (flight) 8-9 hours (drive) |
4 | Taplejung to Sekathum | 1,600 m | 5 hours (drive) |
5 | Sekathum to Amjilosa | 2,510 m | 6 hours |
6 | Amjilosa to Gyabala | 2,730 m | 4-5 hours |
7 | Gyabala to Ghunsa | 3,595 m | 5-6 hours |
8 | Acclimatization | 3,595 m | – |
9 | Ghunsa to Kambachen | 4,100 m | 4-5 hours |
10 | Acclimatization | 4,100 m | – |
11 | Kambachen to Lhonak | 4,785 m | 5 hours |
12 | Explore Kanchenjunga North Base Camp | 4,785 m | – |
13 | Lhonak to Gyabala | 2,730 m | 8-9 hours |
14 | Gyabala to Sekathum | 1,600 m | 6-7 hours |
15 | Sekathum to Taplejung | 1,820 m | 5 hours (drive) |
16 | Taplejung to Bhadrapur to Kathmandu | 91m 1,300 m | 8 hours (drive) 55 minutes (flight) |
17 | Departure from Kathmandu | 1,300 m | – |
North Kanchenjung Treks is a moderate trekking route that does not require much gear. But there are a couple of things that you should carry on the trek.
Head
Body
Footwear
Essentials/Equipment
Note: Do not overpack unnecessarily, as it would cause you trouble during the trek. Pack only the essentials.
Weather: Dry and stable with clear weather.
Temperature: Mild at lower elevations, cold in high camps (~-10°C at night).
Highlights:
Weather: Post-monsoon clarity and dry days.
Temperature: Pleasant in lower altitudes; biting and chilly in higher altitudes.
Highlights:
Conditions: Very cold and usually snowy above 3,500 m.
Hazards: Snowy trails, shut-down teahouses, high-pass sections inaccessible.
Only for Seasoned trekkers with appropriate equipment and a support team.
Conditions: Heavy rainfall, leeches, muddy and slippery trails.
Hazards: Landslides and low visibility.
Not recommended due to safety and trail conditions.
Complimentary airport pick-ups and drop-offs
Two-night stay in Kathmandu, including breakfast (twin share).
All necessary trekking permits for the Kanchenjunga Peak trek
Return flights to and from Kathmandu (Bhadrapur)
All accommodation during the trek
Three meals a day during the trek
Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid trained local guide
First-aid kit
International airfare and Nepal visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, entrance fee, etc.)
All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, WiFi, etc.
Tip for staff
With decades of experience, Hi Nepal Tours and Treks is a trusted name in Himalayan travel. We take pride in delivering exceptional trekking and tour experiences, marked by meticulous planning, safety-first operations, and culturally enriching encounters. Our team comprises highly skilled, licensed guides and dedicated support staff, all of whom are passionate about sharing the majestic beauty and heritage of Nepal.
Would you like to learn more about our Kanchenjunga trek package?
Budget: Mt Kanchenjunga Circuit trek has no fixed budget as everyone has different needs, and all the needs have different prices. The degree of luxury you want in your lodging, food, and other facilities will determine the price.
Transportation: The size of your group and the type of transportation used will affect the price.
Meal and Accommodation: Based on your taste and location, the cost of accommodation and meals will vary. During trekking, you can eat local foods like tarkali (vegetables, lentil soup, rice), dal bhat, Momo, noodle soup, thukpa, local bread, pasta, etc. At the lodge, you are sleeping in a teahouse.
Guide and Porter: Experience level will determine the cost of the guide and porter.
Permit: You require 3 permits to trek in the Kanchenjunga Region: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit, Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and TIMS Card, and they are included in the package.
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into one of the least visited and pristine trekking routes in Nepal. It provides raw untouched nature, rich cultural experiences, and the thrill of reaching a Himalayan base camp without any commercialisation.
Ideal for trekkers seeking a more authentic and remote Himalayan experience, this trek offers moments of spiritual serenity, alpine challenge, and lasting memories in one of the world's most majestic mountain regions.
If you’re looking for a trek that’s as rewarding as it is remote, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp should be at the top of your list.
The difficulty level of Kanchenjunga Base Camp is moderate.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is 17 days long.
No, you need to hire a guide or a porter if you are travelling alone to Kanchenjunga.
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) are considered the best times for the trek.
Yes, you need to carry a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit, Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and TIMS Card for the Kanchenjunga trek.
Both Kanchenjunga and Everest Base Camp have their difficulty.
Kathmandu is the starting point of the Kanchenjunga trek.
Yes, there are two days for acclimatization in the itinerary.
Aug 2025 • Solo
I first used Mohan's services back in 2022. I then returned to Nepal the following year in 23 and most recently this year I spent June-August in Pokhara. Mohan is a very jovial, friendly laid back fellow and first time we met we had an instant connection. He's mostly helped me with transport to and from Pokhara & Kathmandu, but also most recently I used one of his fine jeeps to take me to Muktinath. Also his drivers are very experienced lovely people so the journeys have been great!.
His prices are very competitive, and he's given me some nice discounts over the years so I'm grateful for that. Also whenever I've had to change my plans last minute he's been extremely flexible in accommodating my needs. I consider Mohan a friend and will continue to use his services in my future travels to Nepal.
I'd highly recommend anyone to use Mohan, whether it be for trekking or taxi services, he's well established & connected and always has a can do attitude with a smile.
Cheers Mohan 👋 😊
Apr 2025 • Couples
Great experience. Mohan helped us organise a great 7-day trek, helped also with transport to Pokhara and always answered our questions. The communication was very good and clear. Our trek was fully organised, our guide really friendly and we enjoyed every minute of it. The price was also good.
Aug 2025 • Solo
Outstanding service across multiple offerings! I initially contacted for a solo trek, which was the highlight of my trip. Hi Nepal demonstrated prompt dropoff/pickup, excellent trek guide tailored to my needs, and overall just a great experience. All with only 12 hours notice!
After some travel issues I experienced with my airplane, Hi Nepal also worked with me on a taxi all the way to Kathmandu which removed the anxiety from my situation entirely. I was picked up promptly at the time I requested, and the company stayed in contact with me to ensure all went perfectly.
10/10 - will be using them again for my next trip in Nepal!