
K a n c h a n j u n g a S o u t h B a s e C a m p
Kanchanjunga Base Camp, stunning views, trekking, adventure, Himalayas, remote, culture, nature, Mount Makalu, experience.
Region
eastern-nepal
Duration
18 Days
Walk
5 - 7 Hrs
Elevation
4620m
Best Season
Spring/Autumn
Accommodation
Hotel + Lodge + Tent
Price
$2,395 USD
Trip Overview
The Kanchanjunga Trek takes you to one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions of Nepal, at the foot of the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchanjunga (8,598 m). Located on the border between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim, Kanchanjunga was first summited in 1956. This trek offers not only stunning mountain vistas but also a chance to explore the rich culture of the Limbus, an ethnic group with Mongolian features. The Limbus, ancestors of the Rais, are believed to have ruled the Kathmandu Valley from the 7th century BC to around 300 AD, and today, they live in the steep hill country of eastern Nepal, from the Arun Valley to the Sikkim border.
The region is home to the unique traditions of the Limbu people, including their traditional drink, Tongba. This potent drink is made by fermenting seeds in a wooden pot, with boiling water poured over them. It's consumed through a bamboo straw with filters to keep the seeds out. Along with breathtaking views of Kanchanjunga and the surrounding peaks, the trek offers an immersive cultural experience, making it perfect for trekkers seeking both natural beauty and an authentic encounter with local traditions
Itinerary
- Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu: Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. You will have some time to rest or explore local sights at your own pace. Your iTrek Nepal representative will brief you about the itinerary and answer any questions.
- Day 2Trek Preparations and Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley: While your trekking permits are processed, enjoy a half day of sightseeing in Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. Visit Buddhist and Hindu temples, and you may also shop or explore other areas. In the evening, you’ll have a trek briefing and a traditional Nepali dinner with your guide. Overnight in Bhaktapur or Kathmandu.
- Day 3Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m): Travel via private 4WD or walk from Arughat to Soti Khola. Enjoy views of rice fields, waterfalls, and villages. (3-4 hrs)
- Day 4To Machhekhola (930m): Trek through rocky trails with waterfalls and narrow paths. Cross landslides and enjoy views of tropical vegetation. Arrive in Machhekhola, a pleasant village. (5-6 hrs)
- Day 5To Jagat (1340m): Continue trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River to Jagat, a picturesque Gurung village. Register your trekking permits at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project Office. (6 hrs)
- Day 6Jagat to Lokpa (2240m): Cross suspension bridges, climb steep sections, and reach Lokpa village with stunning views of the valley. (5 hrs)
- Day 7Lokpa to Chumling (2386m): Trek up and down the valley walls, cross bridges, and arrive in Chumling, a village surrounded by meadows and forests. (4 hrs)
- Day 8Chumling to Chukkum Paro (3031m): Enjoy a gentle start before climbing through pine forests to reach the plateau, where you’ll experience the culture of the indigenous Tsumbos. (4 hrs)
- Day 9Nile/Chule (3300m): Trek through primitive villages to the larger villages of Chule and Nile, visit a 700-year-old monastery, and enjoy an easy day of exploration. (4 hrs)
- Day 10Mu Gompa (3700m) and Nile: Trek along the Syar River to the Mu Gompa monastery, enjoy spectacular mountain views, and explore surrounding gompas. Return to Nile for the night. (5 hrs)
- Day 11Chumling: Descend with fresh mountain views, pass through Ranchen Gompa, and transform the landscape as you reach Chumling. (5 hrs)
- Day 12Deng: Rapid descent through bamboo forests, cross the Budhi Gandaki, and reach Deng. (5–6 hrs)
- Day 13To Namrung (2540m): Cross the Budhi Gandaki river, pass by monasteries, and enter dense forests before arriving at Namrung. (6-7 hrs)
- Day 14To Lho (3020m): Hike through Tibetan-influenced villages to Lho with stunning views of Manaslu and other mountains. (4-5 hrs)
- Day 15Samagaon/ Sama Gompa (3390m): Descend to the village, cross rivers, and follow ancient trails to the classic Tibetan settlement of Samagaon. (4-5 hrs)
- Day 16In Samagaon/ Sama Gompa (3390m): Rest and acclimatization day, with an optional hike to Pung-gyen Gompa or immerse in daily life at Sama Gompa.
- Day 17To Samdo (3690m): Pass the Manaslu Glacier, cross the woodland and arrive at the Tibetan refugee village of Samdo. (3-5 hrs)
- Day 18To Dharamsala (4460m): Gradual ascent to Dharamsala, with views of the Larkya La glacier. (3-5 hrs)
- Day 19To Bimtang via Larkya La (5100m): An early start to reach the Larkya La pass, enjoy panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Kanguru, and Annapurna II, and descend to Bimtang. (8-9 hrs)
- Day 20To Tilije (2300m): Descend through meadows and forests, crossing the Dudh Khola and reach Tilije, a village known for its apple brandy. (4-6 hrs)
- Day 21To Jagat (1300m): Trek down to Jagat, crossing the Dudh Khola and joining the Annapurna Circuit. (6 hrs)
- Day 22To Besisahar (760m): A long, easy downhill walk to Besisahar, with the option of a jeep ride. (6-7 hrs)
- Day 23To Kathmandu: Return to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle, with the option to travel via Pokhara. (4-6 hrs)
- Day 24Departure: After breakfast, enjoy shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu before transferring to the international airport.
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off service
- Three nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
- Licensed and professional trekking guides
- Porters to carry goods and supplies
- Accommodation provided throughout the trek
- Meals and hot beverages included during the trek
- Transportation to and from the trailhead
- All necessary trekking documents and permits (where applicable)
- National Park/Conservation Area entry permit
- Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff
- Coordination of Quick Rescue services (costs covered by your insurance plan)
Cost Excludes
- International airfares
- Travel/trekking insurance
- Excess baggage charges (over 16kg and hand baggage over 5kg) on domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Rescue charges
- Drinks (cold and alcoholic)
- Lunches and dinners when not trekking