Walk to about 5,100 m beside the Kanchenjunga Glacier, with the north face of the 8,586 m peak straight ahead.
One of the least-trodden major treks in Nepal, with few other trekkers and a feeling of real wilderness.
The route crosses high passes to also reach the Ramche and Oktang area, so you see the mountain from two sides.
Tibetan-style villages, monasteries and prayer flags, and a warm welcome in Ghunsa and other high settlements.
Rhododendron and bamboo forests, rivers, waterfalls and a chance of seeing blue sheep and other wildlife.
Crossing the Sele La and neighbouring passes gives wide views of Jannu, Kabru and the Kanchenjunga range.
Close views of Jannu (Khumbakarna), Kabru and Talung on the way up the Ghunsa valley.
Rest and short hikes at Ghunsa let your body adjust, and there is a sensible climb profile on a demanding route.
The Kanchenjunga region sits on the Nepal-India-Sikkim border and is known for its quiet trails, remote villages and large glaciers. Roads are still being built, and the trek begins with a flight to Bhadrapur and a long drive into the hills.
The route heads up the Ghunsa valley to the north base camp at Pangpema, then returns and crosses a series of passes to the south side. It is long and tiring, but rewards you with solitude, big mountain scenery and a real sense of a less-visited Himalaya.
Spring brings rhododendron blooms and autumn gives the clearest skies. Services are basic, so expect simple food, cold nights and limited charging. Good fitness and a flexible attitude help a lot.
| Duration | 22 days (about 16 to 17 days on the trail) |
|---|---|
| Start / End | Kathmandu, via Bhadrapur and Taplejung |
| Highest point | Pangpema, about 5,100 m (sources range from 5,065 to 5,143 m) |
| Distance | Roughly 200 to 240 km |
| Walking per day | Usually 5 to 8 hours; the passes and the Lhonak to Pangpema days are the hardest |
| Difficulty | Challenging; remote, long days and rough trail, with limited facilities |
| Best seasons | March to May and September to November |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Kathmandu, teahouses and simple lodges on the trail, with basic camp-style stops in places |
| Group size | Small group or private; usually a minimum of 2 travellers |
| Permits | Usually a restricted-area permit plus the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit; a licensed guide and at least 2 travellers are normally required. We arrange them. |
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel, followed by a trip briefing.
Meals: dinnerWe finish permit paperwork, check gear and answer any questions. Light sightseeing is possible.
Meals: breakfastAn early flight to the lowlands of the east, then a long, winding drive up to Taplejung in the hills.
Meals: breakfast; travel dayDrive or walk down to the Tamor river valley and begin trekking along the river through villages.
Walking: 4 to 6 hoursA steady climb through forest and terraced fields to Amjilosa, with waterfalls and bamboo.
Walking: 6 to 7 hoursClimb along the river through forest, with suspension bridges and waterfalls on the way.
Walking: 6 to 7 hoursWalk up to the Sherpa village of Ghunsa with its monastery, a big step up in altitude.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursRest or hike to a viewpoint or monastery above the village. Sleeping low and climbing high helps adaption.
Walking: 3 to 5 hours, optionalThe valley opens up as you climb into high pasture with Jannu on the horizon.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursCross glacier moraine and reach the quiet camp of Lhonak with huge mountain views.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursThe high point of the trip: walk along the glacier to the north base camp, then return to Lhonak to sleep lower.
Walking: 7 to 9 hoursA long descent down the valley, recovering lost altitude and enjoying thicker air.
Walking: 7 to 8 hoursBegin the climb towards the passes through forest and open slopes, ending at a high camp or lodge.
Walking: 5 to 7 hoursA big day crossing several passes (Sele La, Sinion La and others) with a long descent to Tseram.
Walking: 7 to 9 hoursWalk up the glacier valley to Ramche, with views of the south face of Kanchenjunga, then return to Tseram.
Walking: 6 to 8 hoursA long day down through forest and a steep drop along the Simbua valley.
Walking: 5 to 7 hoursContinue down through forest and Rai villages towards the lower hills.
Walking: 5 to 7 hoursA last trek to the road end, then a jeep ride to the tea hills of Ilam.
Walking: 4 to 6 hours plus driveDown to the plains and a flight back to the capital, then a hotel evening.
Meals: breakfastA spare day for delays, rest, shopping or sightseeing.
Meals: breakfastFree time and a farewell dinner with your guide.
Meals: breakfast, farewell dinnerTransfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: breakfastDistances, altitudes and daily hours vary between sources and with road conditions, so treat the plan as a guide. Road works, landslides and flight delays can change the first and last days. Camps and lodges on the high sections are basic. The plan above keeps spare days in Kathmandu at the end.
It is a demanding trek because of the long days, remote trail and altitude near 5,100 m. Good fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience are strongly recommended.
Yes. The area is restricted, and you usually need a restricted-area permit and a conservation area permit. A licensed guide and at least two travellers are normally required, and we arrange it all.
March to May and September to November. Winter is cold and the passes can be blocked.
Very. Facilities are basic and mobile coverage is poor. Plan for simple food, limited charging and no quick exit in an emergency.
The route includes acclimatisation at Ghunsa and sleeps low after Pangpema. Walk slowly, drink water and report symptoms to your guide right away.
Basic teahouses with twin rooms and shared toilets; some higher stops are very simple. Meals are dal bhat, noodles, soup and eggs.
Nights above 4,000 m fall well below freezing. Bring a good down jacket, a warm sleeping bag, layers, gloves and a hat.
Yes, covering trekking to at least 5,500 m, medical costs and helicopter evacuation. Send us your policy details.
Yes, a shorter return route to Taplejung is possible. Ask us and we can adjust the plan and days.
Not independently. Regulations normally require an agency and a licensed guide, with at least two travellers.
Send an enquiry from this page or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm dates and details and a deposit secures your booking.
Lower villages often have a signal, and many lodges sell Wi-Fi or a local SIM data pack for a fee. Higher up and in remote valleys the connection is slow or absent, so tell family to expect quiet days. Wi-Fi is not included in the price. A local SIM bought in Kathmandu is a cheap backup.
Lodges serve dal bhat, noodles, soup, eggs, pasta, momo and pancakes, and dal bhat comes with refills. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easy to arrange. If you need gluten-free food or have allergies, tell us when you book so your guide can brief the kitchen, though choices narrow as you climb. Meals on trail days are included. City meals are not, apart from breakfast and the two special dinners.
Tap and stream water is not safe to drink untreated. Lodges sell boiled or bottled water for a fee, which is not in the price. Many trekkers bring purification tablets or a filter bottle to save money and plastic. Your guide can show you where it is safe to refill.
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu airport, hotel nights in Kathmandu with breakfast, a guided city tour, and a welcome and farewell dinner are included. See the Included tab on this page for the full list. Extra hotel nights outside the itinerary are not included, so ask us if you need them.
A 20% deposit secures your booking. Send an enquiry from this page or message us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm the dates and how to pay. The balance is paid in Kathmandu before the trek. For cancellation and refund terms, see wildpasstreks.com/booking-policy/
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Fill in your details, and we will confirm availability. A 20% deposit secures your booking. Prices are per person and the final price is confirmed by us.
