Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary

The trip begins at Kathmandu; our very first day of the Kanchenjunga north Base Camp trekking itinerary to start, followed by a short flight of 40 minutes to Bhadrapur, and on the same day, we drive to Taplejung. The second day, drive to Sekathum, and the next day, the walk begins. We trek to Amjilosa, and the next few days, we trek through lush forests and remote villages like Gyabla, Ghunsa, and Khambachen.

The trail goes through lush forests and remote villages, including Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, and Khambachen, which serve as rest points along the way. En route, we pass through small settlements, cross beautiful waterfalls, and traverse several streams and hanging bridges on the way to North Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Rest days are scheduled at Ghunsa and Khambachen before hiking to Lhonak and the final destination of Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5140 m | 16860 ft.).

After successful achievement of the last destination excursion, we will retrace our steps back to Ghunsa and descend to Taplejung. The trekking concludes with a return to Taplejung and a visit to Kanyam in Ilam before heading back. The detailed itinerary is provided above.

Advice: Allow a few extra days while doing a two-week or longer trek in the Himalaya, considering harsh weather conditions, flight delays, altitude sickness, and other factors like trail blockage, landslide, flood, etc that may require extending the trek.

Difficulty, Physical Fitness & Preparation

The Kanchenjunga Trek is renowned as one of the most demanding treks in the Himalayas, rated as challenging and recommended only for experienced trekkers. The rugged terrain, high altitudes, and remote trails make it a true test of endurance and skill.

What sets our 15-day Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek apart is our slow and steady itinerary. Designed for trekkers who want to fully immerse themselves in the mountain experience, allowing you to acclimatize properly while soaking in every breathtaking view along the way.

This is not an easy trek—but our carefully paced schedule ensures you can trek safely, enjoy the journey, and adapt to the challenges. You’ll need good physical fitness and prior trekking experience in high-altitude regions. We recommend preparing with day hikes and easier Himalayan treks before attempting Kanchenjunga.

If you're an experienced trekker looking to push your limits, we invite you to join us on this 15-day adventure. Our expert team will provide all the necessary guidance, support, and information to prepare you for an unforgettable trek in the majestic Kanchenjunga region.

Are you ready to take on the challenge?

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization on the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5,140 meters (16,800 ft), with six days spent above 2,500 meters. At these elevations, the thinning oxygen levels put significant strain on the body, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Common symptoms include loss of appetite and decreased thirst—both natural reactions to high altitude.

Despite these challenges, staying hydrated and eating nutritious meals is crucial to minimizing risks. Our team will monitor your health, ensuring you drink enough water and maintain energy levels.

How Serious Can Altitude Sickness Be?

While most cases are mild, ignoring symptoms can lead to severe complications, sometimes requiring emergency air evacuation—cutting the trek short. Proper rest and acclimatization are essential, which is why our itinerary includes dedicated acclimatization days to help your body adjust safely. It is always suggested to walk your own gentle and steady.

By following our guidance and listening to your body, you can significantly reduce risks and enjoy a successful trek to Kanchenjunga’s breathtaking heights.

Kanchenjunga Trekking permit and Rules and Regulations to follow!

Kanchenjunga Region falls in restricted areas in Nepal and requires obtaining a special entry permit and an ordinary KCA (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area ), which costs:

• Restricted Area Entry Permit cost: USD 20 per person, per week
• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) cost: Nrs 2000 per person

Like other restricted area routes, the Kanchenjunga trek also needs to be arranged through a registered trekking agency. There should be a minimum of two parties (foreigners). Foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide as per state law.

Best Time or Best Months of the year to do the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking

The best months for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek are during spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November)—the peak trekking seasons in the Himalayas. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and the best conditions for trekking.

Spring (March-May) brings vibrant rhododendron blooms, lush greenery, and moderate daytime temperatures, though mornings and evenings remain chilly. Autumn (October-November) boasts crisp air, unobstructed mountain views, and comfortable trekking temperatures.

Winter (December-February) brings extreme cold and snow, while the monsoon (June-September) makes trails slippery and visibility poor. For the safest and most enjoyable experience, spring and autumn are the optimal choices—offering breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather, and unforgettable trekking adventures.

Food, Accommodation, and Drinking Water on the Kanchenjunga Trek

The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp has transitioned into a lodge-to-lodge trek, yet it remains one of the most remote and least developed trekking routes in the Himalayas. Unlike the more popular Everest Base Trek or Annapurna treks, facilities here are minimal, making this adventure suitable only for trekkers with high endurance and a readiness for remote survival.

Accommodation: Basic Lodges, but Good Functional

Along the trail, a limited number of teahouses offer very basic services. Rooms typically include two separate beds with pillows and blankets—enough for a decent night’s rest. Washrooms are shared, and hot showers are rare unless you’re willing to pay extra. Given the rugged nature of the trek, managing expectations is key.

Food: Simple but Nourishing

Food options are limited but hearty. Traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat, Noodles, and Chapati with veg curry provide the necessary energy for long trekking days. While meat dishes are available, it’s wise to ask how fresh they are before ordering. Snacks are scarce along the trail, so bringing your own favorites is highly recommended.

Other menu items may include soups, porridge, pasta, oats, eggs, and toast—though variety diminishes as you ascend. Since safe drinking water is essential, we recommend carrying a reusable bottle and water purification tablets.

Other treks around Kanchenjunga Base Camp

There are three variants of trek in the Kanchenjunga region, offering trekking variants that cater to different levels of adventure, difficulty, and the time you can spend. Here are some notable trekking variants in the Kangchenjunga region:

Kangchenjunga North Base Camp
Kangchenjunga Circuit Trek (covering both North & South base camps)
Kangchenjunga Base Camp combined with the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Travel Insurance Requirement for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek is a remote and high-altitude adventure, traversing one of the most untouched regions of the Himalayas. Due to the challenging nature of this trek, Wilderness Excursion strongly recommends—and in some cases requires—comprehensive travel insurance for your safety.

Key Insurance Requirements:

•  Emergency Air Evacuation covering altitudes up to 6,000 meters
• Medical Expense Coverage (highly recommended)

The Kanchenjunga region is a breathtaking yet demanding environment. While trekking to the North Base Camp is an extraordinary experience, it does come with inherent risks. Proper insurance ensures that, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you have access to critical support.

At Wilderness Excursion, our priority is delivering unforgettable adventures safely. For specialized treks like this, securing the right insurance isn’t just a suggestion—it’s an essential part of responsible travel preparation.

Safety and Challenges

• Remote Location: Limited access to rescue and medical facilities in case of emergencies.
• Avalanche Risk: High camps and certain routes are prone to avalanches—proper assessment and caution are essential.
• Local Guidance: Hiring an experienced local guide or porter is strongly recommended for navigation and safety.

Booking the Last-MinuteTrip

While arranging a last-minute trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp can be challenging, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request if logistics permit. If you’re considering a spontaneous adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact our travel consultants immediately for availability:

📞 +977 9851042153, +977 9765303766 (WhatsApp/Viber for quick response)

We (Wilderness Excursion) willl check permits, guides, flights, and accommodations to confirm feasibility.

Important Note: Full payment (100% of the trek cost) is required to secure a last-minute booking. Let’s make your Kanchenjunga dream a reality—get in touch now!