Trip Overview

Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third highest mountain in the world and second in Nepal. Kanchenjunga region is surrounded by a number of lesser in heights but attractive peaks. The trekking in Kanchenjunga is at times arduous but it passes through the wonderful remote villages of Eastern Nepal. We start this trek from Basantapur which can be reached by bus from Kathmandu, we leave road head bazaar of Basantapur to begin the trek then traverse through a number of small communities’ villages like Chauki Bhanjyang (Police Station) and Gupha Pokhari (Cave Pond), a part of Makalu & Arun valley trek before reaching the main town in the area named Taplejung. Gupha Pokhari is a view point where we can enjoy viewing Mt. Kanchenjunga range, others many peaks which is over 6,000 m. and Mt. Makalu at a distant.  From Taplejung, the trekking trail follows the ever narrowing gorge of the Tamor River through a number of small settlements mostly inhabited by Limbu, Rai, Tamang and Chhetri people. We then heading towards Ghunsa (4,000 m) through rocky wall of the Tamor valley during the walk we can see lot of wild bees’ hives on the rock.  Once we reached at Sakathum the trail to Kanchenjunga follow the Ghunsa Khola an upstream trail, by the time the settlement is already much less and the dense forested areas of Kanchenjunga conservation Areas project (KCAP)  begin which is home to varieties of wildlife including Snow Leopard, Monkeys and Deer . Ghunsa, a Tibetan originated village is interesting for their traditional carpet weaving industry, and a large wooden Buddhist monastery to visit; we also make acclimatization on this village due to the altitude gain on upstream walk. On this acclimatize day, we hike up on the Yamatori Glacier that runs from the southern flanks of Kumbhakarna (7,710 m) which is especial rewarding  hike with great mountain views and unspoiled alpine flora, the  North Kanchenjunga Base Camp(Pang Pema) is still  three days walk from Ghunsa. Beyond Ghunsa village, no permanent  settlement  are found, as we continue up from Ghunsa dramatic changes will be appeared on landscapes  instead of green  pine forest stunted alpine  bushes appears  eventually  to the  glacial valley, the last camp we set at Lhanok  a sheltered area  to the side of the glacier, from our camp the (Pang Pema) base camp is only 3 hours walk away.  After the  north base camp, we  trek down to Ghunsa then cross over the high pass  Mirging- La to reach the Yalung valley, here are several passes consists to reach Yalung valley, after Yalung valley, we trek  back down through Yamphuding before climbing up to the Airstrip at Suketar for our returning flight to Kathmandu. This trek gives immense pleasure for those seeking for complete Himalayan adventure journey. Note: You could drive both way instead of taking Flights, and one way flight & the other way driving, possible to do BASIC LODGE/ TEA HOUSE TREK instead of doing Camping trek which is 20-25 % more expensive than Tea house/Lodge trek. It is all up to you guys!