Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek – 14 Days

5.0 Superb

WATCH

Description

 

 

A Guide to Best Kanchenjunga Trek Itineraries | Unveiling the Best Routes  and Experiences

 

Activities

 

  • 10 days of trekking in the Kanchenjunga region
  • Visit Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4730m)
  • Explore Limbu and Rai villages and Yalung Glacier
  • Scenic drive through Ilam tea gardens
  • Short cultural immersion in Kathmandu

 

 Accommodation

 

  • 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • 10 nights in local teahouses during the trek
  • 1 night in hotel in Ilam

 

 Meals

 

 13 breakfasts

 12 lunches

13 dinners included

 

 Trek Difficulty

 

Moderate to Challenging (Level 4) – Best for fit trekkers with high-altitude experience

 

🌄 Trip Overview

 

The 14-day Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek takes you deep into the eastern Himalayas, where culture, isolation, and stunning natural beauty combine. Starting in Kathmandu, you’ll travel through Ilam’s tea hills before beginning the trek from Taplejung. You’ll pass through terraced farms, rhododendron forests, high pastures, and remote villages to reach Ramche and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp at 4730m. The route is less crowded, rich in Limbu and Rai culture, and set in the breathtaking Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a quieter alternative to Everest or Annapurna.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

 

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Nona Getaways representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, relax or explore nearby streets in Thamel. In the evening, attend a trek briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Nepali cuisine and cultural performance, setting the stage for your Himalayan adventure.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Meals: Dinner                           

 

Day 2: Fly to Bhadrapur (91m), Drive to Illam (1677m) – 5 hours

 

Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From here, drive through scenic tea gardens and rolling hills to Illam, a charming hill town famous for its tea production. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and explore the local bazaar in the evening.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Illam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: Drive from Illam to Khebang (1910m) – 6 hours

 

Travel by jeep from Illam to the remote village of Khebang, the starting point of your trek. The route passes through terraced fields, rural villages, and forested hills. Arrive in Khebang and explore this traditional Limbu village, where you’ll begin to experience the local culture.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Khebang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4: Trek from Khebang to Khesewa (2120m) – 6 hours

 

Begin your trek by descending through farmland and crossing a suspension bridge before climbing gradually to the village of Khesewa. You’ll enjoy views of terraced rice fields and scattered Limbu settlements, with distant glimpses of the Kanchenjunga range.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Khesewa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5: Trek from Khesewa to Mamankhe (1780m) – 5 hours

 

Follow a trail that descends and ascends through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. The route crosses small streams and passes traditional villages before reaching Mamankhe, perched on a hillside above the Kabeli River.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Mamankhe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6: Trek from Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2080m) – 6 hours

 

Trek along forested trails and traverse ridge lines with views of cascading waterfalls and deep valleys. Reach Yamphudin, a culturally rich village inhabited by Sherpa, Limbu, and Rai communities. This is the last permanent settlement before heading into more remote terrain.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Yamphudin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7: Trek from Yamphudin to Tortong (2995m) – 7 hours

 

A challenging day as you climb steeply through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, with stunning views of snowy peaks. Cross the Amji Khola and follow narrow ridges to reach Tortong, a small campsite surrounded by forest.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Tortong

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8: Trek from Tortong to Cheram (3870m) – 6 hours

 

Continue ascending through rhododendron forests with increasing altitude. Enjoy views of the Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga South Face. Reach Cheram, a small settlement with basic teahouses, nestled near the Yalung Glacier.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Cheram

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 9: Acclimatization and Exploration Day at Cheram

 

Take a rest and acclimatization day at Cheram. Hike to nearby viewpoints for panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks such as Kabru and Rathong. This day helps you adjust to the altitude and prepares you for the base camp visit.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Cheram

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10: Trek from Cheram to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4500m) and back to Cheram – 7 hours

 

Trek to the stunning Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, also known as Yalung Base Camp. Witness incredible views of the massive south face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, along with surrounding glaciers and peaks. After soaking in the scenery, return to Cheram for the night.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Cheram

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11: Trek from Cheram to Tortong – 6 hours

 

Retrace your steps downhill from Cheram to Tortong through beautiful alpine landscapes and forests. Descending is easier but still requires caution on steep sections.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Tortong

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 12: Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin – 6 hours

 

Continue your descent through forests and riverside trails, eventually arriving back at the welcoming village of Yamphudin. Enjoy the comfort of the lower altitude and reconnect with village life.

 

Accommodation: Teahouse in Yamphudin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 13: Drive from Yamphudin to Bhadrapur – 10 hours

 

Take a long drive through hilly terrain and tea-covered landscapes back to Bhadrapur. The journey offers a final look at eastern Nepal’s rural beauty.

 

Accommodation: Hotel in Bhadrapur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu and Departure

 

Take a domestic flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Depending on your international flight time, transfer to the airport for final departure or extend your stay in Kathmandu as desired.

 

Accommodation: None (departure day)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Inclusions

Airport Transfers

  • Pick-up and drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle

Accommodation

  • 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (twin sharing)
  • 9 nights in local teahouses/lodges during the trek (twin/triple sharing)

        2 night in Bhadrapur and Illam

 

 

 

Meals

  • 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 13 dinners during the trek
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu

 

Transportation

  • Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and return
  • Private jeep from Bhadrapur to Illam and Taplejung and return

Permits & Paperwork

  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card

Staff     

  • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
  • All wages, insurance, and accommodation for trekking staff

Support

  • First aid kit

• Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

Visa and Flights

  • Nepal visa fees
  • International airfare to and from Nepal

 

Additional Accommodation

  • Extra nights in Kathmandu or other locations due to early arrival, late departure, or delays caused by weather or other unforeseen events

 

Personal Expenses

  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing
  • Snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks
  • Telephone calls, laundry, and internet charges
  • Hot showers and charging electronic devices during the trek

 

Health and Safety

  • Travel insurance (including emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking coverage)

 

Tips and Gratitude

  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and other staff

 

Miscellaneous

  • Any services or items not specifically mentioned in the inclusions

 

2 Reviews

Cherie S. Cullen

Belly Wave

20 Mar, 2023 . 4:00 Pm

5.0

Nam vel lacus eu nisl bibendum accumsan vitae vitae nibh. Nam nec eros id magna hendrerit sagittis. Nullam sed mi non odio feugiat volutpat sit amet nec elit.

Reply
Nicolas Shai

Nicolas Shai

20 Mar, 2023 . 4:00 Pm

5.0

Nam vel lacus eu nisl bibendum accumsan vitae vitae nibh. Nam nec eros id magna hendrerit sagittis. Nullam sed mi non odio feugiat volutpat sit amet nec elit.

Reply

Add a Review

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Stars
back to top