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Kanchenjunga Lodge Trekking

Man am Kanchenjunga Base Camp mit Gletscher und Berge im Hintergrund
Nepal Nepal

Trekking Map

The trek takes you past rice terraces and through rhododendron forests in one of the most remote and lonely Himalayan regions, with pristine Nepalese culture and captivating mountain landscapes. At 8,586 meters, Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and is located on the border between Nepal and Sikkim (India).
This trek is an extremely demanding, long and fascinating tour with uniquely beautiful impressions. The mountain panoramas from the campsite near Lhonak on Wedge Summit (6,750m), Mera (6,344m), Nepal Peak (6,910m), Twins (7,351m) and to the north side of Kanchenjunga with Tent Peak, Cross Peak and Kanchenjunga (8,586,) are unforgettable and of breath-taking beauty.

The overnight stays take place in teahouses with very simple furnishings, according to the motto “back to the roots”. This trek is a good choice if you have already been to other challenging tours in Nepal and are in good physical fitness and health.

Our routes are carefully planned as well as possible. We always offer enough extra breaks and acclimatization days so that you always stay healthy and fit. We have also planned enough reserve time for possible delays, e.g. due to bad weather.

Trip Details

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Introduction of the tour, equipment check and welcome dinner
You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your reserved hotel. In the afternoon we will give you a short briefing, and in the evening you are invited to dinner with your mountain guide. Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar category, (D).

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for trekking
Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. This day can be designed flexibly according to your wishes. The most popular places and most impressive sights include Pashupatinath – a Hindu temple with cremation places, Swayambhunath – also known as the monkey temple -, Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square and Thamel – the tourist center of Kathmandu. You should return to the hotel in the late afternoon and pack for the trek the next morning. You can also leave a bag with items that you won’t need on the tour at the hotel. The rest of the day can be used as free time. Overnight in the hotel, (B).

Day 3: Flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Ilam – 6 hours drive
In the early morning you fly to Bhadrapur in the hot and humid lowlands of Eastern Nepal. Upon arrival we drive in the hilly landscape of the Mechizone until we reach the city of Ilam. Ilam is one of the main places in this region, as well as a center for tea production in Nepal and known for its naturalness, the tea gardens and diverse agriculture. Overnight in the hotel, (B|L).

Day 4: Drive to Chirwa (1,270m) – approx. 7 hours
Today we drive a long distance to Chirwa. The village of Chirwa has a bazaar and a few small shops. It was built between large boulders and most of the houses are made of bamboo. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 5: Trek to Sekathum (1,660m) – 6 hours
The path leads along the Tamur River and we climb up at a fork before we hike down to Simbua Kola. This river has its source at the Yalung Glacier on the south side of the Kanchenjunga. After another mountain ridge, we come to the steep and narrow Ghunsa Kola valley and on to Sekathum. It is a village with Tibetan influences and the first views of the higher Himalayan mountains await you here. On a cloudless day, the Jannu is visible above the Ghunsa Valley. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 6: Trek to Amjilossa (2,510m) – 7 hours
Today we follow a steep and narrow path up to the northern river bed of the Ghunsa Kola until we reach the Tibetan village of Amjilossa. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 7: Trek to Gybala (2,730m) – 6 hours
On the way to Gybala, a short ascent through lush bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests awaits us and at one point on the path, the southwestern flank of Kanchenjunga becomes visible. The path makes a few shorter climbs and descends before we pass a large waterfall and then take one last steep mountain path to Gyabla. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 8: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m) – 5 hours
From Gyabla the path continues to Kyapra and we climb an easy path up to the right bank of the river. The path crosses a wide meadow behind a village, and we hike up a gentle hill, which we then hike down again to cross the river to get to Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a picturesque village with wooden houses and colorful prayer flags. There are vari-ous huts, shops, a small Kanchenjunga nature conservation office and a few gompas. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Ghunsa (3,595m)
Today we organize a morning hike or you can spend the time relaxing or discovering the village. Two nights in Ghunsa are essential for acclimatization. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 10: Trek to Khambachen (4,100m) – 5 to 6 hours
From Ghunsa the path takes a steady ascent through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests along the south bank of Ghunsa Kola and we pass several mani walls and chorten. Here some ascents over rubble walls and moraines await us. Then the path descends again to Khambachen, a typical Tibetan settlement with about a dozen houses in a grassy plain, lined with mountains and an impressive view of the huge north side of the Jannus. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 11: Acclimatization and relaxation day in Khambachen
From our lodge we have a magnificent view of Mt. Jannu (7711m), the holy mountain in the region. This beautiful, specially shaped moun-tain is connected to the Kanchenjunga by a long ridge, but does not count as a secondary peak. It is the 32nd highest mountain on earth. It is mainly known among alpinists for its very demanding northern routes and its extremely cold and stormy climatic conditions. We are going on a hike in the area and will ascend about 200-300 meters and return to our lodge. This will help us sleep better at night and better adapt to altitude. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 12: Trek to Lhonak (4,785m) – 5 to 6 hours
The path climbs past fields strewn with rocks to Ramtang (4,370m) and then crosses the moraines northwest of the Kanchenjunga Glacier to Lhonak. In the high valley that we have now reached there are some simple overnight and alpine huts. The landscape around us is like an amphitheater and offers incredible panoramas with Wedge summit (6,750m), Mera (6,344m), Nepal summit (6,910m) , Gemini (7,351m) to name a few. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 13: Day hike to Pangpema (5,143m), hike back to Lhonak – 7 to 8 hours
Unfortunately, you cannot see the main peak of Kanchenjunga from Lho-nak yet – for this view you have to hike to Kanchenjunga base camp near Pangpema. The way to Pangpema always runs along the edge of the glacial moraine and forces us to avoid the landslides that have occurred several times in recent years. Already on the hike you have views of the Tent Peak, Nepal Peak, Cross Peak, the Twins and of course finally the 8586m high Kanchenjunga. The way back from the windswept base camp takes the same route. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 14: Return to Ghunsa (3,595m) – 7 to 8 hours
On the way back to Ghunsa on well-known paths, we take a lunch break in Khambachen. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 15: Hike to Selle Camp (around 4,100m) – 6 to 7 hours
We hike uphill through a dense rhododendron forest until we reach Selele with simple tea houses. From here you can enjoy the wonderful view and a wonderful sunset. Overnight at the tea house Lodge (B|L|D).

Day 16: Crossing the Mirgin La Pass (4,663m) and to Tseram (3,870m) – 9 to 10 hours
On this route we cross five passes – Tamo La (3,900m), an unnamed pass (4,115m), the Mirgin La (4,663m) with great views in all directions, Sinion La (4,660m) and another unnamed pass (4,724m) m). After the last pass, a 1000m descent to Tseram, a small settlement above Simbua Khola, awaits us. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 17: Day hike to Oktang (4,730m) and return to Ramche (4,580m) – 8 to 9 hours
Today we hike further up the valley to Ramche, where the scenery is simply overwhelming. Then we come to the tongue of the Yalung Glaci-er, in a well-worn valley. All peaks form the Nepalese / Indian border – Koktang (6,147m), Rathong (6,679m) and the various peaks of Kabru, all of which are higher than 7,000m. Here at Ramche there is a lake, a meadow with two stone houses and up here you can often see blue sheep on the grass-covered slopes. We continue hiking and follow the valley to Oktang, now the south face of Kanchenjunga is revealed. In order to see the whole huge mountain basin, you climb the glacier moraine and hike up to a vantage point decorated with flags. The view of the mountain basin, which is above 7,500 meters, and of the three main peaks, which are all over 8,400 meters above sea level, is unique from here. The climbing route to the summit of Kanchenjunga, which Joe Brown and George Band climbed for the first time in 1953, can also be admired from the Oktang. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 18: Trek to Lamite Bhanjyang (3,310m) – 6 to 7 hours
The path descends to Toronto through rhodhodenron forests and then climbs through moss-covered forest to the pass at Lamite Bhanjyang. On a clear day, spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and Jannu await us from there. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 19: Trek to Yamphudin (2,080m) – 5 to 6 hours
The path falls steeply down to Imja Kola, crosses the Dubi Pass and descends to Yamphudin. The village has a heterogeneous community of Sherpas, Rais, Limbus and Gurungs and another Kanchenjunga conservation office is located here. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 20: Trek to Ponphe (1,900m) – 6 hours
Descent to Kabeli Kola, crossing a large wooden bridge and then an-other descent to Mamankhe. From here the path leads into a side canyon and crosses a stream on a long suspension bridge before climbing steeply to the village of Ponphe. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 21: Trek to Kade Vhanjyang (2,130m) – 5 to 6 hours
Walking through  the forest, pasture and ascent Duerali and narrow track to the village of Yangpan and 45 minutes uphill to Phungphung Danda 1,794m. Walk through forested terrain, passed a waterfall to reach Khesewa. From here its only half an hour to our destination for today, Kade Vanjyang, perched on the top of the ridge. This location allows superb view of the spectacular Kanchenjunga, Yalungkhang and Ghabur Himals.

Day 22: Drive to Ilam – aprox. 7 hours
The drive is a bit adventures due to the road conditions, but spectacular as well. At noon we arrive in Ilam and use the afternoon to rest a little. Overnight at the Teahouse Lodge, (B|L).

Day 23: Drive to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu
Early morning flight to Kathmandu. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to the hotel. The rest of the day can be used as free time. Overnight in the hotel, (B).

Day 24: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Today is at your disposal, which you can spend relaxing, sightseeing or shopping in Thamel. A good last opportunity to get some souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu, (B).

Day 25: Flight back home
Farewell and transfer to the airport, (B).

We reserve the right to change the program due to special events, force majeure or weather reasons.

B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

 

Price and Services

Trip Dates:

German guided tour
English guided tour

This trekking tour can also be booked for your individual group at an additional cost at dates other than shown here.

Duration: 25 days
Costs: € 2.590 per person
Group size: min. 2 Persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of two persons)
€ 190 for single room supplement

What’s included:

  • Airport transfers in Nepal
  • All relevant surface transfer
  • All hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • All meals on trek (B|L|D)
  • All internal flights (with Tara Air, Yeti Air, Summit Air, Sita Air or Buddha Air), inclusive Airport Taxes and 15kg free luggage
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees, guide and vehicle
  • Permit, National Park Entrance/Conservation Fees
  • Guide, cook, porters and supporting sherpa staff on tented trek
  • Two-Man-Tent, mattresses and kitchen utensils
  • 12 kg free luggage on trekking tours, carried by porter
  • Quality service and trek equipment
  • Oxymeter
  • Satellite Phone

Not Included:

  • International flights
  • Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned
  • Beverages
  • Personal bills
  • Visas
  • Excess baggage charge (beyond 15 Kg each)
  • Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
  • Tips

Visa
Your visa can be issued on arrival at a counter at Kathmandu airport. Visa costs on arriving in Kathmandu amount to US $ 50 (stay of up to 30 days) and US $ 100 (stay of up to 90 days).
The fees can also be paid in euros, which are converted by the bank at the airport in accordance with the dollar exchange rate. Two passport size photographs must be provided for the visa. At the time of the trip your passport must be valid for at least a further six months and have at least one blank page.

These visa and passport regulations apply to EU countries, Switzerland and the USA. Other nationals should check with the relevant consular authorities.

Insurance
Travel health insurance (with recovery costs) is essential for your own safety and a precondition for participation in our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains which requires a helicopter rescue, the helicopter will not take off before the responsibility for the cost is clarified.
The conclusion of travel cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the case of bargain price flights in particular, changes or cancellations generally can’t be made free of charge. In Nepal complications with the weather or with your health could make it necessary to break off your journey.
We have requested ERGO (Reiseversicherung) to create various service packages for you. You can book travel health insurance at https://www.reiseversicherung.de

Please note: ERGO insurance can be booked by residents of Germany and Austria. Those living in other countries are requested to book their travel insurance through an insurance provider in their own country.

It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours advises its customers to book their travel insurance via ERGO as a recommendation only, and accepts no responsibility for the contractual content between the customer and the travel insurance provider. Customers can book their travel insurance via ERGO or another provider at their own discretion.

The hotels and lodges booked by us
In Kathmandu and Pokhara the hotels we book are good and correspond to medium-level Western standards. Sanitary facilities are clean and functional; the hotel cuisine is adapted to Western eating habits and the food is safe to enjoy. There may sometimes be power cuts, or no hot water may be available for a while. The hotel staff is generally very friendly and looks after the welfare of guests. The hotels booked by us are as follows:

Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet/Manaslu ***+
Pokhara: Mount Kailash Resort, Lake side retreat ***
Palpa/Tansen: Hotel Srinagar **
Lumbini: Hotel New Crystal ***
Chitwan: Jungle Villa Resort
Nagarkot: Nagarkot Farmhouse

During the trek and in the interior of the country conditions are very varied, and travelers must sometimes expect basic sanitation facilities. For standard treks and tours you will stay overnight in typical “lodges” (teahouses). These usually offer very small single rooms or double rooms (some with no running water and no private shower / toilet).
In general, during the trekking tour you can select what you wish to eat from the menu. However, at altitudes of 4,000 meters it can happen that on some routes the choice of food is not very extensive. Typical Nepalese cuisine is mostly vegetarian, but very tasty, filling and wholesome. Travelers need to be adaptable, however.

Flying in Nepal
The domestic flights booked by us are with Tara Air, Summit Air, Sita Air or Buddha Air.

Tour program
The travel program for all of our recommended tours is carefully planned. It can happen, however, that roads are closed without advance notice or are impassable, that there are waiting times of several hours because of traffic congestion or fuel shortages and that specific tourist attractions are closed for various reasons. Other restrictions such as flight delays or even cancellations due to bad weather, strikes, the health of participants or unfavorable conditions while trekking may also make the implementation of the travel program more difficult or at worst make it impossible. However, our local guides are prepared for such situations and will make every effort to achieve every aspect of the program to your satisfaction. As a result the inconvenience can normally be kept to a reasonable level. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out at this juncture that for the above reasons program changes are possible at any time and cannot be influenced by the organizers. The resulting costs are borne by the traveler. We ask for your understanding.


Trip Details

  • Duration: 25 days
  • Holiday Type: Lodge Trek
  • Best trekking period: Oct/Nov/Mar/Apr/May
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Max Altitude: Base Camp 5,143m
  • Group size: min. 2 persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only two persons)
  • Tour guide: English speaking, trained Nepalese mountain guide
  • Difficulty:
  • Fitness:
  • Price: 2.590,00 
  • Single room supplement: 190,00 €
    single room /single tent supplement