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Kang-chen-zod-nga", meaning "Five Great Treasuries of the Snow", actually it has seven major summits. To the locals Kanchenjunga which stands at a height of 8585 meters the third highest mountain in the world, is the abode of gods who bestow prosperity and goodwill on them and their lands, to the climbers of this mountain the phrase "Five Great Treasuries of the Snow" takes on a slightly more ominous tone. The avalanches that Kanchenjunga throws down are said to be the largest anywhere! Since the locals worship the mountain, there is a tradition among mountaineers not to stand on the actual summit. All "successful" assaults have stopped just short of the summit honoring an old promise made by the leader of the first successful attempt in 1955 to the maharaja of Sikkim. Kanchenjunga lies on the eastern border of Nepal providing a great chance to experience the remoteness, spectacular mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna and rich local culture quite different to those found further west. We begin the journey to with a flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung (Suketar). From Suketar the trek leads to Chauki through the villages of Mitlung, Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lhonak to Pangpema (5140 meters) which is also the Base Camp for expeditions attempting the North Face of Kanchenjunga 2 and the culmination of the first part of the trek.

Detail Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Trekking

Day 1      Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345 meters). There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2     Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Your sightseeing trip will start at 9AM in the morning after your breakfast. We will provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit are Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, Bhaktpur durbar square and Kathmandu durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the trek. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3     Fly from Kathmandu to Taplejung (2320 meters) trek to Lali Kharka (2276 meters) 3 hours. Half hour flight to Taplejung at Suketar Airport. The porters and crew will be waiting for our arrival. After landing we take an early lunch, while the crew arranges our gear. In the afternoon we blow out the cobwebs with an easy 2 to 3 hours walk along the ridge line to Lali Kharka, a grazing area. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 4     Trek to Khesewa (2120 meters) 5 hours. After traversing the hillside a short way, we descend to the village of Pakora along the Phawa Khola, crossing a suspension bridge before beginning the steep climb up towards Kunjuri. Lunch will be taken somewhere below Kunjuri and the afternoon’s walk takes on a short distance over the crest of the ridge to our campsite at Khesewa. We get our first views of Kanchenjunga, and should be able to clearly make out the south and main summit along with Yalung Kang. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 5     Trek to Mamankhe (1920 meters) 5 hours. Today the path covers steep hillside through terraced fields high above the Kabbeli Khola. There are some ups and downs crossing side valleys but there are many shady spots to rest. After lunch at one of these we pass the village of Anpan, before descending to cross the Kashawa Khola and then, finally, we climb again through terraced fields to the village of Mamankhe. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 6     Trek to Yamphudin (2080 meters) 6 hours. Today the walk start with an easy climb to Yamphudin along a track which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. The path has several ups and downs as we cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides. Generally the route is flat and the river eventually becomes level with the trail a couple of hours before Yamphudin. At last we can stop to bathe in one of the clear pools within this beautiful river. It is truly an idyllic spot. After lunch by the river we complete the day’s walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last village we will see until we reach Ghunsa. It is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of Deurali Danda that we must cross next. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 7     Trek to Chitre (2965 meters) 5 hours. Beyond Yamphudin the trail ascends a steep spur, a gentle introduction for what will come. Leaving villages behind we trek through pleasant forest, stopping for lunch in a meadow capturing fine views of the north and south. A steep descend to the river an interesting bridge across the Omje Khola to our campsite in Chitre. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 8     Trek to Tortongn (3010 meters) 6 hours. Starting the day with 3 hours of steep ascent to the crest of the Deurali Danda in dense forest most of the way. From the 3230 meters pass we see Jannu, definitely closer! We descend across some steep and exposed areas before entering the forest again. The sharp descent through beautiful forest continues down into the valley of the Simjua Khola. Across the ’interesting’ wooden bridge is Tortongn, a camping place with numerous rock shelters amid towering conifers. The steep hills make today a tough 6 to 7 hours trekking. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 9     Trek to Tseram (3870 meters) 6 hours. Today we follow the river through more beautiful forest, the conifers giving way to the rhododendron forest. The valley climbs fairly steeply and as the day progresses the trees become more stunted and scattered, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and the massive snout of Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peak start to peep over the moraine. Camping at Tseram, a grazing area, the night temperatures will remind us that we are really gaining height. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 10   Trek to Ramche (4580 meters) 4 hours. A shorter day’s walk up the final 600 meters to Ramche where the trail to Kanchenjunga South turns dangerous. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past snout of the Yalung Glaciers into a series of ablation valleys which gives easy walking and good camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and views of Koktang, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this stroll. Expect to feel the altitude today. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 11   Explore around Ramche (4580 meters) and trek to Oktang (4730 meters) 5 hours. Our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley round to see the stunning south face of Kanchanjunga and Jannu. We get across the Yalung Ri Glacier and continue by a sweeping curve, at Oktang, 4730 meters, we are suddenly confronted with the southern wall of the mountain. This vast ridge forms a cirque over 15 kms long, nowhere less than 7500 meters high and with three main summits of Kanchenjunga at 8420 meters, 8586 meters, and 8474 meters! It is a breathtaking mountain panorama and especially impressive is Jannu while observing the glaciers flowing from its east face. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12   Trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp (5400 meters) 5 hours. This extended part will take you to the high altitudes. It requires determination and some luck too. The crossing of high passes requires good weather, and of course perfect logistic support. Expect to get acclimatized with the altitude today. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 13   Trek back to Ramche (4580 meters) 5 hours. (Yalung Glaciers and a series of valleys, give good walking and perfect camping. A frozen lake, clear streams and magnificent views are the highlights of this stroll. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 14   Trek to Sallerle over the Mirgin La (4480 meters) 6 hours. We trek down the valley, passing the turn off to the high and challenging Labsang La route to Ghunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. This pass is rough and dangerous, especially for porters so we take the more southern set of passes, beginning with the Mirgin La. After an initial steep climb and several false summits we reach Mirgin La. Apart from the magnificent Jannu, on the horizon are Makalu, Gyakung Kang, Everest, Lhotse and Chamalang. To the south it is possible to see down to the Terai, a panorama worth the effort. Our campsite will be beyond the pass, after 6 to 7 hours tough walking. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 15   Trek to Ghunsa (3475 meters) 5 hours. Although there four more passes, there is little descent between them, so in effect it is a high scenic area. After lunch descent brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka where there are more views of the awesome Southwest Face of Jannu. From Kharka the going is easy again down a pleasant forested trail to the village of Ghunsa, where we camp in the village. Ghunsa is a picturesque Tibetan village; prayer flags flutter from the wooden houses and there are two monasteries, a welcome sight after the many days of wilderness. One of the local specialties?is ’Tongba’, a curious alcoholic drink. A jug or large bamboo cup is filled with fermented millet seed and boiling water pored over. The flavour and alcohol seep though and you drink it with a special straw. You might need a drink after the tough 4 to 6 hour walk. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 16   Trek to Kambachen (4040 meters) 6 hours. Gradually the trail ascends to south of the Ghunsa Khola and crossing flood plains while emerging on a pasture situated at the north side of the river. A steep climb to a slope from where it crosses a slide and then descends to Lakepo. A short climb from here to the village of Kambachen 4040 meters. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 17   Exploration day at Kambachen. Today we spend acclimatizing to high altitude. It also doubles up as a rest day and can be used for a short morning hike to explore the area around Kambachen. Those who feel the urge should be able to catch up on their laundry. Otherwise, a good book should get you through the day perfectly. It is essential to acclimatize to the higher altitude as you have been spending a lot of time at lower altitudes. From here there are good mountain views of the peaks near Kanchenjunga which are visible. You can hike up the ridge above the village for better views or take a day hike to the Jannu Base Camp. The Nepali name for Jannu is Kumbakarna. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 18   Trek to Lhonak (4790 meters) 6 hours. A gradual climb through rocky fields gets you to Ramtang at elevation of 4240 meters then crossing northwest of the Kanchenjunga Glacier you reach Lhonak. Lohnak is on a sandy plain near a dry lakebed. You will camp between the boulders here to stay out of the wind. There are beautiful mountain vistas all around. Water is very scarce in Lhonak and you will need to use only as much as absolutely necessary. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 19: Trek to Pang Pema (5140 meters) 4 hours. The main Kanchenjunga peak is only visible from Pang Pema, which is the base camp for expeditions on Kanchenjunga. From Lhonak, the trail gradually ascends across the plain but soon gets steeper as it follows the moraine. Pang Pema is at a height of 5140 meters. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 20: Explore around Kanchenjungha Base Camp (5100 meters) and retrace your steps to Kambachen 5 hours. Today those who would like to take a morning hike up a ridge, north of Pang Pema. A climb of 200 or 300 meters and provides a great vantage point with views of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, the Twins and Tent Peak. As usual the descent goes faster and you can reach Kambachen the same day. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 21: Trek to Ghunsa 6 hours. More descents thru magnificent sections of forest as long as we make Amjilosa tomorrow it doesn’t matter where we stay. From Ghunsa an hour down we pass through Phole, a village in two parts. The upper sections house Tibetan refugees who are well established, the second is the winter village of Ghunsa. Further down is Yangswa, a great and warm camp. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 22: Trek to Amjilosa (2460 meters) 4 hours. Initially we pass thru beautiful forest opening out to steep, grassy hillsides where Amjilosa is perched. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 23: Trek to Sakathum (1600 meters) 5 hours. Down, down and down! After a short climb we begin the steep descent that will take most of the day. We reach the joining of the Tamur and Ghunsa Kholas. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 24: Trek to Chhiruwa (1200 meters) 5 hours. We cross the Simbu Khola, which originates from Kanchenjunga’s south base camp, the Khola that we followed up from Torontan. It is pleasantly warm at these low altitudes and cardamom grows freely in the moist shaded forest. Crossing numerous small tributary streams we reach Chhirwa, a village set among large boulders. We camp in a field out of the village. This is an easier day. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 25: Trek to Suketar (2420 meters) 5 hours. Traversing in an out of minor valleys, we pass thru a succession of picturesque villages on our way to Suketar, reaching around late afternoon. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 26: Fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoying your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited one last time on the 35 minute Scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 27: Leisure day in Kathmandu. It’s also spare day in Kathmandu, If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today.

Day 28: Transfer for your final flight departure. The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Kanchenjunga Trekking

Kanchenjunga Trekking

Altitude Sickness

Clothing
    Down- or fibre-filled jacket for cold seasons (winter treks)
    Pile jacket or jumper (sweater)
    Hiking shorts (for men) or skirt
    Waterproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
    Hiking pants
    T-shirts or blouses
    Underwear
    Sun hat
    Swimwear (optional)
    Footwear
    Trekking or running shoes
    Camp shoes or thongs
    Socks (polypropylene)

Other equipment
    Backpack or daypack
    Sleeping bag (optional)
    Maps, compass & guidebook (optional)
    Water bottle
    Torch (flashlight) and batteries

Miscellaneous items
    Toiletries
    Towel
    Laundry soap
    Toilet paper & cigarette lighter
    Pre-moistened towelettes
    Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
    Small knife
    Sewing kit
    Iodine, water purification tablets or filter
    Medical & first-aid kit *
    Duffel bag (if you have a porter)
    For treks with longer stay above 4000m
    Clothing
    Insulated pants
    Nylon windbreaker
    Nylon wind pants
    Long underwear
    Woolen hat (or balaclava)
    Gloves
    Gaiters
    Footwear
    Mountain trekking boots
    Socks (wool) to wear with boots
    Socks (light cotton) to wear under wool socks
    Down booties (optional)

Miscellaneous items
    Goggles or sunglasses
    Sunscreen for lips
    Optional equipment
    Photographic Gear
    Camera & lenses
    Lens cleaning equipment
    Film (about 20 rolls)
    Navigation Aids
    GPS unit
    Altimeter
    Thermometer

Miscellaneous Items
    Binoculars
    Books/magazines
    Small duffel bag or suitcase (to leave behind in Kathmandu)
    Padlock
    Stuff sacks & plastic bags

Departure Date for Kanchenjunga Trekking

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