Kanchanjunga South Base Camp Trek-17 daysKanchanjunga South Base Camp Trek-17 days

Kanchanjunga South Base Camp Trek-17 days

  • Duration17 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
  • Max Altitude 4610 Meters
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Size 2 - 15 Maximum
  • Accommodation Hotel & Lodges
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included on the trek
  • Transportation Necessary Transportation ( vehicle/ flight)
  • Starts Bhadrapur
  • Ends Yamphudin
  • Best Season (Oct- Dec) ( March- May)
Overview
Trip Highlights
  • Flight from KTM to Bhadrapur and overnight at Pauwa Bhanjyang Phidim
  • Of-the-beaten trek in the remote eastern location of Nepal
  • Deserving views, landscapes, glaciers, and waterfalls
  • Mixture of culture, traditions, and unique harmonized ethnical groups
  • Abundant wildlife species such as blue sheep, musk deer, snow leopard, and black bear
  • Challenging adventure experiences in the deep Himalayas
  • Lush green forest, cold and hot climatic diversities
  • Massive views of the world’s 3rd highest peak, including enormous glacier
  • Nomadic highlander yak pastures and huts

 

selele

The Kanchanjunga South Base Camp trek is another good option for a short trek without reaching North Base Camp. This trek can be done in a perfect clockwise circle with fantastic views. The world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters/28,169 feet), stands majestically over the Indian and Nepalese border in the northeast corner of Taplejung District in Nepal. Kanchanjunga trekking is less crowded than Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang region. The homestay or lodges are very normal but serve everything that the travelers need. The Kanchanjunga region has a special Conservation project, which is protecting some endangered wildlife such as the red panda and Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, Tahr, Musk deer, and different species of birds in the Himalayas.

The south base camp trek is shorter, lower in elevation, and less strenuous than the north base camp trek. However, the trekkers are equally awarded with similar types of natural and cultural uniqueness. The south base camp journey takes you through the subtropical lowland landscape, farming terraced fields, rhododendrons and alpine forests, stunning glaciers, and several spectacular snow-capped mountains scenery from Nepal to Sikkim India.

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek is an enthusiastic destination for the typical lifestyle of Tibetans, nature, various Flora and Fauna, wildlife, culture, and incredible landscape into the deep Himalayan Highland. It is one of the most beautiful moderate to strenuous excursions in the eastern part of Nepal. Throughout this trek, you will be trekking in the isolated mountain region beginning from 2000 meters and ascending to a maximum of 4610 meters, that makes your holidays a memorable souvenir in a lifetime. This trekking route does not require climbing or mountaineering abilities but requires perfect physical and mental fitness. We strongly recommend starting in a clockwise direction for this trek due to the easier climbing, geographical conditions, altitude acclimatization, landscape and views, good hotels by the end with perfect hot shower and flexible riding existing.

miringla

The Kanchjunga South Base Camp trek turn towards Selele pass direction from Ghunsa by skipping the way to Northern Base Camp. We will cross five impressive passes, including the famous Se-Le-Le pass (4290m) and descend to Cheram. The trail crosses numerous ridgelines, landscapes with incredible views of the Himalayas, lush forests, hot temperatures, and farmland ascending and descending to the ending point of your trek.

Itinerary

arrival

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel after greeting with a flower garland

Kanchenjunga is another restricted area in Nepal. There are certain legal procedures to obtain permits for trekking and expeditions in the Kanchenjunga area. The permit will be issued from the immigration office of Nepal. The offices in Nepal are open from 10 Am to 5: PM. But the offices in Nepal will be closed at 1: PM on Friday and a full day off on Saturday. Thus, we recommend doing some sightseeing during the permit process in Kathmandu.

Morning flight from KTM to Bhadrapur and 4 hours drive by Private jeep to Pauwa Bhanjyang in Phidim. There are some good hotels at Pauwa Bhanjyang, they have beautiful views of Mt. Kanchanjunga and Mt. Janu Himal and mind-blowing surrounding nature.

Breakfast with a beautiful sunrise and then drive a Jeep to Tapethok or Sekathum. A Jeep from Bhadrapur airport will drive to Taplejung, and then we must change to another off-road drive to Tapethok through many picturesque and cultural places. Overnight at Sekathum or Tapethok

The trek starts today, it passes mostly through lush green forests, waterfalls, and suspension bridges. It has long ascended and descended along an inclined cliff. Amjilhasa is an ancient pasture field for the Sherpa people of surrounding villages. Nowadays, this place is more targeted for touristic activities rather than animal pastureland.

sekathum

 

After breakfast, a short ascent through oak, bamboo, and rhododendron forests offers a great view of the southwestern side of Kanchenjunga. The route makes numerous steep climbs and descents and then passes a beautiful large waterfall before the final steep climb up to Gybala.

The trail from Gyabla goes via Kyapra village and climbs slightly up to the right bank of the River. It crosses a large meadow, passes a few villages, ascends a gentle hill, and descends to the River. From the River, it is an interesting and easy path to Ghunsa village. Ghunsa is an old Tibetan village dominated by Buddhist culture and traditions. There are several tea houses, lodges, and Gombas at Ghunsa.

ghunsa

We recommend an extra day at Ghunsa for acclimatization. We must follow and respect the rules of nature; otherwise, it is very dangerous. We must adapt our physical condition according to the surrounding climates and environmental characteristics. So, we have to follow the rules of Nature. Hike up to the viewpoint at 4200 Meters, spend at least 15 minutes at the highest level then descend to the lodge for lunch. After lunch: go for village exploration or do your laundry and or take a good rest.

waytoselele

Today, the trail takes us through a beautiful alpine forest and a grassy ridge. In the backdrop, we can see Ghunsa and Phole villages, several peaks and Mt. Makalu in the distance. Overnight at the local Alpine Lodge

The trail goes over five impressive passes, such as Tamo La (3900m), an unnamed pass (4115m), Mirgin La (4663m), Sinion La (4660m), and another unnamed pass at 4724m. The thrilling panoramic views will be granted from every pass. The trail descends from the last pass, which is about 1000m to the small settlement of Tseram above the Simbua Khola. Overnight at the local Alpine lodge.

selele

We recommend a day excursion to South Base Camp (Oktang viewpoint) from Tseram and return to Ramche for an overnight. The route from Tseram to Ramche is mostly upward, climbing along the nose of the glacier into an ablation valley. Tseiram to Ramche is about a couple of hours' walk. Stop at a lodge, eat your lunch, or manage a picnic for the excursion to Oktang Viewpoint, which is about 4 hours of up-and-down walking.

After the Ramche, it is gradually flat till the Oktang viewpoint. It has magnificent scenic views, meadows, glaciers, and several peaks are visible along the Nepal-India Himalayan range. Return to the Ramche and stay overnight at the lodge.

ramche

Today, the trail is mostly downhill through the River gorge. The final section is steep uphill through the prone landslides and forests. There are no settlements until we reach Torongden. Overnight at a local lodge

 

jhareniThe trail goes downhill and turns into a steep and long hike. We pass over a landslide-prone area leading to Lasiya Bhanjyang. The trails around this area are unrecognizable due to the animal's pasture; however, follow the wider and marked trail.

As the yaks are sent in a different direction, the route becomes easier. However, the descending stepped track continues forever till Amji Khola. A wooden bench, or Chautara, is located at some crucial junction. Walking through the forest and pastures, you finally arrive at a community populated by Sherpas. That's why it is also known as Sherpagaon (Yamphudin) overnight at the lodge.

A rough road has arrived at Yamphudin. The road is rough, tough and bumpy until Taplejunung; then, it is in better condition. Drive through several villages, beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, and forests till you arrive at the tea Garden Kannyam

Enjoy the Sunrise and breakfast at Kannyam, then drive to Badrapur airport for about four hours. Check into the airport and make 35 minutes of flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

Route Map
Kanchanjunga South Base Camp Trek-17 days map
Cost Details

1, Full package trip plan: U.S. $ 2335 per person

The full package trip plan is inclusive of accommodation, whatever food and hot drinks are consumed on the trek, necessary ground transportation, KTM - Bhadrapur- KTM filights , necessary staff, permits and documents.

This price is quoted for individuals or small groups. We provide special discounts for bigger group sizes, family groups, travel agencies, or regular tour organizing agents.

2, Service trip plan: U.S. $ 1480 per person

The service trip plan excludes food and drinks on the trek by the company. Travelers should pay for their own food and drinks. The company will provide only accommodation, necessary ground transportation, KTM - Bhadrapur- KTM filights, necessary permits, legal documents and necessary staff. The above service trip plan price is for a minimal group size. The Service trip plan prices will be reduced by the size of the groups and number of trekkers as well.

What's included
  • Airport pick up & drop by private /car/van/bus
  • 2 nights Hotel accommodation (Twin bedroom) in Kathmandu before the trekking on B & B planning.
  • 2-night Hotel accommodation (Twin bedroom) in Kathmandu after the trekking on B & B Planning.
  • 1-day city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with a cultural tour guide
  • Private vehicle for sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • 1-night Hotel accommodation (Twin bedroom) in Pauwa Bhanjyang on MAP planning
  • Restricted trekking permit for Kanchenjunga  area & Conservations permits
  • 3 times meals (breakfast, Lunch, dinner) and hot drinks.
  • Necessary trekking staff, and porters with their wages and insurance.
  • Domestic air ticket from Kathmandu- Bhadrapur-Kathmandu as well as domestic airport tax
  • Private transport from Bharatpur airport – Pauwa Bhanjyang- Sekathum
  • Private transport from Yamphudin to Kanyam- Bhadrapur airport
  • Private transport for airport pick up
  • Private transport for airport dropping
  • A private waterman in a group more than 4 pax
  • First aid medical kid
  • All ground transportation for your trekking staff
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
What's not included

Lunch & dinner during your stay in Kathmandu

Personal medical expenses

Rescue helicopter price in case of necessary

Personal expenses and equipment

 Food and hot drinks if you choose Service trip plan

Bottle and can beverages

Travel Insurance

Tips for your staff ( at the end of the trekking)

Extra room in Kathmandu in case you need more than our agreement

Food and the rooms in case you return before the trip plan

No hot waterman if the group size is less than 4 People

Useful Info

How to go to Kanchanjunga?

Kanchanjung is a very remote Himalayan region in the eastern part of Nepal. It is connected by rough roads and flights with urban Cities such as Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Dharan, Ilam, etc. Overland transportation to this trekking departs from different parts of eastern Nepal, but flight operates only from Kathmandu to Suketar at Taplejung. Nepal Airlines schedules 3 days of flights per week, but it is always unsure. The other flight companies do not operate their flight schedule to Suketar airport. So, most travel companies offer it by driving from Kathmandu to Taplejung or flying in and out from KTM to Bhadrapur and then driving Jeeps to Sekathum. Comfortable transportation access is more difficult in remote parts of the Himalayas in Nepal.

You must have an overnight at Ilam Kanyam or Phiddim while you fly for Trekking. Direct driving from Bhadrapur to Sekathum is impossible in a day. After the trek, driving directly from Yamphudin to Bhadrapur is possible. You must overnight somewhere  or at Birtamode and drive away to Bhadrapur, about 35 minutes for the flight to Kathmandu.

Accommodation & Meals

Kanchanjunga region is also updating a lot for basic accommodations. The dining room is heated by burning yak dung. In some parts, they provide very nice rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers. In a few places, there are still very normal accommodation facilities.

We will provide 3-time meals in a day on the trekking (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as well as hot drinks like tea, coffee, and boiled water for drinking or filling water bottles….. Etc. But we won’t provide lunch and dinner during your stay in the city.

Drinking Water

Travelers should be very aware of drinking water in Nepal. Travelers are not completely adapted to digesting direct, normal spring water due to bacteria. So, we recommend drinking mineral water or boiled water. Also, you can use some purifier tablets such as chlorine tablets for purifying water on the trekking. We strongly recommend mineral water in the city area and purified or boiled water in the trekking.

Difficulty

Trekking in Kanchenjunga is considered a part of an adventure trip. There are steep ascends and descends and many passes, lots of ups and downs, high mountains, Glaciers, Rivers, and waterfalls. We have to sleep several nights above 3500m, and some days trekking will be more than 9 hours long in a dried and highlander landscape. Kanchenjunga trekking is fully mixed with nature, Culture, and adventures.

Permits & Regulations

You need to have a special permit (restricted permit) for the Kanchenjunga Trekking. There should be a minimum of 2 trekkers in a group. Permits won’t be issued for single persons or individual trekkers.

Kanchenjunga Restricted Permit: USD 10 per week

There is also Rs. 3000 entry fee for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area project

Personal equipment list:

Good walking boots, a pair of track shoes and slippers to wear in the camp in the evening or when the boot is wet.

Warm jacket (Fibers fill or down should be adequate.)

A Rainproof jacket with a hood or poncho.

Woolen shirts and thick sweaters or fleece jackets.

Thin and thick trousers.

Trousers for higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night. Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary during treks going above 3000mtr.

Thermal underwear (These are excellent for sleeping at night)

A tracksuit for wearing in camp. 2 pairs of loose-fitting long shorts/ skirts. 1 lightweight long-sleeved –shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.

A woolen or warm hat to wear in the morning and at night. Sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.

A pair of gloves and good sun/snow glasses (warm and normal ones)

A Pair of thin and 2 pairs of thick warm socks, Underwear, a buff, and hankies as you need.

Necessary personal items if you are a woman.

Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gear while trekking, sleeping bag. Small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day, e.g. toilet paper, camera, film towel, soap, etc. Water bottle. Snow glasses and sunglasses, 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. Headlamp with spare batteries, Snow gaiters, sun cream, personal medicine, lip guard, toothbrush, towel, reading materials, camera, game items (optional), notebook, rubber band, pen and pencil, a diary, a pocket knife, trekking map, passport copies.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, etc. It affects mountain climbers, hikers, and skiers because of lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. It occurs as the result of failure to adapt to a higher altitude. It happens most often in the brain or the lungs after the fluid begins to leak from the blood vessels.

When the fluid collects in the brain, you initially get headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, a desire to lie down and do nothing, and a decrease of consciousness, and the problem with balance coordination is called high–altitude cerebral edema (HACE). If the fluid is collected in the lungs, you become breathless and dry, and an irritative cough begins, coughing up blood, discoloration of the skin, and chest tightness is called high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

Prevention

To prevent acute mountain sickness, we have to follow fundamental gravity habits such as patience, consistency, and discipline in the mountain. Avoid rapid altitude gaining, drink enough water or fluid, acclimatize to adjust the body at a higher altitude, avoid alcohol, eat regular meals, get higher and sleep at lower altitudes, and avoid high altitudes if you have heart and lung disease. The main treatment for acute mountain sickness is to stop climbing and descend to a lower altitude if the symptoms occur. If the person is seriously sick or cannot bring him/her lower altitude by walking and carrying, then we need a helicopter charter for quick evacuations.

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