Olangchung Gola Trek
Olangchunggola Trek in Kanchanjunga is an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a true wilderness experience in the Himalayas. It is a challenging and rewarding high-altitude trek in the remote eastern Himalayas of Nepal. It offers a unique opportunity to explore less-trodden paths, experience diverse cultures, and witness stunning mountain vistas, including views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak.
The Olangchung Gola lies in the Kanchenjunga region in the eastern part of Nepal. Olangchung Gola in Tibetan, called Walung or Holung is historically transcribed as Wallanchoon, which means a village. Gola means “market in the local language. Olangchung Gola is located north of the Tamor River in the mountainous area northwest of Taplejung District, bordering with Tibet. Olangchung Gola is surrounded by Lelep village to the east and Tibet to the north, Sangkhuwashabha to the west and Mikkwakhola to the south. Lately, the river flowing next to the village is gradually expanding towards the village, posing a serious threat of submerging the village.
Olangchung Gola is the last village before crossing the Lumbasumba La pass to the remote western village of Thudam along the high Great Himalayan Trail system in Nepal.
The Olangchung Gola area was once a strategic place between Tibet, Nepal, and Sikkim. It is very close to Tibet's border Tipla, historically Tipla is called the Walung Chung Pass, was an important trade route to Tibet. In addition, Olangchung Gola was the trade hub for surrounding villages such as Ghunsa, Yangma, Lelep, and Phale with Tibet.
According to history, there were some important treaties made in 1775 and in 1892 among Nepal, Tibet, and Sikkim of India.
The Olangchung Gola trek offers an opportunity to experience the less-explored picturesque landscape. Typical villages and the huge panoramic mountains encourage for adventure trip. This will give a sense of a real adventure trip of a lifetime. Every up and down of the trek provides endless views of terrace hills, stunning mountains, and the unusual countryside villages of Himalayas. Eventually, the trek will go via Yangma, a settlement of yak herders in the north, then down to Phale and the legendary Sherpa village Ghunsa.
From Ghunsa, there are three different options for the trek: a direct descent to end the trek, lengthening via North Base Camp of Kanchanjunga, or trekking via Selele pass to the Kanchanjunga South Base camp.
According to our previous experiences, we recommend the trek towards Selele pass to the south Base Camp. That includes the circle trip, including the amazing views and nature
Permits & Regulations
Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit is crucial and must be arranged through a government-registered Nepali trekking agency. You cannot obtain this permit individually. The cost is typically USD 20 per person per week and USD 25 per person per week thereafter. A minimum of two trekkers in a group is usually required.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) Permit: This permit costs NPR 2,000 (appro. USD 20)
Best time to trek into Olangchung Gola Area
The ideal seasons for Kanchenjunga trekking are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring (March - May): Offers pleasant weather, blooming rhododendron forests, lush greenery, and a chance to spot wildlife. Temperatures in the lower regions are around
Autumn (September- October): Features stable weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility for stunning mountain views. The air is crisp and clean after the monsoon, making for great photographic opportunities.
We do not recommend these seasons:
Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rains make trails slippery and prone to landslides.
Winter (December to February): The temperature in winter is extremely cold, and there will often be heavy snowfall, which makes the trek difficult and hazardous.
Challenging day through the alpine terrain ascend to Nango La Pass (4,820m), offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga region. Cross the Yangma Samba Khola and descend to Ghunsa, a picturesque Sherpa village with better accommodations.
