Kanchenjunga Trek
कञ्चनजङ्घा यात्रा- Distance
- 210 km
- Duration
- 18–24 days
- Max Elevation
- 5,143 m
- Best Seasons
- March–May, October–November
Interactive route map with waypoints. Click any marker for elevation, type and overnight notes. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distance
210 km
Duration
18–24 days
Max Elevation
5,143 m
Start: 1,820 m
Difficulty
Very Strenuous
Round trip
Kanchenjunga Trek
The Kanchenjunga Trek is Nepal's most remote major trail, reaching the base of the world's third-highest mountain in Nepal's far-eastern corner. Limited infrastructure, restricted-area requirements and the sheer distance keep numbers extremely low, making it a true wilderness journey through Yakthung Limbu cultural heartland and dense rhododendron forests.
Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) straddles the Nepal–Sikkim border. The Tibetan name means 'Five Treasures of Snow' - referring to its five summits. It was first climbed by a British team in 1955.
The standard circuit visits both North Base Camp (Pangpema, 5,143 m) and South Base Camp (Yalung BC, ~4,200 m) in a 21–24 day loop.
Ghunsa (3,595 m) is a Tibetan-culture village set in a dramatic gorge. A small Sherpa community operates teahouses; infrastructure above Ghunsa is minimal.
Waypoints & overnight stops
7 waypoints along the Kanchenjunga Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.
| # | Name | Elevation (m) | Type | Overnight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taplejungताप्लेजुङ | 1,820 | Town | Yes | |
| 2 | Chirwa | 1,270 | Village | Yes | |
| 3 | Sekathum | 1,660 | Village | Yes | |
| 4 | Ghunsaघुन्सा | 3,595 | Village | Yes | |
| 5 | Khambachen | 4,050 | Village | Yes | |
| 6 | Lhonak | 4,780 | Village | Yes | |
| 7 | Pangpema (North Base Camp) | 5,143 | Base Camp | - | Kanchenjunga North Base Camp |
Required permits & fees
All trekkers must carry valid permits. Obtain them in Kathmandu or at designated checkpoints before entering the trek zone.
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
NPR 2,000 per week
Minimum 2 trekkers with licensed guide
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
NPR 3,000
TIMS Card
NPR 2,000
About TIMS
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, issued by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Green TIMS (NPR 1,000) for individual trekkers; Blue TIMS (NPR 2,000) for organised group trekkers. Carry valid photo ID and passport copies.
Highlights
Pangpema North Base Camp at 5,143 m beneath Kanchenjunga (8,586 m, world's 3rd highest)
Ghunsa - remote Tibetan Buddhist village at 3,595 m
Pristine wilderness with minimal trekking infrastructure
Possible dual-route combining North and South Base Camps
Yakthung / Limbu indigenous culture and shamanic traditions
Flora & fauna
The Kanchenjunga Trek passes through ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life - from subtropical forests to high alpine zones.
Flora
- Rhododendron (30+ species, blooms Apr–May)
- Magnolia
- Oak
- Tree ferns (lower)
- Giant primrose
Fauna
- Red panda
- Snow leopard
- Himalayan black bear
- Satyr tragopan pheasant
- Ward's trogon
More treks you may like
Kanchenjunga Trek FAQ
How long is the Kanchenjunga Trek?+
The Kanchenjunga Trek is approximately 210 km and typically takes 18–24 days to complete.
What permits are required for the Kanchenjunga Trek?+
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit: NPR 2,000 per week. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit: NPR 3,000. TIMS Card: NPR 2,000
What is the highest elevation on the Kanchenjunga Trek?+
The maximum elevation on the Kanchenjunga Trek is 5,143 metres above sea level.
What is the best season for the Kanchenjunga Trek?+
The best seasons for the Kanchenjunga Trek are March–May and October–November.
Sources & data note
Permit costs, distances and itinerary data are sourced from Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, and relevant national park authorities. Elevations are measured and may vary slightly by GPS device. Always verify current permit fees with official sources before departure.