Kanchenjunga Adventure Trek - 28 Days

On arrival into Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be received by our staff who will escort you to the hotel. Our Sherpa guide, or a member of the office staff, will give you a brief orientation of particulars about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, Trekking and Camping, and things you should keep in mind for the trip. Your first overnight in Kathmandu.

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be informed on arrival about the time for your half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, and the various places of interest. Depending on the time of your flight arrival the night previous, we will schedule your half day tour in the morning or afternoon. For late night flight arrivals, we prefer to do an afternoon tour in order for you to get properly acclimated to the time change. Overnight at your hotel

Flying from Kathmandu towards Biratnagar is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in Nepal. You see the massive range of Himalayas from Langtang, Jugal, Gaurishanker, Everest, Makalu to Kanchenjunga range of mountains and the great diverse landscape on the 40 minutes flight, Biratnagar is one of the largest Industrial city, located on the south eastern Gangetic plain of Nepal. On arrival our representative in Biratnagar will transfer you to the hotel in a quiet area of the town. Overnight Biratnagar.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Sukhetar. The flight takes about twenty five minutes from Taplejung to Sukhetar. At Sukhetar, our trekking staff and porters will greet you and begin the trek towards Lali Kharka 2,260m. The first part of the walk is almost flat and goes down through the lush forest of pine; the mountain path from here follows a pleasant ridge route. After a short while, it enters the mountains to the right leading to a forested area through which it descends to Lali Kharka for our overnight camp. We set up camp on the clearing near this small rural village of Lali Kharka, with a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga in the distance. On the far side of the valley is Bhanjyang.

The day starts with a walk downhill through the village, the inhabitants of this area are mostly of Hindu origins, a mixture of Brahmins, Chettris, and the Karat tribes of Rai’s and Limbus who also practice Hinduism along with their own traditional colloquial forms of worship of deities and spirits. After the village of Tembawa path descend towards Phawa khola, crossing Phawa khola coming to Pokhara village, the path from here leads through terraced farm fields, and finally crossing Pokhara’s suspension bridge our route climbs steeply to the village of Kunjari, a mountainside village, from Kunjari walk passes through a mixed forest and some rural farm villages, then climbing gentle up to our overnight camp at Khesewa, a small farm village with grand views of Kanchenjunga and Yalungkang peak.

Today, trail descends towards the lush terraced rice and millet fields, then through the forests to the headwaters of the Nandeva khola on the left. After crossing the stream, the trek continues downhill along the river. After entering the mountains to the left, the trek climbs through the forest, coming to the village of Loppoding. After Loppoding, the trail is more of ups and downs until it reaches Fun (yes, this is the real name!) where there is a resting place. From the ridge top of Fang-fang, breathtaking views of Khumbakarna, Yalung and Kanchenjunga can be seen. From here descend again through the terraced fields to the mountain village of Yang pang, walking along its upper edge, and climbing on the gentle slope for an hour to Popne Dhara at the crest of the ridge. This is an opportune spot for a break and to catch your breath along with the view of Mt. Jannu in the distance. From here it’s a winding descent passing through hamlets and terraced farm fields to the Khesewa khola. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail climbs to yet another resting area. We continue to a gradual ascent for an hour through terraced fields, and finally stopping for an overnight camp at Mamangkhe village.

Morning walk begins with a gentle climb, skirting around the ridge to a level path that leads to the village of Dekadin. From this village of Dekadin, the path leads along the right bank of Kabuli khola, rising from 200-300m from the river bottom towards the mountain path, winding around various ridges and streams. The trail is a pleasant walk of gentle ups and downs, all the while crossing number of streams. This mountain route offers grand view of the Kabeli khola flowing below and the huts and fields on the opposite bank. When the path ends, we descend via stone steps towards Kabeli khola. Leaving the river, our route climbs to a splendid ridge passing through villages and farm fields. After a gradual climb through the fields we arrive at the remote permanent village at Yamphudin. This is the last permanent settlement till we reach Gunsa. The campsite will be in the fields or close to people’s houses.

From Yamphudin, the trek leads to Chitre, walk along the left bank of Kabeli khola, crossing the tributary of Omje khola and begin climbing the steep ascent to Dhupi Bhanjyang for two hours or more through open grassland. From the top of the pass, it is a steady descent through the forest to Omje Khola. After crossing the river, we arrive at a mountain ridge with steep slopes with many exposed boulders that must be climbed very carefully. After this vigorous climb, it is a welcomed sight b to see the trees again as the walk follows through the rhododendron thickets, the angle of incline lessens with an easier walk through a forested area and emerging to an open ridge and finally to Chitre for the overnight camp. Chitre consists of one small hut. During dry season water is scarce here; sometimes we must continue our climb for another hour to the small pond just below Ramite Bhanjyang. Our guide and cook will get the information about the water availability at Chitre before leaving Yamphudin. Overnight camp at Chitre on a clearing in the middle of the forest.

From Chitre, our path leads towards Ramite Bhanjyang (3,430m.), on a steep route uphill for two hours, through magnolias, rhododendron and bamboo forest. We reach Ramite which again consists of a single hut; from here the path climbs to a rhododendron covered ridge, and passes towards a small pond on the right at Ramite Bhanjyang 3,430m. Mt.Jannu appears atop the ridge before you, and from here the track leads to 150m ascend, though this area is thickly forested with rhododendron trees, you can still see Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt.Khumbhakarna and Kabru peaks from between the trees. This final leg of today’s walk is an easy descent on the gentle sloping path which continues almost to the riverbed of the Simbua Khola for the overnight camp. Depending on the hours spent walking, availability of good campsite and the fitness of the people in our group, we continue with a short climb for a while along the left bank and then cross over to the right via wooden bridge, arriving at the level ground of Tortontan at 3,080m where there are several bivouacs caves with excellent campsites.

The walk today follows the riverbank passing the bivouac caves. The path along the right bank of the Simbua Khola is not very high, so we head along the mountain flank somewhat higher. Both walls of this valley are densely forested with pine and rhododendron as the path reaches the single hut of Wahta. From here we cross a stream in front of this lonely hut along the path on the right bank, due to the thick forest the view of the mountains is not visible from this place. But as our walk progresses, we arrive at gravel ground, and a bit farther past this area leads to a shrine with a huge boulder shaped like serpent.

After this we finish walking through the forest, our route heads towards the riverbed, then ascending from riverbed path to the terrace on the left at which point we arrive at the overnight camp at Tseram where there are roofless bivouac caves. Ahead you can see the terminal moraine of Yalung glacier and behind it are Kabru 7,353m and Talung peak 7,349m.

From Tseram the way out is blocked by a steep slope that descends from the left, so we take a temporarily descent to the riverbed of Simbua Khola and by crossing the base of this slope, our path climbs back up the terraced hills arriving at the single stone hut of Yalung Bara. This hut marks the end of the of the forest line. From this mountain track we head to the right bank towards the zone of Yalung Glacier, and we begin the day with climbing up for forty-five minutes. Then rest part of the walk is gentle. The tree line stops at Yalungbar with the magnificent view of mountains. The valley opens up from Lob Sang La, with more views of Kabru, Rathong and Kokthang. We camp out for the night

Rest day for exploring towards Kanchenjunga South Base Camp to get the clear view of Yalung Glacier and south wall of Kanchenjunga. The hike goes for 2 hrs. up to a delightful meadow on the way to South Base Camp at the height of 4,600 m. The route by which Mt. Kanchenjunga was first climbed in 1955 is clearly seen with giant mountains Talung Peak and Kabru.

The walk will be on the downhill most of the way to Tseram for the overnight camp.

Today, we descend via Yalung Bar with fifteen minutes of a steep climb up, crossing the river and then the trail goes gradually through the forest for half hour. From here, we again face a steep climb for hour and half towards the two small ponds. From here, we cross three passes, Miring La, Tamo La and Sinion La. The trail is uphill climb for 1 hour to the top of the pass with the great view of Kabru and Kanchenjunga. From Miring La, the trail goes gently down and then up to Sinion La (4,500 m.). From the top of the pass we can see magnificent views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang. From Simion La, the

Trail descends gently to Tamo La (4,500 m.) and from here we get superb view of Khumbakarna, and then trail heads down hill to our overnight camp.

The first part of the walk is gentle a downhill trek, with a steep descend for an hour through the forest of rhododendron and pines as the downhill walk levels near the Ghunsa river. Today, the walk is fairly gradual towards the Ghunsa village. Ghunsa a large Bhotia (of Tibetan descended) community of stone houses and tidy small farm. Overnight camp near or above the village of Ghunsa.

Today’s walk leads to a fairly strenuous trail that climbs up alongside the river. Several magnificent waterfalls are encountered along the way. Yak herders may be met along the trail depending upon the time of the grazing season. The trail goes from the right bank of the river Ghunsa, through the rhododendron and pine forest, gradually ascending to Rambuk Kharkas crossing small glacier landslides. The trek continues with excellent views of Khumbakarna and Janu and other high snow capped peaks. Leaving the tree lines behind, the countryside onwards is more barren with scrub juniper. After Rambuk Kharka, we climb through a small forest to cross a large landslide area with a spectacular view of Khumbakarna’s north face. The trail goes gentle down to Kangbachen after crossing the landslide. The valley is dominated by Sharphu (7,070m.) just in the opposite, is a huge north face of Mt.Jannu and Wedge peak. Overnight camp

The trail follows above the river for about an hour and heading east, our route drops down to the river, and then climbs through the boulder path which leads to the terminal moraine of the Kanchenjunga glacier. After leaving Ramtang Kharka (a Shepard’s place), the trail meets Kanchenjunga glacier. It is here we cross the junction at Lhonak and the Kanchenjunga glacier before Lhonak. A great view awaits you of Mera, Nepal Peak and Wedge Peak from Lhonak. Overnight camp

The trail climbs up gently above the river with impressive views of Karat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. The first part of the climbs is gentle and goes through a boulder trail. Now, we walk the trail between grassy slopes and glacier path up to the North base Camp. Herds of blue sheep’s can be seen around this area. Overnight camp

We have a choice here for an optional trek or to take a rest at the Base Camp, or lastly, to ascend to Pang Pema Peak (5,800m.) for panoramic views of mountains. The trail to the Peak is a mixture of boulders, moraine, and grassland. From the summit, we get a brilliant and memorable view of Kanchenjunga, Khumbakarna, Makalu, Cholotse, Sharpu, Drohma, Nepal Peak and other snow capped peaks.

We turn back by the same way and camp at Kambachen.

We retrace our steps down the way to Ghunsa. After crossing Ghunsa Khola the walk is pleasant through the pine forest into a very interesting Sherpa village of Phere. Overnight camp

You also have an option to walk around if you like.  We continue our descent; from here the trail goes through the mixed forest of bamboo and rhododendron. Before Gybala the walk is a half hour difficult steep trek up. After lunch on the bank of river Ghunsa, the trail goes gentle up and own for 1 hour and changes into steep up and down for another 2 hrs through the forest. Finally, walking on open grassland, we reach to a small Sherpa village of Amjilassa.

Today, the first part of the walk is quite gentle; then we descend steeply through open grassland to the village of Ghaiya Bari and of Sekathum. After Sekathum we cross two rivers Ghunsa and Simbhu. Now, the trek follows the path on the left bank of Tamur River. Finally, till Tapethok is reached, a Limbu village and the camp are alongside of river Tamur.

Walk continues on the left bank of river Tamur to the village of Chiruwa. We walk for about an hour, going left through the village. After this village, the walk leads us on a gentle path through the mixed forest. The walk in which we leave the forest is pleasant, and we can enjoy the fairly large and clean village at the camp.

From Mitlung, the trail is mixed of village and forest walk. First part is steep up to two hours and goes gradual up unto Sukhetar.

We take a morning flight from Sukhetar to Biratnagar to connect the flight back to Kathmandu. The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for the morning time due to the wind in the afternoon. It is important to remember that flight times can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our control. Depending upon the flight time, we will enter into the terminal for security check. This scenic flight from Sukhetar takes about an hour to Kathmandu, a panoramic; awe inspiring view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from the plane. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, our representative will greet and escort you back to the Hotel, where you can celebrate your achievement with a hot shower and cold beer.

A free day in Kathmandu please let our staff or tour officer know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for an extension trip with White Water Rafting, Jungle Safari, Paragliding or a Bungee Jump. In the evening, we will go for a Nepalese dinner to one of the finest local restaurants in the city. As you enjoy your meal, you will be entertained to a real thrilling cultural dance performed by the local belles. This is a complimentary outing on behalf of Higher Limits Trek & Expeditions for the good welfare of our guests. Overnight at your hotel

Today keep in mind your international flight time; so make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from our beautiful country, Nepal. Sayonara!! We hope to see you again.