Kanchenjunga Trek leads us to the Base of the third tallest peak on earth. As we go through the wonderful environmental ecosystems of this great region, we observe amazing majestic views of villages on borders of Sikkim and Tibet; the incredible landscapes of the trek astound us throughout our journey. Kanchenjunga, also known as the “Treasure of Snow” has 28,198ft elevation. The peak was first discovered by a British mountaineering expedition way back in the early 50s. Hereabouts, you witness raw adventure and awe inspiring Himalayan Trekking, and the rewards we obtain are unforgettable!
This high altitude strenuous Himalayan trek is sure to leave a footprint on you forever. Kanchenjunga, although a finite trekking area as per Government permit policies, is one of the distant trekking regions physically based in Eastern Nepal & sits on the borderlines of the Indian state of Sikkim. The Kangchenjunga zone is also well known for the famous ‘Snow Leopard’, National bird of Nepal (Lophophorus), Musk Deer, Blue Sheep and probably the famous Yeti, too. This is an unfrequented remote area in comparison to the other well-known Everest and Annapurna Trekking regions of Nepal.
Your Kanchenjunga trip begins with a delightful drive to Basantapur after which a congenial walk for three days passing through Rai, Sherpa and Chhetri villages as you reach a place called Suketar.
From here on, you will observe a contrasting world far from human civilization, as we cling to a route along a ridge towards the Tamur River, relishing panoramic views of Makalu (27,825ft) and Chhamlang (24,000ft) peaks. After walking past the forests, the lovely Kanchenjunga range soon impressively reveals itself. The route continues up the Tamur River through Limbu Villages (where a pot of fermented millet known as Tongba can be tested) leading to the terraced mountainside village of Amjilassa and the notable Sherpa village of Ghunsa (11,400ft). The beautiful monastery in Ghunsa makes fascinating visit before the first glimpse of humongous unclimbed peaks including Jannu(25,289ft), known as “Mystery Peak” or “Terror Peak”, the trail leads on to the edge of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and, after we cut across the side moraine we rendezvous towards the intersection of Lhonak Glacier at (15,680f) and the rolling glen after the glacier. The campsite at Lhonak can be reached by passing through this junction, a tranquil landscape.
After spending some prime time at Lhonak for rest and acclimatising, including a day trip to Pangpema at (16,900ft) to commend the north face of Kanchenjunga, you will head back the same way home. There is an option however, if the team is interested, to go through two passes, the Lapsang La at (16,760ft) and Sinion/Mirgin La at (15,300ft) for some wonderful options if you are ready for it. On the last day of the trek you will walk back to Suketar for a flight to the steamy city of Biratnagar with another linking flight onwards to Kathmandu, where the luxuries of your hotel awaits you with a warm cosy bed.
Kanchenjunga Trek Highlights
- A chance to trek where few tread, you have the trails all to yourself
- Great scenery with views of massive peaks above 8000m
- A well planned itinerary that gives you enough time to explore & acclimatize to the thin air
- Bunk out in relatively cosy teahouses and a luxury 3-4 star hotel before & after the trip
