Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga is perhaps the most inaccessible trek in Nepal since Khanchendzonga, the 3rd highest peak mountain in the world, which lies on the eastern border of Nepal with India, is far removed from any airfield or road-head. It takes at least two weeks’ walk to reach the destination, Khanchendzonga Basecamp. There are two Khanchendzonga base camps-north and south, and a usual trek involves reaching either of them. It is possible to go to both base camps but it takes a much longer time. One way to make it to both the base camps would be by going over one of two passes between them, but neither is easy to cross. This region was made open for trekkers only in 1988 and requires a special permit, which are issued only to trekking groups. The trek starts from a place called Basantapur, around 20 hours’ road journey from Kathmandu or alternately, one can fly to Taplejung, which shortens the trek by four days.
Attraction:
1. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m).
2. Taplejung district is also renowned for high peaks (eleven peaks higher that 7,000 m) and glaciers
3. Twenty-three species of rhododendrons.
4. More than 250 species of birds and endangered wildlife
Accessibility:
Kathmandu – Suketar by air / Ilam – Phidim – Taplejung Bazar by bus.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu – Suketar – Kunjari (2000m). By flight to Suketar and trek to Kunjari.
Day 02: Kunjari – Mamankhe (1785m). Trek.
Day 03: Mamankhe – Chittre (2962m). Trek.
Day 04: Chittre – Tseram (3870m). Trek.
Day 05: Tseram. Rest for acclimatization.
Day 06: Low Tseram – Ramche (4580m). Trek.
Day 07: Ramche – Yalung Base Camp (4500m). Trek.
Day 08: Yalung Base Camp – Ramche. Trek.
Day 09: Ramche – Ghunsa (3595m). Trek.
Day 10: Ghunsa – Lakep (4099m). Trek.
Day 11: Lakep – Ramtang Kharka (4370m). Trek.
Day 12: Ramtang Kharka – Lhonak (4785m). Trek.
Day 13: Lhonak – Kanchenjungha Base Camp (5143m). Trek.
Day 14: Kanchenjugha Base Camp – Khangpachen (4,100m).
Day 15: Khangpachen – Phere (2800m). Trek.
Day 16: Phere – Amjilosa (2500m). Trek.
Day 17: Amjilosa – Taplethok (1380m). Trek.
Day 18: Taplethok – Lingkhim (980m). Trek.
Day 19: Lingkhim – Suketar. Trek.
Day 20: Suketar – Kathmandu. By flight.
More Itineraries for this trip:
1) Mt. Kanchenjungha Trek
