Not all trekking routes are the same. Some travel among the masses. Others are the path less traveled.
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek itinerary is not just an itinerary; it is a promise.
A promise of untouched landscapes, soaring skyward peaks and an ageless Himalayan local culture.
If you are the type of trekker who prefers solitude to shops, glaciers over guesthouses and challenge over convenience, you are in the right place.
At Bold Adventure, we specialize in taking committed trekkers through Nepal’s best remote locations and the North Route of Kanchenjunga is the crown jewel.
This guided tour itinerary will describe every part of the journey, all the way from the hills of Taplejung to the frozen throne of the Pangpema (5,143m), where the north face of the third-tallest mountain in the world looms over you.
In this guide, you will see:
A day-to-day breakdown of the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek, including elevations, routes and stops along the way.
How this trek is unlike any other in Nepal!
What to expect each day along the trek, from deep forests to glacial valleys.
How we manage permits, guides and altitude safety for you, so you can focus on your trek!
This is an expedition that takes you into the sacred and raw heart of the Himalayas.
Ready to take your first step?
Let’s start.
Why Trek the North Route to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?

When people envision treks in the Himalayas, their thoughts often drift to Everest or Annapurna.
However, in truth, this Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek itinerary offers something much more unique: a challenging journey through remote areas and villages where time moves at a different pace.
This is not simply about reaching Pangpema (5,143m), it is about travelling through one of Nepal’s last remaining wild areas.
What makes the North Side trek different?
Essentially, the North Route passes through the traditional and sacred valleys of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, where nature and culture exist in a balance.
You will enjoy walking amidst:
- Profound pine forests humming with birds.
- Steep ridges with majestic mountain views of Jannu, Tent Peak and the precious Kanchenjunga itself.
- Traditional Limbu, Sherpa, and Rai homes and communities: Ghunsa and Kambachen.
- Yaks (but you will probably find a lot of their droppings), red pandas and, if you are lucky enough, a trace or two of leopard tracks.
Unlike many commercial trekking areas, this Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek route is more raw and quiet.
You won’t find any luxury teahouses, nor will you find WiFi, but you will get something more authentic.
Our team will ensure that your experience supports responsible tourism and benefits local communities that call these mountains home.
North vs South Route: What’s the Difference?
The North Route is more challenging and also more worthwhile.
While the South Route meanders through lower valleys, ending at Oktang (South Base Camp), the North brings you right to the base of Kanchenjunga’s breathtaking north face at Pangpema, somewhere few have ever been.
Feature | North Route | South Route |
Highest Point | Pangpema (5,143m) | Oktang (4,750m) |
Permits | Requires a Restricted Area Permit | Needed RAP here as well |
Route Access | Start from Taplejung | Same as North but splits later |
Cultural Highlights | Ghunsa, Kambachen, Tibetan-influenced Sherpa villages | Yamphudin, Lali Kharka, Rai and Limbu areas |
Remoteness | Very remote and less traffic | Moderately remote |
If you are looking to access the true base of Kanchenjunga’s northern glacier, then the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary offers it.
Trek Overview – Duration, Altitude and Distance
Before we talk about all the sections for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary, let’s get into the specifics.
This trek is not just off the beaten path.
It is physically demanding and altitude-oriented. Most importantly, it is immensely rewarding when completed.
Understanding how far you will be walking, how high you will be climbing and how long it usually takes can help with your preparations and help you prepare mentally and physically.
Let’s go through some details.
How long is the trek?
Our Kanchenjunga North base camp trek itinerary has a total trekking duration of 16 full days from arrival in Bhadrapur to your flight home from Kathmandu.
This includes:
Days 1-3: Travel phase → Kathmandu to Bhadrapur → Ilam → Taplejung → Sekathum
Days 4-14: Trekking phase → Sekathum to Pangpema (5,143m) and back
Days 7 & 9: Acclimatization days in Ghunsa and Kambachen
Days 15-16: Return phase → Drive to Bhadrapur, fly to Kathmandu
In total, this adds up to 11 full days of trekking (9 days plus 2 acclimatization days).
While trekking, acclimatization days are important for safe and enjoyable travel at high altitudes.
This is a slow, immersive experience, not a race.
We designed this travel itinerary with active acclimatization, cultural immersion and mountain rhythm in mind.
How High Will You Go?
Your ultimate goal is Pangpema (5,143 meters), the true Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, situated below the north face of the world’s third-highest mountain.
Some significant high points are:
Ghunsa – 3,595m
Kambachen – 4,050m
Lhonak – 4,785m
Pangpema (Base Camp) – 5,143m
We do not compromise on the acclimatization days we have scheduled for Ghunsa and Kambachen.
These stops allow your body to accommodate the altitude and allow you to explore Tibetan-influenced villages, views of glaciers and wildlife habitats.
The Bold Adventure guides are trained to monitor altitude symptoms and carry oxygen cylinders as part of our safety awareness protocols.
How Far Will You Walk?
The total Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek distance you will walk is around 135 kilometers (83 miles) round-trip, from Sekhathum to Pangpema over an 11-day trek.
Days | Trekking Route | Approximate distance (in kilometers) | Trekking Time |
4 | Sekathum → Amjilosa | 9 | 6 |
5 | Amjilosa → Gyabla | 5 | 4 |
6 | Gyabla → Ghunsa | 6 | 4-5 |
7 | Rest and Acclimatization in Ghunsa | – | – |
8 | Ghunsa → Kambachen | 7 | 4-5 |
9 | Rest and Acclimatization in Kambachen | – | – |
10 | Kambachen → Lhonak | 7 | 4-5 |
11 | Lhonak → Pangpema → Lhonak | 18 (round trip) | 7-8 |
12 | Lhonak → Ghunsa | 7 | 7 |
13 | Ghunsa → Amjilosa | 6 | 7 |
14 | Amjilosa → Sekathum | 9 | 4-5 |
The terrain and the conditions you will be exposed to will vary dramatically from wet, humid forests to rocky glacial valleys.
You should expect vertical climbs, river crossings and raw alpine exposure.
Day-by-Day Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek Itinerary

This is where you start your journey into the eastern Himalayas – step by step, village by village, glacier by glacier.
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek itinerary progresses slowly, with rest & acclimatization days, cultural opportunities and dramatic changes in altitude.
We designed it to help your body acclimate to altitude, and your soul acclimate to the view.
Here is a brief trek summary table as a reference point:
Day | Route Altitude | Trek Altitude (approximately) | Trekking Time | Key Trekking Highlights |
1 | Fly KTM → Bhadrapur, and drive to Ilam | 1,300 meter | 55 min flight + Drive for 5-6 hours | Welcome to the tea country of Nepal. |
2 | Drive Ilam → Taplejung | 1,450 meter | Drive 7 hours | A rolling hill experience of rural Nepal |
3 | Drive Taplejung → Sekathum | 1,575 meter | Drive 5 hours | To the trailhead |
4 | Trek Sekathum → Amjilosa | 2,510 meter | 6 | Bamboo forest ascents, river crossings |
5 | Trek Amjilosa → Gyabla | 2,730 meter | 4 | Lush valleys, Tibetan villages |
6 | Trek Gyabla → Ghunsa | 3,475 meter | 4-5 | Into the Sherpa heartland |
7 | Rest Day in Ghunsa 3,59 | 3,475 meter | – | Acclimatisation & cultural walk |
8 | Trek Ghunsa → Kambachen | 4,050 meter | 4-5 | Glacial valley, with Mt. Jannu views |
9 | Rest Day in Kambachen | 4,050 meter | – | High-altitude hike & recovery |
10 | Trek Kambachen → Lhonak | 4,785 meter | 4-5 | Glacial moraines and beautiful landscapes |
11 | Lhonak → Pangpema → Lhonak | 5,143 meter | 7-8 | Make it to North Base Camp! |
12 | Trek Lhonak → Ghunsa | 3,475 meter | 7 | Descending through glacier valleys |
13 | Trek Ghunsa → Amjilosa | 2,510 meter | 7 | Back through the forest and oxygen! |
14 | Trek Amjilosa → Sekathum | 1,575 meter | 4-5 | All treks’ final steps on foot. |
15 | Drive Sekathum → Bhadrapur | 100 meter | Drive for 9-10 hours | Back to the lowland. |
16 | Fly Bhadrapur → Kathmandu | 1,300 meter | 55 min flight | Back to the city and a farewell to the mountains. |
Day 1: Fly to Bhadrapur, Drive to Ilam – Arriving In Tea Country
Flight: ~50 min | Drive: 5 – 6 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Ilam (~1300m)
Setting off on your Kanchenjunga adventure, you will first fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, a lowland town situated near the Indian border.
From Bhadrapur, you will drive uphill to Ilam, the tea capital of Nepal, through rolling hills of emerald green.
The views?
Endless stretches of tea gardens across the hills, mist swirling through the trees and locals walking barefoot with full baskets of fresh leaves.
Fun fact: Since the 1800s, Ilam’s tea has been exported all over the world and is highly valued for its floral aroma.
This day will serve as a gentle beginning and a transition from the more rugged wilderness that is to come.
Day 2: Drive to Taplejung – The Gateway to Kanchenjunga
Drive: 7 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Taplejung (1,450m)
Today, you will drive deeper west into eastern Nepal.
Go a little deeper into narrow roads, terraced hills and into dense jungle.
The terrain changes dramatically as we start to climb towards Taplejung, the last significant populated area before the wilderness of Kanchenjunga awaits.
You may have a distant view of Kanchenjunga growing above the horizon like a snow-covered throne and have your first fully formed view of the Kanchenjunga massif.
The village itself is busy, with little shops and mountain hospitality waiting to welcome trekkers headed to the Kanchenjunga.
Day 3: Drive to Sekathum – Arrival at the Trailhead
Drive: 5 hrs | Distance: ~39 km
Overnight: Teahouse in Sekathum (~1,575m)
This final vehicle journey takes you away from any paved roads and into the wild. Expect steep drops, roaring rivers and dense jungle valleys.
The road ends at Sekathum, a sleepy riverside village where the trekking really begins.
From here on out, you’ll be traveling entirely on foot into the high Himalayas.
You’ll be staying in a rustic teahouse, likely warmed by a fire and full of excited anticipation.
Tomorrow, you’ll be carrying on with your hike.
Look for your first suspension bridges today, crossing glacial rivers with thundering force beneath your feet.
Day 4: Trek to Amjilosa – And so the adventure begins
Trek: ~9 km | 6 hrs
Overnight: Teahouse in Amjilosa (2,510m)
This day of your Kanchenjunga North base camp trek itinerary is the official start of your trekking journey.
We will be climbing today, passing through bamboo forests, rocky ledges and roaring rivers, while moving steadily uphill.
Expect a tough first day, with narrow paths, your first wooden bridges, and a couple of steep pushes at the end.
The rewards?
A peaceful ridge-top village called Amjilosa, where the stars shine bright and sometimes the yaks will even wander by your door.
Bold Adventure Pro Tip: Trekking poles help a lot on the uneven and mossy ascents today. Use them early to save your knees later.
Day 5: Trek to Gyabla – Forest Trails & Tibetan Echoes
Trek: ~5 km | 4 hrs
Overnight: Teahouse in Gyabla (2,730m)
Today’s route feels quieter and gentler.
Gaze through thick pine forests and thick rhododendron, climb above rushing rivers and finally enter Gyabla, whose modest size is a result of its proximity to Tibetan culture.
Be sure to look for carved prayer stones and spinning prayer wheels, and listen very closely: monks chanting in the distance is fairly typical.
Did You Know? Many locals here trace their family roots to Tibetan settlers who crossed over generations ago.
Day 6: Trek to Ghunsa – Enter the Sherpa Heartlands
Trek: ~6 km | 4–5 hrs
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa (3,475m)
As the altitudes rise, the trees thin out and the land turns alpine!
You’ll follow the bends of a river and transition through grazing pastures before you arrive at Ghunsa, the largest village along this route.
This delightful Sherpa village is the cultural and logistical center of the Kanchenjunga Himalayan region.
You will find a monastery, health post, conservation office and your first taste of high altitude life!
Ghunsa is not just a village, but a spiritual way station.
The prayer flags dance above the rooftops and you feel the trail alive with sacred energy.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa – Rest & Rebalance
Activity: Light hike & cultural exploration
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa (3,475m)
Rest does not mean boredom.
Today is all about giving your body the time to settle in and your curiosity to wander a little.
You will either hike to a nearby ridge or explore a Buddhist monastery and some local gompas in the village.
Spend some time chatting to locals, enjoy some hot yak butter tea, or just sit back and enjoy the silence of the mountains.
Important safety note: This is an important day for acclimatization; if you skip it, you will be more likely to get AMS (acute mountain sickness).
Day 8: Trek to Kambachen – Glacial Valley & Himalayan Majesty
Trek: ~7 km | 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Kambachen (4,050m)
When you leave Ghunsa, the trail follows the Gunsa Khola, winding its way through larch forests and moraines.
On this day of your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary, you ascend above the tree line and move into a world of rock, snow and silence.
Be prepared to have your camera out so that you can grab some views of Mount Jannu (7,710 m), also known as the “Wall of Terror,” as it continues to dominate the view in front of you.
Kambachen is a small and rugged hamlet located neatly beneath some towering peaks.
You can expect basic rooms, warm smiles and deep silence.
Photography note: Morning light on Jannu, viewed from Kambachen, is phenomenal, so don’t forget to bring batteries with you, as charging is limited.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Kambachen – Hike High, Sleep Low
Activity: Ridge hike or glacier viewpoint
Overnight: Teahouse in Kambachen (4,050m)
Today is your second acclimatization day and it is crucial.
Most trekkers take this opportunity to hike to the ridge above Kambachen to get a good view of the satellite peaks of Kanchenjunga.
The climb helps your body adapt while your eyes are treated to some of the most overlooked Himalayan view in Nepal.
Altitude Insight: The day spent at 4,000m allows you to improve your chances of a safe and successful summit to Pangpema.
Day 10: Trek to Lhonak – The Snow Leopard Territory
Trek: ~7 km | 4-5 hrs
Overnight: Teahouse in Lhonak (4,785m)
From Kambachen, the trail gets more exposed and steeper as you move into snow leopard territory.
You will cross glacial moraine, the icy river beds of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and narrow trails through rockfall zones.
Lhonak is situated on a broad and windy plateau, offering stunning views and very basic accommodation, including wooden beds with heavy blankets and starlight at night.
Did you know? Although rarely sighted, snow leopards have been seen on this stretch of trekking territory by the local yak herders.
Day 11: Trek to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) & Return
Trek: ~18 km (round trip) | 7–8 hrs
Overnight: Return to Lhonak (4,785m)
On this day of your Kanchenjunga north base camp trek itinerary, you will trek to Pangpema (5,143m), the real Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
You will start early, following a rocky path along the northern glacier.
As you ascend, you will see the massive north face of Kanchenjunga rise like a frozen cathedral with Pyramid Peak, Chang Himal and Tent Peak on either side.
There is no need to hurry; this is a time to feel, not just arrive.
You will spend some time at base camp staring at the incredible views, taking pictures and soaking in the silence of the 8,000m peaks, before making your way back to Lhonak.
Emotional Truth: Reaching Pangpema is more than a location; it’s a transition. Many trekkers describe Pangpema as one of the most spiritually potent places they have ever stood on earth.
Day 12: Trek to Ghunsa – Descent Begins, Spirits Soar
Trek: ~7 km | 7 hrs
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa (3,475m)
With your summit behind you and your lungs filled with thin, clean air, you begin the descent, returning to Kambachen and back to Ghunsa.
The landscape begins to green again. Trees come back. Rivers become louder. The food tastes richer.
Tonight, Ghunsa feels different. You are not a visitor; you are part of the trail.
Celebration Tip: Order an extra plate of momos tonight, you’ve earned it.
Day 13: Trek to Amjilosa – Forests, Fresh Air, Completed Trail
Trek: ~6 km | Time: 7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Amjilosa (2,510m)
You will once again hike the trail the next day through alpine forest trails that will now feel more familiar and maybe more vibrant.
The extra oxygen and less pressure on your lungs will give you the sense that each breath is a gift.
The trail will take you past bamboo groves, waterfalls and shaded paths filled with birds singing in harmony.
You will return to Amjilosa feeling stronger, quieter and grounded.
Acclimatization tip for your altitude: Walk slowly and steadily, even though you are going down, your knees will appreciate the pace.
Day 14: Trek to Sekathum – The Last of Walking on Foot
Trek: ~9 km | Time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Sekathum (1,575m)
Day 14 is the last walking day of the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary.
Today, you will hike down the Ghunsa Khola river, cross suspension bridges for the last time and continue hiking down into the warmth of the lower valleys.
You will find there is both a goodbye and a celebration, as every prayer flag you can remember and footbridge you crossed now has meaning.
By the time you arrive in Sekathum, the trail will flow in you!
Day 15: Drive to Bhadrapur – From Wilderness to Lowlands
Drive: ~9-10 hrs | Overnight: Hotel in Bhadrapur (100 m)
Driving back to Bhadrapur (via Taplejung) is a long and winding journey as you descend from Himalayan cliffs to subtropical hills and finally to the Terai plains.
The change in scenery, from being in misty mountains to lush rice fields, is dramatic.
But the change in mindset is more dramatic.
You have walked in silence, snow & story and it is time to bring all of that to rest.
Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu – Farewell to the Mountains
Flight: ~55 min | Overnight: Optional (not included in package)
Your trek comes to an end where it all began, in Kathmandu.
From your window seat on the plane, you might see Kanchenjunga one last time; it looms quietly above the clouds.
This isn’t just the end of your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek Nepal itinerary; it is the beginning of all the stories you are going to tell about it.
Trekking preparation reminder: If you have plans to travel onward, build in a buffer of a day in the event of a delayed flight from Bhadrapur.
Interactive Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Map & Route Breakdown
To really understand the itinerary for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek, it’s helpful to picture the route from start to summit.
What you see here is not merely a line on a map. It is a passage through valleys that few people visit, over sacred highlands, and remote village communities in the far east of Nepal.
Our Kanchenjunga base camp trek map shows you the complete pathway from Sekathum to Pangpema (5,143m) and back again for a complete overview of the more important villages and rest stops, and acclimatization locations.
You will pass through:
- Tourist attractions like Ghunsa and Kambachen, with Sherpa and Tibetan-style communities
- Rugged beautiful places like rhododendron forests, glacial rivers, and alpine meadows
- Hot spots at altitude like Lhonak and Pangpema, with properly planned acclimatization days
- Conservation-managed waypoints that support eco-tourism and environmentally conscious recreation within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
This map also serves as a planning tool around altitude acclimatization, hydration breaks and campsite management, particularly in the remote areas beyond Ghunsa where there are few options for services.
Trek Difficulty – Is This the Right Challenge for You?
This Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek itinerary is only an enjoyable walk through the Himalayas.
It is a challenging, high-altitude trek for seasoned trekkers who are seeking something wild, raw and gratifying.
But is it the right challenge for you?
Let’s unpack that.
How Difficult is the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek?
We rate the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek difficulty as strenuous and here are the reasons:
Daily Trekking: 11 days of trekking without a day off.
Daily Time on Trail: 4 to 8 hours a day, depending on the trail conditions
Max Elevation: 5,143m (Pangpema – North Base Camp)
Cumulative Elevation Change: ~4,000m+
Trail Quality: Remote trails, rockfall, glacier moraines, through forests.
Support: No vehicle access beyond the road head; all rescues are by helicopter.
This trek requires a high degree of cardiovascular fitness, previous multi-day trekking experience and the mental resilience to deal with basic facilities, altitude, and complete disconnection from modern living.
No wi-fi. No hot showers after 3,800m. No shortcuts.
Are You Physically Prepared for this Trek?
Here’s a checklist:
- Are you able to hike for 6-8 hours a day, for more than a week on uneven, rocky ground?
- Are you knowledgeable about the symptoms of altitude sickness and managing your hiking pace?
- Have you completed high-altitude treks in the past at over 4,000m (e.g., Annapurna Base Camp, Everest View Trek, or similar)?
If yes, then you’re likely ready.
If no, we highly suggest:
- Training hikes using a weighted backpack.
- Cardio or stamina, running, biking, stair climbing.
- Hiking with a simulated elevation and using an overnight hike as a training tool.
How We Make It Safe
Here at Bold Adventure, we have crafted this Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek Nepal itinerary with safety first:
- 2 rest days for acclimatization (Ghunsa & Kambachen)
- Local, trained high-altitude response guides
- First-aid kits and oxygen are carried on every departure
- When required, coordination for emergency helicopter assistance
We pace the itinerary slowly and purposefully, because reaching the destination safely makes the journey more memorable.
Things to Take for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek
When planning for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary, intelligent packing is critical for completing the adventure safely and comfortably.
This is not a commercialized trail and you will actively be trekking through cold areas with minimal access to supplies.
Here is a packing list for the Kanchenjunga trek.
Clothing for Layering
Temperatures change rapidly – warm valley days and cold nights above 4,000 m.
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- 2-3 quick dry trekking shirts and pants
- A warm hat, buff, sunhat and gloves (light + insulated)
- 3-4 wool or synthetic trekking socks
Trekking Gear
- Broken in waterproof trekking boots
- Trekking poles (very highly recommended)
- 30-40L daypack + rain cover
- Duffel bag (carried by porters)
- -10°C sleeping bag
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets or a filter
Essentials & Personal Items
- Toilet paper and wet wipes (none at high camps)
- Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF
- Basic toiletries, plus a fast-drying towel
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit ( with blister care + altitude meds)
- A power bank or solar charger
- Energy bars or trail snacks
- Your own water purification system is necessary because tap water needs to be treated.
Pro Tip: Please avoid plastics. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area prohibits single-use plastics above the trailhead. Please bring a reusable bottle and carry out all waste.
Permits Required for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek (And How We Handle Them)
If you want to complete the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary, then you will need a specific set of Kanchenjunga trek permits and there is no way around it.
Why are Trekking Permits Required in this Region?
The Kanchenjunga region itself is on the border of Tibet and it falls within a Restricted Area of Nepal.
This area is a fragile ecosystem that supports rare wildlife such as snow leopards or red pandas.
To protect the environment and the safety of trekkers, the government enforces very strict conditions for visitors to the area, including:
Only group trekking
Licensed guide
Permit checks at various points along the route
Bold Adventure will arrange all your trekking permits on your behalf so you won’t have to worry about paperwork, delays, uncertainty or confusion.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
This is the key permit for this trek, as you cannot enter the Kanchenjunga Restricted Zone without this.
RAP is issued only through a government-approved trekking agency.
You must trek with a minimum of two foreigners and have a licensed Nepali guide.
This permit costs around USD 20 per person for the first four weeks and thereafter the fee increases to $25 per week.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
Allows you to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to alpine forests, Buddhist villages and rare Himalayan species.
To hike in this protected area, you will need a KCAP permit that costs NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15) per person.
This is a one-time fee, no matter how many days you are in the conservation area.
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
The TIMS Card is a national tracking system to help keep you safe in the mountains.
This card is required for all foreign trekkers and you must get it before you start trekking.
It costs around USD 15 for non-SAARC nationals and USD 8 for SAARC countries.
It will help if a search and rescue is ever needed.
Best Time to do the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

A crucial consideration when planning your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary is the time of year that you are going to undertake it.
This part of the Himalayas is remote, weather conditions change rapidly and it is generally inaccessible at all times of the year.
We have listed below the best time for the Kanchenjunga trek and what you can expect.
Spring (March to May) – Best for Rhododendrons florals & Clear Views
Spring is one of the most popular times to do this trek.
There is generally good visibility and mild temperatures at lower elevations, with the possibility of seeing Rhododendrons in full bloom as you walk on the lower, forested part of the trail.
The chances of seeing wildlife sightings increase and the high-altitude views from Ghunsa to Pangpema are sharp as a tack and panoramic.
Daytime temperatures are moderately warm, but above 4,000m, you will find the nights much cooler and potentially freezing.
Autumn (Late September to November) – Best for Stable Weather
This is the peak trekking season for the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek from Nepal.
After the monsoon season, the skies are often clear, which provides great opportunities for photography and authentic dry trails.
The traditional villages will be open, vibrant & lively and you’ll see Kanchenjunga as well as all its neighbouring peaks at their best.
Daytime temperatures will be sunny and crisp, with no rain and little wind at high elevations.
Winter (December to February) – Remote and Risky
Yes, trekking in winter is possible, but be ready for trails covered in snow, closed teahouses and very cold night temperatures.
Deeper winter conditions beyond Ghunsa make this route especially challenging.
Winter trekking should be reserved for experienced individuals with the right gear and local support.
However, for the adventurous few, the clear views and solitude can be appealing.
Monsoon (June to August) – Not Suitable
While you can technically trek at this time of year, you should definitely not plan this trek.
This time of year is horrible for the Kanchenjunga north base camp trek itinerary.
Heavy rains, muddy trails, leeches, landslide risk and overall dangerous conditions make navigating this region impossible.
The cloud cover actually takes away your mountain views and the teahouses are not open due to very low traveller numbers.
Do you need a Kanchenjunga Trek Guide?
Yes, a Kanchenjunga trek guide is required on this trip.
While designing the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary, it is important to understand that the route passes through restricted areas and solo trekking is not permitted in such areas by the Government of Nepal.
Why Is a Guide Required?
This area is identified as a Restricted Area.
To enter the restricted area, you must have a government-licensed trekking guide and there must be at least two trekkers.
Permits such as the Restricted Area Permit cannot be issued without proof of a registered guide and a group.
The trek alone passes through glacier terrain, landslide zones and isolated villages, which requires local knowledge around navigation, communication and safety.
Why You’ll Want a Guide?
Local guides help manage altitude risks and will pace you to keep you safe.
They coordinate your meals, accommodation and permits along the trek.
They also provide you with the cultural education in regards to Limbu, Rai and Sherpa culture, translating stories and providing you ways to feel connected to this region that a solo trekker will miss.
Your guide also becomes your lifeline if you are ever sick or in an emergency.
When you trek with Bold Adventure, you are not just getting a guide; you are hiking with someone who grew up in this region and knows every ridge, village and monastery along the way.
Conclusion
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary isn’t just a trail; it’s an experiential journey of quiet, fortitude, and sacred Himalayan land.
With proper trekking preparation, trekking insurance and our knowledgeable local partners, you will enjoy more natural beauty, experience authentic local traditions and sustainable eco-tourism than you have ever imagined.
This isn’t just a trek; it’s a story that you will always tell.
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FAQs
How long does the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek take?
The complete Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek itinerary is 16 days, with travel, trekking and rest days included.
You will be physically trekking for a total of 11 days of actual trekking, including 2 acclimatization days for altitude safety.
Is it safe to trek solo?
No.
You are not allowed to do solo trekking in this area.
You must trek in a group of at least two foreigners with a licensed guide present.
Besides safety reasons, this is also a legal requirement to obtain an approved permit.
How difficult is the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek?
The Kanchenjunga North base camp trek difficulty level is considered strenuous.
The trek itself is long with a number of steep trails, you will be crossing remote valleys and trekking at high elevations with areas above 5,143m.
Previous experience from high-altitude trekking and good fitness is highly recommended.
What’s the total distance of the trek?
The total distance of the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek is around 135 kilometers over the 16 days from Sekathum to Pangpema (North Base Camp) and return.
Can I combine this with the South Base Camp?
Technically yes, but not on this itinerary for Kanchenjunga North Base Camp!
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek combines both the North and South Base Camps and generally takes around 22-26 days.
For this 16-day route, we are based solely on the North Base Camp or Pangpema trek.
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