This Kangchenjunga trek takes you through picturesque alpine valleys, over the Mirgin La (4664m) with magnificent views en route of Makalu, Chamlang, Everest and Kangchenjunga. Our destination is Pang Pema, the base camp for the north side of the mountain at just over 5100m. It provides an awe-inspiring view of the great north face of Kangchenjunga with its enormous tumbling glaciers. This trek is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the world, lush and green with many remote villages displaying their numerous prayer flags and colourful houses. A real classic for those who have the time and want to get away from the busy trekking routes near Everest and Annapurna.

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Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 Depart UK and arrive Kathmandu the following evening. Transfer to hotel close to the famous bustling, Thamel district of Kathmandu and within easy walking distance of the Monkey temple, with lovely gardens where one can relax.

Day 3 Sightseeing in Kathmandu and obtaining trekking permit.

Days 4/5 Fly to Biratnagar, overnight in a hotel and take another flight to Taplejung the next day. Depending on our arrival time we may start the trek or wait to the cool of the morning.

Day 6 We start our trek following the circuitous route up towards the south side of Kangchenjunga, passing through numerous villages along the way.7 to 8 hours walking.

Days 7/8 Two days of ups and downs through terraced fields , ever changing scenery and spectacular views of Jannu (7710m). 5 to 6 hours walking daily.

Day 9 The crux of the day is the climb form camp up over the Deorali Danda, a high ridge that we ascend through dense but interesting jungle, the odd clearing allowing much closer views of Jannu.  We descend past landslide areas into the valley of the SimbuaKhola to reach our campsite at Torontan. 8 hours walking.

Day 10 Now in pine forests, with towering firs and rhododendron we follow a good path up the bank of the river as it climbs towards the snout of the Yalung Glacier.  As we reach Tseram (3865m) the great peaks of Kabru and Rathong start to appear showing the divide between Nepal and India. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Days 11/13 After a rest day we explore right up to the South Kangchenjunga base campfor views of the south side of the mountain before returning to a lakeside camp just above Tseram.

Day 14 We cross a series of passes today, the most well-known being the Mirgin La (4664m) which actually merges with the slightly higher Sinelapcha La 4700m as we start to head northwards.

Day 15/17 We follow the GhunsaKhola northwards for three days through Rhododendron forest, passing Buddhist Gompas, finally crossing the Lhonak glacier to a lovely camp high above the Kanchenjunga glacier. Here we are out in the wilds, surrounded by spectacular peaks and up in ‘blue sheep’ country. 4 to 6 hours walking daily.

Day 18 Today will take you to one of the most spectacular campsites in the world and a fitting climax to this remote trek.  It is only a short walk but we will break the 5000m contour, so the pace will be slow with plenty of opportunities to take photographs. 4 hours walking.

Day 19 Today you can either relax or take the optional walk up Drohmo Ri (5800m) to get uninterrupted and panoramic views of Kangchenjunga and its great North face.  This incredible North side of the mountain was first climbed by Doug Scott, Boardman and Tasker.

Days 20/21 Two days of retracing our steps before gaining new ground the following day.

Days 22 After the cold of the high camps we start to regain the relative warmth of the rhododendron forests as we descend the beautiful Ghunsa and TamurKholas.  6 hours walking.

Day 23 We continue our descent of the GhunsaKhola to the village of Sakathon (1600m), just below the village we come to the confluence of three rivers creating the mighty ‘Tamur’ which we follow to the end of our trek. 7 hours walking.

Day 24 Continuing towards Taplejung we gradually regain the more populated areas with its welcome teahouses and cultivated lands. 6 hours walking.

Day 25 It takes about five hours to complete our trek, leaving plenty of time to wander through the colourful and fascinating bazaar before ascending to the airstrip at Suketar. 5 hours walking.

Day 26 Fly back to Kathmandu where we can go out for a celebratory meal and a few drinks.

Days 27/28 Free morning to buy souvenirs and try your hand at haggling with the local shopkeepers. Transfer to the airport to connect with your overnight flight home.

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