Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Trek around the foothills of the world’s 3rd highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8586m)
• Hike to Pangpema and Yalung La base camps 
• Cross multiple high passes including Mirgin La and Sinion La
• Witness breathtaking views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and of course Kanchenjunga
• Experience the hospitality and culture of Gurung, Rai and Magar people

Explore some of the most pristine Himalayan trails and experience an adventure in wilderness on this 23 day journey around Kanchenjunga ! With the stunning mountain views, diverse culture, untouched trails and the rich biodiversity that this trek offers, it is truly a hidden gem.

Your journey begins from the trailhead at Lali Kharka, which you can reach via Bhadrapur or Taplejung. The trail courses through the pristine Arun valley with daily stops at Khesewa, Mamanke, Yamphudin and Tortong. The next week will be very enjoyable thanks to all the side trips and exploration, starting with the first one at Tseram. The second one will be the hike to Yalung La Base Camp via Ramchaur. The third one will take you to the Sele La camp via Mirgin La. After a few days of trekking through Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lhonak, we will accomplish the main goal of our trek; the hike to Pangpema. The next few days will comprise of the return journey to Bhadrapur via Amjilosa, Chirwa and Suketar. Finally, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek comes to a closure with a scenic flight back to the capital. 

Over the course of this journey, you will pass through numerous Sherpa, Rai, Limbu and Gurung villages and get the opportunity to closely experience their culture and lifestyle. Another reason to perform this trek is to explore the rich alpine ecosystem of the region, which comprises of junipers, evergreen conifers, rhododendrons, Himalayan larches and more. The region is also home to various species of Himalayan wildlife such as red pandas, blue sheep, musk deer, snow leopards and Himalayan black bears among others.

Note: The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit ($20 per person) and Kanchenjunga Restricted Area permit ($10 per person per week) are necessary for this trek.

Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek is a strenuous trek that is best suited for trekkers with some prior experience under their belt. Majority of the trail is above 3000 meters and the daily trekking hours tend to get quite long. So, having good physical fitness and stamina is an absolute necessity. Some other factors you need to consider for the Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek are:

Elevation:

With the highest point at over 5000 meters and a lot of trekking over 3/4000 meters, the Kanchenjunga BC Trek is certainly a high altitude trek. It is important to know this in case you aren’t comfortable with altitude or if you have had issues with altitude sickness. Finally, when trekking at high altitudes, remember to stay hydrated, ascend at a steady pace and take adequate rest/acclimatization days.

Length:

The Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek generally lasts a little over 3 weeks. The average trekking hours are longer than most other treks at 6-7 hours per day. 

Best Season for Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek

The best time to attempt the Kanchenjunga (Pangpema) Base Camp Trek is definitely during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). These periods generally have the most stable weather, moderate temperatures and clear skies. Contrary to this, monsoon is known for unstable weather and the occasional downpour which can make the trails dangerous.