Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a well-trailed route despite being a journey into the wilderness as the region bears a mild topography and is easily accessible. Kanchenjunga, meaning Treasures of Snow, stands 28,198ft tall, the third-highest peak in the world. Considered a remote trek through Eastern Nepal, the trail passes restricted areas and takes the periphery of the border to the Indian state of Sikkim.
The trek starts after a flight to Biratnagar and a four-hour drive to Basantpur. The trail climbs through the settlements of the yak herders, Sherpa, and Chhetri villages with a backdrop of the Kanchenjunga massif. Crossing the ridge towards the Tamur River, panoramic views of Makalu and Chamlang appear. The trail crosses the Mewa Khola at Dobhan and follows the TamurKoshi. Dense rhododendron, pine, and oak forests pass along the way.
At Ghunsa, a Sherpa village, prayer flags and gompas are plenty. Jannu and other unclimbed peaks can be seen from a monastery nearby. Next, the trail passes through the edge of Kanchenjunga Glacier. After crossing the junction of Lhonak Glacier and the valley, we come to a gorgeous clearing with a magnificent landscape of unspeakable beauty, where we set camps for the day. Lhonak’s exploration continues for some days, including going to Pangpema to view Kanchenjunga’s north face. Then, slowly descending through Tortong, Yamphudim, Khebang, Phakholing, and Tharpu, we reach Bhadrapur, where we take a flight back to Kathmandu.
