Nestled near the majestic Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters) lies the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a 2,035-square-kilometer wildlife sanctuary that preserves an incredible diversity of species, including snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and red pandas. To explore this region, we trek through alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas, visiting remote villages and camping high at Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
The KANCHENJUNGA TEA HOUSE LODGE TREK (Long) is a unique journey crafted by HIMALAYAN VACATION TREKS AND EXPEDITION for those who wish to immerse themselves in a month-long adventure in Nepal. Many trekkers consider Kanchenjunga one of Nepal’s finest trekking routes, as it takes you deep into the remote mountains bordering Sikkim and Tibet. The trail offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from tropical jungles to subtropical forests of rhododendron, chestnut, and oak, eventually leading to the otherworldly alpine zone at higher altitudes.
The region is primarily inhabited by Sherpas, whose culture and traditions differ somewhat from those in the Namche Bazaar-Everest district. As in all Tibetan Buddhist areas, you’ll find rich cultural heritage, with monasteries, temples, prayer wheels, and mani walls adorning the landscape. Kanchenjunga is an extraordinary trekking destination, sure to fulfill your wildest dreams of adventure!
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337)
Day 03: Fly kathmandu – Bhadrapur 55 minutes and Bhadrapur to Illam (2266m) 1:45 hours
Day 04: Illam – Taplejung by vehicle(1442m) 7-8 hours
Day 05: Taplejung – Shekathum by jeep (1786) 5 4- 5 hours
Day 06: Shekathum – Gyapla (1692m) 5-6 4- 5 hours
Day 07: Gyapla – Ghunsa (3430m) 5-6 hours
Day 08: Rest day for acclimatation (3430m)
Day 09: Ghunsa – Khambachen(4130m) 4-5 hours
Day 10: Rest in Khambachen for acclimatization treks – Janu Base Camp(4565m) 2-3 hours
Day 11: Khambachen – Lonak 4756m) 4- 5 hrs (
Day 12: Rest in Lonak Rest and hike – Kanchenjunga base camp (Pangpema) 4-5 hrs 5146m
Day 13: Lonak – Ghunsa (3415m) 6-7hours
Day 14: Ghunsa – Selele base camp (4210m) 4-5 hours
Day 15: Salele base camp – Cheram (3870m) 6-7 hours
Day 16: Cheram – Ramche (5140m) 3-4 hours
Day 17: Ramche – Torantang(3000m) 4- 5 hours
Day 18: Torantang – Yambhudhin (approximately 2700m) 6-7 hours
Day 19: Yambhudim – Illam by vehicle (2726m) 5-6 hours
Day 20: Illam – Bhadrapur 2 hours
Day 21: Bhadrapur – ktm by flight (1185m) 55 minutes
Day 22: Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur (1401m) Sightseeing 3-4 hours
Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Such as dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events like landslides, can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: Fly kathmandu – Bhadrapur 55 minutes and Bhadrapur to Illam (2266m) 1:45 hours
These days there is a direct flight from kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Hence, after taking breakfast, we have a flight to Bhadrapur of about 55 minutes.
When we are flying in the aircraft, we can enjoy the panoramic sights of great Himalayas of Nepal including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt, Makalu (8,463m), Mt, Cho Oyu (8153m), Mt. Lhotse (8,501m) and Mt. Lhotse Shar (8,393m), Kanchenjunga, Gaurishankar, Ganesh, Langtang etc. After getting Illam we will hike around the Illam tea garden We stay in Illam and make all the preparations for the forthcoming journey.
Day 04: Illam – Taplejung by vehicle(1442m) 7-8 hours
Today, from our hotel/lodge we will start another journey by vehicle. Our vehicle passes thru several villages inhabited by Limbu ethnic community and Phidim a small town. We can see the terraced farm land, typical life style of this community. In fact, Limbu community are known as worrier clan, they are mostly recruited in Indian Gorkha Rifle, British Royal Gurkha Brigade and Singapore police force. Basically, they involve in agriculture and animal rearing in their Native village for livelihood and live simple life.
Day 05: Taplejung – Shekathum by jeep (1786) 5 hours
Today also we drive thru pleasurable terraced fields and several villages, we can see typical colorful houses. Local people paint their houses with different color to make it attractive to look at but traditional houses painted either with white or red soil. We drive on narrow off road which will provide us trilling experience. We will stay in tea house/lodge.
Day 06: Shekathum – Gyapla (1692m) 5-6 hours
Today after having breakfast in the early morning at the lodge, our trek begins with an easy climb towards Gyapla. The path goes through hillside above the Tamore, ridges and stream beds. Along the way, we can stop to bathe in one of the many clear pools in this beautiful river. It is a peaceful countryside. We then head to Gyapla which is most remote and small human settlement in this region. This is a village where the tribes like Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Gurung live. Before reaching Gyapla we have to ascend about 15 to 20 minutes. Stay in lodge/tea house in Gyapla.
Day 07: Gyapla – Ghunsa (3430m) 5-6 hours
Today we head towards Ghunsa, the path goes flat easy to walk Phale gaun a Shepa village. We can see the beautiful rhododendron; we will walk through a beautiful and dense forest. We have to follow the river Tamore one of the tributaries of Saotakoshi river the largest river of Nepal. Stay in hotel/tea house in Ghunsa.
Day 08: Rest day for acclimatation (3430m)
Today day we will have to ascend a hill to reached view point popularly called Thongyo view point, located at 3900 m above the sea level. From the view point we can have bird eye view of Kumbakarna Mountain and Tibet Mountain range and many more. We can visit Buddhist Monastery while returning from view point located on the way to Ghunsa.
Day 09: Ghunsa – Khambachen(4130m) 4-5 hours
Today early morning after having breakfast at lodge, we will follow the path along the river and the path passes through the pine and rhododendron forests then we have a steep climb to reach the Lobuk where we can have hot soup and tea. From there tree line starts where we can experience the alpine climate astonishing views of the snow-capped Himalayas, path is slightly ascending before reaching Khambachen. We stay in Khambachen in lodge/tea house.
Day 10: Rest in Khambachen for acclimatization treks – Janu Base Camp(4565m) 2-3 hours
Today we have a rest for acclimatization. We will go to Janu base camp called Kumbakarna base camp) in Nepali. From the Janu base camp we can have astonishing view of Kumbakarna, Subodhonje, khapu shaarpu 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 mountain peaks. We will return to lodge and rest in lodge.
Day 11: Khambachen – Lonak (4756m) 4- 5 hours
Today we have to move towards Lonak. Treks is bit risky as stone keeps on moving down wards due to wind, we may encounter, snow leopards, but snow leopards are shy animal so it disappears as soon as it notices human presents nearby. From there we have beautiful scenery of hills and dales.
Day 12: Rest in Lonak Rest and hike – Kanchenjunga base camp (Pangpema) 4-5 4- 5 hours 5146m
Today we have rest for acclimatization, so that we may not suffer from high altitude sickness. We will have a short hike to Syamjo,4851 m Jorkyu 5035m. It is windy place and grazing place of domestic goats. We have to walk along the bank of glacier, trekking route bit risky due land slide to reach kanchenjunnga base camp. At the base camp tea house is available.
Day 13: Lonak – Ghunsa (3415m) 6-7hours
Today we have a steep descent but easy from ghunsa excellent trail in the midst of rhododendron forests finally some places at route are bit difficult due to the presents of glacier and land slide, on the ways
Day 14: Ghunsa – Selele base camp (4210m) 4-5 hours
Today, we follow the path towards the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga through the beautiful pina and rhododendron forest. We have to ascend steep slope up to Selele pass, before reaching to Salele pass we reached to Tamalase where small tea house is available, route is bit ups and down to Salele. We have to stay crossing the Salele pass
Day 15: Salele base camp – Cheram (3870m) 6-7 hours
Today from Salele pass, the trek goes up to miringla pass from where we have beautiful view of Mahalanggur Himalayan range where Mt. Everest is situated if weather is clear. From there we have view of wild yak and sheeps. In between Salele pass to Cheram we can see tea house where we can refresh ourselves and restore energy.
Day 16: Cheram – Ramche (5140m) 3-4 hours
Today, we walk to the highest point of the trip, Pang Pema at 5100 m, near to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp (KBC). Along and across the moraine run two routes. In autumn, the hillsides are full of blue sheep; there must also live snow leopards. Then, after two weeks of tension, there is finally the moment we see the highest peak of the Kanchenjunga massif. The view of the mountain seems so close. Besides the Kanchenjunga itself, we get weather permitting magnificent mountain panoramas presented: Wedge Peak, Yalung Kang, Chen Kamba, Nepal Peak etc.
Day 17: Ramche – Torantang(3000m) 4- 5 hours
In the early morning after
breakfast, we move towards the North Base Camp (5280m) to Lhonak and it takes approximately six hours. Here we can enjoy the snow-capped mountains and Kanchenjunga glacier. There are gorges of mountain glacier through which water flows all the time. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition tour leader will arrange for the visit to the different places today. During the middle of the day, the scene of falling avalanches may mesmerize us completely. We trek back to the campsite of Lhonak for the night.
Day 18: Torantang – Yambhudhin (approximately 2700m) 6-7 hours
From Lhonak we will trek to Ghunsa which takes around seven hours. The trails follow the descending path crossing the jungle along the Khambachen River. Somewhere we can see the Mani walls and prayer flags hanging over the tree. Finally, we will reach again Ghunsa where we spend the night.
Day 19: Yambhudim – Illam by vehicle (2726m) 5-6 hours
Today from Yambhudim we go to Illam. Illam is famous for Tea estate. Vehicle pass thru village and forest of bamboo and rhododendron. May see typical houses of Rai, and Limbu along the road side. Antuk dada is view point of Illam from here we see wonderful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga range and also some part of and Darjeeling and Sikkim (India)
Day 20: Illam – Bhadrapur 2 hours
Today we move to Bhadrapur on vehicle, road is narrow and winding, vegetation starts changing from temperate deciduous forest to tropical forest as we move to lower elevation, temperature also become comparatively warmer than just before.
Day 21: Bhadrapur – ktm by flight (1185m) 55 minutes
Day 22: Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur (1401m) Sightseeing 3-4 hours
This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye.
Number of participants
Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 12
Max Altitude: 5140 meters
Best Season: Sep – Nov and Mar-May
Difficulty Level: Moderate
December, January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges a tour for these places.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for civil workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
