A remote, three-week expedition-style trek to the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world's third-highest mountain, in Nepal's far east. Restricted area: licensed guide and agency required.
The route
Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the world's third-highest mountain, and its base camp trek is one of the great wilderness walks in Nepal. It is far from the crowds of Everest and Annapurna, in the far east of the country near the Sikkim border. Expect three weeks of forests, rivers, Limbu and Tibetan villages, glaciers and very few other trekkers.
Experienced trekkers with plenty of time who want solitude and adventure. It is not for first-timers.
Most trips fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung. The north route follows the Tamor and Ghunsa rivers through Sekathum, Amjilosa and Gyabla to Ghunsa, a Tibetan village. From there you go to Kambachen and Lhonak and take a day trip to Pangpema, the north base camp at about 5,143 m, below the vast north face.
Many trekkers then cross Sele La and Sinion La to the south side, visit the Oktang viewpoint near the south base camp and walk out via Tseram and Yamphudin.
October to November and April to May. Winter is very cold and passes can close. Monsoon makes the lower trails muddy and leech-filled.
Hard. Long days, rough trails and many days above 4,000 m. Take rest days at Ghunsa and Kambachen.
You need the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, which the Nepal Tourism Board lists at US$20 per person per week for the first four weeks, and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (NPR 2,000). The price on this page is a typical starting price; message us for a quote.
Since March 2026 solo trekkers can get restricted area permits, but only through a registered agency and with a licensed guide.
Stay in Thamel before your flight east. See our Kathmandu hostels, such as Alobar1000.
For something remote but shorter, consider the Makalu Base Camp Trek or the Manaslu Circuit.
Day by day
A Tibetan village with a monastery.
The view of Kanchenjunga's north face.
A long pass day to the south side.
Good to know
Usually 20 to 26 days from Kathmandu for the full north and south base camp circuit.
Yes, basic teahouses now exist on most of the route, though some stages may need simple lodges or homestays.
Since March 2026, solo trekkers can get the permit through a registered agency, with a licensed guide.
Hard. It is long, remote and reaches Pangpema at about 5,143 m.
The Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and KCAP. Your agency arranges the RAP.
October to November and April to May.
Expect around US$2,000–3,000 with guide, permits and flights.
If you want real wilderness and few other trekkers, yes. You will see more yaks than tourists.
Yes, a shorter in-and-out to Pangpema takes about 18–20 days.
Thamel. See our Kathmandu hostel list.
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