Option 2 Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities..
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Patan
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square..
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and drive to Phidim
From Kathmandu we take a flight to Biratnagar. On reaching Biratnagar we will drive to Phidim, our trek starting point. 3-4 hours of drive will bring us to Phidim..
Day 4: Trek to Lali Kharka [2220m]
Today our trek begins and for the next three weeks we will be wondering in the places dominated by beautiful and wild nature. We head to Lali Kharka with the trekking crew. On the trail, we walk by rich pastures and pristine settlements. After several descents for 3-4 hours, we arrive at Lali Kharka. .
Day 5: Trek to Keswa [2100m]
As we traverse along the steep route to Pokhara village, fascinating terraced farmland unfolds soon after crossing a suspension bridge above the Phawa Khola. The route further leads to Kunjari where we halt for lunch. After lunch, we continue following the trekking trail. We get to see dense forests and sometimes a small village located on a hill, as we progress along the trail. On skirting along a gently sloping mountain path, we reach Tambawa and later Bhanjyang, where we spot several teahouses. At this point, we can capture mesmerizing sight of Kanchenjunga glowing against the sun. After having trekked for 5-6 hours, we conclude the day’s trip..
Day 6: Trek to Mamanke [2000m]
Leaving behind the terraced fields of Keswa, we follow an adventurous route to Nandeva Khola. After crossing the river, we trudge along the glaciated mountain passes. Further ahead, the route winds through dense forest and the village of Loppoding. We come across shady areas where we can rest for a while after strenuous trekking. The sinuous trail then takes us to the right bank of the Kabeli Khola. After a while, terraced fields reappear and the village of Anpan comes into view. We continue ascending till we reach Ponpe Dhara. There are shady spots on the way where we can have a brief rest. As we proceed along the trail, we see several hamlets and terraced fields stretch along the crest of the ridge. There is a rest area where we can pause for a while to bask in the fascinating sight of Mt. Jannu. We continue our descent along the winding path, as we pass through the village of Anpan and terraced fields along Khangwa Khola. We arrive at a suspension bridge. We cross the bridge and continue descending the undulating mountain passes till we reach the village of Mamankhe. .
Day 7: Trek to Yamphudin [1650m]
Beginning with an easy climb, the walk to Yamphudin is along a trail which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. We cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides and the trail eventually becomes level with the river a couple of hours before Yamphudin. Along the way, we can stop to bathe in one of the many clear pools in this beautiful river. It is a truly idyllic spot and after lunch by the river, we complete the day's walk to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last habitation we will see until we reach Gunsa. Needless to say, it is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of the Deorali Danda, which we must cross next. .
Day 8: Trek to Lamite Jungle camp [2920m]
Beyond Yamphudin, the trail ascends a steep spur before dropping again to cross the Omje Khola. Walking through a beautiful and dense forest, we stop for lunch in a meadow atop this spur, which commands fine views of the valley beyond Yamphudin to the south and of the Omje Khola Valley and Deorali Danda to the north. A steep descent to the river brings us to our campsite in a clearing in the Lamite forest..
Day 9: Trek to Torontan [3080m]
From our campsite we ascend steeply for 3 hours through dense forest to the crest of the Deorali Danda. From the top, Mt Jannu is clearly visible. After crossing the pass, we descend across some fairly steep and exposed scree slopes before re-entering the forest, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, a steep descent takes us down into the valley of the Simbua Khola and after crossing an interesting wooden bridge, we arrive at Torontan. This campsite lies amongst the towering fir trees of what is now a mainly coniferous alpine forest. .
Day 10: Trek to Tseram [3750m]
This morning, we follow the right bank of the river, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. The trail is fairly steep and, as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram, the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong peep over the moraine.We camp at Tseram, where night-time temperature plummets, reminding us that we are really gaining height.
Day 11: Trek to Ramche [4360m]
A relatively short day's walk today to our next camp at Ramche. The scenery is magnificent as we ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of this walk into Ramche which is situated on a broad, flat ablation zone..
Day 12: Ramche - Exploration
Leaving our camp at Ramche, we take a packed lunch and set off very early for our first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley around its sweeping curve, we come across the vast southern wall of the mountain. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 kms long and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie the three main summits of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. These three summits, jutting out into the sky presents a really grand sight. Proceeding further on towards Oktang [4630m], we descend onto the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where we can see the panoramic view of the mountains in the area. Especially impressive is the eastern part of Khumbakarna Glacier flowing from the east face of Jannu [Kumbhakarna being the local name for Jannu]. We then return to our camp at Ramche. .
Day 13: Trekking beyond the Mirgin La [4663m]
Leaving our campsite, we trek down the valley, passing the small settlement of Lapsang, before turning off towards the Mirgin La - the pass we must cross in order to reach Gunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. As we descend from the Mirgin La, the views, in particular of Mt Jannu, are simply magnificent. Our campsite will be somewhere beyond the pass. .
Day 14: Trek to Gunsa [3475m]
A steep descent from our campsite brings us to Lamba Sumba Kharka where there are more splendid views of the awesome south west face of Jannu. From here, the going is easy. Descending on an excellent trail to the village of Gunsa, where we camp in the fields by the river. Gunsa is a Tibetan village with a tiny gompa and prayer flags fluttering atop the wooden houses. It comes as a welcome sight after the rigorous walk of the previous days and provides an excellent opportunity to visit a strange local hostelry and sample the 'tongba' [alcoholic beverage fermented out of millet]. .
Day 15: Trek to Kyapra [2300m]
From Gunsa, our route out of the mountains follows the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur Kholas and passes through spectacular forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. We pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and, an hour or so further on, we camp in the forest at a spot called Tang..
Day 16: Trek to Sakathum [1600m]
Heading for the village of Sakathum, our route follows an undulating trail for the first couple of hours until we reach Amjilasa. From here, there is a long steep descent from which we can see the Gunsa Khola Valley stretched out before us. We camp in the fields of Sakathum..
Day 17: Trek to Chirwa [1180m]
Leaving Sakathum, we head to Chirwa. En route we meet the confluence of two rivers, Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola at Tamur Kosi. On following the trail along Tamur khola, many other small tributary streams come our way. After trekking for about 4-5 hours we enter the pristine village of Chirwa..
Day 18: Trek to Phurumba
The route further leads to cultivated land and rich pastures. On reaching Mitlung, we halt for a healthy lunch. Then our trail zigzags through the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours we come to the valley of Phurumba. We camp at Phurumba for the night. .
Day 19: Trek to Taplejung and drive to Phidim
As we leave the valley, we continue ascending along the ridge for about 3 hours to Taplejung village. We can wander around the village getting familiar with village life, cultural richness, custom and village people. Thereafter, 2 hours of drive will bring us to Phidim where our trek concludes officially..
Day 20: Drive to Biratnagar, Evening fly to Kathmandu
3-4 hours of drive from Phidim will bring us to Biratnagar and then we take a flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival..
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. Or if you prefer to stay longer you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc. ask us.