The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek takes you to the base camp of the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga, which stands tall at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). The trek begins in the remote village of Taplejung in eastern Nepal and takes you through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages, showcasing the unique culture of the region.
The trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar, a small airstrip in Taplejung. From there, you will begin your trek to Chirwa, a small village that serves as the gateway to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The trail passes through lush green forests, waterfalls, and rivers, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you trek further, you will reach the village of Sekathum, which is located at the confluence of two rivers - the Tamur and the Ghunsa.
The trek continues through traditional villages like Amjilosa and Gyabla, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You will also pass through rhododendron forests and bamboo groves before reaching the village of Ghunsa, which is the largest village in the region.
From Ghunsa, the trail leads to Kambachen, where you will spend a day acclimatizing to the altitude. You will then trek to Lhonak, which is situated at the base of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. The views of the glacier and surrounding mountains from Lhonak are truly breathtaking.
The next stop on the trek is Pangpema, which is the base camp for Kanchenjunga North. The trail to Pangpema offers stunning views of the mountain ranges, including Kanchenjunga, Jannu, and Chang Himal. After spending some time at Pangpema, you will retrace your steps back to Ghunsa and continue towards the south base camp of Kanchenjunga.
The trail to the south base camp passes through high altitude lakes like Selele and Tsohla, which are surrounded by stunning mountain views. As you reach the base camp, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks.
After spending some time at the base camp, you will retrace your steps back to Ghunsa and continue towards the village of Suketar, where the trek ends. On the way back, you can take a different route and pass through the beautiful rhododendron forests of Phale and Phoplu before reaching the village of Taplejung.
Overall, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a beautiful journey that takes you through stunning landscapes and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into the unique culture of eastern Nepal. It is a challenging trek that requires physical fitness and proper acclimatization, but the reward of reaching the base camp of one of the highest mountains in the world is truly unforgettable.