Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, offering spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas. Upon arrival in Bhadrapur, you’ll take a scenic 5-hour drive to the hill station of Ilam, known for its lush tea gardens and peaceful surroundings. You’ll arrive in the evening and settle into a local lodge for your overnight stay, preparing for the journey ahead.
After breakfast, you’ll board a 5-hour drive to Taplejung, which serves as one of the primary access points for the Kanchenjunga region. The road is winding and offers spectacular views of terraced fields, small villages, and hillsides. Upon reaching Taplejung, you’ll have a relaxing evening to prepare for your trek the next day.
Today, your trek begins as you hike from Taplejung to Lali Kharka, a charming village located at the foothills of the Kanchenjunga massif. The trail winds through dense forests and terraced farmland, providing fantastic views of the surrounding valleys. The trek takes about 6 hours, and upon reaching Lali Kharka, you’ll rest in a local lodge, surrounded by scenic beauty.
The trek from Lali Kharka to Khesewa takes you further up into the foothills, with a gradual ascent through forests and small settlements. As you walk, you'll pass by local villages, enjoying glimpses of local life. The trek, lasting around 6 hours, takes you to Khesewa, where you’ll spend the night at a teahouse, relishing the peaceful atmosphere of the region.
Today’s journey takes you from Khesewa to Pumphe Danda, which is perched on a ridge that provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The trek is a bit shorter, taking around 5 hours, and the trail traverses lush forests and terraced fields. Upon reaching Pumphe Danda, you’ll enjoy panoramic views and rest in a local lodge for the night.
Your trek from Pumphe Danda to Yamphuding takes you into the heart of the region. The route is scenic and relatively challenging, as you’ll be trekking for about 6 hours through forests, rivers, and small villages. Upon arrival in Yamphuding, a major settlement in the area, you’ll have time to explore the village and relax in the evening.
Today, you’ll embark on a challenging 7-hour trek toward Torongding. The trail ascends steadily through dense forests and along the river, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. As you gain altitude, you’ll pass through a few remote settlements. The final stretch takes you to Torongding, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views and a much-needed rest for the night.
Today’s trek takes you from Torongding to Cheram, a beautiful village nestled in the mountains. The trail ascends gradually, passing through alpine meadows and offering views of the peaks in the distance. It’s a 5-hour trek, and you’ll reach Cheram in the afternoon, where you’ll be able to rest and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
The trek from Cheram to Ramche is relatively short but incredibly scenic. It’s a 3-hour hike that takes you through alpine terrain with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Kanchenjunga. You’ll be able to explore the area around Ramche, which is close to the base of the mountain, and take in the majestic views of the region.
After enjoying the stunning views of Kanchenjunga from Ramche, it’s time to trek back to Torongding. The trail descends for about 6 hours, retracing your steps through alpine meadows and dense forests. As you make your way back down, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your journey and enjoy the changing scenery along the way.
Today, you’ll continue your descent from Torongding to Yamphuding. The trek is a bit longer, taking around 7 hours, and offers a combination of downhill and flat terrain. You’ll pass through villages and forests, and the changing landscape provides a fresh perspective on the region. Once you reach Yamphuding, you’ll have time to relax and celebrate the completion of the trek.
On this day, you’ll leave Yamphuding and head to Ranipul, a village located further down the trail. The trek takes about 4 hours, and you’ll enjoy the gradual descent through forests and rural landscapes. After reaching Ranipul, you’ll take a drive to Phidim, a larger town in the region. This day offers a pleasant combination of trekking and scenic driving.
On the final day of your trek, you’ll take a scenic 10-hour drive from Phidim to Bhadrapur, passing through picturesque hills and rural landscapes. Once in Bhadrapur, you’ll catch a flight back to Kathmandu. As you reflect on your journey through the Kanchenjunga region, you'll arrive in the bustling capital city, where your trek concludes.
The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is a challenging and scenic route that takes you to the base camp on the southern side of Kanchenjunga, which stands at an altitude of about 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Unlike the more crowded routes to Everest or Annapurna, this trek is quieter and offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga massif, along with rich biodiversity, lush forests, and remote villages. The trek offers an opportunity to connect with the local Sherpa and Limbu communities, whose culture is deeply influenced by the mountains.
Explore Holiday Nepal is a trusted trekking company in Nepal with a strong reputation for delivering safe, well-organized, and memorable trekking experiences. Our expert guides are well-versed in high-altitude trekking and local culture, ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable trek. We provide personalized services, proper acclimatization schedules, and a focus on safety to make sure you can fully appreciate the beauty of the Kanchenjunga region while minimizing any risks. We handle all logistical details, so you can focus on the adventure itself.
The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is considered a strenuous trek due to its high-altitude terrain and long days of trekking. The highest point of the trek is the South Base Camp at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), but trekkers will reach elevations well above 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) for several days. Due to the remote nature of the trek, the terrain is rugged, and facilities are basic in some areas. This trek requires good physical fitness, previous trekking experience, and a strong mental attitude. Proper acclimatization and taking your time are key to enjoying the trek and minimizing risks.
The best time to trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is more stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, which are ideal for trekking in the Himalayas. The spring season also brings blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, while the autumn season offers the clearest mountain views. Avoid trekking in the winter and monsoon seasons as heavy snowfall and rainfall can make the trail difficult and unsafe.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have a licensed guide and porter for the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. The trail is remote, and a guide will help you navigate the terrain, assist with language barriers, and provide valuable insights into the local culture. A porter will carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek comfortably and focus on the journey. Explore Holiday Nepal provides professional, English-speaking guides and experienced porters to make your trek smooth and enjoyable.
The highest point on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, which sits at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Along the trek, you will gradually ascend through villages and forests before reaching this high-altitude destination. While this trek does not go as high as the north base camp, it still presents challenges related to altitude, and proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.
Accommodation on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is basic but comfortable. You’ll be staying in tea houses (locally known as lodges) run by the local people. These simple accommodations provide a bed, a warm meal, and the opportunity to connect with fellow trekkers. At higher elevations, the teahouses are more basic, with fewer amenities, but they offer a warm, welcoming environment. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, as the weather can get cold at night, especially at higher altitudes.
The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is generally safe when undertaken with proper preparation and guidance. Explore Holiday Nepal ensures safety by providing professional guides who are familiar with the route and high-altitude trekking procedures. We emphasize proper acclimatization, carry first aid kits, and monitor weather conditions to ensure your safety throughout the trek. We also have emergency evacuation procedures in place if necessary.
The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek package typically includes:
Domestic flights (Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and return)
All necessary trekking permits and fees
Transportation by private vehicle
Guide and porter services
Accommodations in tea houses or lodges
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
All necessary trekking equipment (if needed)
Emergency evacuation insurance
A first-aid kit and safety measures
Explore Holiday Nepal’s dedicated support throughout the trek
For a detailed cost breakdown and further inquiries, feel free to contact Explore Holiday Nepal.