Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek with Bokta Peak Climbing

Welcome to Nepal. Once you have landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be picked up by our representative, who will drive you to your hotel in Kathmandu. It will only take about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. As you travel, you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of the city, its markets and the everyday life in Nepal’s capital.

Once you have arrived at your hotel, you can rest and recuperate from your travel. This is a great time to get used to the local time before embarking on your adventure. Several outdoor shops are available nearby if you require any trekking equipment at the last moment; you can purchase or hire it.

Our trekking team will greet you with a briefing of the trip in the evening. We will discuss the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek with Bokta Peak climbing itinerary, safety guidelines and answer any queries you may have. Have a welcome meal and a good night’s sleep, because the preparations are about to start.

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Meals

Dinner

Trek Duration

20 to 30 minutes

Accomodations

Hotel

Today is the day of the last preparations for departure from Kathmandu. Following breakfast, the paperwork will be finalized, such as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit and Restricted Area Permit. Also, your Bokta Peak climbing permit will be confirmed too and all set for the expedition.

Our guides will carefully check your trekking and climbing equipment. We will work on facilitating reliable rentals for additional equipment like a sleeping bag, down jacket, crampons or other climbing gear if necessary. It’s also a great time to clean out your duffel bag and ensure that you have all the necessary gear to go on your trek.

You can optionally take a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu in the afternoon. Top tourist destinations include Swayambhunath Stupa (1,450 m / 4,757 ft) and Boudhanath Stupa (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) where you can immerse yourself in Nepal’s culture and enjoy city views. In the evening, head back to the hotel to unwind in preparation for the early morning flight the next day.

Maximum Altitude

1,450 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 to 5 hours

Accomodations

Hotel

Early morning transfer to Kathmandu Airport and scenic domestic flight to Bhadrapur. The flight lasts about 1 hour and is fantastic for the views of the hills of Nepal and, on clear days, the Himalayas too. Once we arrive, we’re picked up by the driver and driven the rest of the way.

The journey to Ilam is approximately 100 km and takes 4-5 hrs. The road starts from the warm lowlands and slowly ascends to the lush green hills of eastern Nepal. We visit small towns, rivers, villages and beautiful tea gardens while we’re traveling, which make Ilam famous all over the country.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Ilam (1,820 m / 5,971 ft). Once you’ve registered at our lodge, you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquility of the mountain and the fresh air. This higher altitude will also allow your body to acclimatize itself a little before the trek starts.

Maximum Altitude

1,820 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

1 hour flight and 4 to 5 hours drive

Accomodations

Lodge

We depart from Ilam after breakfast and drive along the road to Sukethum. The ride is along mountain roads, through remote villages, river valleys and forested hills. After approximately six or seven hours, we arrive at Sukethum (1,585 m / 5,200 ft) where our trek officially starts.

We begin our walk from Sukethum on the Ghunsa Khola. The trail winds through bamboo forests, over several suspension bridges and upstream the river. Rising gradually, one can enjoy the peaceful environment while getting accustomed to the trail conditions.

After a 4-to-5-hour hike, we arrive at Amjilosa (2400 m / 7874 ft), a small village with basic teahouses. Local communities live in the village, which still follows their traditional life in the mountains. Have a hot supper, get a good night’s sleep and look forward to another fine day on the trail.

Maximum Altitude

2,400 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 to 7 hours drive and 4 to 5 hours trek

Accomodations

Teahouse

This is a gentle walk-through lovely woodland where you will be able to see oak, pine, bamboo and rhododendron trees. Overall, the day is pleasant, as the route heads down the Ghunsa Khola through the peaceful surrounds into the Kanchenjunga region.

The route passes through wooden bridges, waterfalls and some small villages where people still live their traditional lives. Be sure to watch the forest, as there are many birds of the Himalayas and wildlife present, including, though rarely, the rare red panda.

It is late afternoon and we arrive in the peaceful village of Gyabla (2730m / 8957ft). There are a few simple teahouses in the village where we stay the night. Take in the fresh mountain air, the view of the valley and a good night.

Maximum Altitude

2,730 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 to 5 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

After breakfast, onwards through the forests and by the Ghunsa Khola river. The path follows a number of suspension bridges and slowly climbs as the terrain opens up. Today’s walk is pleasant in the fresh air of the mountains and the quiet.

We eventually arrive at Phale, a traditional Tibetan village with prayer flags, mani walls and a small monastery. A pleasant tea stops along the way. The stroll then heads into alpine meadows and scattered forests, just a few times offering a glimpse of the mountains.

After a late afternoon, we reach the biggest village on the Kanchenjunga trek, Ghunsa (3,427 m / 11,243 ft). The village has comfy tea houses, a monastery and basic facilities for trekkers. Once you check in at the lodge, you can go and visit the village or the local monastery, then have dinner and spend the acclimatization day in your room.

Maximum Altitude

3,427 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 to 6 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

Today is one of the significant acclimatization days in Ghunsa. We do not gain a lot of altitude but remain in the village to help you acclimate to the lower oxygen levels at (3,427 m / 11,243 ft). A rest day at this elevation reduces the likelihood of altitude sickness and helps you acclimate to higher elevations on the trail.

Following breakfast, one can join a short hike to nearby viewpoints above the village. One of the tried and tested procedures for acclimatization is to walk to a higher altitude and then sleep at a lower one. On the trek, you will enjoy the scenery of the surrounding forests, mountain slopes and the quiet Ghunsa Valley.

The remainder of the day can be spent in Ghunsa, one of the biggest Sherpa settlements in the Kanchenjunga region. Spend time at the local monastery, see the typical stone houses and get to know the local people. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy meals and get plenty of rest before heading up to the higher alpine area tomorrow.

Maximum Altitude

3,700 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

2 to 3 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

Leaving Ghunsa in the morning, we continue further into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area after breakfast. The path slowly ascends through woodland before opening up onto a meadow in open alpine land. The mountain views are stunning, as the trees start to dwindle and rocky slopes, glaciers and snow-covered peaks emerge along the way.

The route is through the Ghunsa Khola and passes many smaller streams. Yaks can be spotted on the high pastures and if lucky, there is a chance to see Himalayan blue sheep or Himalayan tahr on the hillsides around the area. In the last stretch, the walk becomes uphill before arriving at the destination of today.

By afternoon, we arrive at Kambachen (4,050 m / 13,287 ft). A handful of basic teahouses nestle in a small village with the dramatic mountain scenery. An excellent view of Jannu (also called Kumbhakarna) can be had on clear days. Tonight, relax after dinner and get ready for another steep ascent tomorrow.

Maximum Altitude

4,050 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 to 6 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

The hike today is to one of the highest and most remote parts of the Kanchenjunga area. From Kambachen, it heads up a rocky road with yak pastures, glacial valleys and a steady incline. As one enters the alpine landscape, the vegetation becomes very sparse.

The old landslides and glacial deformation have influenced several portions of the trail, requiring careful footwork. As you ascend further, you get vistas that open up, with spectacular glaciers and imposing peaks of the Himalayas, littered around the valley. The day is made memorable despite the tough terrain with its peaceful ambiance.

In the afternoon we’ll arrive in Lhonak (4,780 m / 15,682 ft), a small temporary village of a few basic lodges. The chilly air of the mountains makes you feel you are now near Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Once you get here, get a good night’s sleep, hydrate and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure to Pangpema.

Maximum Altitude

4,780 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 to 7 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

We leave early in the morning for one of the highlights of the trip. The trail runs along the lateral moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier towards Pangpema or Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. The upward ascent is not steep but the walk is on high ground so we maintain a good pace.

As we ascend, the scenery grows more dramatic as glaciers, rock ridges and snow-covered mountains surround us. The trek to Pangpema (5,143 m/16,873 ft) brings us fantastic vistas of the north face of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-tallest mountain. This is the peak of the trekking part of the expedition.

We take some time to appreciate the views and take some snaps before heading back to Lhonak. The return trek is largely downhill with ample opportunity to rest after a successful day in the high Himalayas.

Maximum Altitude

5,143 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 to 8 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

In the mornings, we are on our way down to Ghunsa and out of the high mountains. The trail then returns along the same path through the broad, wide open alpine valley, across rocky areas, past grazing yaks and through beautiful mountain landscapes, which are again different from the other side of the valley.

Slowly we head down to Kambachen where we eat lunch before passing through forests and along the Ghunsa Khola. Going downhill is easier to breathe but the long descent is still a grind and hard to get through on sections of the trail that are uneven.

By late afternoon, we return to Ghunsa (3,427 m / 11,243 ft). Several nights at high altitude and then the humidity at the lower elevation is much more comfortable. Have a hot meal, arrive at the lodge and take advantage of the improved sleeping conditions on the way to the south side of the Kanchenjunga region.

Maximum Altitude

4,780 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 to 7 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

The trail today starts at Ghunsa and follows a gentle ascent to Sele Le Camp. The trail traverses rhododendron forests, alpine meadows and open hillsides. In the spring, the rhododendrons put on a show with their beautiful blooms, adding color to the surrounding landscape.

The forest gets gradually thinner and views more open as we keep climbing. Grazing yaks and prayer flags with colors may be seen on the way. This part of the circuit is quieter, with fewer hikers along the trail, than the northern side of the trail.

By afternoon, we arrive at Sele Le Camp (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). The camp has basic accommodation and provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight is spent resting, keeping warm and getting ready for the high mountain passes of tomorrow.

Maximum Altitude

4,400 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 to 5 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

Today is one of the most exciting and challenging days of the trek. Early in the morning, we depart from Sele Le Camp and start climbing up towards Sele Le Pass (4,320 m / 14,173 ft). The hike takes you through rocky ridges and is adorned with prayer flags in various colours; the mountains are a wonderful backdrop for the sunrise.

Crossing the first pass, we cross over Sinion La Pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). There are several steep uphill and downhill sections, so we walk carefully and slowly. From there, you can take a wonderful view of Jannu, Makalu and other snow-covered peaks before embarking on the long descent.

The trail then descends into the Yalung Glacier Valley where it transitions from rocky ridges to alpine meadows. Late afternoon, we arrive at Tseram (3,870 m / 12,697 ft), a small mountain town. Upon arrival at the lodge, take a warm meal and get a good night’s rest and then head off to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp tomorrow.

Maximum Altitude

4,320 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 to 8 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

Early in the morning early we depart from Tseram and head towards Ramche. This trail slowly ascends next to the Yalung glacier, traversing through rocky moraines, alpine grasslands and stunning mountain scenery. The surrounding peaks as we climb higher are even more impressive.

After Ramche, we come to Kanchenjunga South Base camp, also known as Oktang (4900m / 16076ft). This perspective provides an incredible view of the south face of Mount Kanchenjunga along with Kabru, Rathong and other Himalayan peaks. It is one of the most beautiful places on the whole expedition and the surroundings are peaceful.

We take some time to take photos and enjoy the scenery, before heading back down along the same path to Tseram. On the walk back, it is easier and you will enjoy the wonderful valley from a different viewpoint, before retiring to the lodge at night.

Maximum Altitude

4,900 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 to 7 hours

Accomodations

Teahouse

Today it’s time to break away from the main trek and go to Bokta Peak Base Camp. The trek winds along the lateral moraine of the Yalung glacier, then gradually ascends into a rugged alpine environment. With the increase in altitude, the scenery became more and more picturesque, surrounded by glaciers, icefalls and tall mountains of the Himalayas.

The path is less noisy than earlier parts of this hike and really makes you feel like you are in a remote mountain wilderness. We are kept abreast by our guides who keep us at a gentle pace, so we are able to adjust to the altitude whilst enjoying the great scenery that we pass through on the way.

By afternoon, we reach Bokta Peak Base Camp (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Once we’ve got settled into camp, our climbing guides will go over equipment and discuss the climbing plan for the next few days. Rest, drink plenty of water and physically and mentally prepare for the summit attempt for the evening.

Maximum Altitude

5,100 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 to 6 hours

Accomodations

Camp

It is a rest day, acclimatization day and practice climbing day. For 2 days, staying at Bokta Peak Base Camp (5100 m / 16732 ft) will give your body the time required to acclimate to the altitude before arriving at High Camp. Carefully acclimatizing helps to ensure safety and success on the summit.

You’ll get hands-on instruction with the gear needed for climbing from our expert climbing staff during the day. You will learn to walk with crampons, ice axe, clip into fixed ropes and learn safe climbing techniques. This session also makes you feel more confident going into the summit push.

The rest of the day is used to set up equipment, weather and preparations. Get much rest, have good food and drink lots of water. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep before tomorrow’s ascent to High Camp.

Maximum Altitude

5,100 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

3 to 4 hours of training

Accomodations

Camp

Early start to the day and head out of Base Camp to Bokta Peak High Camp. The route continues through steep snow and rocks where our guides make use of fixed ropes if required. The route today is more technical than the trek route and careful footing and teamwork are necessary.

On the ascent to the next level, you will see even more amazing views of the mountain landscape. The glaciers around, steep ridges and snow-covered peaks form an indelible Himalayan scenery. Short breaks are often used to ensure everyone runs at a constant level in thin mountain air.

After an hour or so of more climbing, we reach High Camp (5,573 m / 18,284 ft). Our crew sets up camp and makes preparations for the next summiting attempt. We take a break to sleep as much as we can after an early dinner, before heading out on the difficult but rewarding climb starting before dawn.

Maximum Altitude

5,573 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 to 6 hours

Accomodations

Camp

Day 18: Summit Bokta Peak and Descend to Base Camp or Tseram

Today will be the hardest and most satisfying day of the expedition. Early before dawn, we leave High Camp and start the last ascent to the summit of Bokta Peak. It’s a steep snow route we are carefully ascending and will need to use some fixed ropes.

After a few hours of climbing, we arrive at the top of Bokta Peak (6,114 m / 20,059 ft). The top provides us with superb views of Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Jannu and numerous other peaks of the Himalayas. We take some photographs and celebrate this achievement, then start the descent.

After a careful return to High Camp, we head down to Bokta Peak Base Camp or, if we have the time and the group feels like it, further on to Tseram for the evening. It’s a long day but once it’s done you’ve done something memorable in the expedition.

Maximum Altitude

6,114 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

10 to 12 hours

Accomodations

Camp

Following breakfast, we head down from Tseram, leaving the high alpine scene behind. As we descend through the valley, you will pass through rhododendron woodlands, pine trees and quiet valleys. Going downhill is easier on the lungs and the warmer temperature is felt as we go downhill.

We pass through numerous small villages with their traditional mountain way of life and several streams and suspension bridges en route. From the higher sections of the walk, there are also wonderful glimpses of terraced fields and wooded hills.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Yamphudin (2,080 m / 6,824 ft). A traditional village where there are different ethnic groups and a handful of basic teahouses where we stay overnight. A good, lengthy sleep and a hot meal after a productive day on the trail.

Maximum Altitude

3,870 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 to 7 hours

Accomodations

Teahouses

We’re still on the descent this morning, passing through woods, farmland and tiny villages on our way to Helok. The track is largely downhill and runs along quiet tracks in the lower hills of eastern Nepal. With decreasing altitude, the climate becomes warmer and vegetation becomes greener.

Our trekking is over and we have reached the top of Helok (1,740 m / 5,709 ft). We pick up our waiting vehicle and start our journey to Taplejung. The path runs through rural settlements, agricultural fields and stunning mountainous scenery before arriving at the district headquarters.

By late afternoon, we are at Taplejung (1820 m / 5971 ft) and stay at a local lodge or hotel. The evening is an opportunity to unwind, have a nice meal and mark the end of the trekking part of the adventure.

Maximum Altitude

1,820 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

2 to 3 hours trekking and 4 to 5 hours driving

Accomodations

Lodge

Following breakfast, we head down the hills of Taplejung and set off on the long trip to the lowland town of Birtamod. The drive takes you through the mountains and then down into the fertile plains of eastern Nepal. En route, we cross rivers, tea plantations, villages and stunning landscapes.

There are several short stops which allow you to extend your legs, enjoy refreshments and take in the scenery. From the mountain area, the air is definitely warmer and moister.

Later in the day, we arrive at Birtamod (100 m / 328 ft) where we are to stay at our hotel. The cities are located in remote mountain villages and once there is time for you to enjoy the comfortable accommodations, modern facilities and a good night’s sleep before the flight back to Kathmandu on the following day.

Maximum Altitude

1,820 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 to 7 hours

Accomodations

Hotel

Following breakfast, we depart from Birtamod and head to Bhadrapur airport. The trip lasts for about one to two hours, passing through a flat terrain in the Terai. Then we head to the airport where we take a domestic flight to Kathmandu, having one last look at the variety of landscapes of Nepal from the air.

We arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,350 m / 4,429 ft) where we are picked up and taken to the hotel. The afternoon can be spent relaxing, exploring the nearby markets or purchasing souvenirs for family and friends. Several weeks spent in the mountains also mean several weeks being able to visit local cafés afterward.

This is followed by a dinner in the evening to say goodbye to our guides and trekking group. This is an amazing chance to commemorate the completion of the Kanchen jungle base camp trek with Bokta Peak climbing and share the experience of the trek with others.

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

2 hours drive and 45 minutes flight

Accomodations

Hotel

Today is a contingency day in case of weather or trail delays during the trek. Assuming that all is well, you can now enjoy a leisurely day exploring Kathmandu or just relaxing in your hotel after your expedition.

Popular cultural touristic sites can be visited like Swayambhunath Stupa (1450 m / 4757 ft), Patan Durbar Square or Boudhanath Stupa (1400 m / 4593 ft). The streets of the city are also very busy and it’s a good place to buy handicrafts, pashmina items, prayer flags and traditional souvenirs.

Dedicate some time to prepare your bags, double-check your international flight information and have a relaxing last night in Nepal. Dedicated to relaxing and taking in the scenery, this day is the perfect end to the several weeks of trekking and climbing in the Himalayan mountains.

Maximum Altitude

1,450 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner

Trek Duration

Flexible throughout the day

Accomodations

Hotel

Today is the end of your ever-unforgettable trip in Nepal. Our representative will pick you up from the hotel after breakfast and drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to your destination. This trip lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

If your flight is scheduled later in the day, you may have some free time to enjoy a final walk around the nearby streets or relax at the hotel before leaving for the airport. Our team will help you with your transfer and make sure it goes smoothly.

You bring home wonderful memories from the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek with Bokta Peak Climbing, from the remote mountain villages to the amazing Himalayan scenery and the glory of standing on the summit of Bokta Peak. We hope you’ll have an enjoyable trip and look forward to seeing you in Nepal again.

Maximum Altitude

1,350 m.

Meals

Breakfast

Trek Duration

20 to 30 minutes