Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly received by our Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions representative. Transfer to your hotel in the bustling capital city. Spend the day at leisure to rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, enjoy a briefing session about the trek and meet your trekking guide and team members. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Today is dedicated to preparing for the trek. After breakfast, your guide will assist you in checking your trekking gear, permits, and other essentials. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural tour of Kathmandu’s famous three temples: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). These spiritual sites offer a serene introduction to Nepali culture and Buddhism. Return to your hotel for a final trek briefing and overnight stay.
An early morning flight takes you from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. Upon arrival, board a vehicle for a scenic drive to Taplejung. The road winds through terraced fields, rivers, and traditional villages, offering your first glimpses of the Kanchenjunga region’s natural beauty. Taplejung is a quaint town that serves as the gateway to the trek. Overnight in Taplejung.
Today you drive further into the mountains towards Sekathum. The journey takes you along narrow roads with spectacular views of forested hills and cascading waterfalls. Sekathum is a remote village with a rich Limbu culture. You’ll experience warm local hospitality and enjoy your first night immersed in the Himalayan foothills. Overnight in Sekathum.
The trek officially begins today! Leaving Sekathum, you gradually ascend through lush rhododendron and pine forests. Along the trail, you’ll pass through traditional villages and farmland, observing the rural lifestyle of the Kanchenjunga region’s inhabitants. The air becomes crisp as you climb higher, reaching Amjilosa, a small settlement surrounded by stunning mountain views. Overnight in a tea house.
Continuing the ascent, the trail winds through dense forests and past terraced fields. The terrain becomes steeper, and you may begin to spot Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer or pheasants. Gyabla is a peaceful village offering spectacular views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga peaks. Spend the evening relaxing and acclimatizing. Overnight in Gyabla.
Today’s trek is rewarding as you enter the higher Himalayan zone. The forests thin out, replaced by alpine meadows and rugged cliffs. Ghunsa is a large Sherpa village, renowned for its friendly residents and stunning mountain panorama. Explore the village and visit its traditional monastery. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
The trek becomes more challenging today as you climb steeply along narrow ridges. The air is thinner but the landscape more dramatic, with glacier-fed streams and towering peaks. Khambachen, a small settlement with yak herders, lies beneath the towering north face of Kanchenjunga. This is a great place to rest and enjoy the tranquility of the high Himalayas. Overnight in Khambachen.
To prevent altitude sickness, today is a rest and acclimatization day. You can take short hikes around Khambachen to explore nearby meadows, visit yak herding camps, or simply relax and absorb the spectacular mountain scenery. Your guide will monitor your health and help prepare for the next stage of the trek. Overnight in Khambachen.
The trek continues upward into the alpine zone, with sparse vegetation and panoramic views of glaciated peaks. Lhonak is a small hamlet famous for its glacier-fed streams and wildflower meadows. This high-altitude village serves as the last stop before the base camp. Overnight stay in simple teahouses.
Today is the highlight of the trek — a challenging but awe-inspiring hike to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at Pang Pema. The trail crosses glacial moraine and offers up-close views of Kanchenjunga’s majestic north face, the third highest peak in the world. After spending time at the base camp soaking in the magnificent scenery, you return to Lhonak for overnight rest.
Begin your descent today, retracing your steps through the beautiful alpine landscape back down to Ghunsa. The longer trekking day rewards you with changing perspectives of the mountains and the opportunity to reflect on your adventure. Arrive in Ghunsa for a well-deserved overnight stay.
The descent continues as you trek down through lush forests and small villages. Enjoy the warmth of the lower altitude climate and observe the shift in vegetation and wildlife. Reach Sekathum by evening and relax in a cozy teahouse.
Today, you leave the trail and drive towards the famous tea gardens of Ilam. Kanyam, a picturesque tea estate, offers beautiful rolling hills covered with tea bushes and a temperate climate. Spend time exploring the plantations and soaking in the natural beauty. Overnight in Ilam.
After breakfast, you drive back to Bhadrapur airport for your return flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for shopping or exploring more of Kathmandu’s vibrant culture. Celebrate the completion of your trek with a farewell dinner organized by Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Kathmandu with unforgettable memories of your Kanchenjunga North Base Camp adventure. We at Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions thank you for choosing us and hope to see you again soon!
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is a spectacular journey that takes trekkers to the northern face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586 meters. The trek culminates at Pangpema, the official North Base Camp located at approximately 5,143 meters altitude. This trek offers mesmerizing views of towering peaks, glaciers, and remote alpine wilderness. Compared to other Himalayan treks, it remains less crowded, giving trekkers a more intimate and untouched experience.
This trek is rated moderate to strenuous. While the terrain can be steep and rugged, it is generally less technically challenging than other high-altitude treks that require mountaineering skills. The primary challenge comes from the remote nature, long duration, and altitude—reaching over 5,000 meters. Physical fitness, stamina, and prior trekking experience are recommended. Our guides provide continuous support, making the trek accessible to determined and well-prepared adventurers.
The best trekking seasons are:
Spring (March to May): This season offers warmer temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and clearer views.
Autumn (late September to November): Known for stable weather, crisp air, and excellent visibility.
Winter trekking is possible but cold and challenging. The monsoon season (June to early September) is generally avoided due to heavy rains and landslide risk.
Yes, Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions handles all permits. For the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, you require:
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) — mandatory for a group of at least 2 trekkers, with a licensed guide.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
We take care of all paperwork and fees to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Accommodation mainly consists of basic tea houses and lodges along the trail, offering simple rooms with shared bathrooms. The facilities are rustic but clean, with warm meals and hot drinks available. In very remote stretches, where tea houses are limited, camping may be arranged by Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions to maintain comfort and safety.
Typical meals include local Nepali staples such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), vegetable curries, noodles, soups, and occasional meat dishes (depending on availability). Breakfasts often feature porridge, eggs, or pancakes. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs with advance notice.
Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,000 meters, especially beyond 4,000 meters. Our itinerary includes gradual ascent and acclimatization days to reduce this risk. Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms of AMS (acute mountain sickness) and carry emergency oxygen and first aid kits. If severe symptoms appear, evacuation plans via helicopter can be arranged. We stress the importance of proper hydration, nutrition, and rest throughout the trek.
Essential gear includes layered clothing for variable temperatures, waterproof jackets, sturdy trekking boots, a good-quality sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures), gloves, hat, sunglasses, and a headlamp. We provide a detailed packing list and can assist with renting equipment in Kathmandu.
Choosing Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions means trekking with a company dedicated to personalized service, safety, and sustainable travel practices. Our guides are locals who know the region intimately, ensuring cultural insights and reliable support. We focus on responsible tourism, supporting local communities and protecting the environment while providing a comfortable, memorable trekking experience.
