Trip Overview
Iteneary Details
Includes & Excludes
FAQ
Map
"Kang-chen-zod-nga", means "Five Great Treasuries of the Snow", but in fact it has seven major summits. To the locals Kanchenjunga which stands at a height of 8,585m the third highest mountain in the world, is the abode of gods who bestow prosperity and goodwill on them and their lands, while to the climbers of this mountain the phrase "Five Great Treasuries of the Snow" takes on a slightly more ominous tone. The avalanches at Kanchenjunga are said to be the largest anywhere!
Since the locals worship the mountain, there is a tradition among mountaineers not to stand on the actual summit. All successful climbs have stopped just short of the summit honouring an old promise made by the leader of the first successful attempt in 1955 to the Maharaja of Sikkim.
Kanchenjunga lies on the eastern border of Nepal providing a great chance to experience remoteness, spectacular mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna and rich local culture, quite different to those found further west.
We begin the journey to Kanchenjunga with a flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung (Suketar). From Suketar the trek leads to Chauki through the villages of Mitlung, Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lhonak to Pangpema (5,140m) which is also the base camp for expeditions attempting the North Face of Kanchenjunga II and the culmination of the first part of the trek.
The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Flight Delay in Taplejung (Suketar)
Twin Otter is the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip of Taplejung. This service is fairly dependable. Sometimes, flights may be cancelled due to mountain weather conditions or other technical problems. In such case, Himalayan Trail Blazer will organize the alternative available road transportation(Local Bus) to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.
The expense of the road transport will be managed from the reimbursement received from the flight ticket after the deduction of cancelation charge. So please note that there will be no refund of the flight, if the alternative road transportation is consolidated.
Read more
Day 01 : Arrival in kathmandu 1334m, Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition representative will transfer to hotel , Kanchenjunga trekking briefing with officially arrangements. overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 02 : After breakfast, our tour guide will take to you for historical monuments sightseeing around kathmandu valley such as Bhkatapur, pasupatinath, Boudhhanath, kathmandu durbar square & Swaymbhunath(monkey temple) and prepare for the Kanchenjunga trekking because this day is required to make Kanchenjunga trekking permit with original passport. Overnight at kathmandu.
Day 03 : Kathmandu drive bus to Dharan Bazaar 1540m. Over night at Lodge /Tea house.
Day 04 : Dharan Bazaar drive bus to Basantpur 2200m .Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 05 : Basantapur Trek to Gupha pokhari 1876m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 06 : Gupha Pokhari trek to Dobhan 1567m.Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 07 : Dobhan trek to Chhirwa 1190m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 08 : Chhirwa trek to Sekathum 1640m.Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 09 : Sekathum trek to Amjilessa 2490m.Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 10 : Amjilessa trek to Gyapla/Kypra 2730m.Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 11 : Gyapla/Kypra trek to Gunsa village 3430m Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 12 : Acclimatization or rest day in Gunsa village. During this day you can hike up to the Selele pass base camp. Overnight Gunsa at Tented Camp.
Day 13 : Gunsa trek to Kambachen 4040m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 14 : Kambachen trek to Lhonak 4790m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 15 : Lhonak trek to Pang pema 5140m. (northern Base Camp) Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 16 : Pang Pema trek to Lhonak 4790m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 17 : Lhonak trek to Gunsa 3430m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 18 : Gunsa trek to Sinion/ selele Phedi 3546m Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 19 : Sinion /selele phedi via Selele pass 4854m trek to Tseram 3870m Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 20 : Tseram trek to Kanchenjunga Oktang Base camp back to Ramche 4620m Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 21 : Ramche trek to Torontan 3256m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 22 : Torontan Trek to Amje Khola 2340m Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 23 : Amje Khola Trek to Mamanke 1810m Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 24 : Mamanke trek to Kande Bhanjang 2134m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 25 : Kande Bhanjang trek Lali Kharka 2213m. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 26 : Lali Kharka trek to Suketar /Taplejung 1824m.Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 27 : Suketar by flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at kathmandu Hotel.
Day 28 : After breakfast, Relaxing or shopping with own activities than in the evening farewell dinner in Nepalese Restaurant, overnight at Kathmandu in Hotel.
Day 29 : After breakfast, Relaxing/shopping with own activities ,Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition representative will drop to Kathmandu international airport for onward destination.
Read more
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
- Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (4 nights)
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicle.
- All your standard Meals prepared by our expert camping cook and kitchen team during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
- Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
- Local Himalayan Trail Blazer licensed English speaking guide.
- The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage and camping equipment during the trek.
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
- All special trekking permits & fees.
- Sleeping bag by Himalayan Trail Blazer (which need to be returned after the trek).
- Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
- Air fare and airport departure tax for Kathmandu-Suketar-Kathmandu Flight.
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu (On Day 2).
- Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (On Day 27th).
- All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
- Official expenses.
Cost Does not Include
- Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
- Alcoholic and cold drinks.
- Personal trekking Equipment (See the trekking equipment page).
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section.
Read more
What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?
This is Strenuous trek in the Himalaya. You need good stamina for a long day effort while crossing the high passes in this trek. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or diseases must seek medical advice before considering any trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least three to four months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalayan Trail Blazer sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.
What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?
We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. We will offer the guesthouse accommodation in Biratnagar.
Along the trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.
What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
There are whole lot of good restaurents in Kathmandu where you can find any delight of your choice. During your stay in Kathmandu, please note that this package doesnt include any meals.
During the camping our expert camping cook can prepare normal and special meals upon request. There is a wider variety of food available, including Western-style food, and you may request to eat at any point of the day. The camping price includes an all-you-can-eat food service.
What mode of transportation do you use?
Himalayan Trail Blazer is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks. We provide you only those options which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups.
We use Tara air, Nepal air for the flight Kathmandu - Suketar - Kathmandu via Biratnagar.
What is the best season for this trekking?
Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights.
March, April, May, October, November are the best time to do this trek.
What is the weather & temperature like in trekking?
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally colder the days are generally warm. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -20 deg C low.
I m a Vegeterain, is that a Problem ?
No problem at all because our camping cooks will mostly serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.
Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?
Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please check our Trekking Guides Proflies and Training Certificates.
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.
Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?
These facilities will be available only in few towns by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! Please bring the spare batteries.
Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.
Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?
In the cities, yes - to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.
How much additional money do I need per day?
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner.
During the trekking all the meals, hot drinks are included, however USD 8 to USD 12 per person a day will be enough to buy chocolates, few drinks during the trekking.
Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
Yes, we provide you shower facilities during your trek. We erect a shower tent and provide you with Buckets of hot water.
Is Himalayan Trail Blazer's staff insured?
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.
Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.
I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please go into our trip extension page for further information.
Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?
YES, US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency is required to obtain Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days. Likewise, tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.
What immunizations will I need?
No vaccinations are compulsory in Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.
We also recommend:
A dental check-up prior to travelling.
That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Himalayan Trail Blazer at the time of your booking.
Read more
