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The trip to Nepal was absolutely the most wonderful experience of my life. Anyway, just wanted to thank you again for all your help and being part of such a magical experience. ...Nepal [has] a special place in my heart.
Jennifer Johnson
Friends in High Places guest
Kanchenjunga the Long way
33 Days: 28 Days Full Service Tented Trekking to both Base Camps
From only $2,199 per person, fully inclusive
Real Adventure? Yeah! No Coke, No chocolate bars, No teahouses. And very few other trekkers. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak on the planet, is far more remote and far less visited than Everest. The trails are demanding, and you make high ascents to two base camps and cross a difficult pass between them. Even the maps of the area are inaccurate.
But what adventure and personal reward! The great variety of people and cultures, terrains, flora and fauna, plus the great mountains, make this an unbeatable program for the hardy and adventurous trekker.
The Kanchenjunga area in Nepal's far East is spectacular, challenging, and relatively untraveled. You will walk in through the culturally interesting mid-hills from Tumlingtar and Chainpur, then up the Tamur and Ghunsa River valleys to the north Base Camp at Pangpema. Then back south to Ghunsa and over either the Mirgin La or Lapsang La passes. From there you'll climb again, now on the south side of the massif, to the south Base Camp near Oktang. The Yalung glacier here is a bit tricky, so the south Base Camp has to be "conditions permitting". Then south to Taplejung where the trek ends and you fly out.
This program includes a full tented camp and all transportation food, and staff: a professional, English-speaking guide and Sherpas, cook and kitchen crew, trekking permits, park fees and taxes; Hotel, breakfasts, and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive in Kathmandu. Airport pickup, hotel check-in. Meet your guide.
- Day 2
- Morning sightseeing and afternoon free with activity suggestions.
- Day 3
- Pre-trek briefing with your guide. Afternoon sightseeing.
Day 4- Fly to Tumlingtar. Meet the crew and walk a short way out of town to camp.
- Day 5
- Trek to Chainpur, a prosperous town known for its metal work and market.
- Day 6
- Past a series of small, beautiful lakes today, folloing a ridge to Mayam.
- Day 7
- Another forested day, with great views around each corner and at local high spots. Camp near Gupha Pokhari, under a pretty hill at about 2,000 meters.
- Day 8
- Contour around the Milke Danda (danda means "hill") and then descend to the Tamur River at Doban.
- Day 9
- Follow the Tamur River north, and camp near Mitlung.
- Day 10
- A tough day following rough paths along cliffs and rocky ground. The only traffic you'll see will be locals. Camp at Chirwa by the Tamur river.
- Day 11
- Follow the Tamur, then climb over a spur and descend to the Simbua Khola river which originates from the Yalung Glacier on Kanchenjunga. Over another ridge into the Ghunsa Khola valley. Camp at Sakathum.
- Day 12
- The steep trail continues upriver and uphill most of the way to Amjilassa.
- Day 13
- Rest day at Amjilassa. Day trekking for altitude acclimitization.
- Day 14
- Many yaks on the trail as it winds down to the Ghunsa Khola. The trail climbs away from the river to Kyapra, set in terraced hills.
- Day 15
- An easy climb to the ridge above the river, then through a large meadow and into forest. Cross another small river, and camp in Ghunsa.
- Day 16
- Great views today of Mt. Jannu and its glacier. Camp at Khambachen.
- Day 17
- You've gained a lot of altitude, so another rest day at Khambachen to acclimatize. Plenty of opportunity for day hiking, or you can just relax!
- Day 18
- Trek to the edge of the Khambachen glacier. After crossing its lateral moraines, enter the valley of the Lhonak Glacier. Campsite at Lhonak.
- Day 19
- Trek to the north Base Camp at Pangpema for views of Tent Peak, the Twins, and Kanchenjunga. Wonderful sunrise views!
- Day 20
- Back to Khambachen.
- Day 21
- Retrace to return to Ghunsa to cross over to the Simbua Khola valley.
- Day 22
- Climb to a high camp above Ghunsa..
- Day 23
- Cross one of two passes and descend to a comfortable altitude before setting up camp.
- Day 24
- Trek to Oktung on the edge of the glacier. Views of Kanchenjunga South, Khumbakarna Chang Himal, and Nepal Peak.
- Day 25
- Trek south to Tseram, retracing the trail, with variations whenever possible.
- Day 26
- Descend and then climb through rhododendron forests to Lamite Bhanjyang. More great views of Kanchenjunga.
- Day 27
- Descend to the Imja Khola into Yamphudin, the first settlement in days.
- Day 28
- Descend to the Kabeli Khola, then along it to Mamankhe, then descend a gorge and climb up the other side to Ponphe for the night.
- Day 29
- A climbing day, through a set of valleys, ending up at Khunjari.
- Day 30
- The last real day on the trail, crossing the Pha Khola and then climbing through forest to a ridge and a camp near Taplejung airfield.
- Day 31
- Morning flight to Biratnagar, and from there to Kathmandu.
- Day 32
- Free day in Kathmandu. (And a margin in case of a cancelled flight.)
- Day 33
- Depart Kathmandu. We'll take you to the airport and assist with check-in.
Extend Your Trip
India: 5 Days from only $575
Visit the Taj Mahal, ride camels in
the desert, stay in a palace, and
wander ancient bazaars.
Tibet: 8 Days from only $900
Journey overland to Lhasa thru high
Tibet. 3 days sightseeing in Lhasa,
and fly back to Kathmandu.
Both Programs include hotels, transportation, sightseeing with English-speaking guide, all
permits and entrance fees.
Program Summary
33 Days: Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camps
5 days Kathmandu, 28 day trek, transportation, permits, fees
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