Kanchenjunga (8,586m) is the world's third-highest mountain, ranked below only Everest and K2. It sits on the Nepal-India border in the far northeast corner of the country, in a restricted-area conservation zone that receives a fraction of the visitor numbers that the Everest and Annapurna regions see each year. Its name means "Five Treasures of Great Snow" in Sikkim Tibetan, referring to the five peaks that make up the massif: Kanchenjunga Main (8,586m), Yalongkang (8,505m), Kanchenjunga West (8,420m), and the twin summits above the Yalung Glacier. The region was opened to trekkers in 1988.
The 31-day trek reaches both base camps: Pangpema (North Base Camp, 5,143m), accessed via the Ghunsa Khola valley through the Sherpa village of Ghunsa (3,427m), and Oktang (South Base Camp) above the Yalung Glacier, reached by a southern approach through Rai and Limbu villages via Taplejung. The combination delivers views of the entire Kanchenjunga massif from both sides, along with the dramatic peaks of Jannu (7,711m), Makalu, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The diversity of ethnic cultures, from Limbu and Rai villages in the subtropical foothills to the Sherpa community at Ghunsa and beyond, gives this trek unusual cultural depth alongside the mountain drama.
This is a challenging, remote, camping-based trek for experienced trekkers who have prior high-altitude experience. As of March 2026, solo trekkers can obtain the Kanchenjunga RAP individually, though a licensed guide remains mandatory. For the shorter circuit without both base camps, see our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Duration: 31 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 5,143m (Pangpema, North Base Camp) | Trek Grade: Strenuous — restricted area, camping, prior high-altitude experience required | Best Season: October-November, March-May | Permits Required: Kanchenjunga RAP (USD 20/week), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). Solo permits available from March 2026.
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What altitude does this trek reach?
North Base Camp at Pangpema is 5,143m. South Base Camp at Oktang above the Yalung Glacier is approximately 4,750m. Kanchenjunga itself is 8,586m, the world's third-highest mountain.
What permits are needed?
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP, approx. USD 20/week) and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). As of March 2026, solo trekkers can obtain the RAP individually, though a licensed guide remains mandatory.
Is this a camping or teahouse trek?
Primarily camping. Basic teahouses exist on main valley trails but the upper sections near both base camps are camping-only. A quality sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C is essential.
How does Kanchenjunga compare to Everest Base Camp for crowds?
Kanchenjunga sees a tiny fraction of Everest's visitors. The trail is genuinely remote with basic facilities. See our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek for the shorter alternative.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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