Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking

Upon arrival at international airport, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport assist and transfer to the Hotel.

Trekking preparation and permit organize day. Please, check your insurance details and have a copy of your travel medical insurance policy with you.

After 45 munities short scenic flight we arrive at the Suketar (2400m) airport and meets porters if they are not coming with you from Kathmandu. Now your epic journey to Kanchanjunga Base Camp trip begins. We walk east up the airstrip onto a tractor road to the right and continue up to Deurali (2600m). The mening of Deurali Bhanjyang, Deurali or Bhanjyang is pass or saddle. Take the right split when a road turns left to the pilgrim-magnet Pathibhara Devi Temple (3,794m), about a day’s walk away from here. Then the trail goes through the rhododendron-covered ridge to Lali Kharka (2,266m) where you can get special Balbhat. The road now terminates here with tractor-trailers and maybe a jeep. The trail descends for about an hour circle through scrubby forest to the picturesque Limbu village Tembewa (1835m). You are stay overnight at tea house.

Today the trail ascends first to a ridge before dropping steeply through Simbu (1700m it known as, Simbuwa also. Here is few tea houses provide with meals. Then the trail continue down a hot steep path, cross the suspension bridge on Phawa Khola (1430m) and up steeply to the scattered bamboo and bananas settlement of Kunjari (1800m). Here is also lodge available if you like to stay overnight. The stars twinkling at the night amazingly and village lights were like gathering over the silent hills at night but the roosters start at three in the morning as alarm for the locals. The local get up early in the morning with rosters for the day work. A sheepish climb on steps to Gurung hamlets Kande Bhanjyang (2129m), Sinchebu, Sinchewa Bhanjyang) with a nice accommodation tea house. The rest of the day goes through the Kabeli valley. You have first Kangchenjunga scenery on the walking and finally the trails goes a forest walk on steps down through hot and steamy but very prosperous village growing millet, maize and rice at Khesewa (2125m). You will stay overnight at tea house.

After breakfast, our trek continues through the Kabeli valley passing a few stunning waterfalls. After descending steeply the trail goes through rice terraces into a side canyon, when we cross the Khaksewa Khola (River) on a long suspension bridge 1540 meter, then the trail to an endless flight of stairs and down to the neat houses of Phumphe Danda (1860m) it pronoun as Phungphung, Pumphe. These areas are special zone for cardamom (Alanchai) and ginger-like plants under shade trees. This is main income source for the local people. In Phumphe Danda also available Teahouses. The trail goes down stairs through a cardamom plantation to a high bridge and then a gentle climb to the pretty and neat Limbu’s settlement Mamankhe (1780m) where there are several teahouses with accommodation. While having Nepali food “Dalbhat” Golbheda (Tomato) pickle was a winner and the Dahi (yoghurt) was excellent. Even they use fresh milk for Tea and coffee. Stay overnight in tea house at Mamankhe.

Today, the trail will have us jumping from stone to stone as we first have to cross the Tenguwa Khola steam. Then we climb steeply up to a ridge marked by a Chorten and many prayer flags and next downhill to the Kabeli Khola. It will be another exercise of rock-hopping over boulders, tree roots and intersecting stream channels as we head upstream. Then the trail gentle ascends to Yamphudin, where there is a mixed community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais, and Gurungs. There is a TIMS and permit check here. There are several comfortable lodges, people are friendly and helpful.

Today is quite long day to the Torotan. It may be possible to overnight in the Bhatti on Lasiya Bhanjyang (3,310m) on benches around the walls of the single room, this is very basic accommodation, but the hotel owner and staff are cheerful and friendly and the location beautiful. Our Guide will counsel with locals, whether the Lasiya Bhanjyang Batti is open or not, if it is not, then you will need to continue walk down another 2-3 hours to Tortong. There are two trails for the Torotang, one goes direct Yamphudin to Tortang and another through the Dhupi Bhanjyang (2,620m), Serpagaun with beautiful pasture land and meet the main trail to the Chitre (2925m). But most of the trekkers follow the direct trail to Tortang. Continue climbing on a stepped track in good condition through ancient rhododendrons to the welcome Bhatti on Lasiya Bhanjyang, Lassi or Lamite Bhanjyang. If you like to stay overnight here you can climb through silver pines up the hill behind the Bhatti for extensive views of your forward route. The trail drops to the grassy pass overlooking a huge landslip with a view of Mt Jannu (7,711m) or know as Kumbakarna to the northeast. Then climb about 150m above it and descend on a muddy zigzag through lovely forest to the Simbuwa Khola and rest of the trail ascend to Tortong/ Torontan (2,990m). You will stay overnight at tea house.

Today is easer then last day, even though you need to ascend there trail goes gradually up. Normally, there is not any problem to climb without getting altitude sickness, but the altitude gain in this track above Torotan is about triple, the doctor advice 300m per day for safety while hiking above the 3,000 meters. Check for signs of altitude sickness and be prepared to rest or retreat if they emerge. Please consider using Diamox, there are no clinics or easy communications in case of trouble. The trail goes through the pine and rhododendron forest with pasture land, where you can see herd of Yaks are grazing, some are playful. People bring the Yaks from Yamphudin for grazing by the track that heads up to Anda Pokhari from here. About an hour walk you find a yak Kharka, where you might get a meal or tea. After 40 munities there is a lodge at Anda Phedi. After 30mins walk ahead we will arrive at a Buddhist shrine decorated with rock cairns, prayer flags and Trisuls (the trident weapon of Shiva made by three-pronged iron). This shrine has a small cave and marks the boundary of a sacred part of the valley, from where it is prohibited to kill animals but you can see Maasu (meat) on the menu in Cheram/ Tseram (3868m), it coming crossover from the north side of Kanchenjunga. Then we keep on our way to Tseram, through a large flat meadow with a single house at 3870m that doubles as a rustic lodge. The settlements in this valley are also Goths (used for keep yak and cow by herders).

The trail heading beautiful forest of pines and rhododendrons with a small clear stream, climb and cross a large loose culvert and climb again into the seasonal yak Kharka (pasture) at Yalung (wrong 3900m on map, it might 4100m). There is an ancient monastery called Decherol Monastery; which was built by 6 monks, mention by Chandra Das in 1881, but no trace remains of it or the surrounding village although a shrine is rumored above. The trail follows a beautiful series of open valleys, with juniper, cinnamon, rhododendrons and moraines and lakes with the Kabrus, Rathong and Kokthang. Be careful while crossing the many frozen streams and seeps hike to Ramche. You can see yaks; some are totally wild, and for herds of blue sheep. The hidden stone lodge of Ramchaur / Ramche (4620m) is beautifully located and it will open during trekking peak season on March-May and September-November but before heading batter to ask in Cheram first. Here you can buy dry food, snakes and chocolate bars. As here is only one teahouse you cannot expect comfort accommodation and food varieties. Climb the nearby moraine wall for Yalung Glacier and mountain views and watch for snow pigeons. Some time the blue sheep came right to the kitchen that night for the salt found in urine from the ‘open toilet’ and the kitchen slops.

Today is explore day to Yalung Glkacier and Kanchanjunga South Base Camp. You do not need carry all the bag, just leave your rucksack at teahouse but take a daypack with enough drinking water, some energy bars, warm and windproof clothes for the upward leg. This is another beautiful day trip heading through a rocky loose path follows the stream and climbs up to some Mani walls (stones carved with Buddhist prayers), an easy gentle climb to a flagged cairn on a high moraine wall with views of the Yalung Glacier, Lake, Rathong (6682m) and Kabru range (7412m) and the south face of Kangchenjunga (8598m) and Jannu (7710m) quite shapeless and foreshortened but undeniably massive loom at the head of the valley. There are few well built houses here; some of them are hotels, but the owner spends so much time away that it rarely fulfils its purpose. The view is dominated by the spectacular Rathong Peak and one can see herds of blue sheep live on the cliffs above our campsite. Okhordung/ Oktan (4740m) is regarded as the base camp but the actual camp is another 2km/1hr/100m up on a track collapsing due to glacial retreat. We did not regard the extra views as worth the effort, but if you do add 2hrs to the day. Okhordung is certainly worth an hour or so soaking it up then it takes about 1hr back to Ramchaur. We retrace our steps back to our campsite at Ramche after 5 to 6 hours. As an option you may pick up your bag at Ramche and enjoy going downhill to civilization at Cheram too.

Today, we follow our way back along the Simbua Khola (days 6 and 7 in opposite direction) to Lamite Bhanjyang. There is a pond at 3310 meters nearby tea house, is a nice place for overnight stay, although there might be a water shortage sometimes. After while walk there is a beflagged Buddhist and be-trident Hindu shrine with a snake shape in the rock, from to north is prohibited on the killing animals. After another 40mins there is a new basic lodge at Anda Phedi, it will remain open during trekking season. From Amda Phedi the trail descending gently to the Tortong. This is one of the most beautiful walks, often you heard the changing sounds of the river, and a huge range of rhododendrons giving way to moss-hung forests with huge pines and larches, all mixed with various broadleaf turning with autumn is all very restful. In warm sun with a breeze there are few better places to be. Be careful of grazing yaks, some time they are aggressive. Stay overnight at tea house.

Today is long descent. After a 1220 meter descent, today brings us back to the more inhabited and familiar area of Yamphudin. At the begging you cross the Simbuwa Khola and climb through old forest for an hour then start a steep climb for one and half hours with zigzags yak damage track. The trail is unstable slip to the right that needs to be climbed 150m above before a bypass drops to the grassy Lasiya Bhanjyang. Trail ascends through silver pines up the hill behind the Bhatti and distant blue hills view of Mt Jannu / Kumbhakarna (7711m) to the northeast. The trail improves below as the yaks are taken another way, but the descending stepped track is endless until Amji Khola. While walking about 1 hour you cross the open Kharka of Chitre (2926m) then in 20 munities there is a wooden seat Chautaara (resting place) at an important junction. Finally you get in Yamphudin, where mostly Sherpa people live here. So, it called Sherpagaon also. But it does not mention on most maps and is sometimes called upper Yamphudin. Yamphudin (2090m) is 300m below and has several comfortable lodges. There is a TIMS and permit check post.

After having breakfast we follow the Kabeli Khola River back to Phumphe village, retracing our steps of days 3 and 4. The trail for today is much more adventures. It goes crossing a grassy cliff at length with an exposed narrow trail where a miss-step would be fatal. If you are concern about, it is possible to follow the main trail from Yamphudin. Climb up past the village; trail goes on a paddy trail to start a day of high traverses and dropping in and out of sharp valleys with waterfalls. Mostly walk through the forest and houses can see occasionally. A feature of the morning is a high, well-built but narrow track across a bare grassy and very steep face for an hour. We walk by pretty and neat Limbu village of Mamanke (1780m) which we reached after one and half hour. Now the trail descends to a long suspension bridge over the Takshewa Khola and climb 300 meters to Phungphung/ Pumphe Danda (1860m) in about an hour and half. We staying tea house at here.

This is our last view of Kanchenjunga before leaving the Kabeli valley. We go to the Limbu village of Simbu, following the route of day 2 and 3 in reverse. This is pleasant day; walk through cool shade with deep forests and lots of waterfalls. Climb on stairs with an excellent view of Jannu/ Kumbhakarna and Kanchanjunga, make a long traverse and descend to a welcome shady waterfall after about 3 hours walk. Then, climb more stairs for 400m in 45 munities. You may stop for lunch at Khesewa (2125m). After lunch climb onwards over saddles through hot and steamy trail traverse to Kande Bhanjyang (2130m), there are home stay and tea house services. While descend steeply about an hour you will get in Kunjari (1800m) village. Finally, the trail descends on an endless ridge, cross the Phewa Khola (1430m) and climb steeply to Simbu (1854m) in 45 mutinies. Stay overnight at tea house.

Today we make the long return to Suketar. As the flights leaving from here operate early in the morning we will have to spend the night here in a hotel which specializes in Tongba (local alcoholic suck by straw). It is batter to leave early to catch the cool as the trail is up on continuous stairs and awkward riprap, arriving at Lali Kharka (2266m) with a road now running through it after about 2 hours. More climbing on road and shortcuts to Deurali (2578m), after one and half hours walk you will stop for the lunch. The pilgrims for Pathibhara Devi Temple (3794m) is a day’s walk to the right from here. From here you see runway at Suketar (2420m) just below, it is a further an hour walk on road. Stay overnight at Suketar.

Normally, the flight for Kathmandu is in morning due to the wind in afternoon. Sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reasons beyond our control. Anyway we will fly back to Kathmandu and your guide will transfer you to your hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and catch your breath and rest at the hotel for the rest of the day.

In this pleasant day you may have full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Today is day of ending your journey, so we would like offer you farewell dinner in Nepali typical Restaurant and hand over you Trip Certificate, Trekking Permit and TIMS Card for memory of Nepal trip. Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until departure flight/drive. Our assist will be transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination, taking with you the memory of a life time.