Brief Introduction to Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp
Situated at the heart of Taplejung district, the iconic Kanchenjunga South Base Camp offers the unmatched panoramic surroundings of the Yalung Glacier and Mount Kanchenjunga itself, experiencing the untamed beauty of the flora, fauna, and picturesque villages. The journey to the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga basically explores the southern face of the almighty peak, with the cultural insights of Tibetan communities, and the alluring Himalayan range. Situated at the 4730 meters, the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp reveals the alluring views of the Kabru, Talung, Rathong, Nepali Peak, and many more.
On the other hand, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp explores much more of the remote and wilderness section passing through some of the rugged, steep sections from the Tamor River valley to Pangpema viewpoint, showing the northern face of none other than Mt. Kanchenjunga. Just like the southern trailhead, it is also located at the Taplejung district, however diverges from the route from Sekathum (1650 meters). Besides, the North Base Camp Trek is more challenging and comprises of longer duration covering the high alpine valleys, glacier scenery, covering more than 130 kilometers of the region, reaching the high elevation at Pang Pema (5140 m).
Whereas the trek to South Base Camp is comparatively easier, it fits perfectly for those who are more inclined towards short duration trips, but still willing to reach the lap of the Kanchenjunga that unveils the majestic view of mountains, rich cultures, lush valleys, settlements, and reach the famous Oktang View Point and Yalung Glacier.
Overview of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek: What to Expect?
Trekking to the south base camp of Kanchenjunga is a remarkable journey that lasts somewhere between 10 to 14 days, which generally depends on the route you undertake, the itinerary that has been set, and mostly, the pace of oneself as well. It is also known as the Yalung Base Camp Trek, as well, and falls under a moderate trek following the traditional route to Ramche, where the Oktang viewpoint point perched at a height of 4730 meters. The trailhead passes through the dense forested section, rivers, streams, traditional villages, and finally to the south base camp of the legendary peak of Kanchenjunga, with distinct explorations in between.
Trekking Route Details
The trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp simply begins with a flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu and takes a drive to Illam (Kanyam) to reach the trekking trailhead - Taplejung. The route then follows the woodland (forested section), with the blooming forested area and the chirping sound of birds, well while my fellow team members were trailing, we even got to catch a glimpse of an elusive panda and Himalayan tahr here, hence, if luck fits, then, you might get to take a glance at the himalayan species residing here.
On the following days, the route typically passes through other diverse settlements such as Yamphuding, Tseram, New Jhoroni, and takes a final ascent to Ramche - Okyang View Point, revealing the 360-degree panoramic vista of almighty peaks and offering a sense of accomplishment of standing at the lap of one of the top 3 tallest peaks in the world, after many challenges and hurdles.
Landscapes and Mountain Scenery
Entering the lush green forest, blooming rhododendrons, soon from the starting point of Taplejung, this trek passes by the terraced fields and local settlements, and high alpine valleys before reaching the rugged, steep, and breathtaking moraine of the YALUNG GLACIER, showing the distinct climatic zones of the region itself. Throughout this trek to the Kanchenjunga South base camp, you will be surrounded by the great highlands of the mountains from Kabru, Rathong, Taple Shikhar, Ramtang, to the 360-degree panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga from the Oktang viewpoint. The trek shows the beauty of the alluring Himalayas from cascading river falls, suspension bridges, alleys of the villages, and the unmatched peak surroundings, making every stop worth undertaking.
Cultural Insights
The trail basically passes through the ancient villages following the ancient practices, with the distinct ethnic communities of Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu following the Buddhist culture and also the Hindu spirituality while settling at the Brahmin-Chhetri villages. The cultural differences of the religion are the same; hence, the traditional lifestyle is unique, which will surely spiritually amaze you, as you get to witness the remote lifestyle, where the livelihood highly depends on farming, cardamom cultivation, and animal husbandry.
Distance, Difficulty, and Challenges
It covers somewhere between a distance of 120 to 138 kilometers, with a daily pace of hiking from 5 to 6 hours covering 9 to 12 kilometers, depending on the route to the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. It passes through several terrains, from forested areas to steep, rugged pathways to glacial valleys over 3000 m; hence, it falls under a moderate to moderately challenging expedition for obvious reasons. Passing through the isolated section isn't an easy task, especially with limited amenities, and less accessibility or zero medical emergency within the region, which makes the overall trek more challenging. The only thing to keep in mind is that you must have a basic level of fitness to cover 5 hours of hiking at least, and be prepared accordingly by carrying proper gear for all four seasons, considering that the weather fluctuates rapidly.
Logistics Availability
In terms of amenities and logistics, any Himalayan adventure remains basic, simple, and out of the modern infrastructure. Just like that, you can expect the same from the oktang viewpoint. After crossing Taplejung; please expect the simple facilities, like shared rooms with your hiking group, limited electric accessibility where, the wifi and charging avaialbility are only in dining area, that too paying extra charges, whereas, other facilities like hot showers, laundry can be easily attained paying $ 4 to $ 5 depending on the water used. For the single room, you must pre-book the trip as soon as possible, whereas the bathroom must be shared, not attached washrooms.
Best Time to Explore
Just like any expedition, in the Himalayas, the ideal time to visit the Kanchenjunga is marked only in Autumn and Spring as the temperature remains mild and the weather becomes stable, which ensures your safety, comfort, and also rewards you with the best possible views of the mountains. On the other hand, if you are willing to venture out on other two seasons of winter and monsoon then, it is not suggested as these span of the year, showers the high precipitation and falls below -15 degree celsius at high points, which can disrupt the trek in the middle of nowhere, as the success rate remains 50-50 to the base camp during this timeperiod.
Overview of the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek: What to Expect?
An adventure to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp explores deeper into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, going all the way through the rugged landscapes and diverse terrains, high alpine wilderness, before climbing up to the vantage point of Pangpema at 5143 meters, which is also basically known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, so do not get confused. Trekking to the northern side covers more remote sections, which can last somewhere between 14 to 19 days; however, it depends on the no. of acclimatization days set on the itinerary. The trip is comprehensively more demanding and passes through the remote side, with zero trace of modern infrastructure, which is why it is one of the most off-beaten wild treks in Nepal that shows the ancient tea house camping style expedition in a heavily influx luxury world.
Trekking Route Details
The adventure to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp starts from Taplejung, navigating through the forested and terraced fields in between. The route then passes through several stopping points of local settlements from Sekathum to Amjilosa, and then Gyabala, Ghunsa, Khambachen, Lhonak, before ascending to the highest vantage point of Pang Pema - 5143 meters, with the best 360-degree Himalayan panorama of none other than Mount Kanchenjunga. The trailhead, then, retraces the step through Lhonak, Sekathum, Ghunsa, before concluding with a flight to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur Airport.
Diverse Terrain and Mountain Views
Starting at the trailhead, from the forested (woodland section), the trek enters the colorful rhododendron forest and finely decorated pine trees. Gradually, you can witness the slow transformation from remote villages to one of the rugged, remote, and rocky moraines, and then reach the alpine valleys with the panorama of the mountains after attaining the highest elevation of Pang Pema, demonstrating the diverse climatic zones of the highlands. From the very beginning, the trek offers the snowy-capped peaks vista of Khumbakarna (Mt. Jannu), Janu Himal, Kabru Range, Rathong Range, and then, even shows you the legendary peaks of the eighth thousanders of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and yes! the world's highest peak and the most prominent view of the northern face of Mount Kanchenjunga that resembles the shape of Gautam Budhha in sleeping (meditating position).
Cultural Insights
The route generally explores one of the most remote and unchanged indigenous communities sharing the Tibetan culture and the Bon religion of the Himalayas, which remains unchanged from year to year. This Himalayan adventure to the north base camp of Kanchenjunga leads you through isolated mountain villages of Lepcha and Sherpa communities, monasteries, shrines, temples, pristine lakes, which show the livelihood and traditions of locals, followed by their spirituality, far away, hidden in the harsh, remote valleys. The only way of income for such an ethnic group remains either agricultural farming, running a tea house, or animal harvesting, showing the undisturbed lifestyle from the city areas.
Distance, Difficulty, and Challenges
The trailhead covers a distance of somewhere between 148 to 152 kilometers, with an average coverage of 10 to 14 kilometers, with 6 to 7 hours of hiking during the trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, through the diverse changes of the route; hence, this trip falls more under remote and challenging treks in Nepal. The main challenges remain the uphill ascent, high elevation, and longer coverage of trekking duration, and the possibility of AMS (acute mountain sickness); hence, one must be physically prepared and carry expertise in high elevation Himalayan journeys beforehand. The route passes through an isolated section with limited amenities, and several hazardous points of avalanches, landslides, so the proper track of weather conditions must be followed with the itinerary set according to your pace level, considering all four seasonal variations, essential equipment, and gears.
Logistics Availability
Just like south base camp route, the logistics and amenities remain basic and limited but sufficient enough for the comfort of Himalayan adventure however, sharing bathrooms are the only accessibility in every tea house, whereas, the single or double bed rooms, depends on your booking timimg (suggested to book early before a month atleast for single rooms). Other required facilities like WIFI, charging, laundry, and hot shower facilities are available throughout the trip, but must pay an extra charge depending on the lodges from USD 3 to USD 6; nonetheless, even though the lodges are simple, they cater to the basic logistics, offering comfort and safety in such an isolated region.
Best Time to Explore
Just like South Base Camp, the best time to visit the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp stands out to be Spring and Autumn, considering the weather pattern and climatic conditions for safe navigation and great unhindered view of the mountains.
Common Features Both Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps Share
Both the Kanchenjunga south and north base camps have it's own distinct features to offer, with the different routes that these expeditions pass by; however, there are still some similar highlights and characteristics that hold them together:
- Location (Starting Point): Both treks start from Taplejung after taking a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Airport and taking a drive to Illam, and the trekking trail begins from Taplejung. Then, the route diverges into each route pathway.
- Permits: Both the base camps demand two permits compulsorily; firstly remains the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Trekking Permit, and another one tends to be the Special Restricted Area Permit.
- Rules and Regulations: To do both the treks of Kanchenjunga South and North Base Camp, one must follow certain rules, that the required permits must be attained through a registered local agency, and must hire licensed guides from the trek operator itself, and most importantly; must comprise of group more than two, that means solo trek isn't allowed.
- Mountain Views: While trekking to the north base camp, the panoramic vista of Mount Kanchenjunga (8858 m) will reward you, whereas the south base camp shows the panorama with glacier view at the same time.
- Biodiversity and Landscapes: Meanders through Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, allowing an opportunity to gaze at Himalayan fauna, and some of the rare species, such as the elusive red panda, snow leopard, while heading to both the base camps. At the same time, it offers the vista of 6 climatic zones from forested areas, to rugged and remote valleys, to alpine meadows, to the lap of the world's 3rd highest peak.
- Off Beaten and Isolated Route: Both the trek to the south and north base camp pass through one of the most remote, untamed, restricted areas of the Himalayas within the Kanchenjunga region, along the tea house accommodations and home stay experiences.
- Cultural Encounters: Expect to get the experiences of the rich culture of multi ethnic groups of Lepcha, Rai, Sherpa, Rai, and Gurung communities.
- Weather and Temperature conditions: Both the Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp can be experienced best at the peak seasons of Spring and Autumn, with a temperature ranging from 6 to 12 degrees Celsius in low elevations and falls below - 10 degrees at high altitude, whereas one must avoid the seasons of winter and monsoon.
- Less Crowded Trails: Both the base camp explores the remote and isolated section, with the less no. of hikers en route, offering serenity and a tranquil environment.
- Accommodation and Amenities: The accessibility of lodges remains simple, going all through the tea house and camping sites with the basic facilities like laundry services, wifi facilities, charging, hot showers, paying extra charges, depending on the lodges.
Kanchenjunga North VS South Base Camp: Quick Comparison Table
As both the Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp Trek falls under both routes within the restricted area of the Kanchenjunga region, several differences set them apart. Here is a glance at the distinct features of the comparison table of the Kanchenjunga North vs South Base Camp Treks:
| Characteristics |
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp |
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp |
| Highest Elevation |
5143 meters - Pang Pema |
Oktang - 4732 meters |
| Mountain Vista |
Northern face of Mount Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Nepali Peak, Kabru Range |
Panorama Southern side of Kanchenjunga, Yalung Glacier, Rathong, Taple Shikhar, Ramtang |
| Difficult Level |
Challenging and only suggested to experienced hikers |
Moderate and suitable for beginners as well |
| Cultural Encounters |
More deeper exploration of Tibetan culture and mountain settlements |
Mixed ethnic groups - Rai, Sherpa, Lepcha, Sherpa |
| Duration |
Longer (16 to 22 days) |
Shorter (10 to 14 days) |
| Wildlife |
Snow Leopard, Elusive Red Panda, Blue sheep (chyangra) |
Himalayan black bear, langur monkeys, and birds |
| Best Time |
Spring and Autumn |
All seasons (Spring, Autumn, Winter, and Monsoon) |
| Climatic Zones |
6 climatic zones from forested sections, terraced fields, alpine valleys, settlements in rugged area, and alpine meadows to high mountains |
From woodland to the alpine meadows to mountains and glacial valleys |
Combining both Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps
With all those unique features, with the almighty scenery of mountains, landscapes, and distinct culture, you might feel hassled to choose one; if that's the case, then we highly suggest you undertake the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek as it visits the north base camp - Pangpema and south base camp - oktang view point, into 1 single adventure offering the unique perspective of the himalayas. The duration basically lasts for 19 to 24 days, depending on the itinerary, and crosses the legendary high mountain passes of Sele La and Sinon La, whereas the starting point remains the same, Taplejung, and the transportation accessibility remains the same as well.
If you are still confused between the Kanchenjunga North vs South Base Camp, then, combining both in 1 expedition with only a 3 to 4-day stretch of the expedition, lets you circumnavigate the world's third-highest peak of Mount Kanchenjunga (8858 meters).
Kanchenjunga Circuit Route Direction: Clockwise vs. Anti-Clockwise Approach
There are two routes that one can venture out for the Kanchenjunga Trek; firstly, the trailhead, reaching the northern base camp, and then, opting for the southern base camp, on the second half. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek itineraries are generally comprised of a clockwise route following the Pang Pema first, and then, Okung View Point, ensuring the safety, comfort, and accessibility to the best lodges possible, with a gradual acclimatization. Meanwhile, there is another option as well, to reach the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp in the first half, perfect for adventure seekers, as it is more strenuous. To let you know in depth, here is the detailed overview:
The Clockwise Route: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp- Heading to the northern side first
The majority of trekkers choose to start their adventure in a clockwise direction. Why? The golden rule for trekking experts states that proper acclimatization must take place first. The itinerary that begins at the North Base Camp lets your body acclimate to high altitudes through slow ascents so you can avoid altitude sickness. Plus, the views? Oh, they’re worth every step. The clockwise route starts at North Base Camp and then progressively leads you through dense forests, and traditional and high-altitude plateaus, before reaching the notable Sele La Pass at 4,290 meters elevation. The Oktang viewpoint near South Base Camp functions as an amazing finishing touch to your trek to Kanchenjunga.
Another bonus? Leaving beginning from the south and proceeding clockwise results in fewer other visitors on the trekking path. The clockwise path provides you with greater solitude to admire nature peacefully because there are fewer visitors on the trail. At the end of your trek, there is practically no one except a few trekkers. Anti-clockwise trails fill their accommodation lodges a week before clockwise routes do. Clockwise for the win!
The Anti-Clockwise Route: Kanchenjunga South Base Camp- Heading to the southern side first
Next, we will discuss the anti-clockwise group. The route begins at South Base Camp before leading trekkers toward North Base Camp. The main advantage? A key feature of the anti-clockwise route is that it allows more time spent at high altitude between South Base Camp and Drohmo Ri East (5,965m), which significantly helps with acclimatization.
Kanchenjunga Trekking gets tougher when you attempt the anti-clockwise route starting from South Base Camp. The elevational rise from Tortong (2,980m) to Tseram (3,868m) presents such a significant test for your lungs that they might face difficulty. The steep ascent from Sele La High Camp presents itself as a challenging trail that lacks easy accessibility.
No matter which route approach you wish to follow, both offer the distinct perspective of the landscapes, mountains, and cultural exploration covering every highlighted aspect of the Kanchenjunga region.
Which trek to choose: Kanchenjunga South or North Base Camp, or Combine Both?
If you still have a doubt, which one to opt for, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp or North Base Camp, or combine both the base camps in 1 single adventure, then, here is a summary table of what each expeditions offer, so you can take a glance at and make a decision based on several characteristics:
| Trek Option |
Suitable For |
Maximum Altitude |
Difficulty |
Duration |
What to expect |
| North Base Camp |
Experienced Hikers |
Pang Pema (5143 meters) |
Moderate |
14 to 16 days |
Remote Tibetan villages exploration, raw wilderness, and more mountain views |
| South Base Camp |
Easy to Moderate Adventure seekers |
Oktang viewpoint (4730 meters) |
Easy |
9 to 12 days |
Forest section, Yalung Glacier, and the panorama of Mt. Kanchenjunga |
| Circuit (North + South) |
Experienced Hikers and circulate the whole Mount Kanchenjunga |
Sele La Pass, Sinion La Pass, and 5413 m at Pang Pema |
Challenging |
19 to 22 days |
Full round trek. high mountain passes, sense of accomplishment |
Ready to Explore Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps with Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition?
Are you all set to venture out on this trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, then, do not wait longer, no matter which route you choose, either north, south, ir both combined trip opting for the circuit one, every trailhead, offers, the best wilderness and off beaten experiences with rich tapestry of culture with best mountain and landscapes views. We at Destination Himalaya Treks carry great expertise in making your trip to the Kanchenjunga region a complete hassle-free journey, with experienced teams from crafting your itineraries as per your budget and time, to the assistance of a licensed trekking guide, with more than 10+ years of experience, being medically equipped and local to the region itself. You can also taka look at our other adventure packages such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek,Manaslu Circuit Trek, or Langtang Trek and ABC Trek if you want the same thrill, but time becomes a major issue.
For more details, get in touch with us, either from WhatsApp - +977 9851016814 or direct call, or just mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com, anytime, through our website as well, contact us whenever your time fits.
