This 13-day Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek takes you deep into extreme off-beaten adventure, encountering the Himalayan wildlife, Tibetan cultures, and dramatic vistas from the south base camp of Kanchenjunga - Oktang View Point (4730 m), surrounded by panoramic peaks and breathtaking Yalung Glacier.
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Overview
Bordered by Sikkim in India, Tibet and situated in the land of himalayas - Nepal, this iconic wild Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek stands out as one of the most wildest, off-beaten, and remote treks in Nepal, which explores the pristine landmark passing through the untouched territory, mountain villages, glaciers, and farmlands, colorful forests transforming to rugged and rocky landscapes, showing the six climatic zones of the Himalayas. Located in Eastern Nepal, it explores the untouched Kanchenjunga Conservation Area within 13 days, right from the start, where serenity and adventure meet the culture of the diverse ethnic communities of Rai, Limbu, Lepcha, Sherpa, and many others.
To venture out on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes almost 3-4 weeks; however, we've shortened up the expedition for just two weeks, but still covers every highlighted aspect of the Kanchenjunga region, and reaches the lap of the world's third-highest peak of Mount Kanchenjunga (8858 meters) - the southern base camp (Oktang View Point) at an elevation of 4730 meters, showing the panorama of the hiamlayan peaks and Yalung Glaciers.
Our Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek itinerary begins with a flight to Bhadrapur Airport for a straight 45 minutes with the almighty views of the iconic mountains and takes a drive to Illam / Kanyam (1520 m), also known as the tea city of Nepal, on the very same day, located near the bank of the Mechi River. The driveway demonstrates the lush green hillside, beautifully dotted with tea gardens and the locals engaging in the farm yards of green garden, of black, green, and brown teas of Nepal, which is also the main income hub of Illam.
The next day, the journey continues with 4 to 5 hours of jeep drive to Taplejung (1828 m), which is known as the third largest district in Nepal, that hosts a home to multi ethnic group of Rai and Limbu people. If the trip matches with any other festivals such as Buddha Jayanti, Mani Rimdu, and many others, then we can enjoy the colorful, boisterous festivals of Buddhist spirituality. The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trekking Trail starts from Taplejung as we move toward Yamphuding (2084 m), entering the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, where the blooming, colorful rhododendrons thrive on the first day of, route, along with small river streams in between.
Proceeding the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek route further on the following two days, we'll make our way toward another remote village of New Jhoroni (2704 m) and Tseram, also known as Cheram (3872 m), with the prominent view of the Kanchenjunga Range, which is a hamlet of Sherpa and Lepcha communities through rugged and steep terrains. Before ascending to the Kanchenjunga South Camp on the next day, oneacclimatization day is set at Tseram, where we can engage in short hikes, and also interact with locals, unveiling the distinct perspective of the Kanchenjunga region, this rest day, and short excursion, will also help us to gradually, adopt the rising elevation avoiding the possibility of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
On the 7th day, we'll make our final push to the legendary Kanchenjunga South Base Camp - Oktang View Point (4730 meters), that shows the panorama of the Kanchenjunga South along with Yalung Glacier, with surrounding views of Talung (7352 m), Khambachen Peak (7846 m), Jannu (7742 m), Kabru range and many others. After immersing in such great views, we'll take a descent to Ramche, on this very day.
Retracing the trekking route to Torongding (2982 m), Yamphuding, and take a drive toward Fikkal (Kanyam) and Bharadpur Airport, the overall 13-day trek concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu (1360 meters).
Note: The 13-day Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek itinerary does include an arrival date, and departure date for the permit arrangement, flight pick up and drop off that includes an accommodation as well, however, if you are already here in Nepal, then, you can shortern this trip to 10 days as well, just let us know the timing that fits you.
On the good note, if you've enough time, and want to explore the whole region, then opt for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek that encircles Mount Kanchenjunga - 8858 and reaches the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp as well.
Highlights
- Short yet breathtaking 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur with the gradual transition of the surroundings from lush valleys, to rugged and diverse landscapes, to highlands
- Attain to southern base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga
- Take a glance at the panorama of the breathtaking views of mountains such as Kabru Himal, Mount Jannu, and many others, along with the dramatic Yalung Glacier
- Meander through the untamed beauty of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, gazing at diverse Himalayan flora and fauna
- Get a chance to interact with an unchanged culture of Rai, Sherpa, Magar, and Brahmin communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism, and also unveil the Bon religion of Lepcha at higher elevations
- Visit the ancient monasteries, gompas, chortens, and mani walls date back hundreds of years, with monks offering prayers and chantings
- Get detached from the modern lifestyle and feel the serenity of the Himalayas in one of the most isolated and remote trailheads
- Gaze at the Himalayan rare wildlife such as the elusive red panda, snow leopard, and the yaks and blue sheep grazing beautifully against the backdrop of the mountains.
What makes this Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek worth it?
Trekking to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is a one-of-a-kind adventure that passes through the isolated and remote areas of the Himalayas, showing the untamed route back in days. It is also an alternative trip for moderate pace hikers, who are willing to have shorter days and hiking distance coverage, but still attain the lap of the world's third-highest peak of Mount Kanchenjunga. This 13-day trek covers every highlighted aspect of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area; however avoids the challenging route to Pang Pema (North Base Camp).
Here are some of the reasons that make this trip to the south base camp of Kanchenjunga truly special to venture out for 2025 and 2026:
Panoramic Mountain Views and Untouched Landscapes
Right from the start of this Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, we'll be rewarded with the best possible vista of mountains that are worth gazing at, besides just the panorama of the iconic Mount Kanchenjunga (8858 meters), the alluring views of landscapes, and Himalayan peaks will awestruck us.
The trip starts with a woodland, dotted with blooming rhododendrons and some pine trees, then traverses through the local hamlets, with agricultural farms of homegrown crops, and marvelously transforms into rugged and remote surroundings, with the alpine valleys, which are worth gazing at. Throughout the journey, several mountains, including Mount Jannu (7714 m), Mt. Rohtang (3976 m), Makalu (8486 m), Mount Kabru (7416 m), Ramtang Peak (6608 m), and stretch to the view of Nepali Chuli and Kirat Chuli with many others, accompany us, making the strenuous hike captivated and hypnotized by the views.
People, Culture and Lifestyle
Apart from just the mountain scenery and diverse landscapes, the Kanchenjunga region is home to ethnic communities that remain unchanged and far from modernization, protecting their culture in the form of arts, monasteries, prayers, and daily livelihood. The lower elevation is fully inhabited by the Rai, Magar, Limbu indigenous communities and a few others like Gurung, Brahmin, and Chhetri, where we get to learn about their day-to-day lifestyle, depending highly just in agricultural farming and animal husbandry, not like a city area 9 to 5 corporate jobs showing a distinct perspective of life.
On the other hand, at the higher altitudes in the villages such as Uamphuding, Tseram, New Jhoroni, Ramche, Torongding, Fikkal, and many others, settled by the Lepcha and Sherpa communities following Bon Buddhism, spirituality, where their daily prayers, monks' chants, coming out from old monasteries, dzongs, and even settlements of locals will keep us immersed in the highlands surrounded by chortens, mani walls, and the fluttering of the prayer flags.
If your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek itinerary fits with the thriving festivals such as Mani Rimdu, Buddha Jayanti, Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), and the Dumje Festivals, that falls under peak seasons, then, you will get once in a life opportunity to boast in local celebrations where different prayers are hosted, with colorful masks dances and playing musical instruments, connecting you deeper wit highland.
Reach the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (Oktang) - 4730 meters
One of the most highlighted sections of this expedition and the ultimate goal is attaining the lap of the third world's tallest mountain of Kanchenjunga, and this trip takes you to the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, also known as Oktang (4730 meters) through off-beaten route, such as yak pastures, alpine sections, glacial valleys, rugged pathway and the wind whipped moraines, giving us the sense of accomplishment after such a hardship. From Cheram to Ramche, with a steep climb, leads us to the leap of the icy amphitheater, from where the unique south side (face) of Mount Kanchenjunga, along the sparkling Yalung Glacier with other surrounding Himalayan ranges like Boktoh, Talung, Rathong, and many more, leaves within our hearts forever.
Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Cost
The cost of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek package starts from USD 1500 and goes up to USD 3500 per head, which highly depends on what kind of route you are willing to opt for, itinerary, and number of days, etc. Whereas, our 13-day Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Cost ranges from USD 1250 to USD 1799, per person, depending on the number of pax in your group, and covers all the requirements from basic logistics such as meals, lodges, transportation (private vehicle and air fare cost), to permits arrangement, experienced licensed trekking guide and porter everything will be arranged with this costing.
However, if our cost for the trek to the south base camp of Kanchenjunga doesn't match as per your estimated amount and budget, then you can make it budget-friendly, whereas on the other hand, the itinerary can be customized on the basis of time, which fits you. To know more, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp +977 9851016814 or email at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com; nonetheless, here is the cost breakdown based on the number of hikers, especially customized for 2025 and 2026:
| No. of Pax | Standard Price (In USD) |
| 1 | 1799 per head |
| 2 | 1550 per head |
| 3 | 1499 per head |
| 4 | 1420 per head |
| 5 | 1399 per head |
| 6 | 1350 per head |
| 7 | 1250 per head |
Why choose Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition as your Trekking Partner?
Being in the service for more than 15+ years, to date, we at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition carry a great expertise in making your trip a completely hassle-free journey, where your comfort, safety, and ease are highly looked after.
Our licensed trekking guides are highly experienced, medically equipped, and having years of years of experience serving more than thousands of hikers. Having a guide ensures that you are safely trailing along the safest route, being safely navigated, and avoiding the challenges of landslides, avalanches, and other hazardous situations. Not only that, but they also ensure that your trip becomes meaningful, with a deep explanation of cultures, traditions, and mountains that you gaze at. On the other hand, the porters make sure that you ascend with ease without burning shoulders, as they handle all your gear and equipment, so you can walk a long-duration journey without tiring your legs.
Our expert teams are deeply connected and concerned about your safety. With their experiences, we ensure that your Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek itinerary is customized, matching your pace level and your estimated budget without burning your pocket. If time fits, you can take a look at our other adventurous trips like Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Upper Mustang, and many others. The following are some of the additional benefits that we provide to enhance your overall trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, as a complimentary and thank you:
- Extra Staycation at our Hotel Bihani for 2-3 days, if in case if you are staying for more days in Thamel - Kathmandu beyond the itinerary
- Free Airport pick-up and drop-off via private vehicle
- Pro Expert Guidance before the booking via Viber, WhatsApp, Skype, Instagram, Mail, or any media, and a Person Briefing upon your arrival
- Experience a local trekking guide and porter having more than 8+ years, being medically equipped at the same time
- Easy and Safe Payment system, with Pre-Trip Briefing before booking and In-person briefing upon arrival
- Destination Himalaya Treks - T-shirt, Duffle Bag, Cap, and Sleeping Bag (if required)
- Oximeter - to check your pulse rate, and a water purification tablet - to purify water
- Basic First Aid Kit for emergencies
- Free Excess Luggage Storage at our office before and after as well
