Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is suited to trekkers who want a quiet Himalayan route with fewer visitors than the Everest and Annapurna trails. It reaches the Yalung Glacier side of Kanchenjunga without completing the longer circuit through the North Base Camp and high passes.

The trek also combines the rural culture of eastern Nepal with a quick transition into high mountain terrain. Moreover, Yamphuding and the lower settlements introduce local farming life, while Cheram, Ramche, and Oktang bring you close to glaciers, moraine, ice-covered ridges, and the south face of Kanchenjunga.

Tour Plan

1. Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu

   You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest from the international journey or walk around the nearby streets of Thamel.

   Later, you meet your guide for a briefing about the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek itinerary. The guide covers domestic flights, jeep transfers, permits, accommodation, meals, expected trail conditions, packing, altitude safety, and the daily walking plan.

   • Trip duration: 25 to 30 minutes, vehicle ride from the airport to the hotel
   • Drive distance: Approx. 6 km / 3.7 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Kathmandu, approximately 1,400m / 4,593ft

   Note: Keep your passport, Nepal visa, travel insurance, and passport-size photographs ready for permit processing.

2. Day 02Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and Drive to Taplejung by Private Jeep (1,820m / 5,971ft) | 9 to 10 hrs

   You take a morning domestic flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar in the eastern plains of Nepal. The flight normally takes around 35 to 40 minutes and provides a quick connection between Kathmandu Valley and Koshi Province.

   After landing, you meet the jeep driver and begin the long road journey to Taplejung. The road leaves the flat Terai and climbs through river valleys, market towns, terraced hills, forested ridges, and winding mountain roads before reaching Taplejung.

   • Flight duration: 35 to 40 minutes
   • Flight distance: Approx. 232 km / 144 miles
   • Drive duration: 7 to 9 hours
   • Drive distance: Approx. 210 to 245 km / 130 to 152 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Taplejung, approximately 1,820m / 5,971ft

   Note: This is a long travel day. Flight timing, traffic, rain, road repairs, and landslides may affect the arrival time.

3. Day 03Drive from Taplejung to Rani Pul and Trek to Yamphuding (2,080m / 6,824ft) | 6 to 7 hrs

   The day starts with a drive from Taplejung toward Rani Pul, passing hill roads, terraced farms, and small settlements. Rani Pul works as the road access point before the walking section begins. From there, you start the trail toward Yamphuding through green hills, village paths, and farmland.

   Yamphuding is an important stop on the southern approach to Kanchenjunga. The village gives you your first real feel of the lower mountain communities before the route climbs higher. You reach Yamphuding, a large village surrounded by terraced fields, forested slopes, and river valleys.

   • Drive duration: 3 to 4 hours
   • Drive distance: Approx. 65 to 70 km / 40 to 43.5 miles
   • Trek duration: 2 to 3 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 6 to 8 km / 3.7 to 5 miles, based on the exact road drop-off point
   • Maximum altitude: Yamphuding, 2,080m / 6,824ft
   • Elevation gain: +280m / +919ft

   Note: Confirm the exact walking trail and jeep-access point with the operations team before departure, as road access in the lower Kanchenjunga region can change.

4. Day 04Trek from Yamphuding to New Jhoroni (2,700m / 8,858ft) | 5 to 6 hrs

   You leave the cultivated hills around Yamphuding and enter a quieter forest route. The path passes small streams, wooden bridges, damp forest sections, and slopes covered with bamboo, oak, and rhododendron.

   The trail rises steadily toward New Jhoroni, a small overnight stop within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Facilities are basic, but the forest setting provides a peaceful place to rest before the steeper climb toward Cheram.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 17 to 18 km / 10.6 to 11.2 miles
   • Maximum altitude: New Jhoroni, 2,700m / 8,858ft
   • Elevation gain: Approx. +620m / +2,034ft

   Note: Forest trails may become muddy and slippery after rain, so keep rain gear and trekking poles within easy reach.

5. Day 05Trek from New Jhoroni to Cheram (3,870m / 12,697ft) | 6 to 7 hrs

   You continue uphill through rhododendron, pine, oak, and bamboo forests. Waterfalls and small streams run down the surrounding slopes, while the vegetation becomes thinner as the route gains height.

   The final section leads into colder alpine terrain before reaching Cheram, also written as Tseram. The large altitude gain makes this one of the harder days of the itinerary, so the group walks slowly and takes regular breaks.

   • Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 14 to 15 km / 8.7 to 9.3 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Cheram, 3,870m / 12,697ft
   • Elevation gain: Approx. +1,170m / +3,839ft

   Note: Report headaches, nausea, dizziness, poor coordination, or unusual tiredness to your guide after reaching Cheram.

6. Day 06Rest and Acclimatization Day at Cheram (4,100m to 4,300m / 13,451ft to 14,108ft)

   You spend the day at Cheram so your body can adjust before moving above 4,000m / 13,123ft. The morning can be kept relaxed, with enough time for hydration, warm meals, gear checks, and rest.

   Depending on the weather and group conditions, your guide may lead a short hike above the settlement before returning to Cheram. Gaining some height during the day and sleeping at the same lodge supports acclimatization for the walk toward Ramche and Oktang.

   • Optional hike duration: 2 to 4 hours
   • Optional hike distance: Approx. 3 to 6 km / 1.9 to 3.7 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Approx. 4,100m to 4,300m / 13,451ft to 14,108ft
   • Elevation gain/loss: Approx. +250m to +430m / +820ft to +1,411ft

   Note: A rest day does not mean remaining in bed all day. A slow acclimatization walk is useful when weather and health permit.

7. Day 07Trek from Cheram to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp and Return to Ramche (4,580m / 15,026ft) | 6 to 8 hrs

   You leave Cheram early and follow the upper Yalung Valley toward Ramche. The forest gradually disappears as the path enters open alpine ground, rocky moraine, glacial terrain, and broad mountain basins surrounded by snow-covered ridges.

   From Ramche, you continue toward Oktang Viewpoint, commonly treated as the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp viewpoint. After spending time near the Yalung Glacier and viewing the southern side of Kanchenjunga, you return to Ramche for the night.

   • Trek duration: 6 to 8 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 14 to 16 km / 8.7 to 10 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Oktang Viewpoint, approximately 4,730m / 15,518ft
   • Elevation gain/loss: Approx. +860m / +2,822ft; Approx. -150m / -492ft

   Note: Walk slowly above Ramche and inform your guide immediately if you experience a worsening headache, vomiting, confusion, breathlessness at rest, or trouble walking.

8. Day 08Trek from Ramche to Torongding (2,980m / 9,777ft) | 5 to 7 hrs

   You may wake early for another look at the high peaks before beginning the long descent. The trail returns through the open valley toward Cheram and then drops into thicker rhododendron, pine, and bamboo forests.

   The route continues beside streams and waterfalls until you reach Torongding, also written as Tortong. Although breathing becomes easier as you lose height, the long downhill sections can place pressure on the knees and thighs.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 7 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 15 to 16 km / 9.3 to 10 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Ramche, 4,580m / 15,026ft
   • Elevation loss: Approx. -1,600m / -5,249ft

   Note: Use trekking poles and avoid rushing down wet stone, loose soil, tree roots, or steep forest steps.

9. Day 09Trek from Torongding to Yamphuding (2,080m / 6,824ft) | 5 to 6 hrs

   You continue descending through forested slopes, river crossings, and lower hill terrain. The air becomes warmer as you leave the alpine zone and return toward cultivated land and permanent villages.

   After several climbs and descents, the trail reaches Yamphuding. You spend the final trekking night here and can rest with your guide and porter team after completing the high section of the route.

   • Trek duration: 5 to 6 hours
   • Trek distance: Approx. 16 to 17 km / 10 to 10.6 miles
   • Maximum altitude: Torongding, 2,980m / 9,777ft
   • Elevation loss: Approx. -900m / -2,953ft

   Note: The change from cold alpine conditions to warmer lower forests can be noticeable, so adjust your clothing during the descent.

10. Day 10Drive from Yamphuding to Fikkal (1,500m / 4,921ft) | 5 to 7 hrs

    You leave Yamphuding by jeep and travel through the rural hills of eastern Nepal. The route passes farms, forests, roadside settlements, river valleys, and sections of rough mountain road before joining better roads toward Ilam.

    You continue to Fikkal, close to the tea-growing area of Kanyam. After checking into the hotel, you can rest, take a short walk, or enjoy views across the green tea-covered hills.

    • Drive duration: 5 to 7 hours
    • Drive distance: Approx. 130 to 160 km / 81 to 99 miles
    • Maximum altitude: Yamphuding, 2,080m / 6,824ft
    • Elevation loss: Approx. -580m / -1,903ft

    Note: The journey time depends on the jeep pickup point, road condition, landslides, local traffic, and ongoing road work.

11. Day 11Drive from Fikkal to Bhadrapur and Fly Back to Kathmandu

    You drive from Fikkal through the tea-growing hills and descend toward Bhadrapur Airport. The road passes Kanyam, market areas, forested slopes, and the warmer plains of Jhapa District.

    From Bhadrapur, you take a domestic flight to Kathmandu. After landing, our team transfers you to your hotel, where you can rest, arrange laundry, shop for souvenirs, book a spa session, or join a farewell dinner.

    • Drive duration: 2 to 3 hours
    • Drive distance: Approx. 60 to 70 km / 37 to 43 miles
    • Flight duration: 45 to 55 minutes
    • Maximum altitude: Fikkal, approximately 1,500m / 4,921ft

    Note: Domestic flights may be delayed by low visibility, storms, aircraft rotation, or airport traffic, so avoid booking an international connection on the same day.

12. Day 12Final Departure from Kathmandu

    Our team transfers you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international flight schedule. The drive normally takes around 25 to 30 minutes, though traffic may add more time.

    You leave Nepal with memories of Taplejung, Yamphuding, Cheram, Ramche, the Yalung Glacier, Oktang Viewpoint, and the remote southern side of Mount Kanchenjunga.

    • Trip duration: 25 to 30 minutes, vehicle ride to the airport
    • Drive distance: Approx. 6 km / 3.7 miles

    Note: Reach the airport at least three hours before an international departure.

What’s Included & Excluded

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Packing List

The route moves from the warm eastern plains to cold glacial terrain above 4,500m / 14,764ft. Pack moisture-wicking layers, dependable rain protection, warm clothing, and equipment suited to freezing nights.

Keep water, snacks, documents, medicine, a warm jacket, waterproof layers, and electronics in your daypack. Porters normally carry the main duffel bag.

Route Map & Seasonal Conditions

Seasons & weather

The best time for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. Spring brings warmer lower trails, blooming rhododendrons, and longer daylight, while autumn usually brings clearer skies, dry paths, and sharp mountain views.

Winter, from December to February, is colder and may bring deep snow near Cheram, Ramche, and Oktang. The monsoon months from June to August bring heavy rain, leeches, muddy forest paths, cloud cover, landslides, and road delays in eastern Nepal.

Teahouses & meals

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is planned as a tea house trek, but facilities are more basic than those found on the Everest or Annapurna routes. Rooms normally have twin beds, simple mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Toilets are usually shared, while hot showers, Wi-Fi, electricity, and charging may be unavailable or cost extra.

Meals commonly include dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, potatoes, soup, momos, eggs, porridge, pancakes, chapati, and seasonal vegetables. Menus become smaller at higher stops, so it is wise to carry energy bars, nuts, electrolyte powder, and a few familiar snacks.

Fitness & altitude

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek difficulty is rated challenging to strenuous. The route includes long walking days, steep forest climbs, repeated descents, rough paths, high altitude, cold conditions, basic lodges, and limited access to medical care. The highest point reaches approximately 4,730m / 15,518ft.

Trekkers should train for at least six to eight weeks before the trip. Preparation should include long walks, stair climbing, hill hiking, cycling, running, and leg-strength work while carrying a 5 to 7 kg daypack. Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended for this compact itinerary.

Permits & guide rules

Foreign trekkers need a Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit. A TIMS card is also required under the current guided-trekking rules for listed Kanchenjunga routes.

The restricted-area permit must be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency. A licensed guide is required, and minimum group rules apply to foreign trekkers entering the restricted area. Permit requirements and fees should be checked again before each departure.