०८ · Third highest on earth
Kanchenjunga
The five treasures of the snow. A long, remote walk to both base camps of the world's third highest mountain.
Taplejung, 8,586 m
Start
Taplejung, via Bhadrapur or Suketar
Highest point
Pangpema, north base camp, 5,143 m
Best time
Oct to Nov and Apr to May
Time needed
20 to 25 days for the full circuit
Permits
Restricted area permit and conservation area fee
Photograph by Carsten.nebel, CC BY-SA 3.0
The story
Kanchenjunga stands on the border between eastern Nepal and Sikkim. Its name means the five treasures of the great snow, for its five summits, and for the Limbu and Sherpa people who live below it, the mountain is a protecting deity.
The trek to its base camps is one of the longest and least crowded in Nepal. It climbs from terraced cardamom farms and rhododendron forest through Limbu villages into high glacial valleys, with blue sheep and, very rarely, snow leopard.
Most trekkers walk to the north base camp at Pangpema, cross the passes to the south side and Oktang, and return in a loop. Lodges now stand along most of the route, though they are simple and far apart.
What to see and do.
- ०१
Pangpema
The north base camp beneath the vast north face, after days of walking up the Ghunsa valley.
- ०२
Ghunsa
A Sherpa village of wooden houses and prayer flags, and the last large settlement on the north side.
- ०३
The Sele La
The passes between the north and south sides, with views east to Makalu and Jannu.
- ०४
Oktang
The south base camp viewpoint over the Yalung glacier.
Adapted from a photograph by Tomabarker, CC BY 3.0
Before you go
What to know.
A restricted area permit is required and must be arranged by a registered agency, with a licensed guide and at least two trekkers.
Getting to the trailhead takes two days on its own. Build spare days into the plan.
Carry cash. There are no ATMs past Taplejung.
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