An ideal trek for those with the time and desire to venture into some of the remoter regions of Nepal. Features incredible mountain and glacial terrain inhabited by a variety of ethnic groups.
Eastern corner stone of the Nepal Himalaya, situated astride the Nepal-Sikkim border, Kanchenjunga - Five Great Treasure Houses of Snow - is, at 8586 meters, the world's third highest mountain. Because of its remoteness Kanchenjunga treks offer the rare opportunity to explore an area where traditional life continues, little touched by the outside world.
This is a trek that reveals an incredible variety of landscapes. Following the sparking, mica-flecked, Tamur River for the first trekking days allows plenty of time to relax beneath sacred Pipal trees and interact with local peoples in the many villages along its course. Limbu people may tempt you with tongba , a potent millet brew and in the village of Gunsa wooden houses are adorned with prayer flags, by the Tibetans who have been living here for the past 30 years.
Rhododendron forests slowly give way to increasingly barren hillsides dotted with yak and blue sheep. Despite the closeness of the mountains it is not until you almost reach base camp at Pang Pema that the spectacular peak of Kanchenjunga itself becomes visible - and so close you feel you could touch it. Exploring the nearby glaciers and side valleys the incredible panorama of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, The Twins, Pyramid Peak and Tent Peak are a fitting reward for your efforts.
Where are you going?
Days 1-2 : Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the morning of day 2 a half-day city tour will introduce you to some of the highlights of Kathmandu.
Days 3-4 : Fly to Biratnagar with overnight hotel accommodation followed, on day 4, by a drive to Phidam.
Days 5-16 : From Taplejung the trail descends to meet the Tamur River at Dovan. In this beautiful valley farmland and terraced hillsides are interspersed with forested areas. It is largely populated by Limbu peoples and suspension bridges across the river provide links between the villages.
From the Tibetan settlement of Amjilassa the trail passes through lush bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests, past several waterfalls and offers views of Nango Ma. Ascending the Ghhunsa Khola small gompas, chorten and mani stone walls are testiment to the Buddhist faith of the Sherpa and Tibetan peoples who live here. Above Gunsa, the remotest village inhabited by Sherpa, you catch sight of Jannu (7710m).
Above Kambachen the terrain becomes ever harsher as you cross moraine to terrific mountain views up the Kanchenjunga Glacier at Lhonak. Finally reaching base camp at Pang Pema the panorama is truly spectacular and there is time here to venture into the surrounding glacial valleys.
Days 17-25: Retracing your steps via Ghunsa the return to Taplejung is via an alternate route of high passes and stunning mountain lakes.
Days 26-27: A short, yet often delayed flight brings you back to Kathmandu with plenty of time for further sightseeing, shopping and relaxation.
Days 28: Depart
