The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek explores the Yalung Glacier and the south side of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Climbing slowly along the valleys the trail ascends through pristine forests, crop fields, and tranquil villages to the base camp situated at Ramche at 4,610m. This trek requires a good level of fitness and previous trekking experience to ensure enjoyment of this challenging, yet beautiful trek in this remote eastern corner of Nepal.
The base camp itself is situated at Ramche (4,610m), which is reached by following the trail through the Yalung Glacier, stopping a while at the viewpoint for Kabru, and Rathong peaks, which are part of the ridge that extends south from Kanchenjunga. In fact Kabru is the southern-most 7,000m peak in the world. From Ramche it is possible to hike to a ridge that offers views of the magnificent Kanchenjunga South Face and, a little ahead, views of the south face of Mount Janu, Nyukla Lanchung and other awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks can also be seen from here.
The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek offers views of sensational snow-capped mountain peaks plus a landscape of subtropical lowlands, rhododendron and alpine forests, and spectacular glaciers. Protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Sacred Himalayan Landscape initiative of the World Wild Life Fund (WWF), there is an abundant variety of wildlife including the elusive snow leopard, the Asian black bear, and red panda, to name just some of the more rare mammals. Bird lovers may get the chance to see the golden-breasted fulvetta, snow cock and blood pheasant, among others.
For those with good fitness and experience, a desire to see the third highest mountain in the world after Everest and K2, and an interest in nature, this is an inspiring trek
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Flight) | 93 m | 1 hr |
| Day 2 | Bhadrapur to Taplejung (Drive) | 1820 m | 8 - 10 hr |
| Day 3 | Taplejung to Lali Kharka | 1880m | 6 hr |
| Day 4 | Lali Kharka to Khesewa | 1960m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 5 | Khesewa to Phumpe Danda | 1780m | 6 hr |
| Day 6 | Phumpe Danda to Yamphuding | 1692m | 6 hr |
| Day 7 | Yamphuding to Torongding | 2340m | 6 hr |
| Day 8 | Torongding to Cheram | 3868m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 9 | Cheram to Ramche (Trip to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp) | 4160m | 3 hr |
| Day 10 | Ramche to Torongding | 2995 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 11 | Torongding to Yamphuding | 2080 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 12 | Yamphuding to Khebang | 1910 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 13 | Khebang to Khamdime | 1500 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 14 | Khamdine to Bhadrapur (Drive) | 93 m | 10 hr |
| Day 15 | Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (Flight) | 1380 m | 1 hr |
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