Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon your Arrival,we will welcome you in the terminal hall in Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu. We will transfer you to your  hotel and introduce you to your trekking guide, and together you can enjoy a hot cup of masala tea and have an in depth discussion about your trek, including the trekking route, anything you need, the necessities for the trek, and any general suggestions for preparing for your upcoming adventure. 

Sightseeing & trek preparation in Kathmandu

Today you will take a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with our appointed City Guide! Kathmandu is rich with Hindu and Buddhist history, so with an early morning start, you will visit places such as: the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, the “city of fine arts - Patan Durbar Square, Krishna temple, Kumbeswore Temple, Golden Temple, the 2000 year old “Monkey Temple” - Swayambunath Stupa, and Basantaur Durbar Square - home to the living goddess Kumari. In the afternoon you can get acquainted with the local area around Thamel market, as we help you finish your final trek preparations with a spot of gear hire and/or shopping. In the evening we will officially greet you with a Welcome Dinner serving traditional authentic Nepali food in Kathmandu. 

Kathmandu (1,350m) to Sukhetar (670m: 1 hour), then trek to Mitlung (880m: 4 hours)

Embark on our expedition towards Kangchenjunga on a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Sukhetar. The window outside promises alluring views of Everest (8,849m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), and other snow-clad peaks in the hour-long flight which is sure to get you geared up for the upcoming adventure. We begin trekking after a brief stop for tea, and then we begin to make our way through terraced rice fields and blooming cardamom farms, further passing through several local mud-bricked villages. It doesn’t take us long to begin to spy the magnificent Kanchenjunga. Often a slippery path down, Tamur River leads us to Mitlung which will be our overnight destination.

Mitlung (863m) to Chirwa (1,190m: 7 hours)

Venture onto the same trail descending to Tamur River to observe spectacular countryside along with the sightseeing of the terraced farming and juicy Oranges & Cardamom gardens as you move towards the Tamang villages of Sinwa, Porke, and Tawa. The trail gradually crosses through petrous boulders along with a demanding push to Thiwa Hola to finally reach lodges at Chirwa.

Chirwa (1,190m) to Sakathum (1,640m: 6 hours)

Be prepared for a 5-hour trek after leaving camp to arrive at the settlement of Taplechok where our trekking permits will be reviewed. The crossing suspension bridge will lead us to the culturally diverse villages of Taplethok, Hellok, and Tamewa that portray an outlook on the classical blend of Tibetan and Indian culture on such small tribes. Nepal is more than its picturesque valleys and magnificent mountains, Nepal is its great people! After exploring the vivid lifestyle, whilst moving steeply along Tamur River in direction of Simbu Khola we will end our day at our overnight camp in Sukhatham.

Sakathum (1,640m) to Amjilosa (2,490m: 6 hours)

As we proceed from Ghunsa Khola valley our day will become an enduring uphill ascent, which we can take slowly and at your own pace. The tapered trail sweeps through a condensed forest and crosses over several overpasses where we can witness panoramic landscapes as we come to the staple lodge in Solima. But we will continue on from here to reach our overnight accommodation in Amiljosa!

Amilosa (2,490m) to Gyabla (2,730m: 5-6 hours)

May God speed you as you leave Amiljosa  for your next destination in Gyabla. Today  retrace your path through a radiant rhododendron forest and bamboo oaks to descend towards Thanyani. Soon our way will be halted by spectacular views of the majestic waterfall opposite the river. A steep ascent will have us finally stumble across our tummy satiating lodge in Gyabla. 

Gyabla (2,730m) to Ghunsa (3,410m: 6-7 hours)

On the way towards Ghunsa, the Gyabla valley widens itself, offering more radiant and blooming azaleas and rhododendrons, and the temperature begins to drop as we ascend over 3,000 meters. The trek continues from a forest and leads us to Kangchenjunga Conservation Office in the small settlement of Phole village, where telephone and internet facilities are also available.

Acclimatization and rest day in Ghunsa (3,410m)

Today will be your acclimatization day in Ghunsa to adjust to the thin, cold ambiance. Acclimatization is an important part of every successful trekking adventure, to minimise the risk of altitude sickness and ensure we can continue on to our final destination. On this day, consider a side trip to the village viewpoint or an acclimatizing 5-6 hour hike towards Jannu peak for splendiferous views of down-to-earth valleys and the sky stabbing Kanchenjunga. Relish your day by exploring the traditional historic village and visiting an ornate Buddhist monastery in the vicinity of Ghunsa.

Ghunsa (3,410m) to Khampachen (4,150m: 6-7 hours)

Leave Ghunsa to trek through radiant rhododendrons and pines for promising views of Jannu Himal that looms over skies in the distinct landscape. The trail passes by the sacred Mani walls and after a confronting hike across the suspension bridge that lays over the gushing Ghusna Khola, we will reach the grassy pastures of Rampuk Kharka. From there on, upon passing a linn waterfall and a deceptive landslip, we navigate through the mountainous trail to finally arrive at Khamachen.

Khampachen (4,150m) to Lhonak (4,790m: 5-6 hours)

Expect a special day as we pass over the boulder-strewn, lateral moraines of Kanchenjunga glacier for spectacular views of The Twins (Gimmigela Chuli: 7,351m), Wedge Peak (6,750m) and Nepal Peak (6,910m). As we reach the yak herders camp at Ramtang, which is located at an alpine altitude of 4,000m, you will be able to cherish the winsome presence of juniper and rhododendrons. The day’s trek ends near stone huts in Lhonak.

Lhonak (4,790m) to Kanchenjunga Base Camp/Pang Pema (5,140m: 5 hours)

Prepare for an enthralling ascent up swarming, glacial moraines for over two hours as we traverse through landslide-prone areas to reach the blooming frondescence at Pang Pema. We will be greeted by breathtaking views of sky-stabbing Kangchenjunga in the foreground.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp/Pang Pema (5,140m) to Khampachen (4,150m: 7-8 hours)

Today will be the climax of your journey so far, as we reach KBC. After a confronting ascent, you will stand in awe at the poetic charm of the Himalayas. Take some time to gaze upon Janu peak (7,710m), Makalu (8,481m), Baruntse (7,129m), and Kangchenjunga (8,586m) while stretching legs, enjoying a hot meal, and reflecting on the incredible journey you just had. The thin, cool breeze will continue to pierce your soul at the alpine landscape, until we begin to retrace our path to Khampachen.

Khampachen (4,150m) to Ghunsa (3,410m: 4-5 hours)

After enjoying the sightseeing in KBC, today you will head back on the same trail to reach Ghunsa village whilst witnessing the marvelous landscapes of the Sikkim region. A gentle descent from Lhonak entrances once again as we cross the moraine of Kumbhakarna and Kangchenjunga glaciers to reach Ghunsa.

Ghunsa (3,410m) to Sele-La Phedi (4,290m: 5-6 hours)

Today a stretching hike awaits us as we cross Sele-La Pass (4,480m) followed by Yalung Glacier. Get excited for our summit of Sele-La Pass with its captivating views of numerous peaks on the Sikkim border, including Temachungii (6,044m), Makalu (8,481m), Baruntse (7,129m), Januu Peak (7,710m), and the sentimental Kangchenjunga (8,586m).

Sele-La Phedi (4,290m) across Sele-La Pass (4,480m), Sinion La Pass (4,660m), Mirgin La Pass (4,480m), & Sinelapche La Pass (4,724m) to Tseram (3,900m: 10-12 hours)

Get ready for a challenging day of trekking as we make our way across the first pass for the day, Sinion La Pass (4,660m). Atop the Pass, you cannot resist being mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Makalu (8,481m), and similar sky teasing peaks. The gentle gale breezing from the Himalaya's heart takes you into a serene experience that is no less than a mood enlightening therapy at an alpinist altitude. The captivating sight of the distant Yalung glacier right after your jubilant ascent will leave you awe-struck for several moments.

Soak in the ever-charming aura of comforting maxima before beginning to trek to an even more elevated altitude. As we move along the hillside after crossing Mirgin La Pass (4,480m) and finally crossing Sinelapche La Pass (4,724m) you’ll be greeted with a splendid view of panoramic landscapes stretching for miles. We finish with a descent past a small lake, which will end at our overnight accommodation at Tseram. 

Tseram (3,900m) to Ramche (4,620m) and return to Tseram (5-6 hours return)

Once again we’ll be marching across glacial moraine and make our way across fairy meadows to reach the highlight of today’s trek: Ramche. We’ll be hosted by majestic lakes near to which grazers can be seen bantering in pastures. We may spot blue sheep grazing in lush fields! Relish the spellbinding beauty of the place and derive pleasure from satisfying Nepalse cuisines when the dramatic clouds continue to roll foreground. Not only that, you’ll get to explore Kangchenjunga South Base Camp, beautifully decorated with prayer flags. Indulge yourself in chit-chatting with friendly locals or explore the small monastery in Ramche before returning to Tseram.

Tseram to Throngding (2,990m: 5-6 hours)

Prepare for a downhill descent through rhododendron forest and landslide-prone areas into Tortong. The trail to Tortong is remote, so you get to immerse yourself amongst the beauty of nature here. There are some challenging uphills as we make our way towards the teahouses of Throngding, and our accommodation for the evening.

Throngding (2,990m) to Keswa (1,960m: 5-6 hours)

Today we will maneuver downhill leaving behind the tranquil borough of Throngding. We’ll stop by a teashop to have lunch, and proceed on our journey, descending to Keswa.

Kewswa (1,960m) to Sukhetar (2,400m: 5-6 hours)

From Keswa we’ll ascend for the next 5-6 hours to reach the close-to-nature settlement of Sukhetar. , Socialize with other backpackers in the teahouse and swap stories as you bid farewell to your great highland adventure.

Sukhetar (2,400m) to Kathmandu (1,350m: 1 hour)

After a long, and incredible (but perhaps slightly tiring!) trek, we think you deserve to avoid the long drive back to Kathmandu. So today we’ll be taking a domestic flight back to Kathmandu, which takes about 1 hour. With an afternoon in Kathmandu to yourself, you can choose to wander the bustling tourist district of Thamel to finish up your souvenir shopping, or rest up in your hotel. Join us for a final meal together, as we enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner with traditional live music and dance. 

Drop off at the airport

As today is your last day in the country we appreciate your decision to choose us as your travel companion. We are honored to be a part of your beautiful memories and hope that we met your expectations. We will accompany you to the airport for a traditional Nepal farewell, and we wish you a safe flight back home.