Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our partners in Kathmandu will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighbouring cities with immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swayambhunath.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Fly to Biratnagar.
From Kathmandu you take a 45 minutes flight to Biratnagar. On reaching Biratnagar, you make preparations for the forthcoming journey.
Day 04: Biratnagar - Fly to Suketar& trek to Lali Kharka. 2220m.
You take a short flight (30-40 minute) to Suketar. Soon after refreshment, you head to Lali Kharka with the trekking crew. On the trails, you walk by rich pastures and pristine settlements. After several descents you arrive at Lali Kharka.
Day 05: Lali Kharka - Trek to Keswa. 2100m.
As you traverse along the steep route to Pokora village, you see terraced farmland soon after crossing a suspension bridge above the Phawa Khola. The route further leads to Kunjari where you halt for lunch. After lunch, you continue following the trekking trail. You pass through dense forests and quaint villages, as you progress along the trail. On skirting along a gently sloping mountain path, after trekking for 5-6 hours, you reach Tambawa and later Bhanjyang where you spot several tea houses. Take in the grandiose sight of Kanchenjunga glowing against the late afternoon sun.
Day 06: Keswa -Trek to Mamanke 2000m.
Leaving behind the terraced fields of Keswa, you follow an adventurous route leading to Nandeva Khola. After crossing the river, you make your way through the glaciated mountain passes. Further ahead, the route winds through dense forest and the village of Loppoding. You come across shady areas where you can rest for a while after strenuous trekking. The sinuous trail then takes you to the right bank of the Kabeli Khola. After a while, terraced fields reappear and the village of Anpan comes into picture. You continue ascending till you reach Ponpe Dhara. There are shady spots on the way where you can pause for a brief rest. As you proceed along the trail, terraced fields stretch before you along the crest of the ridge. There is a rest area where you can pause and take in the fascinating sight of Mt Jannu. You further continue along the winding descent and pass through several hamlets and terraced fields along Khangwa Khola. You cross a suspension bridge and continue descending the undulating mountain passes till you reach the village of Mamankhe.
Day 07: Mamanke -Trek to Yamphudin 1650m.
Beginning with an easy climb, the walk to Yamphudin is along a trail which contours the hillside above the Kabeli Khola. You cross the ridges and stream beds that make up the valley sides and the trail eventually becomes level with the river a couple of hours before Yamphudin. Along the way, you can stop to bathe in one of the many clear pools in this beautiful river. It is a truly idyllic spot and after lunch by the river, you complete the day's walk at Yamphudin. Yamphudin is the most remote settlement in this area and the last habitation you will see until you reach Gunsa. Needless to say, it is a charming place tucked away beneath the ridge of the DeuraliDanda, which you will cross next.
Day 08: Yam Phudin -Trek to Lamite jungle camp. 2920m.
Beyond Yamphudin, the trail ascends a steep spur before dropping again to cross the Omje Khola. Walking through beautiful and dense forest, you stop for lunch in a meadow atop this spur from where you get fine views of the valley beyond Yam Phudin to the south and of the Omje Khola Valley and Deurali Danda to the north. A steep descent to the river brings you to a clearing in the Lamite forest.
Day 09: Laminate jungle camp - Trek to Torontan. 3080m.
From your campsite you ascend steeply for 3 hours through dense forest to the crest of the Deurali Danda. From the top, Mt Jannu is clearly visible and definitely closer. After crossing the pass, you descend across some fairly steep and exposed scree slopes before re-entering the forest, where you will halt for lunch. After lunch, a steep descent takes us down into the valley of the Simbua Khola and after crossing an interesting wooden bridge, you arrive at Torontan.
Day 10: Torontan - Trek to Tseram. 3750m.
This morning you follow the right bank of the river, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. The valley climbs steeply and as the day progresses, the trees become sparser and more stunted, giving us glimpses of the snow-capped giants ahead and of the massive snout of the Yalung Glacier. Just before Tseram, the towering heights of Kabru and Rathong start to peep over the moraine. The night-time temperature plummets at Tseram which reminds you that you are at a great height.
Day 11: Tseram - Trek to Ramche. 4360m.
Today you walk a relatively short distance to Ramche which is situated on a broad, flat ablation zone. The scenery is magnificent as you ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier and into a series of ablation valleys. A frozen lake, crystal clear streams and magnificent views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru are the highlights of the walk into Ramche.
Day 12: Ramche – Exploration.
Leaving Ramche, you take a packed lunch and set off very early for your first close encounter with Kanchenjunga. Following the valley around its sweeping curve, you are suddenly confronted with the vast southern wall of the mountain. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 kms long and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie the three main summits of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. The sight is truly breathtaking. Proceeding further towards Oktang [4630m], you may then descend onto the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where you can see all the mountains of the area in panorama. Especially impressive is the eastern part of Kumbhakarna Glacier, flowing from the east face of Jannu [Kumbhakarna being the local name for Jannu]. You then return to Ramche.
Day 13: Ramche - Trekking beyond the Mirgin La. 4663m.
Leaving Ramche, you trek down the valley, passing the small settlement of Lapsang, before turning off towards the Mirgin La - the pass you must cross in order to reach Gunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga. As you descend from the Mirgin La, the views, in particular of Mt Jannu, are simply magnificent.
Day 14: Mirgin La - Trek to Gunsa.3475m.
After a steep descent you approach the Lamba Sumba Kharka, from where there are more splendid views of the awesome south-west face of Jannu. From here, the going is easy, descending on an excellent trail, you reach the village of Gunsa. Gunsa is a Tibetan village with a tiny gompa and prayer flags fluttering from the wooden houses. It comes as a welcome sight after the rigorous walking of the previous days and provides an excellent opportunity to visit a local hostelry and sample the tongba [alcoholic beverage fermented out of millet].
Day 15: Gunsa - Trek to Khambachen. 4040m.
The trail ascends gently through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, passing many main walls and chortens. You stop for lunch by the river at RampakKharka. After lunch there is a steep climb before descending to the summer village of Khambachen. The views of Mt Jannu or Kumbhakarna from here are excellent.
Day 16: Khambachen - Trek to Lhonak. 4790m.
The trek up to Lhonak via Ramtang village is not too strenuous and despite the increase in altitude, you are able to walk on easily, enjoying the breathtaking views of the valley and mountain peaks. Your lunch stop is at Ramtang, from where the incredible fluted summit of Wedge Peak first becomes visible. During the afternoon Nepal Peak, the Twins, Mera and the White Wave all come into view. Then you arrive at Lhonak, situated high above the Kanchenjunga Glacier opposite Wedge Peak.
Day 17: Lhonak - Trek to Pang Pema. 5140m.
A leisurely 3 hours walk from Lhonak takes you up to Pang Pema. The trail follows the moraine before finally reaching Pang Pema, the North Face Base Camp, which is in a sheltered spot, directly opposite the towering north face of Kanchenjunga. This is one of the most spectacular places in the world and is a fitting climax to this unique trek.
Day 18: Pang Pema rest day.
Today is a rest day, but for the more energetic ones, there are several diversions lined up for the day. One is to ascend the lower slopes of Drohmo for panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its adjoining peaks. Another possibility is to continue up the increasingly difficult terrain on the right flank of the glaciers for alternative views of the more remote peaks around the Jongsang La Pass.
Day 19 & 20: Retreat trek to Gunsa.3430m.
For the next 2 days you retrace your steps to Gunsa, passing through Ramtang and Khambachen en-route.
Day 21: Gunsa - Trek to Kyapra. 2300m.
From Gunsa, you take the route out of the mountains that follows the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur Kholas. The trail passes through spectacular forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. You pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and an hour or so further on, you reach a spot called Tang.
Day 22: Kyapra - Trek to Sakathum. 1600m.
Heading for the village of Sakathum, your route follows an undulating trail for the first couple of hours until you reach Amjilasa. From here, there is a long steep descent from which you can see the Gunsa Khola Valley stretched out before you. You then reach Sakathum.
Day 23: Sakathum - Trek to Chirwa. 1180m.
Leaving Sakathum, you head to Chirwa. En route you meet the confluence of two rivers, Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola. At this point you get to witness the most magnificent view of the two rivers uniting into Tamur Koshi. On following the trail along Tamur Khola, many other small tributary streams come your way. After trekking for about 4-5 hours you enter into the pristine village of Chirwa.
Day 24: Chirwa - Trek to Phurumba.
The route further leads to cultivated land and rich pastures. On reaching Mitlung, you halt for a healthy lunch. Then the trail zigzags through the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours you come to the valley of Phurumba.
Day 25: Phurumba -Trek to Taplejung–Suketar.2300m.
As you leave the valley, you continue ascending along the ridge for about 3 hours to Taplejung village. You can wander around the village observing the villagers getting along with their daily routine. As Nepalese folks are generally friendly, chances are you may get invited to a few village homes .Thereafter, after leisurely ascent for about 2 hours, you finally reach the airstrip at Suketar where you conclude the trip of the day.
Day 26: Suketar - Flight to Kathmandu via Biratnagar.
You fly back to Biratnagar and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the hotel upon arrival.
Day 27: Depart Kathmandu.
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drives at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking,
