16 Days Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek: Explore Yalung glacier

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Kanchenjunga
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    16 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    High Advance
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Kanchenjunga
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    4700m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Tea House
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    Autumn/spring

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek takes you to the Yalung Glacier and the south side of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain on earth. We will steadily ascend through the valleys and up into forests, crops and some very quaint towns to the base camp at Ramche (4,610m.) This trek requires that you have a good level of fitness and preferably some previous trekking experience. It is not an easy trek and can test your endurance in the far north eastern region of Nepal. To reach base camp we will follow the trail along the Yalung Glacier, with some amazing views along the way of Kabru, and Rathong peaks. Kabru is the southern most 7,000m peak on the earth. From Ramche it is possible to climb to a ridge from where you have some awesome views over Kanchenjunga South Face and of Mt. Janu, Nyukla Lanchung and other soaring Himalayan peaks.

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek offers subtropical marshes, rhododendron, high alpine forests and ice formations. The area is protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the World Wild Life Fund (WWF). On the trail you may see the secretive snow leopard, the Asian mountain bear, and red panda. There is also a number of birds found at these alittudes, including the brilliantly coloured fulvetta, snow cockerel and blood bird

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel 1,350 meters.

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu a representative from Uma Holidays and Tours will be there to meet you and take you to your hotel. You will be given a short brief about your trek and what to expect along the way. You will have time to wander around Thamel and look for anything you may require for the trek.

Day 2 : Free day in Kathmandu or self visiting around valley

Kathmandu Valley has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (well known Hindu site) Boudhanath (gigantic Buddhist stupa). We will also visit Swayambhunath, also referred to as the Monkey Temple, which was built around 2000 years ago. Our last stop today will be Patan, a city well known for its impressive selection of art. In the evening you will meet your trekking guide who will go over your requirements for the trek.

Day 3 : Departure from Kathmandu to Taplejung (or Bhadrapur) trek to Lali Kharak (1880m)

Departure from Kathmandu to Taplejung (or Bhadrapur) trek to Lali Kharak (1880m) We will leave early this morning from Kathmandu to Taplejung (or Bhadrapur, and then drive to Taplejung) (40min). From here we will start our trek to Lali Kharak where we will stay the night.

Day 4 : Trek from Lali Kharak to Khesewa (1960m)

oday the trail initially takes us higher and then descends through Shimu to a suspension bridge over the Phawa Khola. We then head to the Limbu town of Kunjari at 1700m and pass through wheat fields to a Gurung settlement on a 2240m. From here we have our first views of Kanchenjunga. The trail then enters the Kabeli Valley where, for two days, we navigate through gorges and over ridges. We continue until we reach Khesewa.

Day 5 : Trek from Khesewa to Phumpe Danda (1780m) 6 hour

Today we continue through the Kabeli Valley passing several beautiful cascades. We cross the Khaksewa Khola on a long suspension bridge at 1540m and head to Mamankhe. This is a thriving Limbu town with bhattis (coffee shops), and a large school.

Day 6 : Trek from Phumpe Danda to Yamphudin (1690m ) 5-6 hour

Today the trail crosses a stony section and then cross the Tenguwa Khola river. We ascend up to a ridge where there is a Chorten and Tibetan prayer flags. We then head down from here to the Kabeli Khola river crossing rocks and a rugged trail as we head upstream. We will then climb to Yamphudin, home to Sherpas, Limbus, Rais, and Gurung.

Day 7 : Trek from Yamphudin to Lase Danda (2340m) 5-6 hour

Today we head through bamboo forests to Chitre at 2920m. The trail is not so difficult as we head through pines and rhododendron forest to a lake at Lamite Bhanjyang (3410m). From the ridge we head downhill through soaking orchid-filled forests and then head upstream to Torontan where there are several campgrounds near the river and some more at the nearby caves. We will spend the night at Tseram.

Day 8 : Trek from Lase Danda to Tseram (3870m) 6 hour

Today we follow a rugged trail and then head up through Mani dividers (stones cut with Buddhist inscriptions) until we reach Rathong (6678m) and Kabru Dome (6700m) near the head of the valley. After a further ascent we come to the moraine of Yalung Glacier where the valley opens up as we approach Mt. Yalung at 4260m. The trail continues uphill until we arrive at a lake and a major knoll at Ramche. The view from here take in Mt. Rathong. Flocks of blue sheep live on the bluffs above our campground.

Day 9 : Trek from Tseram to Ramche (4620m) 5-6 hour

Day 10 : Trek from Ramche to Lamite Bhanjyang (3410m) 7-8 hour

Today we head back along the Simbua Khola to a campground at Lamite Bhanjyang. There is a lake nearby at 3410m, which is an ideal spot to set up camp fro the night

Day 11 : Trek from Lamite Bhanjyang to Yamphudin 7-8 hour

The first stage of the trail today follows the bank of the Simbua Khola. We will trek though thick forest and will see along the way the impact of an avalanche. We continue to climb up to Lamite Bhanjyang and then descend to Yamphudin, crossing a small river along the way. Yamphudin is a town that is home to Sherpas, Limbus, Rais, and Gurung. Among the corn and rice fields of the town is a school and a few shops.

Day 12 : Trek from Yamphudin to Khebang (1740m) 6 hrs

The day begins by heading down to the Omje Khola before heading higher through some thick wilderness of cardamom and orchid plants. From here the path climbs steeply to Khebang Danda before descending to the town of Khebang. Khebang is quite a large town inhabited by Hindus and Buddhists

Day 13 : Trek from Khebang to Hapu Khola 6-7 hrs

The trail today descends sharply to Jorepul and then heads uphill. We follow the trail through swamp and then cross rice fields and numerous towns where we can stop for lunch before reaching Hapu Khola.

Day 14 : Jeep Drive from Hapu Khola to Ilam Bazaar 5-6hrs drive

After breakfast we take a jeep ride from Hapu Khola to Ilam Bazaar where we will stay the night.

Day 15 : Ilam to Bhadrapur then flight Kathmandu

This morning we will head by road to Bhadrapur then back to Kathmandu where our trek ends. Tonight we will have a special dinner to celebrate the completion of our trek.

Day 16 : Final Departure day

Today our representative will take you to the airport with plenty of time to spare before your flight. We hope you enjoyed your trek with Uma Holidays Travels and Tours and look forward to seeing you again in this amazing country.  

SERVICES

COST INCLUDES

Kanchenjunga area special trekking permits
Conservation/national park fees and all government taxes
4 (four) nights 3-star hotel accommodation on twin sharing BB basis
All internal flights (KTM – Bhadrapur– KTM) with departure taxes
Bhadrapur – Taplejung – Bhadrapur by private jeeps
Trek duffle bag/luggage weight, maximum of 15kg per trekkerle
All airport/hotel/airport transfers by private vehicle
An experience Sherpa Trek Guide
Support Sherpa staffs
Required number of porters to carry member’s trek luggage
Trek sleeping bag and Down Jacket (on rental basis)
Trek duffle bag to each trek member
All meals of high quality and hygienic food (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Treated drinking water 3ltrs per/day
Medical Oxygen with mask set
First aid box
Porter’s equipment
Local staff insurance with rescue policy
Farewell celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/personal high risk insurance, (must cover emergency evacuation cost)
International flight cost and departure taxes
Personal trek gears
Major meals in Kathmandu and extra hotel nights
Bottle water, boiled water, soft drinks, beers, extra snacks etc. while on trek
Cost of personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, laundry, Toiletry items etc.
Cost due to delay and cancellation of the flight, extension of trek days, strike etc.
Tips to the local staff

EQUIPMENTS

Trekking equipment

The Following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack for the hiking in Nepal and the gear play a vital role for the successful trip and we suggest you to have all the necessary gear for the trip and not to have unnecessary equipment/things that you will not be using for the trip and list of the gear you need for the trek are:

Good down Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you do not have on your own and it is to be returned after the trek.
Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all the gear and this will be carried by the porters.
Daypack bag for yourself
A down Jacket
Shade hat
Warm wool hat to cover your ears
A pair of lightweight warm gloves.
T-shirts 2- 3 pieces
Lightweight thermal tops.
Fleece jacket.
Fleece Wind-proved jacket (optional).
A pair’s nylon hiking shorts which are quick drying one
Underwear
Two pairs of lightweight long underwear.
Two pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
Four pairs of liner warm socks
A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
A pair of light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
A pair sandal (Optional)
A water bottle.
Head/Torch Light.

Medicines and First Aid Kits

Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches like DMX.
Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
Imodium or Peptone besom, Flexon capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
Diamox 125 or 250mg or 400mg tablets for altitude sickness.
1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.(Uma Holidays Travel and Tours company's team also provide first aid kits)

Miscellaneous but Important

Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies)
Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
Lip care (Balm) At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
Sun’s cream with SPF 40 is recommended
Pocket knife.
Water purification Iodine tablets
Toiletry kits and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Note Regarding Itineraries:
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Uma Holidays Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is safe and successful. Your safety is paramount.