Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek - WOMEN ONLY (17 DAYS)
17 days / 16 nights
AVAILABLE AS A PRIVATE BOOKING
This Kanchenjunga trek offers a rare opportunity to stand face-to-face with the world’s third-highest mountain—an unforgettable experience that few travelers ever reach. This trek takes you through Nepal’s remote northeast from lush forests, deep river gorges, and Tibetan-influenced villages to high-altitude valleys framed by dramatic ice walls. This itinerary is designed to give you an immersive, unhurried encounter with one of the Himalaya’s most pristine regions. As you ascend gently toward Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, each step brings you closer to panoramic views of the majestic peak itself, while also allowing time to acclimatize, explore local culture, and appreciate the serenity of this spectacular mountain landscape.
This trek is open only to FEMALE HIKERS and supports the mission of the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective (PVC), which advocates for Workforce Equity for porters in Peru, Nepal & Tanzania.
Read more about Workforce Equity via the following articles: One Step at a Time: Creating Workforce Equity for Porters, Workforce Equity for Porters: Why It Matters & Why Travel Companies Should Be An Ally?
THE PORTER VOICE COLLECTIVE
Collectively, we
Listen.
Celebrate.
Amplify.
Elevate.
The Porter Voice.
HIMALAYAN WOMEN TRAIL LEADERS initiative
In the Spring of 2024, we sponsored the first Nepali female guide to walk 100 plus days on the Himalayan Trail including the Everest Base Camp Trek as a way to elevate female guides in Nepal’s trekking tourism industry. You can learn more about the campaign via the GHT Women Leaders page. The second phase of the campaign, Himalayan Women Trail Leaders (HWTL), is the WINNER of the Launch Track at the 2024 Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism. HWTL is in the process of developing an initiative that aims to provide female trekking guides with field training and support in the industry. By joining our treks, you are supporting our efforts to create gender equity in the industry. HWTL will provide consumers an online directory of all licensed female trekking guides in Nepal and a database that will match consumer needs and expectations with the right female trekking guide to create a meaningful exchange and travel experience. HWTL is a pioneer in designing long distance treks on the 1700 kilometer Himalayan Trail led by female trekking guides, born out of the 100 plus days of scouting the Himalayan Trail. Part of this experience is to give consumers the opportunity to do supported long distance treks on the 1700 kilometer Himalayan Trail which we customize for you for a successful trekking experience. For long distance treks on the Himalayan Trail, email us at equity@browngaltrekker.com.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
You can arrive in Kathmandu anytime on the first day. Transport is provided to your hotel. You have free day to explore the city.
DAY 2 City Tour and Trek Briefing
Today, our staff will issue your trekking permit while you explore the Kathmandu Valley with your tour guide. You will visit three major temples: Swyambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pasupatinath. These sites are significant Hindu-Buddhist temples and symbolize the country’s rich religious heritage. After the tour, you will return to your hotel to pack your belongings and prepare your gear for the trek.
DAY 3 Kathmandu to Bhadrapur by Flight and Drive to Taplejung
You will be picked up early in the morning from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Bhadrapur. After landing in Bhadrapur, you will take a local private jeep to Taplejung, where you will spend the night.
DAY 4 Taplejung to Sukethum by Local Private Jeep
Today, you'll leave Taplejung and head towards Sukethum by local private jeep. You will pass several villages along the way, including Sinwa, Chiruwa, and Lelep, before arriving at Sukethum.
DAY 5 Sukethum to Amjilosa (7572 feet / 2308 meters)
Today's trail is physically demanding as it follows the Ghunsa Khola with a steep ascent. You will trek through dense forests and cross several bridges. The beautiful waterfalls, stone walkways, rivers, forests, and landscapes will make your journey to Amjilosa unforgettable.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 6 Amjilosa to Gyabla (8957 feet / 2730 meters)
You will leave Amjilosa and head toward Gyabla, also known as Kyapra. The trail begins by walking through a dense forest of pine, bamboo, and rhododendron. Along the way, you will cross bridges and rivers, navigating multiple uphill and downhill sections until you reach Gyabla for the night.
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 7 Gyabla to Ghunsa (11794 feet /3595 meters)
Today’s trail takes you through dense forests filled with a wide range of flora and fauna. You will pass Phale village, which was once a Tibetan refugee camp and is now a winter settlement. The locals offer various handicrafts that you can purchase as souvenirs. Continue along the trail until you reach your destination, Ghunsa.
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 8 Acclimatization in Ghunsa (11794 feet / 3595 meters)
Ghunsa is one of the largest villages in the area, equipped with a police station, health post, conservation office, and local residents. You can use this day to rest or explore the village and its monasteries. If you prefer, you can hike up to Jannu Peak with a packed lunch.
DAY 9 Ghunsa to Khambachen (13287 feet / 4050 meters)
After breakfast, you'll embark on today's journey. The gradual climb will take you to the south bank of the Ghunsa Khola, passing Mani walls and prayer flags. The trail leads through forests and landslide-prone areas, where you might encounter snow leopards. You will continue until you reach Khambachen
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
DAY 10 Acclimatization in Khambachen (13287 feet / 4050 meters)
You have another day for acclimatization. Take this time to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes or engage with the local community.
DAY 11 Khambachen to Lhonak (15682 feet / 4780 meters)
Your walk begins today relatively easy but becomes more challenging as the trail becomes rocky and passes through a landslide area. You will continue to Ramthang and then trek west of Kanchenjunga, finally reaching the village of Lhonak for the night.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 12 Lhonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (16873 feet / 5143 meters) and Back to Lhonak
Today, you will head towards Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, also known as Pangpema (5143m). The trek is challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking views of mountains, moraines, glaciers, and ice walls. Since there are no tea houses in the area, you will return to Lhonak for the night.
Hiking time: 7 hours or more
DAY 13 Lhonak to Ghunsa (11794 feet / 3595 meters)
You will retrace your path from Lhonak back to Ghunsa. The route will bring back memories of the Ramthang monastery, stone huts, and familiar hazardous areas. The trail descends into the larger settlement of Ghunsa.
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 14 Ghunsa to Amjilosa (7572 feet / 2308 meters)
Again, you will retrace your path from Ghunsa back to Amjilosa, passing through Phale and Gyabla villages along the way.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 15 Amjilosa to Sukethum and Drive to Taplejung
You will trek from Amjilosa to Sukethum, following the Ghunsa River and passing through forests. You will then return to Sukethum, where you will take a jeep back to Taplejung.
Hiking time: 4 hours
DAY 16 Taplejung to Bhadrapur by Local Private Jeep and Flight Back to Kathmandu
You will take a jeep from Taplejung to Bhadrapur. After reaching Bhadrapur, you will board your flight back to Kathmandu.
DAY 17 Fly home.
It’s time to say goodbye to Nepal. We will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Wishing you a safe journey home!
NOTE: The hiking times above are estimates. The actual hiking time will depend on the hiker’s pace.
TREK STYLE
This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended. You will need to prepare for a cardio workout and consult with your doctor before joining the trip given the high altitude. You will be required to familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high-altitude trekking and sign a liability waiver and terms & conditions forms. However, this is a supported trek; hence, you only carry a daypack with your essentials (porters are hired to carry your belongings). You will be staying in teahouses each night.
Important Reminder: Please review the itinerary in full to determine if the acclimatization days are sufficient for your abilities and experience as a hiker. As a willing participant, you will be fully responsible for knowing your ability as a hiker at high altitude. Please note our trekking guides are NOT licensed doctors. They are trained to address wilderness first-aid situations and get you to safety; hence, we encourage honest and clear communication with your guide regarding your health and progress each day to prevent any crisis.
Check out our webinar, HIGH ALTITUDE TREKKING: PREP, SAFETY + TEAMWORK for some tips to prepare you for this trek!
pricing
Per person for a group of 2-12 people: $3195
Solo trekking is possible at additional cost.
Note: Pricing may change if you wish to reduce or add more days to the itinerary for acclimatization purposes.
HOW TO JOIN
You must fill out an application form and send the deposit of $950.
The trip balance is due 60 days before the departure date.
For solo hotel and/or teahouse stays, a single supplement fee applies.
For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.
Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!
INCLUSIONS
3 nights hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast
Kathmandu city tour.
All airport transfers.
Round trip domestic flight to and from Bhadrapur.
Round trip domestic flight for the guide (and assistant guide if applicable).
All land transports noted in the itinerary.
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
All teahouse accommodations during the trek.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Guide and porter salaries.
Guide and porter insurance.
Assistant guide salary & insurance for a bigger group.
National Park entry fee and trekking permits.
First-Aid Kit.
Equipment for staff.
Trip informational & preparational meetings prior to your trip departure.
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare.
Visa fee.
Laundry and dry-cleaning services.
Water, beverages & snacks outside of the itinerary (e.g. soda and alcoholic drinks, fees for charging phones, shower etc are excluded on the trek)
Tips for guides and porters.
Internet and phone services.
Travel & medical insurance.
Non-scheduled meals outside of the trek (e.g. in Kathmandu)
Trekking equipment (available as rentals).
Any other expenses outside of the scheduled itinerary.
GEAR LIST The gear list will be provided to confirmed participants. Note that the gear list is comprehensive and covers all seasons as weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable.
FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded. You must fly to Kathmandu Airport from your home country. Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel and medical evacuation insurance through Global Rescue. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.
Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than what we recommend, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high-altitude trekking as there is a limited number of companies that provides such type of coverage.
VISA & VACCINATIONS
Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements. You are responsible for securing your own visa if required. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on vaccine requirements.
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Please consult with the U.S. State Department, the CDC website, or the website of your embassy for up-to-date information on travel.
TRIP NOTES
Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and specific trek information.