25 Days Kanchenjung Yalung Glacier (Lodge Trek)
If you have an adventurous spirit then this is the trek for you on the slopes of the world’s third-highest mountain (8586M) & to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Kanchenjunga the world’s third-highest mountain is belived to be the abode of the Gods. One of the unique mountain that shares its base with Nepal and Sikkim, India, with three of the five peaks (Main, Central, and South) directly on the border, and the other two peaks West and Kangbachen located within Taplejung District in Nepal. A tiny part of it also touches Bhutan.
Varied flora and Fauna, Kanchanjunga undobutly one of the most beautiful mountain in the world. Because of the high rainfall during summer around the base camp variety of plants nourishes, mainly the himalayan flower plants. Snow leopard and red Panda can be sighted in the region . Apart from this the blue ship and Assamese Macaque can also be found in the area. This uniqueness in the nature of Kanchenjung is preserved declaring the area a conservation zone. The area is also home to several castes, including the Rai and Limbu ethnic groups.
Our trek actually commence from an altitude of 2200 m. reaching the height of 3000 m. for half week. We are going on diverese trail, high ridges, steep gorges and across extensive pasture land. The trail to Kanchenjunga is one of the diverese and filled with amazing journey. We trek following the bank of raging rivers, Tamur and Ghunsa Rivers, We ofcourse get closer to the sources of these rivers. The trail then brings to the Sherpa village of Ghunsa high into the mountainious hills.
It was in the year 1950 when the base camp was opened from Nepal approach, it took several years to become the commercial trekking destination, which is after 1988.
Most of the trekkers are in search of peace of mind, though it may be for a month, week, day or for a slight moment, Kanchenjunga Yalung glacier trek is one of the best trek to quinch your thirst to the peace of mind. The trail from Ghunsa winds up and takes us to Kanchenjunga and on to Kanchenjunga Glacier. Despite the adventures trail situation, the awe feeling standing at the base of the glacier, the unparalleled views of the enormous mountains that surround us everywhere. While you go through these mesmerizing feeling you may feel other things are immaterial in this world, all that matters is peace within, the feeling that you get inside your heart and mind. The peaks surrounding you are Pyramid Peak, the Twins – Jannu and Kanchenjunga, will leave you spell-bound. There are also several other 6000m. plus peaks that seems less awesome because of their proximity to the more dominant higher peaks of Kanchenjunga.
Leaving the Kanchenjunga glacier we head back to Ghunsa and over a period of three days cross three mountain passes before arriving at Tseram Village, the beginning of the Yalung Glacier. We then make our way to Southern Kanchenjunga Base Camp where the first mountaineers began their climb to the summit of Kanchenjunga.
The trail from Yalung Glacier (the face of the glacier is 300m high) passes through valleys and across icy ridges until eventually reaching the gorges that take us to Tharpu. Due to its remoteness, there are fewer tourists and more solitude. The maximum altitude we reach on the trek is 5143m at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From the beginning to the end of this trek you will experience a vast variety of landscapes, from following the raging torrents of the Tamur and Ghunsa rivers to the high altitude regions of glaciers and Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The memories of this wonderful journey will stay with you for a lifetime.
Basic Trip Info
Kanchenjunga Yalung Glacier Trek Overview
The Kanchenjunga Yalung Glacier Trek is a challenging and remote trek located in the eastern region of Nepal. It takes trekkers to the base of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). This trek offers a pristine and less crowded experience compared to more popular routes like Everest and Annapurna, making it ideal for adventurers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.
Key Facts
- Location: Eastern Nepal
- Duration: Typically 20-25 days
- Best Time to Trek: April to May and October to November
- Trek Difficulty: Strenuous
- Starting Point: Taplejung (reachable by flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then drive to Taplejung)
- Highest Point: Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,143 meters/16,873 feet)
- Accommodations: Camping or basic tea houses
- Permits Required: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit and Restricted Area Permit
