Kanchenjung Yalung Glacier (Lodge Trek)

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

  • deluxe + basic lodges as per available
  • Kathmandu
  • Spring & Autumn
  • only to Service staff, self travel insurance is required.
  • B,L,D
  • You can book the trek as per your required date.
  • Flight & Jeep
  • 10
  • 60

Overview

  • Enjoy a breathtaking early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan landscapes.
  • Explore Ilam, Nepal’s largest tea plantation area, known for its picturesque landscapes and orchards of tea plants
  • Trek through traditional Limbu and Tamang villages, passing by mud-brick houses, rice paddies, terraced farm fields, and cardamom farms.
  • Reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa, known for its wooden houses, monasteries, and Buddhist culture
  • Cross two challenging passes, Sele-La and Sinion-La, with stunning views of glaciers and mountain peaks.
  • Explore the Yalung Base Camp area

Kanchanjunga Yalung Glacier

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative picks you up and transfers you to the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

After landing, we take a jeep ride to Ilam enjoying the view of beautiful landscapes. Ilam is Nepal’s largest tea plantation area and serves as a major tourist area even for domestic tourists. The picturesque town of Ilam hosts large orchards of tea plants and is also famous for the Himalayan chew made of cheese. Overnight at hotel in Ilam.

Today, we head towards Taplejung in private transportation. Driving along the beautiful countryside view, we pass through Phidim to reach Limbu village of Taplejung. Overnight in Taplejung.

The trekking route today passes through lush mid hills and several villages with traditional mud-brick houses. We also come across rice paddies, terraced farm fields, and cardamom farms. We then continue to trek following the flow of Tamor River to reach Mitlung. Overnight in Mitlung.

Today we trek through the Limbu and Tamang villages of Sinwa, Tawa, and Porke. We also pass over old landslide debris and boulder, and strewn river deposits, before descending to Thiwa Khola. We then cross a wooden bridge to reach Chiruwa. Overnight in Chiruwa.

Trekking through the villages of Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok, and Lelep, we move alongside Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola, which emerges from the Yalung Glacier. We then trek through steep and narrow Ghunsa Khola valley to finally arrive in Sukathum. Overnight in Sukathum.

Moving with the flow of Ghunsa Khola, we head towards Amjilosa walking through steep uphill on exposed terrain. Relishing the amazing landscape view and crossing several bridges over Ghunsa Khola, we reach the Tibetan village of Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.

Today, we walk through forested trail filled with rhododendrons and bamboo, before ascending to Gyabla. We also come across a big waterfall on the opposite side of the river on our way to Gyabla. Making a steep ascent and then a descent, we arrive in Gyabla. Overnight in Gyabla.

Leaving behind the beautiful Gyabla village, we trek towards Ghunsa through a broad meadow. We then climb a small hill and descend to cross the river to reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa with wooden houses, a micro hydropower plant, school, and a health post. Overnight in Ghunsa.

To adjust with the thinning air, we take a short hike to the opposite side of Ghunsa Khola with a gain of about 400m. After returning from the hike, we can spend rest of the day exploring the ancient village of Ghunsa visiting monasteries and learning about their Buddhist culture and tradition. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Today, we begin our trek entering the forested path along the south bank of Ghunsa Khola and passing several Mani walls and Chortens along the way. We also trek through several scree slopes and some glacial moraines to reach the Tibetan settlement of Khangpachen from where we can get the stunning view of the north face of Jannu (7710m). Overnight in Khangpachen.

Leaving behind Khangpachen, we follow the trail on the left side of Kanchenjunga Glacier. We hike along a high plateau to reach the campsite of Lhonak. From Lhonak, we can see the panoramic view of massive mountain peaks like Wegde Peak (6802m), Mera Peak (6364m), Nepal Peak (7177m), Twins (7350m), and many others. Overnight in Lhonak.

Today, we head towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp following the trail along the glaciers on the northern ridges. The camp is also known as Pang Pema from where we get the mesmerizing and spectacular view of Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m) along with the skyline filled with snow-capped mountain ranges bordering Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet. Overnight in Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

After the amazing experience in KBC, we retrace our trail to Ghunsa enjoying the spectacular view of different mountains. Descending past Lhonak and Khangpachen while walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier and Kumbhakarna Glacier, we arrive in Ghunsa. Overnight in Ghunsa.

To reach the High Camp, we trek along a steep rocky trail through a forested area filled with birch, pine, and colorful rhododendron. An amazing view of Jannu (7710m), Nyukla Laching (6670m), Temachunggi (6044m), and other mountains can be observed from High Camp. Overnight in High Camp.

Today might be the most challenging day as we cross over two passes on our way to Tseram, the highest pass being the Sele La (4480m) and Sinion La (4660). Upon reaching the top of the passes, we are rewarded with an amazing view of Yalung Glacier, Jannu (7710m), Makalu (8481m), Baruntse (7129m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), and many other mountain ranges along the Sikkim border. We then descend to Tseram for an overnight stay.

Passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier into an ablation valley, we ascend towards Ramche. We also come across a lake and a meadow where we can spot the blue sheep grazing on the grassy hills. We will visit the small monastery in Ramche, in the evening. Overnight in Ramche.

Today, we explore Yalung Base Camp area. Trekking through the glacial moraines and challenging rocky path, we cross Oktang, from where we can get a panoramic view of Jannu (7720m) and Kanchenjunga (8586m), and several other peaks. We return back to Ramche for an overnight stay.

Retracing the same trail, we trek towards Anda Phedi relishing the view of different mountain ranges and herds of blue sheep over the grassy slope. Descending through the moraines of Yalung Glacier, we walk past Lapsang and Tseram to arrive in Anda Phedi. Overnight in Anda Phedi.

We descend towards Tortong through the densely forested path filled with rhododendrons and bushes. We also stumble across few streams, Chortens, monasteries, ponds, and waterfalls on our way to Tortong. Overnight at Lodge.

We continue to descend to the Amji Khola and then crossing Lasiya Bhanjyang (3310m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2620m), we descend towards Yamphudim. Yamphudim is a village inhabited by a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. Overnight in Yamphudim.

Leaving behind the village of Yamphudim, we descend towards Khebang passing through valleys, waterfalls, and forest area. Crossing suspension bridges over several streams, we walk past small settlements alongside Kabeli Khola to arrive in Khebang. Overnight in Khebang.

Accompanied by the beautiful view of Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Kumbakaran/Jannu (7710m) in the background, we continue to trek towards Khanidingbe through lushly forested trail stumbling across several waterfalls along the way. Overnight in Khanidingbe.

We take a long drive to Birtamod enjoying the view of green hills, snow-capped mountains, rivers, and daily activities of the locals throughout the ride. From the mountainous part, we are now in the flatlands of Nepal. Overnight in Birtamod.

We drive towards Bhadrapur airport to catch our flight back to the capital city. Enjoying the aerial view of the mountains, we arrive in Kathmandu. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

We drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure with a hope of seeing you again.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Kanchenjung Yalung Glacier (Lodge Trek)