Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: Into the Heart of the Himalayas

Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp felt like stepping into a world untouched by time. Unlike the more popular trekking routes in Nepal, this journey took me deep into the wild, where nature ruled in its rawest form. Far from crowds, commercial lodges, and modern luxuries, it was just me, my small team, and the endless expanse of the Himalayas.

Traveling to the southeast

The adventure began with a flight to Bhadrapur, followed by a long, winding drive through lush hills and charming villages to reach Taplejung, our trek’s starting point. From the very first steps, the trail felt different. It wasn’t just a trek, it was an exploration of Nepal’s eastern wildness, a place where few travelers go.

The path took us through dense rhododendron forests, hanging bridges swaying over roaring rivers, and villages where time seemed to slow down. The locals, mostly Rai and Limbu people, welcomed us with warm smiles and traditional millet beer.

The Long and Rewarding Climb

Day by day, we climb higher. The way shifted from green valleys to barren, rocky slopes. At Ghunsa, a small Tibetan-influenced village at 3,475 meters, we took an adaptation day, chatting with monks at the local monastery and sipping butter tea.

As we moved past Khambachen and Lhonak, the mountains grew mightier. The air got thinner, our breaths slower, but the excitement never faded. When we finally reached Pangpema (5,143m), the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the sight before us was unreal. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, stood in all its towering glory, surrounded by glaciers and untouched beauty.

A Trek Unlike Any Other

The descent was long but filled with reflection. Unlike Everest or Annapurna, where teahouses and trekkers are plenty, Kanchenjunga felt like a secret, a place for true explorers. It was demanding, wild, and unpredictable—but that’s exactly what made it unforgettable.

For those seeking solitude, raw adventure, and the thrill of the unknown, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an experience like no other. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.