Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Kanchenjungha Basecamp

Mt. Kanchenjungha (8,585 m), also known as the “Five Treasures of Snow”, lies in east Nepal and is the third highest peak in the world. It forms a natural border between Nepal and India. The Kanchenjungha Base Camp trek gives us an experience of the remote nature of this region, views of majestic snow clad mountains, diverse flora and fauna and the rich local culture of the people inhabiting the lower parts of this area. 

This trek is a non-technical one and is suitable for even the average trekker. If you are moderately fit and have a sense of adventure then you qualify. This trek is guaranteed to leave an indelible imprint on your mind for a long time to come.

The trek, which takes us to both the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Suketar (Taplejung) via the Terai town of Biratnagar. From Suketar the trail travels north to Chauki and through the villages of Mitlung, Amjilassa, Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lhonak to Pangpema (5,140 meters), the Base Camp for expeditions attempting the North Face of Kanchenjunga and the culmination of the first part of the trek. En route, we get to enjoy panoramic views of Makalu (8,463 m) and Chamlang (7,319 m) peaks, a sea of unclimbed peaks, including Jannu (7,710 m), from Ghunsa and, finally, Kanchenjungha, Wedge Peak (6,750 m) the Twins (7,350 m), Pyramid Peak (7,168 m) and Tent Peak (7,365 m) from a vantage point situated a little above Pangpema. 

On the second leg of our trek to the South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga, we retrace our steps back to Ghunsa and then take the southern route to cross Lapsang La pass (5,160 m) for the final approach to the Yalung glacier and the southern Base Camp from where an outstanding view of Kanchenjunga can be had. After having had your fill of the mountain vista, you begin your descent through villages and farmlands back to Suketar for your flight back to Kathmandu.

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