A remote trek in far-eastern Nepal to Pangpema, the north base camp of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world. From Sekathum the route follows the Ghunsa Khola gorge to the Sherpa village of Ghunsa, continues to Kambachen below Jannu, and climbs along the Kanchenjunga Glacier to Lhonak and Pangpema (5,143 m). Lodges are basic, and a restricted area permit is required.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Permit formalities, gear check and pre-departure briefing. Free time for personal activities. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Flight east to Bhadrapur, then a drive through the tea gardens of Ilam to Taplejung. Overnight stay in Taplejung.
Drive along the Tamor valley to Sekathum at the confluence of the Ghunsa Khola. Overnight stay in Sekathum.
Follow the narrow Ghunsa Khola gorge, with steep climbs, to Amjilosa. Overnight stay in Amjilosa.
Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forest to the Tibetan-style village of Gyabla. Overnight stay in Gyabla.
Climb through forest and pastures to Ghunsa, the largest Sherpa village of the region, with its monastery. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
A rest day with a hike to Lapsang Gompa or the ridge above the village. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
Cross landslide areas and a scree slope to Kambachen, facing the north face of Jannu (7,711 m). Overnight stay in Kambachen.
A rest day with a hike towards the Jannu Glacier viewpoint. Overnight stay in Kambachen.
Follow the Kanchenjunga Glacier moraine to the open plain of Lhonak. Overnight stay in Lhonak.
Hike along the moraine to Pangpema, the north base camp, facing the north face of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). Return to Lhonak. Overnight stay in Lhonak.
Descend via Kambachen to Ghunsa. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
Descend via Gyabla to Amjilosa. Overnight stay in Amjilosa.
Descend the gorge to Sekathum. Overnight stay in Sekathum.
Drive back along the Tamor valley to Taplejung. Overnight stay in Taplejung.
Drive to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel; evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Please note: the itinerary sequence is subject to change based on the availability of accommodation.
| Destination | Hotel / Lodge |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Deluxe Hotel |
| Taplejung | Best available Hotel |
| Sekathum – Lhonak (trek) | Best available Trekkers’ Lodge (basic) |
Entry rules differ for Indian and other foreign nationals. Every trek in this pack also needs national park or conservation area permits, and several need restricted area permits issued by the Department of Immigration. We arrange all permits from the documents you share at booking.
Indian Nationals
Foreign Nationals
Restricted Areas
All Treks
Entry, visa and permit rules are set by the Government of Nepal and may change; please reconfirm with us before travel.
Indian nationals must hold a valid passport or Voter ID card; foreign nationals must hold a passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity and a valid Nepal visa. Passport / ID copies and one photograph per trekker should be shared with us at least 15 days before departure so that restricted area permits and domestic flights can be arranged.
A deposit of 25% of package cost is payable at the time of booking confirmation. The remaining balance is payable no later than 7 days prior to the arrival date. Payments are made by bank transfer to our Nepal company account.
ABC Adventures Pvt. Ltd. and its associates are committed to providing a smooth, safe and memorable journey. We are not liable for itinerary changes due to unavoidable circumstances, such as road blockages, landslides, snowfall on passes, weather, flight delays or cancellations, strikes, or illness and accidents. Flights to Juphal, Jumla, Simikot, Talcha, Tumlingtar and Lukla are weather-dependent, and delays of one or more days are common. Any additional costs incurred under these conditions must be borne by the traveller.
Treks graded Easy to Moderate suit most active travellers. Treks graded Strenuous cross passes above 5,000 m and involve long days, and those graded Strenuous (Expert) or Technical, such as Tashi Lapcha (OT-02), Sherpani Col (OT-06), the Dhaulagiri Circuit (OT-28) and Upper Dolpo (OT-33), require prior high-altitude and glacier experience. Travellers with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with tea and coffee are provided during trekking days, in lodges or prepared by our camp cook. In Kathmandu, accommodation is on BB basis.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation up to the maximum altitude of the trek (6,500 m for OT-06) is strongly advised, including cover for domestic flight delays.
All notice of cancellation must be sent in writing by email; verbal cancellation does not qualify for any refund.
| Timing | Charge |
|---|---|
| 15 days or more prior to arrival | 25% of package cost |
| 7–14 days prior to arrival | 50% of package cost |
| 3–6 days prior to arrival | 75% of package cost |
| Less than 3 days / no show | 100% of package cost |
Many of these treks go above 4,500 m, and several cross passes above 5,000 m, where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and poor sleep; worsening symptoms mean descending without delay.
Each itinerary builds in acclimatisation days. Drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol at altitude, walk at a steady pace and tell your guide promptly about any symptoms.
Medical facilities in remote regions such as Dolpo, Humla, Makalu and Kanchenjunga are very limited, and evacuation is usually by helicopter. Travellers with cardiac, respiratory or other relevant conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
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