Less than 1000 travellers visit this area each year.27 days
|
The great massif of Kanchanjunga, lying in the far east of Nepal on the border with Sikkim, is the second highest in Nepal, the third highest in the world. Only recently has the Nepalese government opened up this area for organized trekking agency group. The fact that it has seldom been visited by foreigners can only add to the quality of our experience. This outstanding trek offers the fit walker a chance to experience the stunning contrasts of Nepal from dusty, lowland plains of the Terai to high alpine ridges adjacent to many of the greatest peaks in the world.
We fly east from Kathmandu to Biratnagar or (direct flight to Suketaar occasionally) and for our first views of Kanchanjunga (8598m.) Jannu (7710m.) and Everest (8848m.). After a short flight to Suketaar Taplejung we descend to the Ghunsa Khola through terraced fields, rice paddies and neatly clustered villages of the Newar, Chhetris and Rai, Limboo people who have populated the area. Here conditions are almost tropical and this section of the trek will provide delightful interaction with peoples who have seen few visitors.
As we move higher, dense forests of Rhododendron, Hemlock and Fir replace the cultivated lower slopes. Tantalizing mountain views become more and more dramatic with altitude, Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and of course Kanchanjunga are suddenly spread out before us: four of the highest mountains on the planet. Above the tree line the views become increasingly awesome; we travel to the northern base camp of Kanchanjunga at Pangpema with the mighty north face of the mountain dominating all. A series of high pass crossings as we move to the east with their attendant, stunning views will bring us to Tseram. Located just below the foot of the Yalung glaciers, it is the perfect base for a day’s exploration to the base of the east face of Kanchanjunga. The views on this trek are incredible, Kanchanjunga, Khambachen (7365m.), Pyramid Peak (7123m.), Tent peak (7365m.), Yalung Kang (8505m.). Our return route heads past Taplejung to the airstrip at Suketaar where we take a shuttle flight to Biratnagar, before flying back to Kathmandu. This is one of the best treks available in Nepal for those seeking a challenge. This walk is surely going to be a classic.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Katmandu You will meet at airport and transfer to the hotel, where pre-trek briefing and other information will be given. All the arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kitbag, down jacket, sleeping bag etc. Remainder of the afternoon is free. For your kind information, your guide or the agents of the company will be happy to assist you in any ways he can and will meet you every day while you are in Katmandu to help you with any queries. The evening will be highlighted by a traditional Royal Nepali cuisine as a perfect end of your very arrival day in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Katmandu Today you have time to explore Katmandu-valley, which has more Worlds’ Heritages sites than any other city in the world. This capital has amazing ranges of traditional fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. After the guided tour, afternoon is free to pack, purchase last minutes items for your trek or simply relax. Day 03: Biratnagar We fly to Biratnagar, 45 minutes flight provides excellent views as we head eastwards across Nepal. In clear weather the panorama stretches from Ganesh Himal (7406m.) in the west to our first view of Kanchanjunga in the east. We spend the afternoon here and overnight in a hotel ready for our flight to Taplejung in the early morning. Day 04: Phurumba (1430m.) (Trekking 3 hours Approx.) From Biratnagar we take a short connecting flight to Taplejung located close to the village of Suketaar. Here we will meet our trekking crews upon arrival and have lunch with views of Kanchenjunga (8586m.) before descending to Mitlung and then to the Ghunsa Khola. From Thawa, we continue upstream, crossing a couple of landslides to reach the village of Chirwa (1530m.) in the early afternoon . Our camp site is in a large open field. Day 05: Chiruwa (1240m.) (7 hours walk approx) We descend down following the terraced fields into the Uttis (Nepalese elder) forest with cardamom plantation are walking about 45 minutes. We crossed the suspension bridge over a small river. From there again we climb about another 45 minute and reached to the top where there is a resting place. From here trail was easy with terraced field and Palas trees before climbing. We cross another one suspension bridge and reached to the village called Yamkhia where we have lunch and it takes us 3 hours from Phurumba. After lunch we followed terraced fields and walk was more like up and down but easy, though it was hot. We crossed long suspension bridge after walking down from terraced field following the forest crossed another long suspension bridge leaving one small village. From here we walked about 2 hrs and reaches to a village Chiruwa. From here it takes 10 minute to our campsite. Day 06: Sakathum (1770m.), (Trekking 5 hours Approx.) Starting with a gradual climb we reach Sisawa after an hour or so. After crossing a small suspension bridge we continue on the east bank, passing the village of Thapethok. The walking remains easy through rice paddies till we reach a sheltered glade of Chilauney trees for lunch at Tapnawa Khola. In the afternoon it is a steady climb heading into forest till we meet the junction of the Tamur and Walungchung rivers. From here there are views of the high peaks, a taste of things to come. We camp by the river at Sakathum. Day 07: Amjilasa (2650m.), trekking 6 hours Approx. Today we climb up the sides of a steep V-shaped valley. The trail zig zags up through terraced slopes and passes the Tamang settlement of Ghaiyabari. From here we continue to climb steeply to pass a large mushroom shaped rock. We take lunch a few minutes further on near a small stream. In the afternoon, we continue to climb. The trail at times being exposed high above the valley floor. The rest of the afternoon's walk is gradual climbing and contouring past a beautiful 150 meters high waterfall before arriving at Amjilasa and our evening's camp. Day 08: Kyapra (2850m.), trekking 4 hours Approx. An easier day starting with a short climb through terraced fields before descending into forest of bamboo, rhododendron, prickly and silky oak. The trail is now only a few hundred meters above the river and we leave behind the terracing that has dominated the trek so far. Lunch is taken early in the shade of overhanging cliffs. As it is only a short day we have ample time to wander up the trail admiring the scenery. As we are near Kyapra, some of the lesser peaks come into view at the head of the Ghunsa Khola. We camp in fields below the village in view of Phole peak. Day 09: Ghunsa (3580m.), trekking 5 hours Approx. For the time being we have finished trekking across the grain of the land. From here on, up to the base of Kanchanjunga, our trails climb following the Ghunsa Khola through forest of Birch and Rhododendron. The first settlement we reach is at Phole populated in the main by Tibetan refuegees. The village has an interesting monastery and is well known for its home based carpet industry. We schedule lunch at the village to allow plenty of time for looking around. From here to our camp at Ghunsa is about one and half hours. Day 10: Rest & acclimatization Ghunsa is the main vaillage of the valley and we allow a full day to explore or relax to be well acclimatize for the high elevation. You can arrange for shower or do any laundry for the adventures. There is a chance to sample ' Tongba' the local brewed of millet, entirely optional. Day 11: Khambachen (4230m.), trekking 5 hours Approx We leave Ghunsa on a level trail through cultivated fields before entering forest of Birch, Junipers and Rhododendron. The valley floor is now wider as we enter glacial terrain. Steep cliffs line the way with occasional views of Khabur peak (6332m.). After crossing the river at Rambuk Kharka, we take lunch before crossing the tricky scree slopes that leads the way to Khambachen. Nearing camp we get our first good views of Jannu and the Shaphu peaks. We camp at Khambachen, a small temporary settlement, inhabited by yak herders mainly from Ghunsa. Day 12: Lhonak (4780m.), trekking 6 hours approx. The early morning affords good photographic opportunities. we are now above the tree line and the bare mountains slopes are home to blue sheep that can sometimes be seen on this days walk, though they are not easy to spot. The trail is less well defined and at times it can be tricky, particularly when crossing the many tributary streams. We lunch at Ramtang in full view of Kanchanjunga. The scenery is certainly the most spectacular so far. In the afternoon we reach the snout of the Kanchanjunga glacier and camp a short distance further on in the large yak grazing pastures of Lhonak. we spend a further day acclimatization & to explore the surroundings. Day 13: Pangpema (5 hours walk approx.) We are now at quite high altitude and although the trail climbs gradually. It is necessary to take our time and proceed slowly. However, this section of trail is surrounded by dramatic scenery. To the right of the trail the huge creaking glacier, lined by stunning ice peaks; at the head of the valley more peaks forming the India/Nepal border. Kanchanjunga the world's third highest peak is initially touched away and out of sight and it is not until we arrive at Pangpema that we get views of the towering north face. We lunch here, set the camp and the whole afternoon free for the relaxation or exploring around. Day 14: Khambachen (4230m.) trekking 7 hours approx. Today's plan is to rise early for exploration of the area before taking a late lunch and then heading down back down to Lhonak. The camp at Pangpema is one of the highest on any trek and we feel that after strenuous activity during the day. It is better to descend those feeling energetic can climb high behind the campsite up the small rocky peak known as the Cocks Comb ( though to reach the summit involves a good three hour climb and is only recommended to those feeling very fit). As the views of Kanchanjunga are as impressive from our campsite or from only a few hundred meters above our camp, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy some excellent photographic opportunities. In the afternoon our walk takes us back down the valley to Lhonak and on to Khambachen where our crew will have camp well established prior to arrival. Day 15: Ghunsa (3560m.), trekking 4 hours approx. We retrace our steps sown valley where we have the opportunity to get excellent photographs of Jannu. At Ghunsa we camp near to the school in preparation for the following morning's uphill walk. Day 16: Selele base camp 4210m. Trekking 5 hours approx. After checking trekking permits at the police post. we head through a series of boulder fields before gaining a steep ridge that leads us out of the Ghunsa valley. The climb takes us through thick Birch and Rhododendron forest, the best on the trek. The trail is here is not well defined, so keep an eye on the guides on this section. At the Tagmalasi pass (4935m.), the trail evens out and gives great views both up and down the Ghunsa valley. Soon we climb above the tree line and continue on a series of ups and downs high above the valley. We take a packed lunch today as there is little water on this trail. We camp in a small rocky basin with excellent views towards Makalu and Everest. Day 17: Tseram 3930m.), trekking 6 hours approx. Today's walk is particularly exciting with superb mountain views initially of Everest and Makalu, as we climb, Jannu and Kanchanjunga come into view. It takes about two hours to cross the Mirgin La pass at 4610 meters that takes us into the Simbua river valley. We are well above habitation and the tree-line, the trail is clearly defined though this barren terrain takes on an eerie feel. After lunch we cross another pass above Tseram and gain great views looking northwards to Kabru Peak (7353m.) and Rathong (6678m.). The descent into the valley is steep, via a small lake to our camp at Tseram. Day 18: Ramze, trekking 4 hours approx. It is worthwhile to be in the final high altitude of staying at Ramze. Here the glaciers Okthang (4750m.) to view the southern aspect of Kanchanjunga is tremendous. The track gradually climbs up the valley via Ramche, a yak herder’s settlement, before bearing left and ascending onto the lateral moraines to give excellent views of Kabru and Kanchajunga. Day 19: Torongden (3510m.), trekking 6 ½ hours approx. We descend following the Simbua Khola from the high altitude vegetation back into forest of Rhododendron, Fir and Cedar. The valley becomes narrower as we descend. At Hellok we cross the river and take lunch beside the wooden bridge. In the afternoon we climb steadily through the forest of Oak, Rhododendron and bamboo to the Lase pass (3480m.), high above the valley. We camp in an open pasture ten minutes further on with views of Jannu to the north. Day 20: Yamphudin (1860m.), trekking 7 hours approx. The day starts with a steep descent through forest and many water buffalo grazing pastures to the Omje Khola. Here we take lunch before climbing to a small saddle (2660m.) adorned with prayer flags. We descend from here. Past the first permanent habitation seen for a number of days to the village of Yampudin. We camp near to the river in the early afternoon and have the opportunity for a swim in the cool water. Day 21: Mamankhe (1740m.), trekking 5 hours approx. From the village we walk downstream following the Kabeli Khola passing occasional Rai and Limbu’s settlements before climbing out of the valley to begin a series of small ascents and descends through terraced hillsides. Our trail continues via the small village of Dekadin to the much larger settlements of Mamankhe where we camp out of earshot of the local school. Day 22: Sinchena Pass (2190m.) We start with a gradual then steep descent to the Khesewa Khola which we cross on a suspension bridge. The route then winds uphill through terraced hillsides and various small settlements to reach the ridge at Ponpe Danda, where there are good views of Jannu Himal. We descend again to Anpan village and continue high above the river in a series of short ascends and descends through beautiful forest before reaching the Nandeva Khola, from whence we descend to our campsite at Sinchena pass. Day 23: Lali Kharka (2580m.), trekking 6 hours approx. From our campsite we descend to Khesewa , the peaks of the Kanchanjunga massif behind us in the distance. We take lunch close to the bridge, crossing the Phawa Khola. In the afternoon, we descend to Simbu (1707m.) and then continue uphill through forest of Oak to the shepherds huts below the pass which provides views of Makalu to the west. Day 24: Taplejung/Sukhetaar (1850m.), trekking 6 hours approx. We descend to Tambawa village (1990m.); from here we have a further descend on a ridge route to the airfield at Sukhetaar above Taplejung village. A final night with our crew is spend here in celebration of one of Nepal's best treks. Day 25: Fly to Kathmandu via Biratnagar In the morning we await the arrival of our shuttle aircraft to take us to Biratnagar. Our flight to Katmandu is usually in the late afternoon taking approximately 45 minutes. On take off we should gain views of same of the places and rivers and mountains that have been our companions for the last three weeks. From Katmandu airport we transfer to our hotel for a welcome back from trek. Day 26 – 27 : Kathmandu and then Home You are free this day; you can do whatever you deserved. any way there are lots of things to do or see in Kathmandu valley, The Royal palace, Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath ( the monkey temple), Pashupatinath, Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath , Patan and an ancient city Bhaktapur etc. or you may explore down town to shop for souvenirs, getting your photos or slides processed and trying out the various restaurants in Thamel. Note: The above route and walking hours must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, trail conditions or other reason. |