Making a difference
Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
Sikkim: Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
Trip Facts
- Trekking Destination: Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
- Group Size: Min-4, Max 12,
- Highest Access of the Trekking: 5002 m. (Goechala Pass)
- Grade: Challenging
- Transportation: Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight
- Mode of Trekking Tour: Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Culture
- Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
- Total Days: 16 Days
- Trip Cost: USD 1800
Trip Overview
This is an strenuous trek which goes right up to Goecha La Pass at an elevation of 5000 m. giving exceptional view eastern face of Kanchenjunga(8535 m.), the third highest mountain in the world. The journey starts from Yuksom a small settlement within subtropical forests and goes through vast expanse of yak pasture. It finally reaches the alpine region where dwarf shrubs thrive in abundance and the temperature is quite extreme.
Trip Information
Day to Day Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 01 | - | Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. |
| Day 02 | - | Free day. |
| Day 03 | - | Fly KTM/BIR or BDR - upon arrival met and transfer over to Darjeeling, and check into Hotel New Elgin or similar. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 04 | - | Morning drive to Yuksom (1770 m/170 k.m./7 hrs), on reaching overnight at trekkers hut. |
| Day 05 | - | Start trek after breakfast. The trail goes through dense semi tropical forests crossing streams occasionally . After a steep climb we reach Tshoka (2745 m/5 hrs) for the camp. |
| Day 06 | - | The trail follows a steep climb through fascinating rhododendron forests. The magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Pandim can be seen through out the journey. Camp at Dzongri (4200 m/3 hrs). |
| Day 07 | - | Comparatively easy trails with very clear view of Kanchenjunga and its range of mountains. After lunch a little climb after crossing a steam. Camp at Thangsing (3930 m./3 hrs). |
| Day 08 | - | The trail fairly evens out towards a small village settlement and then onwards it follows a moraine for about an hour before reaching our next camping site at Samit Pokhari (4500 m./3 hrs) |
| Day 09 | - | Early morning as the trek resumes, the trail climbs an uneven moraine with huge boulders of rocks. We get to see some exceptional views of the eastern face of Kanchenjunga. For Goechala Pass(5002 m.). Descend back to camp at Samiti Pokhari . |
| Day 10 | - | Retrace trail back to Thangsing. Camp for the night. |
| Day 11 | - | Descend to Phedang through steep trail to Bakhim (2684m .3 hrs) |
| Day 12 | - | The last day on the trail, we retrace it back to Yuksom (4 hrs.)at an leisurely pace. If time permits, we get to visit Dubi Monastery and a lake with tranquil surroundings near by. Camp for the night. |
| Day 13 | - | A day for adjustment and acclimatization enroute. |
| Day 14 | - | Transfer to Bhadrapur or Biratnagar for final departure. End of the tour. |
| Day 15 | Free day In Kathmandu. | |
| Day 16 | International Departure. |
Fact Finder
| Duration | - | 16 days |
| Trip Details: | - |
|
| Activities | - | Cultural, Touring, Walking, Trekking |
| Trip Grade | - | Challenging |
| Mode of Travel | - | Private coach, Trekking, |
| Group & Staff | - | Min 4, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides, Poters/ Pack animals plus driver |
| Accommodation | - | 8 nights camping trek, 5 nights Hotels, 1 night Trekkers' Hut |
| Land Cost | - | US$ - 1800 |
Note:- Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Departure Dates
Trip dates for 2011
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26th February | 13th March | UD$ 1800 | Available |  |
| 12th March | 27th March | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 26th March | 10th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 11th April | 24th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 23rd April | 8th May | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 1st October | 16th October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 15th October | 30th October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 29th October | 13th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 12th October | 26th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 25th November | 10th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 9th December | 25th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 17th December | 1st January 2012 | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
Trip dates for 2012
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25th February | 11th March | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 10th March | 25th March | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 24th March | 8th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 7th April | 22nd April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 21st April | 6th May | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 29th September | 14th October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 13th October | 28th October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 27th October | 11th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 10th November | 25th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 24th November | 9th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 8th December | 23rd December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 15th December | 30th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
Trip Cost
Cost Includes:-
- Experienced regional leader and porters on the trek
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance
- All mentioned transportation
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing as indicated.
Cost Does Not Include:-
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- Meals
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (buy insurance)
- Tips and items of a personal nature.
Client Reviews
Our 5 day trek from Yuksam to Dzongri to view Khangchendzonga (3rd highest peak in the world at 28,169 feet) far exceeded our expectations. Raj (the CEO and our guide) was knowledgeable, friendly, professional, well prepared and able to adapt to our walking pace and needs. His support team was amazing, and his "trekking chef" continually surprised us with unexpected treats at every meal, with goodies like salmon dip or camembert cheese for appetizers, thematic dinners (Thai night or Italian night), and even homemade pizza and banana pie at 13,200 feet! How about steak & bluecheese sauce and Nepali wine one night?!! I definitely did not lose weight on this trek. Kudos to Raj and your team for all you did to make our trip memorable and comfortable. I also appreciated how well you treated your helpers and animals. I could describe more secrets to your success, but I'll save some surprises for future trekkers to experience. Go with Raj & Responsible Adventures. You won't be disappointed.
Scott Last
Escondido, California
