Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Ilam: 45 minutes flight and 3 hours drive
Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, in Nepal’s eastern district of Jhapa. We take a 3 hour drive from here across the Terai flatlands to rolling green hills of beautiful Ilam. We stop for the night at a hotel in Ilam.
Day 4: Fly from Ilam to Taplejung: 6 – 7 hours drive
Another day of transit takes us through the picturesque hillscapes of Ilam to Taplejung, the starting point of our trek. We spend the night in a hotel in Taplejung.
Day 5: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung 921m/3021ft: 4 hours walk
The journey begins with a downhill walk through pastoral hillsides, passing several small villages to Mitlung. Out path takes us across the Hungdewa and Tamur rivers today.
Day 6: Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa 1270m/4166ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
We begin with an uphill climb and a quick descent to Sinwa, continuing on to Tawa across a suspension bridge. The surrounding valley scenery is enrapturing as the trail meanders along lush hillsides to Chirwa.
Day 7: Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum 1660m/5446ft: 5 hours walk
We follow the raging Tamur river, cutting through a large basin, until we arrive at the entrance to Kanchenjunga National Park near the banks of the Olangchung Khola. We cross over several hills and the Ghunsa Khola before reaching Sekathum
Day 8: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa 2510m/8234ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
After several vigorous climbs and descents we arrive in Solima, the perfect place to rest after a challenging start. From here we descend along a steep canyon wall to the river banks, then back up again to Amjilosa.
Day 9: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla 2730m/8956ft: 5 hours walk
The walk to the uniquely Tibetan settlement at Gyabla today takes us passed several impressive waterfalls. Thick forests surround us as we continue a series of climbs and descents along the valley floor.
Day 10: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa 3595m/11794ft: 5 hours walk
The valley widens as we continue, reaching a small village called Phole. Lush stands of bamboo and rhododendron surround us. A few hours walk from Phole will take us to a hydropower plant, and further to the Sherpa village of Ghunsa.
Day 11: Rest day at Ghunsa.
A well-deserved rest day is spent today exploring the area around Ghunsa. A short hike in the direction of Lapsan La will take us to a viewpoint from where we enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valley.
Day 12: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen 4100m/13451ft: 7 hours walk
We follow the river this morning and ascend upwards into high valley terrain. Crossing a bridge at Rampu Kharka, we pass a large waterfall and traverse a tricky section of landslide to Kambachen.
Day 13: Rest day at Kambachen
Another day of rest is in store in preparation for the coming altitude gains. Explore the surrounding Nuphchu Khola valley to assist with acclimatization.
Day 14: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak 4785m/15698ft: 4 – 5 hours walk
Traversing a boulder field stretching across a hillside flanking the river bank, we cross a bridge and stop to rest in Ramtang. From here we navigate several more landslide sections across a steep slope, ascending to the river once more to Lhonak.
Day 15: Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema and Kanchenjunga North base camp 5143m/16873ft: 4 hours walk
The day begins with a trail which follows the edge of a glacial moraine, marked with landslides and challenging rocky sections. The Chang Himal dominates the skyline to our right as we arrive in Pangpema. A short climb from here provides us with stunning views of Kanchanjunga’s north face.
Day 16: Trek from Pangpema to Khambachen 4100m/13451ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Retracing our steps to Ramtang via Lhonak, we make a slow descent, accompanied by the mighty peaks of Taple, Shikar, Kirat Chuli, and Gimmigela Chuli. Descending from the altitude allows us to cover much ground, arriving in Khambachen in time for a beautiful sunset.
Day 17: Trek from Khambachen to Ghunsa 3595m/11794ft: 5 hours walk
Continuing our descent, we negotiate a treacherous trail through a boulder-strewn area to Ghunsa.
Day 18: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le 4600m/15091ft: 6 hours walk
Today’s climb to Sele Le is a steep one. Ascending through thick forests of juniper and rhododendron, we have ample opportunities to rest and savor the spectacular scenery.
Day 19: Trek from Sele Le to Tseram 3870m/12696ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
The crossing of Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sinelapche La will prove to be a rigorous affair today, but the breathtaking views of the Jannu Himal will reward us with every step of the way.
Day 20: Trek from Tseram to Ramche 4580m/15026ft: 4 hours walk
On our ascent today we encounter the majestic fields of rock and ice that comprise the Yalung glacier. The views are exceptional all the way to Ramche.
Day 21: Explore Yalung glacier
We’ll spend today hiking up the base of the Yalung glacier. Our view from the top includes an astounding panorama of the Jannu Himal and a close up view of Kanchenjunga. After soaking in a dazzling sunset we return for the night to Ramche.
Day 22: Trek from Ramche to Torontan 2990m/9809ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
Following a trail along the Simbua Khola, we constantly look back over our shoulders to savor the majestic scenery on our descent to Torontan.
Day 23: Trek from Torontan to Yamphudin 2080m/6824ft: 9 hours walk
A long day of walking awaits, negotiating many ridges and rocky sections of trail. The valley stretches before us in an epic expanse of lush forest. We arrive in Yamphudin, a village populated by an interesting variety of cultures including Gurungs, Limbus, Rais, and Sherpa.
Day 24: Trek from Yamphudin to Anpan 1740m/5708m: 6 – 7 hours walk
Following the Kabeli Khola, we pass Mamankhe and cross a bridge over the Kasshawa Khola. We’ll pass through several villages before arriving in Anpan.
Day 25: Trek from Anpan to Thorpu 1500m/4921ft: 6 hours walk
We descend further toward Thorpu on the last day of our walking journey. Savor the fresh air and pristine forests as we arrive at our final destination.
Day 26: Drive from Thorpu to Birtamod 300m/984ft: 6 hours drive
We board a jeep after breakfast for a scenic trip across the Terai to Birtamod, a town with ample accommodations to satisfy us after our long journey.
Day 27: Drive from Birtamod to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu: 30 minute drive and 1 hour flight
It’s just a half hour’s drive to the airstrip at Bhadrapur, where we board our plane bound for Kathmandu. We’ll reach Kathmandu in the afternoon and transport you to your hotel. Spend the evening taking care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing after an amazing trip.
Day 28: Depart Kathmandu
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
