Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

Transportation
Flight + Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 12
Maximum Altitude
4500
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS Card.
Destinations
Eastern Nepal Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Hard

The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek is a 16-day restricted-area trek to the Yalung Glacier viewpoint (4,500m) at the South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. Unlike the North Base Camp trek which approaches from the Ghunsa valley, the South Base Camp route approaches through the Simjua Khola valley, climbing through dense rhododendron and oak forest to reach Ramche and the high grazing meadows beneath Kanchenjunga’s dramatic 3,000m south face. The viewpoint at Yalung offers views of Kanchenjunga, Kabru (7,412m), Rathong (6,679m), and the dramatic Yalung Glacier ice seracs. The route passes through Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa villages and stays within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to red panda, blue sheep, and the Himalayan black bear. This is a shorter alternative to the full Kanchenjunga Circuit, focusing on the south side only.

Highlights

Reach the Yalung Glacier viewpoint at South Base Camp (4,500m) beneath Kanchenjunga's south face.
Witness sunrise on Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Rathong from the high camps.
Walk through dense rhododendron and oak forest in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Cross the Simjua La (4,200m) with views into both the Yalung and Tamur valleys.
Visit Limbu and Sherpa villages rarely seen by foreign travelers.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 02 :

Fly to Bhadrapur & Drive to Taplejung

Morning flight to Bhadrapur, then drive up the Tamor valley to Taplejung.

Day 03 :

Drive to Sekathum & Trek to Mitlung

Drive to Sekathum, then begin walking along the Tamur river to Mitlung.

Day 04 :

Trek to Siwa

Continue along the Tamur through Limbu villages to Siwa.

Day 05 :

Trek to Yamphudin

Climb out of the Tamur valley through forest to Yamphudin, the last permanent village.

Day 06 :

Acclimatization in Yamphudin

Rest day with optional hike to the Omje Khola valley. Important acclimatization before the climb.

Day 07 :

Trek to Torongden

Cross the Omje Khola and climb through forest to Torongden, a small grazing settlement.

Day 08 :

Trek to Tseram

Continue up the Simjua Khola valley through rhododendron forest to Tseram.

Day 09 :

Trek to Ramche

Climb to Ramche, a small grazing settlement and base for the South Base Camp excursion.

Day 10 :

Hike to Yalung South Base Camp & Return

Hike up the Yalung Glacier to the South Base Camp viewpoint (4,500m). Views of Kanchenjunga's south face, Kabru, and Rathong. Return to Ramche.

Day 11 :

Contingency Day

Buffer day in case of poor weather for the Base Camp excursion. Optional hike toward Lapsang La.

Day 12 :

Cross Simjua La to Torongden

Begin the descent, crossing the Simjua La (4,200m) with views into both the Yalung and Tamur valleys.

Day 13 :

Trek to Yamphudin

Continue descending through Limbu and Rai villages as the air warms.

Day 14 :

Trek to Siwa & Drive to Taplejung

Final trekking day to Siwa, then jeep ride to Taplejung for celebration dinner.

Day 15 :

Drive to Bhadrapur & Fly to Kathmandu

Long drive to Bhadrapur and afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.

Day 16 :

Final Departure

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

Things to Carry for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 3-season sleeping bag rated to -15C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 4500m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear, Island Peak Technical Gear And Rental In Nepal, Island Peak Technical Gear Rental Nepal, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Gear Checklist.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek Information

Trip Name: Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek – 16 Days
Duration: 16 days
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum Altitude: 4500m
Group Size: Max 12

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Hard. Hard treks involve 6-8+ hours of walking daily at high altitude. Previous high-altitude experience strongly recommended. The maximum altitude is 4500m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Operators Real Experience, Saipal Base Camp Difficulty Vs Popular Nepal Treks.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.

Read our seasonal guides: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Photography Season, When Book Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Spring Autumn.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Food and water guides: Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Lodges Or Camping, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Accommodation Meals.

Transportation

Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Australians Buffer Days Nepal Lukla Flights Trek, Australian Travelers Flights Rest Days Annapurna Base Camp.

Required Permits

Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Permit Operator Check, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Permits.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 4500m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Safety Support Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Itinerary Acclimatization.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions, Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Week Training.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 4500m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek Travel Insurance.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Villages Culture, Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

How difficult is the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek and what fitness do I need?

This trek is rated Hard and requires excellent fitness and previous high-altitude experience, 6-8+ hours daily. The maximum altitude is 4500m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises. Consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 4500m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal.

Related permit guides: Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Permit Operator Check.

When is the best time to do the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek?

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory.

Read our altitude safety guides: Safety Support Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Itinerary Acclimatization.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list.

Packing guides: Australian Budget Everest Base Camp Flights Insurance Tips Gear.

Highlights