On reaching Kathmandu International Airport, you will be received by our guide and staff and then transferred to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

First, check into your hotel rooms after getting refreshed from the flight, where our expert guides will inform you regarding hotels, trekking, local lodges, and overland drives with dos and don’ts.

This morning, your leader will provide a trek briefing and check your gear. We will also collect your passports to apply for the trekking permits. Following the briefing, we have organized a one-day guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. During the tour, we will visit three of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our first stop is Patan Durbar Square, followed by the Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath. The final destination is the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath. The tour is expected to conclude around 4 pm. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Kathmandu and pack your bags. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items not needed for the trek.

We depart early in the morning, embarking on a scenic drive through lush tea and cardamom plantations. Our journey includes a stop at a high pass along the route, offering our initial glimpse of the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga. Continuing on, we arrive at Taplejung, where we rendezvous with our trekking crew.

Following a hearty lunch, we commence our trek by descending along a steep trail that leads us to the banks of the Tamur River. Given the potentially slippery terrain, it is advisable to utilize two trekking poles for enhanced stability and safety.

Starting from the campsite, the trail winds downward towards the Tamur River, meandering through quaint villages along the way. This fertile region is adorned with fields of rice, millet, potatoes, and various vegetables, painting a vibrant agricultural landscape.

As the journey progresses, trekkers encounter a descent towards a wooden bridge spanning the Thiwa Khola, followed by gentle undulations before reaching the charming village of Chirwa. Here, bustling bazaars, cozy lodges, and assorted shops create a lively atmosphere. Our campsite lies just a brief stroll away from the village, nestled in a spacious field adjacent to a prominent boulder, providing a serene setting for rest and relaxation.

After departing from camp, our trek along the Tamur River valley floor leads us to Taplechok at 1,380 m altitude. After verifying our trekking permits at the park gate, we cross a suspension bridge and continue along the west bank, passing through forests where cardamom thrives as a cash crop typical of East Nepal’s middle hills.

Following about 3 ½ hours of trekking, we stop for lunch at a lodge in Phembu. Post-lunch, the trail climbs above the Tamur River to reach Lelep at 1,750 m altitude. Crossing another suspension bridge over the Tamur River, we enter the narrower Ghunsa Khola Valley. Our camp for the night is set at Sekathum, offering our first glimpses of the towering Himalayas, including the majestic Jannu peak visible on clear days up the Ghunsa valley.

At Sekathum camp, we traverse a suspension bridge and venture into a dense forest, navigating steep and narrow sections along a captivating gorge. We pause for lunch at a simple lodge in Solima before continuing our hike, ascending along switchback trails amidst lush trees. Finally, we arrive at Amjilossa, perched high above the gorge, where we set up camp for the night.

From Gyabla, the valley gradually expands, leading us along a relatively easier path towards Phole. As we ascend beyond 3,000 meters, the temperature begins to drop, and the landscape undergoes a noticeable transformation, with an increase in rhododendrons and azaleas. En route to Phole, we pass through the winter settlement utilized by Ghunsa villagers.

In Phole village, a monastery stands amidst the scenic surroundings, and visitors may witness local women skillfully weaving carpets. Continuing our journey, it takes approximately another 1 ½ hours to reach the larger Tibetan village of Ghunsa. Characterized by charming wooden houses adorned with vibrant prayer flags, Ghunsa boasts lodges, shops, and a small Kanchenjunga Conservation Area office. Our accommodation for the night is in the garden of one of the lodges, where we’ll also enjoy meals in their dining room. Additionally, hot showers are available for refreshment on the lodge premises.

We spent two nights in Ghunsa to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. It’s advisable to take a morning walk, as it aids in acclimatization. We follow the trail above the village to Lobsang La. This path reaches 4,000 meters in approximately three hours from camp, with a two-hour return journey to Ghunsa.

After departing from Ghunsa, our trek leads us through enchanting pine and rhododendron forests, tracing the eastern bank of the Ghunsa Khola. Along the way, we encounter Buddhist mani walls and chortens, adding spiritual significance to our journey. Around three hours later, we cross a sturdy bridge spanning the Ghunsa Khola, pausing for a nourishing lunch break amidst the serene grasslands of Rampuk Kharka at 3,720 meters elevation.

Today’s trek unfolds a spectacle of mountain vistas, with the majestic north face of Jannu towering dramatically above. While marveling at the scenery, we exercise caution while traversing a landslide-prone area before reaching Khambachen, where the risk of rockfall demands our attention. The trail gracefully contours along the hillside before descending into Khambachen, a picturesque Tibetan settlement nestled amidst verdant plains encircled by towering mountains.

During our stay in Khambachen, situated at an altitude of 4,100 meters, we allocated two nights for crucial acclimatization. In the mornings, guests are welcome to partake in a gentle walk, aiding the body’s adjustment to higher altitudes through the “climb high, sleep low” principle. An excursion up Nupchu Khola from Khambachen presents captivating vistas of Mount Jannu, making it a highly recommended activity. For those seeking a more extensive trek, a journey to the Jannu shrine at 4,400 meters offers a rewarding 5- to 6-hour round-trip hike.

After departing from Ghunsa, our journey continues along a rocky trail meandering through the dense forest. Ascending a ridge, we encounter a brief yet steep section leading to the majestic Sele La pass, standing at an elevation of 4,290 meters. The panoramic vistas from this vantage point are simply breathtaking, offering glimpses of High Camp just a half-hour’s walk beyond the pass. Nestled in a serene and sheltered location, High Camp welcomes us with its cozy wooden lodges and a tranquil small lake nearby. Moreover, the distant silhouette of Mount Makalu adds to the awe-inspiring scenery visible from this elevated vantage point.

On this day, the journey involves trekking across Mirgin La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 4,663 meters or approximately 15,298.56 feet, to reach Tseram, located at an altitude of 3,870 meters or roughly 12,696.85 feet. This segment of the itinerary typically encompasses traversing challenging terrain, ascending to the high mountain pass, and then descending towards Tseram, where trekkers can rest and acclimatize to the altitude.

In the morning, we embark on a hike towards Ramche, where we’ll pause for lunch. The trail leads us past the snout of the Yalung glacier, traversing through an ablation valley. To the east, a majestic panorama unfolds, with peaks such as Koktang (6,147 m), Rathong (6,679 m), and the towering Kabrus, towering above 7,000 meters. Ramche welcomes us with its serene lake, verdant meadows, and two quaint stone houses. Keep an eye out for the elusive blue sheep, often grazing on the grassy slopes nearby.

Later in the afternoon, our journey continues along the Ablation Valley, guiding us towards Oktang. Here, we’ll encounter an unparalleled vista: the southwest face of Mount Kanchenjunga unfolds before us. The three primary summits of the Kanchenjunga massif loom large, reaching heights of over 8,400 meters. From this vantage point, we can trace the historic climbing route pioneered by Joe Brown and George Band in 1955, leading to the summit of Kanchenjunga.

We trace our steps back to Tseram, trekking alongside the river amidst the enchanting rhododendron forest until we reach Tortong, where we set up camp for the night.

From Tortong, the trail ascends through dense forests and across a landslide zone. It typically takes around three hours to reach the lunch spot at Lamite Bhanjang. Following lunch, the trail descends along a well-maintained path for approximately two hours before crossing the Imja Khola. It then winds around the hillside before descending into Yamphudin. This village boasts a diverse community, including Sherpas, Rais, Limbus, and Gurungs. Additionally, it is home to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area office.

Leaving Phumpe Danda, our journey takes us through a succession of valleys, each adorned with its own unique charm and surrounded by picturesque villages. Continuing along the trail, we ascend towards Kande Bhanjyang, where we will set up camp for the night, surrounded by the tranquility of the Himalayan landscape.