A long, remote trek in far-eastern Nepal to the north (Pangpema) and south (Oktang) base camps of Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 m the world's third-highest mountain.
21–28 walking days · highest point Pangpema (North Base Camp) 5,140 m · Strenuous · best months Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov · Start and end: Taplejung · Protected area: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Fly from Kathmandu to Taplejung via Biratnagar, or go by bus. The trek starts and ends near Taplejung.
This is a restricted area: you need a special permit through a registered agency and a licensed guide. The route is remote and thinly populated, with basic lodges; Lhonak has very few beds. Snow can fall in any season, and landslides on the roads to Taplejung can delay the start or the return. Allow 3 to 4 weeks.
Restricted area: the special permit is issued only through a government-registered trekking agency, and a licensed guide must go with you. Since March 2026 solo trekkers can get the permit too, still with a guide.
Most of these treks go above 3,000 m. The US CDC advises: once above 3,000 m, sleep no more than 500 m higher each night, add an extra day for every 1,000 m you gain, never go higher with symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness), and go down if they get worse.
Fees and rules checked on 2026-11-02.
Trekking and sightseeing in Nepal
General guidance from the sources listed, not a guarantee. Rules, fees and trail conditions change; confirm with the official source or a registered trekking agency before you go.