overview
In the world of adventure, before there was Everest – there was KANGCHENJUNGA!
Clear and spectacular views of the Kangchenjunga range from the summer retreat town of Darjeeling (in India) raised the curiosity of early British explorers. Moreover, easy access to eastern Nepal from bordering Sikkim also made adventures to the area possible as early as 1848 (while the rest of Nepal was closed to foreign visitors for another 100 years until the 1950s). In fact, for some time, Kangchenjunga was even considered the highest mountain in the world – i.e. until 1856, when Peak XV was announced as the highest point on Earth and named 'Mount Everest'.
Kangchenjunga literally translates to "Five Great Treasures in the Snow." There are five peaks within the Kangchenjunga range, and local people believe that each of the five peaks is a repository of different treasures: gold, silver, gems, grains and sacred texts. Kangchenjunga is a sacred mountain. In due reverence, the first summiteers stopped a few meters short of the summit in 1955. (This practice is no longer followed by today's climbers!)
Kangchenjunga is situated in the Beyul Demazong [beyuls are sacred valleys that were hidden by Padmasambhava, a much revered Indian saint who introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century]. The purpose of beyuls was to provide sanctuaries for people seeking refuge from social and religious persecution. During our trip, Beyul Demazong will also allow us to experience its purpose as we seek refuge from the daily grind of our hectic social lives.
Our Nepal and Tibet treks and climbs are operated by our sister company based in Nepal - Crystal Mountain Treks - managed by our founder's family. Crystal Mountain Treks has been in business for over two decades and employs only the best guides with a minimum of 15 years experience. We treat our staff with the utmost care and respect. Each staff member is provided high-quality equipment and paid higher-than-average wages. Our clients have commented that our treks provide a better value (we provide more for less) than other companies they researched, comparing services, quality and price. We are happy to provide references of people who have journeyed with us in the past upon request.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel Tibet or similar. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner. Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Dinner)
Day 02 - Kathmandu
Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you'll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.
Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 03 - Kathmandu to Ilam
Fly to Bhadrapur. Board a chartered vehicle for a 5 hour drive to Ilam. Overnight local lodge (All meals)
Day 04 - Ilam to Taplejung
Drive to Taplejung. (6 hours). Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 05 to Day 08 - Taplejung to Amjilosa
Trek through relatively low altitude (between 3,000 and 6,000 ft.) Limbu villages through Chirwa, Sekathum and Amjilosa. The forests are lush and the trails are typical of those in Nepal - you ascend steeply only to descend to the river later. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
A little past Amjilosa, the landscape starts to change - from lush green low-land to alpine country with shorter pine and rhododendron trees. The inhabitants of this region are Sherpas and Bhotes who continue trade with Tibet which is about a two days hike. The traders take yak and locally grown herbs to sell in Tibet. On Day 11, you reach Ghunsa which is the largest Sherpa village on this trek. A rest and acclamitisation day is planned here. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 12 and Day 13 - Ghunsa to Khangbachen (4,092 m) and hike to Jannu Base Camp
The trail today is along the Ghunsa river with pastures along forests of rhododendron trees and juniper. Past the bridge over the Ghunsa river, it is a steep climb past a landslide. Descend to Khangbachen. The next day is another acclimatization day with optional hike to Jannu Base Camp. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 14 to Day 16 - Hike to Pangpema and Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,152 m)
Today you hike to Lhonak. Look out for blue sheep along the trail from Khangbachen to Pangpema. Blue sheep are the primary prey of snow-leopards. So keep a look out for this elusive beauty. Lhonak is a BEYUL (blessed land) and one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. The next day, hike to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga Base Camp). Kanchenjunga is visible only when you almost get to Pangpema. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 17 - Ghunsa (2,730 m)
Return to Ghunsa. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 18 - Trek to Selela (4,660m)
Ascend steeply to Selela. The hike is around 3 to 5 hours. The pass from Ghunsa to Ramje involves crossing five passes - Tamo La (3,900m), second pass (4,115m), Mirgin La (4,663m), Sinion La (4,660m) and the final pass (4,724m). Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 19 - Trek to Ramje
The views from the pass are breath-taking. Makalu (8,481m) is also visible towards the west. Descend to Tseram. Continue to Ramje. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 20 - Explore South Base Camp
Explore Base Camp. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 21 - Descend to Torontan
Descend at a slow pace to Torontan. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 22 - Trek to Lamite Bhanjyang
Hike steeply to Lamite Bhanjyang. The jungle around this area is teeming with wildlife. Pheasants, red panda, wild dogs etc. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 23 to Day 25 - Lamite Bhanjyang to Sinam
Descend to Yamphudin. Your trek ends at Sinam. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 26 - Drive to Bhadrapur
Drive to Bhadrapur (around 7 hours). Overnight lodge in Bhadrapur (All meals)
Day 27 - Fly to Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast)
Day 28 - Kathmandu Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Kathmandu. (All meals)
Day 29 - Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for flight home. (Breakfast)
Cost and Inclusions
Per person Price - 2012
2 persons: $ 4,995 USD per person
3 persons: $ 4,395 USD per person
4 - 10 persons: $ 3,895 USD per person
Single Supplement: $200 USD
Per person Price - 2013
2 persons: $ 5,150 USD per person
3 persons: $ 4,545 USD per person
4 - 10 persons: $ 3,995 USD per person
Single Supplement: $250 USD
Private departures available for two or more participants for a US$ 250 per person surcharge.
Price includes:
- Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Motivated, well-cared-for staff
- All airport transfers
- Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments.
- 4 nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu.
- Airfare: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
- Chartered vehicle: Bhadrapur to Taplejung and Sinam to Bhadrapur
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Camping trekking as indicated in the itinerary
- Three meals a day
- Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
- Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
- Guide and staff insurance
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Fee and trekking permit
- Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)
Price does not include:
- Your international airfare
- Nepal Visa
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you
- Travel insurance (Required)
- Other expenses of a personal nature
Dates and Availability
| October 15 - November 12, 2012 | Limited Availability |
2013 dates:
| April 15 - May 13, 2013 |
AVAILABLE |
| October 17 - November 14, 2013 | AVAILABLE |
Available:
Book this trip now as spaces are available.
Guaranteed:
This trip has the minimum sign ups required and is guaranteed to run.
Limited Availability:
Limited spaces are available so please contact us to inquire about the departure status.
Full:
This date is unavailable. please contact us to inquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as part of a Custom Itinerary.
Book This Trip
Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.
Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.
Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA
Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.
If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.
Cancelation Policy
If you cancel:
- More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
- 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
- No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure