Excursionismo en campamento base norte del Kanchenjunga

Birtamod is a developed town in the district of Jhapa. From Birtamod, the highway leads us through the pleasant tea-gardens and paddy fields (in the right season) towards the Taplejung via Paachthar and Illam. During this 8-9 hour of drive, you will experience 3 different weather conditions: hot, cold, and very cold (snowy). This is a wonderful experience as you could see the landscapes changing from flat land, to verdant hills and finally the rocky terrain.

In Ilam, you may hold to catch the local taste of milk products such as curd, ghee, butter, and churpi (traditionally made hard-cheese). As you leave Ilam, the views start to grow beautiful- with sheer glimpses of Kanchenjunga and Makalu in the northern skyline. By the time you arrive at Taplejung, it would have been night. So, you will not get the time to explore Taplejung.

Our trekking expedition begins on the 5th day, which is a journey from Taplejung to Chiruwa. While on the trail, you can barely see the good Himalayan views. There are no mountains to see and stumble upon. Nevertheless, the overall journey is an interesting one as you get to lace up on the adventure to one of the highest peaks in the world.

In most parts of the trek, the chirping sounds of the wild birds and the rushing noise of the pacing rivers (Tamur Nadi) create a melodious setting. Through the village of Miltung, the trail is fenced by the cardamom plantations on both sides. The trees and local smells impel the vibe of exploring the world beyond the artificiality. The overall trek can be considered easy for this day as there are only a handful of sheer ascents- unlike trekking in the Everest or Annapurna region.

The steady climb up the Chiruwa runs parallel to the raging Himalayan river of Tamor. The green hills and deep valleys are the constant companions throughout the trip. As you arrive at the Taplethok, the natural calmness of the trail gets swapped by the busy feet. There, you will pay your permit fees and then, head on towards the Lelep. On the way, you will come across a series of stairs like rocky slabs that continues through the meadows and joyous scenery until Lelep.

his is the first tough day on this trek. The sheer climbs and unexpected bridges are enough to challenge your adventurous soul.

From Lelep, the trail dissociates into 2: so is the river Tamor. Actually, it is the fusion point of the Ghunsa Khola (a tributary) and Tamor river among which we will follow the trail that goes parallel to the Ghunsa Khola. There are deep ravines and thunderous rivers to put you in awe throughout the trek. Some part of the trail is threatened by Landslides, which usually occurs due to heavy downpour in the monsoon. Through Jauban and Lamatar, we will extrude out into an apparently isolated village of Amjilosa on a clear hillside that offers glamourous views of some of the mountain peaks. Amjilosa is a beautiful hamlet to spend your night in.

The higher you ascend, the challenging the trek becomes. From Amjilosa, it is a pleasant uphill walk through the forest of rhododendron, which blooms in red in the spring. After Thyanyani, the route passes through a waterfall and several unnoticeable imageries that are enough to astound the passer-by. A good bridge spanning across the river of Sakechung Khola carves your way up through the Birdungu Danda. A few distance up, a glittering peak of Ghunsa inspires you to continue your journey. Now, the rocky boulders make your way to the meadows of Gyabla, where there are only a handful of hotel options to stay.

Based on the terrain, the trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa can be separated into 2 phases- divider being the Phole. Until Phole, the climb is pretty steep and demands a lot of physical exertion. However, after that, the trail is not so demanding.

A few distances ahead of Phole, some memorial and Chorten are erected for the WWF victims of a helicopter crash. While on the track, you will see a few tributaries passing across the trail. A large mani wall gives an inkling of the Tashi Choeling Monastery approaching close. This monastery is a historical site with highlighted paintings of the Lord Buddha and his followers hung around the walls. As you arrive at Ghunsa, take rest for the day.

Like in all high-altitude trekking, acclimatization is necessary in the Kanchenjunga region as well. And for that, there is no better place than Ghunsa. Although it is not an ideal point for acclimatization, we have to take a day-off to avoid any altitude-related complications. Around the Ghunsa, there are only a few side-trips available that take to nowhere but few viewpoints from where the views of mountains are relatively unchanged from what was seen before. Later, we will return to Ghunsa.

Today’s trek is going to very much rewarding. The trails are rocky, and the wind is chilly that makes the walk pretty challenging. There are pointed cliffs and overhanging rocks on the way. One of the waterfalls that we come across is frozen most of the time. A few turquoise glacier walls adorn the eastern flank. In fact, this trek makes you feel like you are climbing in the mountains.

A Thulo Dhungo Shrine, located few kilometers ahead, is a wonderful place to stopover. There is a huge trident of Lord Shiva at display in the temple that triggers the anticipation to see more. Consequently, the mesmerizing glimpse of the Mount Kumbhakarna fills that gap.

The reminiscent views of the Mera peak and massive glaciers of Kambachen sets the tone for the trekking. As you approach Ramtang, the views grow fabulous. The overhanging glaciers on the rocky boulders appear as if the icicles are about to fall from the rooftop. The juniper bushes and alpine trees line up the trail. There are waterfalls and snowy meadows that are unforgettable. It is indeed a heavenly glimpse.

After Ramtang, the trail is pretty easy, and the views of Pathivara Chuli begins to grow. We could see the blue sheep running down the snowy hills.

For the first few hours, the trail seems fair and easy. But, as you proceed further, the rocky boulders slow down your pace. The icy path makes the trail slippery and it becomes very difficult to walk. However, the compensation paid by the great view of the Kanchenjunga and other neighboring peaks enhances the overall beauty. The panoramic glimpse, visible from the base camp of Kanchenjunga, is a rare view because not everybody could make it to the base camp of the Kanchenjunga. It is considered one of the most dangerous mountain peaks in the world for climbing.

After spending quality time in the base camp, we will return to Lhonak for the overnight stay.

Lhonak to Ghunsa is the same trail that we have ventured on earlier. We will return down along a descending trail until Ghunsa.

After Breakfast, we are heading back to Amjilosa from Ghansa along with stunning forest, Pastures, ridges, streams, and breathtaking glimpses of White mountains. the trail leads us mostly ascending and descending on the rocky trail. Amjilosa is known as a honey town, we can see everywhere honey at the villager's house. Stay overnight at Teahouse.

Today is our 14th day of Short Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. we trek back from Amjilosa to Tapethok the same way. Stay overnight at Tea House.

After breakfast, we are heading back to Mitllung from Tapethok. Stay overnight at Tea House.

After Breakfast, we are heading back toTaplejung from Mitlung. Stay overnight at Tea House.

Finally, we will catch a drive back to the Bhadrapur along the same trail that we have ventured on earlier. It is a pleasant drive along with the tea gardens and paddy fields fencing the highway. Upon arriving at Birtamod, we will check in to our hotel where we will spend our overnight.

Within an hour drive from the Birtamod, we will arrive at Bhadrapur from where we will catch a flight to Kathmandu. It takes around 45 mins to arrive at Kathmandu from the Bhadrapur.