Great Himalayan Trail – Kangchenjunga to Makalu Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore Kathmandu's lively streets, traditional markets, and cultural landmarks.

• Transportation: Private vehicle
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Not included

Take an approximately 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur in southeastern Nepal, near the Indian border. From there, drive through the beautiful eastern hills toward Ilam, a region famous for its extensive tea plantations. The rolling green hills, terraced landscapes, and peaceful rural villages provide a wonderful introduction to eastern Nepal.

• Flight: Approximately 45 minutes
• Driving time: 4.5–5 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Travel by road from Ilam to Taplejung through forested hills, terraced farmland, and traditional mountain settlements. The route passes through the homeland of the Limbu and Rai communities, whose distinctive cultures and traditions contribute to the region's character.

• Driving time: 4.5–5 hours
• Transportation: Private vehicle
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Drive from Taplejung to Ranipool, the starting point of the trek. After the initial section, begin walking toward Lamatar through lush hillsides and extensive cardamom plantations. The trail crosses the Ghunsa Khola several times, including a local zipline crossing used where a bridge was damaged by floods. The subtropical vegetation includes banana plants, papaya trees, and other tropical species.

• Driving time: Approximately 2 hours, depending on road conditions
• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 960 m
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Begin the day with a steady ascent through dense forests of deciduous trees and rhododendrons. Continue toward Amjilosa, a traditional settlement influenced by Tibetan culture and architecture. The trail then follows a series of ascents and descents, passing waterfalls and forested slopes before a final climb to Gyabla, a small mountain village surrounded by rugged scenery.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 740 m
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Follow the trail through open clearings and forested slopes toward Phale, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village. Continue along the hillside before descending toward the Ghunsa Khola. Cross a suspension bridge and climb gradually to Ghunsa, an important settlement in the Kangchenjunga region. Wooden houses, Buddhist prayer flags, and traditional mountain culture make this a memorable stop.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 865 m
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Spend a day acclimatizing to the increasing altitude. You may take an optional gradual hike above the village to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the valley and surrounding peaks. The day also provides time to rest, explore Ghunsa, and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

• Activity: Acclimatization and optional hike
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Leave Ghunsa and follow the stream through beautiful larch forests. The route gradually enters a more open alpine landscape before climbing toward Kambachen. This seasonal settlement lies beneath the dramatic north face of Jannu, also known as Kumbhakarna, offering impressive mountain views.

• Walking time: 7–8 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 870 m
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Spend another day allowing your body to adapt to the altitude. An optional hike above Kambachen offers opportunities to explore the surrounding alpine terrain and enjoy views of glaciers and high Himalayan peaks. Keep a comfortable pace and return to the village for rest.

• Activity: Acclimatization and optional hike
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Continue through open alpine meadows and rocky terrain toward the Kangchenjunga Glacier. The route follows glacial moraine marked by stone cairns, passing the high-altitude grazing area of Ramtang at approximately 4,370 m. Continue to Lhonak, a remote plateau surrounded by enormous glaciers and towering Himalayan peaks.

• Walking time: 4–5 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 695 m
• Accommodation: Lodge or trekking shelter, subject to availability
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Walk toward Pangpema, the site of Kangchenjunga North Base Camp. The route follows the glacial valley through a spectacular landscape of moraine, ice, and towering peaks. At Pangpema, enjoy views of Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), the world's third-highest mountain. Depending on conditions, you may continue a little higher for a broader panorama before returning to Lhonak.

• Walking time: 6–7 hours
• Highest altitude: 5,145 m
• Accommodation: Lodge or trekking shelter, subject to availability
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Retrace the route through the glacial valley, descending past Ramtang and Kambachen toward Ghunsa. As you lose altitude, the landscape gradually changes from barren alpine terrain to greener slopes and forests. Enjoy the familiar mountain scenery from a different perspective.

• Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Follow the Ghunsa Khola for approximately an hour before turning toward the alpine pastures of Ghunsa Kharka. The trail climbs through forests of rhododendron, larch, fir, and spruce before reaching the tree line. Continue across rocky slopes to the open grazing area, where the team establishes camp on sheltered terraces.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 570 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Climb through the upper valley along a stone-paved trail before following a narrower path between rocky slopes to Nango La Pass. From the pass, descend toward the alpine pastures on the northern side. The route continues through the Thasa Khola valley, where the trail can be difficult to follow in places. Reach Yangjong Kharka and establish camp near a small wooden shelter.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Highest altitude: 4,770 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Descend through the Thasa Khola valley, following forested slopes and stone pathways. Cross the Yangma Khola, where bridge conditions may vary depending on recent floods and landslides. Continue through coniferous forests and along the Tamor River toward Olangjung Gola, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village historically connected with trade across the Tibetan border.

• Walking time: 6–7 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Follow the Tamor River through a remote valley used by yak caravans traveling toward Tibet. Cross the river and enter the valley leading toward Lumba Sumba Pass. The trail climbs gradually through rugged terrain to Sangjong Kharka, a beautiful alpine pasture surrounded by rocky slopes and mountain scenery.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 840 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Ascend the valley along the stream, crossing small bridges and following a zigzagging trail toward Langmale Kharka. Continue across rocky terrain and approach the glacial moraine at the head of the valley. A final steep climb leads to the base camp below Lumba Sumba Pass, where the team establishes camp for an early start the following morning.

• Walking time: 4–5 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 630 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Start early for the demanding crossing of Lumba Sumba Pass. Climb steep switchbacks toward the first pass, with views of Kangchenjunga and Jannu. Continue across exposed slopes toward the second crossing, where crampons may be required depending on snow and ice conditions.

From the pass, descend through high alpine pastures toward Yak Kharka and follow the Modek Chhelu Khola valley to Thudam. This remote village is known for its traditional wooden houses and Tibetan cultural heritage.

• Walking time: Approximately 9–10 hours
• Highest altitude: Approximately 5,150 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Important: Snow, weather, and trail conditions can affect the crossing. An additional overnight stop may be necessary if the descent cannot be completed safely.

Descend through dense forests of conifers, rhododendrons, and bamboo. The trail includes muddy sections and a steep climb toward a small pass, followed by a long descent through the forest. Continue toward the Arun Valley and reach Kharka, also known as Yak Kharka, a small settlement near a developing hydroelectric project.

• Walking time: 7–8 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge or basic local shelter, depending on availability
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Climb through the forest to a small pass above Kharka, then descend toward the Arun River. Cross the river by suspension bridge before climbing toward Chyamtang, a traditional settlement with terraced fields. Continue along a mixture of trails and short road sections to reach Lingam.

• Walking time: 7–8 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Walk through small settlements and terraced farmland before climbing to a ridge overlooking the Arun River. The trail then descends along the hillside to the Hangda Khola suspension bridge. Cross the river and climb toward Hongon, a picturesque village surrounded by terraced slopes and traditional houses.

• Walking time: 4–5 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Leave Hongon and climb above the village before entering a dense bamboo forest. Continue through the valley, crossing streams and following stone steps toward Bakhim Kharka. The route becomes steeper near the tree line before reaching the rugged landscape surrounding Molun Pokhari Lake. Pass sacred chortens and continue to a suitable campsite near the lake.

• Walking time: 8–9 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,630 m  
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Note: Depending on snow, water availability, and ground conditions, the camp may be established below the lake.

Climb gradually to Churpik La Pass, where clear weather can reveal Makalu to the northwest and the Himalayan foothills to the south. Descend toward Tin Pokhari Lake and continue across alpine meadows and small streams. Follow the Dhungge Khola valley through rhododendron forest before climbing toward the Kholakharka Khola valley. Camp near a bridge and a traditional shepherd's shelter.

• Walking time: 7–8 hours
• Highest altitude: 4,250 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Descend through forest and bamboo-covered slopes, negotiating sections affected by landslides. Cross the Saldim Khola and begin a demanding ascent over rocky ground and glacial moraine. Follow cairns toward a rocky area known as Cave Camp before traversing exposed sections and climbing a ridge to reach the alpine pasture below Bathasidara Pass.

• Walking time: 8–9 hours
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Cross the rocky slopes leading to Bathasidara Pass. Some sections may be steep or exposed, and crampons may be necessary in snowy conditions. Continue across grassy slopes and pass Kalo Pokhari, a small lake surrounded by a dramatic mountain landscape.

Ascend toward Thulo Santara Pass and continue to Shyano Santara Pass. Enjoy views across the surrounding Himalayan ranges before descending to a grassy plateau near Kharka Lake, where camp is established.

• Walking time: 7–8 hours
• Highest altitude: Approximately 4,420 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Descend toward Kharka pasture and continue through forests of spruce, fir, and rhododendron. The trail includes steep, sometimes slippery sections before reaching the Barun River. Follow the river through rugged terrain and join the established trekking route toward Makalu Base Camp.

The day's walk marks the transition from the remote Kangchenjunga–Makalu crossing to the more frequently visited Makalu region. Reach Yangmale Kharka, also known as Langmale Kharka, and settle into a lodge or designated overnight accommodation.

• Walking time: 7–8 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge or basic trekking accommodation, subject to availability
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Continue along the moraine beside the West Barun Glacier, gradually approaching the impressive Makalu massif. The trail traverses rocky slopes and glacial terrain before descending toward the base camp area. Arrive at Makalu Base Camp, surrounded by glaciers, towering cliffs, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in eastern Nepal.

• Walking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
• Elevation gain: Approximately 440 m
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Start early for an optional high-altitude excursion toward a nearby viewpoint at approximately 5,800 m, depending on route conditions and the group's fitness. The ascent involves rocky terrain and potentially snow-covered sections, requiring careful footing and possibly crampons.

From the upper viewpoint, enjoy expansive views of Makalu, surrounding glaciers, and the high Himalayan landscape. Return to base camp along the same route.

• Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
• Highest altitude: Approximately 5,800 m, subject to conditions
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Note: This is a strenuous high-altitude hike, not a technical summit climb. The guide should decide whether it is appropriate based on weather, acclimatization, and group condition.

Begin the descent from Makalu Base Camp toward Yangla Kharka. Follow the trail beside the glacier and through rocky valleys, crossing streams by small bridges or suitable fording points. As the elevation decreases, vegetation gradually becomes more abundant. Arrive at Yangla Kharka, an alpine pasture surrounded by rugged hills and mountain scenery.

• Walking time: Approximately 5 hours
• Accommodation: Tented camp
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Continue along the Barun River through beautiful high-altitude forests. Cross the river near the Phematang area and negotiate rocky sections and terrain affected by erosion. A steep climb over stone steps leads to Dobato, near the tree line, where a local lodge offers a welcome rest.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Climb gradually toward Keke La Pass and enjoy views of Kalo Pokhari Lake. Descend to the lake and continue toward Shipton La Pass, where the surrounding peaks and the Chamlang massif create an impressive panorama.

Cross the final small pass and descend along the ridge toward Kongma Danda. The route combines alpine scenery, rocky terrain, and high mountain viewpoints before reaching the overnight stop.

• Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours
• Highest altitude: Approximately 4,250 m
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Descend through forests of dwarf rhododendrons, conifers, and deciduous trees. As you lose altitude, the landscape changes from alpine vegetation to lush subtropical forest. Continue along stone steps and traditional mountain trails to Seduwa, a peaceful settlement surrounded by terraced farmland above the Arun River.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Leave Seduwa by 4WD vehicle and travel along rough mountain tracks toward the main road. Depending on road conditions, the journey may include a stop in Num for lunch. Continue through terraced hillsides and settlements toward Tumlingtar, where you will stay near the small domestic airport.

• Driving time: Approximately 6–7 hours, depending on road conditions
• Transportation: Private 4WD vehicle
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Take a domestic flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, subject to weather and airline operations. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax, explore the city, or visit its cultural attractions.

• Flight time: Approximately 45–60 minutes, subject to schedule
• Transportation: Domestic flight and private transfer
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

Keep this day available as a buffer in case of flight delays, adverse weather, or unexpected trekking difficulties. If everything proceeds as planned, enjoy a free day in Kathmandu, explore the historic city, or purchase souvenirs.

• Activity: Free day or contingency day
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

Keep this day available as a buffer in case of flight delays, adverse weather, or unexpected trekking difficulties. If everything proceeds as planned, enjoy a free day in Kathmandu, explore the historic city, or purchase souvenirs.

• Activity: Free day or contingency day
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy free time depending on your international flight schedule. At the appropriate time, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return journey.

• Transportation: Private airport transfer
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: On board the aircraft, if applicable

Arrive at your home destination and conclude your Great Himalayan Trail adventure.

• Accommodation: Not included
• Meals: Not included