Where Is Kanchenjunga? Location, Height and How to Reach Its Base Camps (2027)

Last updated 13 November 2026.

I'm Shreejan. People usually ask me "where is Kanchenjunga?" after they have seen it from Darjeeling or on a clear flight into Kathmandu, and then want to know if they can get close. You can, and it is one of the quietest big-mountain treks left in Nepal. Here is where it is, how high it is, and how you actually get to its base camps.

Where is Kanchenjunga located?

Kanchenjunga sits on the main Himalayan ridge at the far eastern end of Nepal. The summit marks the border between Nepal to the west and Sikkim, India, to the east. Tibet (China) is just to the north.

• Country: Nepal and India (Sikkim). Treks go from the Nepal side.
• District in Nepal: Taplejung, Koshi Province.
• Protected area: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Nepal; Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim.
• Nearest towns: Taplejung in Nepal; Darjeeling and Gangtok in India, from where the mountain is a famous view.
• Distance from Kathmandu: about 280 km in a straight line, but a 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur plus a long day's drive in practice.

How high is Kanchenjunga?

Place	Height
Kanchenjunga main summit	8,586 m (28,169 ft), third highest in the world
North Base Camp (Pangpema)	5,140 m
Lhonak, last village before North Base Camp	4,792 m
South Base Camp (Oktang)	4,730 m
Ghunsa, main village on the trek	3,415 m
Taplejung, where the trek starts	about 1,800 m

The name is usually translated as "the five treasures of the snow", for its five summits. It was first climbed in 1955 by a British team, who stopped just short of the very top out of respect for local belief that the summit is sacred. Climbers still do the same today.

How do you get to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?

There is no road near either base camp. The trek is the only way in, and it is long: 19 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu on our route.

1. Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (about 45 minutes), then drive to Taplejung, 8 to 9 hours through tea country.
2. Drive on to Shekathum and start walking up the Tamor and Ghunsa valleys, through Amjilesa and Gyabla to Ghunsa, a Tibetan-style village at 3,415 m.
3. Rest and climb slowly with rest days at Ghunsa and Kangpachen, then on to Lhonak.
4. North Base Camp at 5,140 m on day 10, right under the north face.
5. Cross the Sele Le ridge to Tseram and walk to South Base Camp at Oktang on day 15.
6. Walk out to Yamphudin, drive to Ilam and Bhadrapur, and fly back to Kathmandu.

If you would rather not fly, our 21-day road version has the same 15 days on the trail. The full day-by-day plan is in our Kanchenjunga 19-day itinerary.

What permits do you need?

• Restricted area permit: USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks, from the Department of Immigration.
• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry: NPR 2,000 per person for foreign nationals.
• TIMS card: NPR 2,000 for foreign nationals.

Because it is a restricted area, you must book through a registered agency and trek with a licensed guide. Since March 2026 a solo trekker can go, as long as an agency and a licensed guide are with you. All three permits are included in our price, in every tier.

How much does it cost?

Tier	Per person, 2 to 4 people	Solo
Budget	USD 1,720	USD 2,795
Standard	USD 3,335	USD 4,140
Luxury	USD 5,515	USD 7,865

Every tier includes your licensed guide, both Bhadrapur flights and all three permits. Standard adds all meals and one porter for every two trekkers, and Luxury adds a dedicated porter and private transport. Every trip is private. For a line-by-line breakdown, see our Kanchenjunga trek cost guide.

When is the best time to go?

October and November give the clearest views, then April and May, when the rhododendron forests lower down are in flower. Winter closes the high villages, and the monsoon (June to September) brings leeches, landslides on the road and cloud. Month by month, see our best time for the Kanchenjunga trek.

Is the Kanchenjunga trek hard?

Yes. It is the hardest trek we run: 15 days on the trail, long days, and nights above 4,700 m. You do not need climbing skills, but you should be used to walking six to eight hours a day for many days in a row, and ideally have done a trek above 4,000 m before. The rewards are a huge mountain almost to yourself and villages that very few trekkers reach.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is Kanchenjunga in?

Both Nepal and India. The summit sits on the border between Nepal's Taplejung district and Sikkim. Trekking to the base camps is done from Nepal.

Can you see Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling?

Yes. On a clear morning, Kanchenjunga is the big white wall on the skyline from Darjeeling and from Tiger Hill, especially from October to December.

Can you see Kanchenjunga from Kathmandu?

Not from the city itself. You can sometimes see it from the right side of a plane flying east, and very clearly on the Bhadrapur flight.

Is Kanchenjunga higher than Everest?

No. Everest is 8,849 m and Kanchenjunga is 8,586 m. Kanchenjunga is the third highest, after Everest and K2.

Which base camp is better, north or south?

North Base Camp (5,140 m) is higher and sits right under the main face. South Base Camp at Oktang (4,730 m) has a wide view of the south side and glacier. Our 19-day loop visits both.

Do I need a guide for the Kanchenjunga trek?

Yes. It is a restricted area, so a licensed guide and a registered agency are required by law.

How many days do you need?

Our route takes 19 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, or 21 days if you drive instead of flying to Bhadrapur.

Ready to see it for yourself?

Tell me when you want to go and how many of you there are, and I will tell you whether the flight or road version suits you better and what it costs. Message me on WhatsApp, or read the full plan on our Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek page.