Once you perch at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the team member of Kai Expedition and clear immigration formalities. After completing immigration formalities, you will transfer to your hotel where you can relax and recover from the journey. In the evening, there will be a brief orientation session to introduce the team, review the itinerary, and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
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Day 2 Sightseeing and preparation for trekking
We will spend the day sightseeing and soaking in the city’s rich culture, visiting iconic sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath stupa. In between exploring, allocate time to visit the tourism office or a local trekking agency to obtain the necessary permits for the Sele La Pass trek, such as restricted area permits and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit. This day also provide time to make final preparations for the trek, ensuring you are well-equipped and acclimatized for the adventure ahead.
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Day 3 Kathmandu - Bhadrapur (45-minutes flight) - Taplejung (drive)
Today, first, take a scenic morning fight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, located in the eastern part of Nepal, which takes almost 45 minutes. From Bhadrapur, embark on a long but picturesque drive through hills and rural landscapes to reach Taplejung, the starting point of the Sele La Pass Trek. This day transitions you from city life to the remote eastern Himalayas, setting the stage for your trekking adventure.
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Day 4 Taplejung - Sukathum
Today, you will start your journey with a scenic trek from Taplejung to Sukathum. The path follows the Tamor River and eventually joins the Ghunsa Khola, leading into the deep valleys of the Kanchenjunga region. This day sets the stage for the adventure ahead, with moderate trekking hours and a mix of natural beauty and cultural encounters along the way.
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Day 5 Sukathum - Amjilosa
Today, you will journey from Sukathum towards Amjilosa, which leads through mixed rhododendron and fir forests, occasional pastures, and charming yak herder settlements. Along the way, enjoy emerging alpine visits and sweeping views of snowy peaks in the distance. After a rewarding day of trekking, typically around 5 to 6 hours, you will reach Amjilosa, a peaceful camp where you can rest and soak in the mountain air.
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Day 6 Amjilosa - Gyabla
Start the day by leaving Amjilosa and slowly trekking towards Gyabla. It is a relatively moderate trek, with gradual ascents and descents, passing charming waterfalls and traditional Tibetan-style houses. After several hours of trekking from Amjilosa, you will finally set a foot on Gyabla, where you can take a rest and prepare for the trekking ahead.
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Day 7 Gyabla - Ghunsa
In the early morning, you will start the trekking from Gyabla to Ghunsa. The trek begins with a gradual descent through lush forests and alongside the Ghunsa Khola, then slowly ascends as the vegetation thins and the valley widens. Along the way, you will pass small yak pastures and cross wooden bridges, with stunning views of distant peaks becoming more prominent. As you arrive at Ghunsa, the largest settlement in the region, you will notice the strong Tibetan influence in its stone houses and prayer flags, making it a perfect place to rest and acclimatize before higher elevation.
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Day 8 Ghunsa - Khambachen
The journey continues with a scenic trek from Ghunsa (3475m) to Khambachen (4146m). As you ascend gradually, the landscapes open up to reveal striking views of snow-capped peaks, including the Jannu (Khambachen) massif. The walk is both rewarding and challenging, with occasional yak herders’ shelters dotting the route. After 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you arrive at the small settlement of Khambachen, surrounded by towering mountains, an ideal place to acclimatize before beading further up towards Sele La Pass.
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Day 9 Acclimatization day at Khambachen
On the 9th day of the Sele La Pass trek, you will take a rest at Khambachen. Acclimatization day is very much needed for adapting to the higher altitude before crossing Sele La Pass. You will typically spend a day resting or taking a short hike to nearby viewpoints, such as the ridge above the village or towards the Jannu Glacier, offering stunning panoramas of the surrounding peaks. This active rest day helps the body adjust to the thinner air while allowing time to soak in the serene mountain environment and prepare for the more demanding days ahead. -
Day 10 Khambachen - Lhonak
The trek from Khambachen to Lhonak is a gradual ascent through a rugged and remote landscape, offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. The trail follows the Ghunsa Khola River, winding past rocky terrain, glacial moraines, and occasional landslide-prone areas. As you climb higher, the vegetation becomes sparse, giving way to a stark alpine environment. After several hours of trekking, you reach the windswept plains of Lhonak, a small seasonal settlement with breathtaking vistas of surrounding peak like Mera and Wedge Peak.
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Day 11 Short hike up to Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga Base Camp) and return to Lodge
Today, first, you will take a short yet rewarding hike from Lhonak to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Surrounded by the dramatic icefalls and remote alpine scenery, the base camp provides a spectacular vantage point for photography and quiet reflection. Once you complete your hike at Khanchenjunga North Base Camp, you will return to the lodge, where you will rest and prepare for the challenging trekking ahead.
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Day 12 Lhonak - Ghunsa
The journey begins with a scenic descent from Lhonak back to Ghunsa, where the trail offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glacial landscapes. The descent is gradual, passing through rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and occasional yak pastures. After several hours of trekking, you arrive in the charming villages of Ghunsa; you will rest and prepare for the next stage towards Sele La Pass.
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Day 13 Trek from Ghunsa to Sele La High Camp
The trek from Ghunsa to Sele La High Camp takes you over the challenging yet rewarding Sele La Pass. The trail ascends steeply through dense rhododendron and pine forests before reaching more barren, alpine terrain. As you climb higher, panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Jannu and the Kanchenjunga range, are to unfold. Crossing the Sele La Pass is a thrilling highlight, often marked by prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
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Day 14 Trek towards Tseram
Today, you will continue with a challenging yet rewarding journey from Sele La Pass to Tseram, traversing three high mountain passes, which include Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sinelapcha Bhanjyang. The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including glimpses of Everest, Makalu, and Jannu, as it winds through rugged ridges and alpine landscapes.
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Day 15 Tseram - Ramche
The trek from Tseram to Ramche is a scenic and relatively easier walk after the challenging high passes of Sele La. The trail gradually ascends through beautiful alpine meadows and yak pastures, following the Yalung Glacier with magnificent views of snow-capped peaks like Kabru and Rathong. As you approach Ramche, the landscapes open up dramatically, offering a stunning close-up view of the south face of Kanchenjunga.
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Day 16 Explore to Okhordung and return to Ramche
After early breakfast at Ramche, take a short hike towards Okhordung or Yalung Glacier. This scenic walk offers spectacular views of the southern face of Kanchenjunga, along with surrounding peaks and glacial landscape. Spend some time exploring the serene glacial basin, soaking in the raw beauty of the high Himalayas. After enjoying the views and capturing some photos, return to Ramche for an overnight stay.
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Day 17 Ramche - Tortong
Today, you will trek from Ramche to Tortong. The trail retraces your steps through the lush rhododendron and pine forests, descending steadily alongside the Simbuwa Khola. Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the alpine zone and re-enter dense vegetation. The walk is long but mostly downhill, making it more manageable. Arrive at Tortong by late afternoon and rest for the night in this peaceful forested campsite.
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Day 18 Tortong - Yamphudin
The trek from Tortong to Yamphuding marks a significant descent as you leave the higher alpine region and re-enter more populated areas. The trail winds through dense forests, crossing several suspension bridges and passing small settlements. The terrain can be steep and slippery, especially in wet conditions, but the gradual change in vegetation and warmer climate is refreshing. Upon reaching Yamphudin, a charming village inhabitant of the Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities, trekkers can enjoy a well-earned rest and reconnect with basic amenities after day in remote wilderness.
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Day 19 Yamphudin - Khebang
Today, we will trek from Yamphudin to Khebang. The trail descends gradually, offering glimpses into the daily lives of local communities and terraced farmlands framed by the lush greenery. The warmer climate and friendlier terrain make for a more relaxed hiking experience compared to the harsher mountain path. After several hours of walking from Yamphudin, you will reach Khebang, where you will rest and prepare for a trekking ahead.
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Day 20 Drive from Khebang to Illam
On the 20th day of the Sele La Pass trek, embark on a scenic drive from Khebang to Illam, a journey that takes you through winding mountain roads, lush tea gardens, and traditional hillside villages. The route offers breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas and terraced fields, gradually transitioning into the cool, misty landscapes of Illam, known for its vibrant tea culture. Illam welcomes you with its serene charm and refreshing mountain air, a perfect place to relax after the long drive.
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Day 21 Illam - Bhadrapur (drive) and fly back to Kathmandu
Today, you will depart from Illam and drive downhill to Bhadrapur, passing through vibrant hill towns and subtropical plains. Upon reaching Bhadrapur, board a flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of the diverse terrain you will traverse. Once in the capital, reflect on your journey through eastern Nepal’s rich culture and natural landscapes.
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Day 22 Departure day
After a final breakfast in the Kathmandu Valley, the team member of Kai Expedition will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flights, carrying with you lasting memories of Nepal.