Description

After sightseeing in Kathmandu we take our flight to Biratnagar. We will spend a night in Biratnagar before catching the flight to Taplejung to begin our trek. Our journey commences with an exciting flight over the foothills. We have the chance to explore the Taplejung Bazaar walking the cobble stone streets. The trail makes a long circular descent to the terraced fields of Pokara where there is a suspension bridge over the Phawa Khola. From here our ascent is worthwhile for the views from the Bhanjyang reval Kangchenjunga and her satellite peaks in all their glory. This is truly marvelous country with ridge upon ridge of forest setting off the rich flora and cultivated fields of the valleys. After camping on the grassy pastures, we walk through jungle then continue our way up and around the ridges on the west of Kabeli Khola. Passing through the terrace fields and the forest hills, our footsteps now lead us to the floor of the valley beside the blue green waters of the infant Ghunsa Khola. The village of Ghunsa is built of wooden houses and inhabited by Tibetans.

The terminal moraine of the Jannu glacier can be seen clearly ahead. As the moraine is reached a small bridge provides access across the river to a tiny grass clearing known as Rhampuk Kharka. Views to the north and east gradually open out to include the peaks of Phole which rise majestically above the moraines of the Jannu Glacier. Wonderful Mountain views are visible in all directions and the ice flutings of Wedge Peak and the snowy ramparts of Nepal and Tent Peaks present the ideal backdrop for a colorful sunset.

You will be excited to discover places like KAMBACHEN and LHONAK that lead us to the Pangpema (The Kangchenjunga Base camp). The route to Pangpema from LHONAK provides stunning views of the beautiful valley with Wedge, Nepal, Tent and Pyramid Peaks becoming visible along with the Sharphu peaks as they dominate the horizon. As we reach Pangpema, a small grassy shelf above the glacier we have a fantastic view to the south of the Twins and finally, the great north faces of Kangchenjunga and Yalung Kang.

Trekking this route provides views of breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and above all, genuine warmth from smiling locals. We leave this region trek back to Taplejung, fly back to Biratnagar and onto Kathmandu.