On foot, the two best places to see Kanchenjunga from Nepal are Pangpema, the north base camp at about 5,140 m, and the Oktang viewpoint at about 4,700 m on the south side. Both are reached by the Kanchenjunga trek from Taplejung, which is a long journey of about three weeks for the north side.
Pangpema on the north side
Pangpema, at about 5,140 m, is the base camp on the Kangchenjunga Glacier. Most of the mountain's northern face and the huge ridge of the massif is in view. The walk goes through Ghunsa (about 3,595 m), Khambachen (about 4,050 m) and Lhonak (about 4,780 m), and then up to Pangpema. It is a long, remote trek, and the last days are high and cold.
Oktang on the south side
Oktang is a viewpoint at about 4,700 m above the Yalung Glacier. It is reached from the south side by Yalung and Ramche. The south side is lower and warmer, but still remote, and it shows the southwest face that the 1955 expedition climbed.
Villages on the way
Ghunsa, at about 3,595 m, is the main village on the north route, with Khambachen beyond it. From Khambachen the west face of Jannu is in view, an enormous wall. See seeing Jannu and Kabru.
When to go
The best seasons are spring (April and May) and autumn (October and November). Snow can block the high trail in winter, and the monsoon brings rain, leeches and landslides. See the best time for the Kanchenjunga trek.
Mountain flights and the Indian side
If you cannot walk for three weeks, a mountain flight can show the range from the air. Views from Darjeeling, Sandakphu and Sikkim are famous too. They are on the Indian side, with their own permits.
How hard is it?
The north trek is long and remote, with basic lodges and camping at times, and few supplies. Our guide how hard is the Kanchenjunga trek explains the daily effort and the altitude.
Plan it
Read north versus south base camp and permits and getting there.
