Kanchenjunga Jaljale Trek
Trip Duration:
27 Days
Trip Code:
KJT
Trip Grade:
Moderate
No. of Pax:
From
$ /person
Overview
Kanchenjunga Jaljale Trek is one of the most pristine wildernesses to be found in the Himalayas. The name of this trek has been named after the lowest Himal of the Kanchanjunga The trekking route to Jaljale was opened in the spring of 1988. Even today we rarely see any other trekkers along this route. However, it remains the most pristine wilderness areas in the Himalaya.
We begin our trip with a flight to Tumlingtar and then trek to Kharang Bazaar, where we can visit a weekly market held every Friday. Next day morning we gently ascend Milke Danda that lies across JaIjale Himal. With its highest point just over 15,000ft Jaljale is the lowest Himal in the range. It is a long, spiny mountain, stretching north-south for over 25 miles, with rugged rock formations rising above clear alpine lakes. While the net elevation change each day is minimal, the terrain, elevation, and remoteness are challenging. We next travel to the rarely visited town of Topke Gola 13,000ft, on the banks of the upper Mewa (Papaya) River. It is inhabited by Tibetan traders and yak herders. As we descend the river, we experience greener, warmer and gentler terrain. Shops selling local green tea and Tongba (fermented millet alcoholic drink) offer additional opportunities to interact with the local people. We end our trek at Basantapur and drive back to Biratnagar and catch the flight to Kathmandu.
The Jaljale Himal trek can be undertaken by any trekkers but requires trekking experience, as some parts of the trail need to be ascended across the ridge and seems to be quite difficult. With the help of our experienced guides and Sherpas, trekkers with limited experience we can organize this trek safely and comfortably.
Itinerary:
This area was newly opened to trekking in the Kanchanjunga region. The trails are rarely trodden by the trekkers. We begin the trekking journey by catching a flight to Tumlingtar on the banks of thc Arun River. day’s trek from Tumlingtar brings us to Chainpur, to visit the colourful weekly market held every Friday. Two days later we climb onto the Milke Dande, and begin the gradual ascent across the ridge to JaIjale ridge. This is some of the most pristine wilderness to be found in the Himalaya.
With its highest point just over 15,000′, Jaljale is the lowest himal in the range. It is a long, spiny mountain, stretching north-south for over 25 miles, with rugged rock formations dotted by clear alpine lakes. While the net elevation change each day is minimal, the terrain, elevation and remoteness are challenging. We next travel to the rarely visited town of Topke Gola (13,000′) , on the banks of the upper Mewa (Papaya) River. It is inhabited by Tibetan traders and yak herders. As we descend the river, the landscape becomes greener,warmer, and gentler. Shops selling tea and tongba (a fermented millet drink) offer interaction with the local people. We complete our trek at Basantapur and drive to Biratnagar for the flight back to Kathmandu.
Arrive at the Tribhuwan international airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. This day is simply an arrival day and there will no organized activities. So you will have some free time to relax or walk around for local sights. A pre-departure meeting will be held early evening and you will be introduced with your trekking guide. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to see ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch. After that you will visit the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu
From Tumlingtar we will head south along the main trail and take a left fork and climb up through light forest and then farmland until we reach to the pleasant town of Kharang Overnight at Camp
After breakfast we will continue the trek climbing the ridge and walking along the main trail to the Siddha Pokhari. Here you will find a few houses located in a saddle on the ridge. Keep continuing walking along the ridge crest to join the other trail to Nondaki. Overnight at Camp
Today the trail climbs gently and contours through forest, crossing a tributary below a waterfall (1932m) While walking, you can see the outstanding views of Kangchenjunga to the east and Khumbu Himal. to the west. Overnight at Camp
The route eventually crosses a huge landslide and some more scrub jungle before we descend. Then the trail climbs over another ridge on a steep, narrow stairway of rock steps. From the top of the ridge we can view the Himalayan range to the north. Overnight at Camp
We continue along the trail descending steeply from Suke Pokhari through the corn fields. The trail drops very steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the stream. From the bridge we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Dobate Overnight at Camp
We ascend along steep path through pine and rhododendron forest towards at the Nepal India border. We continue to walk down through more old forest and then open country to reach to Mane Bhanjang, a beautiful village, Overnight at Camp
Today we wake up early morning and make an excursion to a Buddhist monastery about two kilometers from Mane Bhanjang on top of a hill. It will be the winding path through the pine forests. Bright blue pine cones on emerald green branches will be a sight and the gigantic ferns only added to the beauty of the landscape. Overnight at Camp
From Mane Bhanjang we will proceed ahead towards rhododendron forest and potato fields. The trail gently descends to a large meadow. After walking two hours walking on the trail we can view a spectacular Panorama of the Kanchanjunga massif and the edge of the Jannu ridge. Overnight at lodge
We will descend, forking right steeply and cross a bamboo bridge. Continue traversing, mostly through broadly leaved forest until we reach Tin Pokhari (3 lakes). Here at the bank of one of the lakes we set up a camp and stay overnight.
After breakfast we continue our trek further to Jumle Pokhari (Twin Lake).Here we will find a lard meadow and a stone hut. If you are lucky you will encounter blue sheep and Tibetan snow cocks along the trail. We stay overnight at lodge.
Just after Jumle Pokhari we will head east and take a right fork. We will find tall cliffs where large beehives are overhung. Along the trail you will encounter numerous delightful waterfalls. You will continue traversing the valley and head north to Ratedole. Overnight at Camp
Today we will trek to the rarely visited town of Topke Gola (13,000′) located on the banks of the Upper Mewa (Papaya) River. It is inhabited by Tibetan traders and yak herders. As we descend the river, the world becomes greener, warmer, and gentler. Local shops sell tea and tongba( a fermented millet drink) and you will also have an opportunity to interact with the local people. Overnight at Camp
From Topke Gola the trail veers right and head towards a suspension bridge. The trail then passes through a gompa followed by some mani walls and moss-encrusted rhododendron forest. After the forest the trail becomes narrower and contours with some ups and downs. Overnight at Camp
From Papung Village the trail drops down and climbs now in and out of a series of pretty valleys filled with birds and waterfalls. Take a pause to enjoy the waterfalls in this wild corner, cross the high swing bridge into mossy wet jungle and climb steeply until you reach Papung Village.Overnight at Camp
Continue past extensive potato fields, a school and cross a bridge. Another 30mins gentle climbing brings you to forest of rhododendron, chir pine and brown oak for the final climb to Shankrante Tukima.
Overnight at CampThe trail forks left and traverses on the west side, passing fields of cardamom. You will pass through several small villages until you reach Doban Bazaar where you will find some shops and lodges . Every Wednesday & Saturday there holds a weekly market. Overnight at Camp
The trail drops below Dhoban Bazaar and heads up into largely intact and lovely forest with moss and lichen. It will be a classic ridge walk following with mesmerizing views and shady oaks, birch, rhododendron and bamboo. Overnight at Camp
The trail is strewn with different species of flora. While trekking, you will enjoy panoramic views of Makalu, Kanchanjunga and other innumerable snow- capped peaks, natural scenery, diverse culture and beautiful landscape. Overnight at Camp
Today we will continue walking downhill. We advise you to make an early start since this can be a longhot day. You will walk through rice paddies and small hamlets with houses on stilts and evocative haystacks. Keep the right hand track and walk along until you will reach Chauki Bazaar. You may see
monkeys along the trail. Overnight at CampToday it is the last day of the trek. In Dobhan you will find a cluster of shops where you can have a lunch. After the lunch you will continue climbing gently to Dhungesangu. Overnight at Camp
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FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Trekking can be organized for few days to few weeks long, depending on trekkers interest, strength and time frame. Walking could be twelve kilometers or just four kilometers a day and spend the night in the countryside lodge or camp.
