Amy Lynn BrumfieldUnited StatesMay 19, 2023
Kanchenjunga - Trip of a Lifetime!
TRIP: 21 Day trek of the Kanchenjunga Circuit to North and South Base Camp
DATES: April 16 - May 8, 2023
Guide: Mr. Jangbu Sherpa
Porter: Mr. Karma Sherpa
This trip of a lifetime was the best we could have ever hoped for! From start to finish, Nepal Nirvana Trails offered the most exquisite service that far surpassed our expectations. KP was extremely helpful with all emails during the planning stages and was patient and kind, and promptly answered any questions I had. Upon arrival, we were greeted at the airport by Bishal and Jangbu, our soon to be guide whom we would be spending the next three weeks with. On departure day, our guide met us to take us to the domestic airport, and from then onwards, everything was in Jangbu's expert hands. We felt safe, happy, and well taken care of during our adventure. (And we saw the top of Everest from the flight!)
To say the area we went to was "remote" would be an understatement. Flights, tuk tuks, jeeps, and days of walking after the roads finished, as just the "start". If you're looking for a very off the beaten track, away from the tourists, and diving into the full cultural experience of Nepal, living like a local, meeting mule and yak-cow shepherds and local families type of experience, this is the best choice. Don't expect Wi-Fi, much electricity, or many other tourists, but I think the people we met on the trip were looking for just that, to get away and really experience the great outdoors and the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Throughout the trip, the views were absolutely stunning. We walked over numerous suspension bridges, through rhododendron forests, passed temples and monasteries, and even got to walk within a 40-strong mule herd along a large section of trail (until they just were too fast for us). Of all the gorgeous mountains we saw, we were repeatedly told they were just "hills", laughing because of course they would be the highest mountain in all of the UK and much of Europe if we were back home. Ok Jangbu...we will keep waiting for "mountains". ;-)
Guide Jangbu, and our porter Karma were the absolute dream team. They worked so hard, were so happy and delightful at all times, and Jangbu was by far the most experienced of many of the other guides we met along the path, as some tourists had guides that had never even been over in this area before. They kept us remarkably well fed with delicious local meals of Dahl bat, momos, Thukpa, Sherpa Stew, as well as carrying and providing daily biscuits and fruit that was such a treat. We were so lucky and happy to have our team.
There were days that were easier than others, but every day was an amazing adventure, and very doable for anyone that is reasonably fit and motivated. The spacing between the teahouses allowed us to walk for the first half of the day, and then be able to relax in the teahouses with lots of tea and delicious food for the second half of the day. We recommend taking a small notebook to pass the afternoons writing down memories from the day, as well as any of the local recipes you can manage to watch when the ladies are making Nepali delicacies on the open fires/stoves.
When we finally got to Pangpema - North Base Camp, we were awarded with amazing views of Kanchenjunga - the 3rd tallest mountain in the world. What an unbelievable experience!
We carried on back down the route we came, then over a high pass - Selele Pass, and then back up again towards South Base Camp for another view of Kanchenjunga.
Upon return to Kathmandu, KP treated us to a lovely farewell dinner, and before we finally departed, he managed to see us off with lovely local gifts from Nepal. From start to finish, this company absolutely took care of everything. For the price for the trip, and the service we received, I would certainly say they are one of the best choices of companies in Nepal. We will be back! Highly recommended.
Hello Amy, Namaste!
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience trekking the Kanchenjunga Circuit with Nepal Nirvana Trails. We're thrilled to hear that your trip was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and that the service provided by the company far exceeded your expectations. We're delighted to hear that Jangbu and Karma, your porter, formed an outstanding team. Thank you for highly recommending Nepal Nirvana Trails. We hope you will return for another adventure in the future.
Best Regards,
Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
WhatsApp: +977 9841380469