Lhonak, Kanchenjunga: High Camp Before Pangpema (4,785 m)

Why go

Lhonak is a wide, flat pasture of sand and gravel at about 4,785 m where the Lhonak valley meets the Kanchenjunga glacier, in the upper Kanchenjunga region. A few stone huts and seasonal lodges stand on the plain, surrounded by moraine ridges and peaks such as Wedge Peak and Mera Peak of the Kanchenjunga group.

It is the base for the walk to Pangpema, the North Base Camp, which most trekkers do as a long day trip, returning to sleep here. It is the highest place where most people spend the night on the Kanchenjunga Circuit, and it is cold, windy and very simple.

History and culture

Lhonak is a summer grazing ground used by herders from Ghunsa. Expedition teams heading for the north side of Kanchenjunga have passed here since the early twentieth century, and today it serves trekkers and climbers in season. Blue sheep are often seen on the moraines, and snow leopards range through this area.

Things to do in Lhonak

Walk to Pangpema
A day walk of about 7-8 hours along the lateral moraine to the North Base Camp at about 5,140 m and back.
Explore the moraines
Short walks onto the moraine ridges give views over the glacier; stay on stable ground.

Weather and the best time to visit Lhonak

Weather in Lhonak

Forecast for 4,785 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.

Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.

Best time to visit

Mar-May, Oct-Nov

Jan
Feb
Good month: Mar
Good month: Apr
Good month: May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Good month: Oct
Good month: Nov
Dec

Autumn (Sep-Nov): October and November bring the clearest skies and are the main trekking months; September can still be wet lower down.
Winter (Dec-Feb): December to February is very cold, many upper lodges close and snow can block the high passes.
Spring (Mar-May): March to May is the second season, with rhododendron flowers in the forests and more afternoon cloud.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug): June to August is wet, with leeches, landslides on the access roads and cloud over the peaks.

Where to stay

Teahouses

One or two very basic seasonal lodges; some groups camp.

No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.

Getting there

Reached on foot from Kambachen.

Nearest hub: Taplejung (Phungling)

trekKambachen to Lhonak, about 4-5 hours and roughly 700 m of height gain via Ramtang.

Boundary: Government of Nepal, Survey Department (2020). Peak data: Wikidata.

Permits and fees

Restricted-area permit

This part of the Kanchenjunga region is a restricted area. You need a restricted area permit, issued only through a registered trekking agency for trekkers with a licensed guide, and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry permit.

Kanchenjunga restricted area permit (Taplejung): Arranged by a registered agency through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry permit: Checked on the trail; check the current fee.
Guide rule: Restricted-area trekkers must go with a licensed guide; group-size rules have been reported to change, so check the current rule.

Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Department of Immigration, Nepal: trekking route and permit fee.

On the trail

On the Kanchenjunga Circuit (North and South Base Camps).

Previous stop:: Kambachen
Next stop:: Pangpema (day trip), then back down to Ghunsa
A typical day:: From Kambachen about 4-5 hours over pasture and moraine, gaining about 700 m.

Practical tips

Above about 3,000 m, a widely used guideline is to raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a day and to rest every 3 to 4 days; know the signs of acute mountain sickness and descend if they get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.
Nights at Lhonak can fall well below -10 C in spring and autumn.
There is little or no mobile signal; carry a satellite messenger or rely on your guide's arrangements.
There are no ATMs beyond Phungling; carry enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek.

Treks through Lhonak

The north-west face of Kanchenjunga and the Kanchenjunga glacier seen from Pangpema.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek (North and South Base Camps)

A three-week restricted-area trek in far eastern Nepal that reaches both Kanchenjunga base camps, Pangpema in the north and Oktang in the south, joined by the Sele La pass crossing.

Days: 20 days
Maximum altitude: 5,143 m
Difficulty: Challenging

Questions about Lhonak

How high is Lhonak?

About 4,785 m, the highest regular overnight stop on the Kanchenjunga Circuit.

How far is Pangpema from Lhonak?

About 7-8 hours return on foot, gaining about 350-400 m to the North Base Camp.

Are there lodges at Lhonak?

Yes, one or two very basic seasonal lodges; check they are open before you go.

More in Kanchenjunga Region

All of Kanchenjunga Region

Viewpoint · 5,140 m

Nearby

National park or conservation area

Kanchenjunga Region

A remote trekking region below the world's third-highest mountain, with Limbu and Sherpa villages, two base camps and a restricted-area permit.

Lhonak