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Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Trip Facts:

Destination
Nepal
Group Size
Max People: 2-15
Region
Kanchenjunga
Trip Duration
28 Days
Activities
Trekking
Meals
BLD
Accommodation
Hotel / Lodge / Camp
Max Elevation
5500m
Best Month
Spring / Autumn
Trip Grade
Hard
Trek Starts / Ends
Kathmandu
Transportation
Private Vehicle / Flight

Overview

Trip highlights:

  • Sightseeing all cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu
  • Scenic trek around the Kanchenjunga massif, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest
  • Highest point Kanchenjunga Base camp (5140m)
  • Many Buddhist monasteries, colourful spiritual walls and chortens
  • Longer trekking for adventurers

Kanchenjunga Trekking is a challenging and rewarding trekking experience that takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Kanchenjunga region in Nepal. The trek is named after the third highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga, which is situated in the eastern part of Nepal.

The trek follows the route through stunning rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and charming villages inhabited by ethnic communities such as Bhotiya, Sherpa, Tamang, and Walangpa. Along the way, trekkers get to witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including the Kanchenjunga massif, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest. The rich biological diversity of the region remains protected under the Kanchenjunga conservation area. You will see the 3rd highest mountain in the worl: Kanchenjunga (8586 m). Kanchenjunga is interpreted in Sikkim as the “Five Treasuries of the Great Snow.”

The trek requires a good level of physical fitness and acclimatization due to its high altitude and challenging terrain. However, the stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences make it a memorable adventure of a lifetime.

Buddhism is a major religion in the area, therefore we encounter many Buddhist monasteries, colorful, spiritual walls and chortens.

TIP: There are several additional options for this trek; you can choose alternative routes during the trek. You can also easily extend the trip with additional day(s) sightseeing in and around Kathmandu.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary

Details Outline

Himalayan Dream Team will pick you up at the international airport in Kathmandu for your transfer to the hotel. As a welcome you will have a typical Nepalese dinner with some of the staff members. Learn about momo's and Dal bhat and do not forget to try our typical Nepalese drink with great mood of cheers.

Food
Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Highest Altitude
1335 m

After breakfast, we'll take you on a tour of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square offers insights into the lives of royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple holds great significance as a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest stupas, are both iconic landmarks

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Highest Altitude
1335 m

Our scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur is scheduled for the morning. As we soar through the skies, we'll be treated to magnificent views of lush green hills and stunning landscapes. Upon our arrival in Bhadrapur, we will embark on a drive to Ilam, a district in eastern Nepal known for its exquisite tea plantations. This area boasts a diverse range of rare birds and endangered wildlife, such as the red panda. Ilam is a charming region that exports its renowned tea to various parts of the world. In addition to tea, other popular products from the area include cardamom, ginger, milk, potato, and more

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Highest Altitude
1755 m

Following breakfast, we'll resume our voyage by driving to Taplejung from Ilam. The Mechi Highway and verdant hills of Ilam serve as the picturesque path for the Kanchenjunga trekking route. Ilam, also known as the "Queen of Hills," boasts a moderate climate and fertile land. The stunning tea plantations offer a scenic glimpse of the area.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
1820 m

Our journey will continue as we depart from Taplejung and trek towards Sinuwa. Along the way, we'll encounter several scenic paths, such as the lush hills, tranquil rivers, and ridges. The route also guides us through rural communities of the area that feature mud houses, rice fields, and terraced farms as we descend towards the Tamor Khola River.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
980 m

Our next adventure will begin by departing from Sinuwa Village on a descending path. We'll traverse relics and obstacles before crossing the Tamor khola river via a wooden suspension bridge. The trail will then guide us through a variety of natural terrains before leading us to Chiruwa. Following our visit to Chiruwa, we'll follow the Tamor River path until we reach Taplethok.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
1380 m

Departing from Taplethok we enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. We follow the Tamor Khola river to a point where the Tamor and Ghunsa Khola rivers converge. After crossing both rivers we reach Sekathum, where the jeep track ends.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
1575 m

As the golden sunrise welcomes a new day, we'll ascend a trail from Sakathum to Amjilosa. From there, we'll proceed northeast along the Ghunsa Khola riverbanks to our intended destination. As we approach the Kanchenjunga Base camp, we'll gradually gain elevation. The challenging path will eventually guide us to Amjilosa, a stunning Tibetan village.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
2310 m

Our next adventure involves trekking from Amjilosa to Gyabla, where we'll traverse scenic paths adorned with rhododendron and bamboo forests. As we climb uphill, we'll come across a magnificent waterfall. Feel free to snap pictures and explore the waterfall for a while. We'll then follow the riverbank trail, leading us to Gyabla, our ultimate destination for the day. 

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
2730 m

Today’s adventure will guide us through scenic paths that wind through breathtaking forests. We’ll follow the river trail until we reach Phale, a Tibetan village that started as a Tibetan refugee camp decades ago. After Phale, we continue through the forest toward Ghunsa. When weather is clear, we’ll have our first views of the snow-capped summits of Jannu and Kabru. Ghunsa is the largest village in the area with a school, health center, monastery and multiple guesthouses.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
3595 m

There are different options for acclimatization walks around Ghunsa. One option is to cross the river the way we came from the day before and start ascending to a viewpoint at approximately 3900m. From this viewpoint we can see Ghunsa village and its surrounding hills, some snow-capped mountains in the distance. Also, we’ll have a good view into the valley where we came from yesterday. The round trip to this point takes approximately 3-4 hours. Additionally, you can explore Ghunsa and visit the monastery. 

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
3595 m

Our adventure continues as we depart from Ghunsa and trek through a variety of pine and rhododendron forests. As we slowly rise above the tree line, more and more snow-capped peaks appear. We follow the southern bank of the Ghunsa Khola before we cross the river and arrive in Khambachen. From the village we have a spectacular view towards the north face of Jannu (7711m). Optional: when weather is good and there is enough time left it is possible to walk to Jannu Base Camp (4700m) after an early lunch in Khambachen. This will take an extra 4-6 hours of walking. Optional: stay for an extra acclimatization day in Khambachen, which can be used to visit Jannu Base Camp. 

 

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
4050 m

Today the trail takes us mainly over moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Walking uphill over large boulders there are wonderful views on both sides of us. Before we reach Lhonak we will cross an area of summer yak pastures with views towards Kanchenjunga. When we continue to Lhonak and reach the Kanchenjunga Glacier, we will have stunning views towards Mera Peak (6344m), Nepal Peak (6910m) and Twin Peak (7351m).

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
4780 m

Today we will start our trek early in the morning heading east following the glacier towards Pangpema Base Camp. This is blue sheep habitat, when we are lucky we might see some. From base camp we will have beautiful views towards Kanchenjunga and its glacier. You can explore the area and take incredible pictures. After our visit to Pangpema, we return to Lhonak for the night. Optional: walk to Drohmo Ri (6000m) from Pangpema, for even better views of Kanchenjunga. 

 

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
5140 m

Today we will retrace our steps back to Ghunsa via the same trail we took earlier. However, the hike will offer a fresh perspective of the region, with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. We will stop in Khambachen for lunch and then continue through the pine and rhododendron forests to Ghunsa. 

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
4780 m

Today's trek will take us through some awe-inspiring trails, with steep and rocky roads that wind through a beautiful forested area, leading us to the High Camp. Along the way, we will cross a high pass situated just above Sele la Kharka.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
4200 m

After witnessing the sunrise and having breakfast, we will embark on an incredible trek towards the Sele le Pass. This will involve crossing two passes, namely Sinion La (4660 m) and Sele La (4480 m). Once we have crossed Sele La pass, we will continue our journey on a descending trail, covering a distance of 1000 m to reach Tseram. The trail will take us through some beautiful landscapes, and we will have ample opportunities to enjoy the stunning views along the way. 

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
4480 m

After a first ascent we will reach a more gradual trail that will take us into an eroded valley with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Kabru. The trail will lead us via Ramche to Oktang Base Camp, a viewpoint that offers stunning vistas towards Kanchenjunga and other majestic peaks on the Nepal-India border. We return the way we came to overnight at Tseram. Optional; stay overnight in Ramche (4580m) instead of going all the way back to Tseram. There are not a lot of places to stay in Ramche, so this might not be possible when there are many people on the trail.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
4580 m

Today the trail is mostly downhill through a gorge following the Simbuwa Khola river. The final section is uphill through pine and rhododendrons forest towards Torangden

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
3870 m

After we cross the Simbuwa Khola river, the trail makes a steep climb up through the forest. When we reach the pass it is an easy descent towards the guest house where we will spend the night. Optional: combine day 19 and 20 as both are relatively short days. Future: They are working on a new trail directly from Tseram to this new place Zarani that will bypass Torangden. In the future this will be only 1 day of walking.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge

Our next destination is Yamphudin, which we will reach after trekking from Torangden via the Lasiya Bhanjyang. Unlike other days, the route is relatively easier. We will descend from the Lasiya Bhanjyang until we reach Yamphudin, a charming little village where Sherpas, Gurung, Rais, and Limbus reside.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
1690 m

We will descent through forest along the Kabeli Khola river, with various waterfalls of different sizes along the way. Later we will cross hills with cultivated fields and small villages. After lunch in Mamanke it is another hour of easy walking along an old jeep track to Pumphe.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
1780 m

After enjoying a stunning Himalayan sunrise over breakfast, we will begin our journey by ascending a ridge and then descending into a series of side valleys. Along the way we will pass through cultivated fields and small villages, until we reach the village of Bhanjyang.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
1928 m

This is the final day of our trekking as we make our way towards Suketar. This day involves desending as well as ascending through rice and millet fields. Eventually we will follow a jeep track towards Lalikharka and Deurali. From Deurali the best option is to take a jeep to Suketar instead of walking a very dusty jeep track down to Suketar.

Food
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
2300 m

Today we have a long drive ahead to Bhadrapur where we will also spend the night.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
lodge
Highest Altitude
1580 m

Our flight back to Kathmandu in the morning takes around 45 minutes with a last glimpse of the area where we did this adventurous and long trekking. In Kathmandu we will transport you back to the comfort of a hotel. Our tip is to take a nice long massage as reward for body and mind.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
lodge

This last day you can wander all around Thamel to look for some lasting souvenirs and take a nice Masala tea on one of the many local terraces or even a cappuccino in one of the very modern Java coffeeshops.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
lodge

Depending on your flight time, we will transport you to the Tribhuvan airport. You can leave your luggage in the hotel till departure time.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
lodge

Not satisfied with this itinerary?

If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preference and specification.

Service Included on Trip Cost

Cost Includes

  • Arrival and transfer from to he international and domestic airports
  • Welcome dinner by Himalayan Dream Team
  • Domestic flights from Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu
  • Accomodation in local tea house /lodge during trekking
  • 3 meals a day during trekking (B+ L+ D)
  • Special Trekking permits, Conservation permits and other required paper documents
  • English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide and porter
  • Sleeping bag & duffel bag
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International flight
  • Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fee USD 50 for 30 days and 4 passport-sized pictures
  • Travel and rescue insurance (*please make sure your insurance covers emergency transport from mountains)
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Extra costs in case of unforeseen changes in the planned program (e.g., weather conditions)
  • All others that is not mentioned in the Include section
  • Nepal visa (at arrival at the international airport of Kathmandu, USD 50 and 4 passport sized pictures needed), you can obtain a visa easily online on https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Altitude Profile

FAQs

What is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a challenging and remote trekking route in eastern Nepal, circling the third highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga. The trek offers diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, and provides a deep cultural experience with local communities.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek typically takes around 20 to 25 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and pace. This duration includes acclimatization days and time to explore both the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga.
 

The best time to trek the Kanchenjunga Circuit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and the best views of the mountains.

Trekkers need several permits: the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), and a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is considered very challenging. Trekkers should have a high level of fitness and prior trekking experience. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and remote terrain.

Accommodation along the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek consists mainly of basic teahouses and lodges. Facilities are simple, with shared sleeping quarters, communal dining areas, and limited amenities.
 

Essential items to pack include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing (including layers), a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, trekking poles, a first aid kit, water purification tablets, personal hygiene items, and sufficient cash.
 

Hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Guides provide valuable knowledge about the region and ensure safety, while porters help carry heavy loads, making the trek more manageable.
 

Proper acclimatization is crucial. Trekkers should ascend gradually, take rest days, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s important to have a flexible itinerary to allow for acclimatization.
 

Teahouses along the trek offer a variety of meals, including traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), as well as Tibetan and international options such as noodles, soups, and pancakes. Vegetarian options are commonly available.
 

There are no ATMs or banking facilities along the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek route. Trekkers should carry enough Nepalese rupees to cover their expenses for the duration of the trek.

Mobile phone coverage is limited and unreliable in the Kanchenjunga region. Some teahouses may offer basic internet access for a fee, but it is best to be prepared for limited connectivity throughout the trek.
 

The Kanchenjunga region is home to diverse ethnic communities, including the Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan people. Trekkers will encounter a rich cultural tapestry, with traditional customs, festivals, and religious practices.
 

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to a variety of wildlife, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and various bird species. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the region’s biodiversity.

Yes, it is essential to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. This ensures that trekkers are protected in case of accidents, illness, or other unforeseen events during the trek.

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