Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek
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Duration25 days
Difficultychallenging
Max Altitude5,160 m
Group Size1 +
Trip StartsKathmandu
Trip EndsKathmandu
Group StyleGroup and Private
ActivitiesTrekking
Best SeasonApril-May & Oct-Nov
Highlights
Magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jannu, Mera Peak, and many others- The beautiful remote villages in the Kanchenjunga region.
- Exploration of both Kanchenjunga Base Camps.
- Experience of walking over the glaciers.
- The settlements of Tibetan refugees on the Kanchenjunga Trekking Routes
- Wildlife species in Kanchenjunga region like musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep.
- Enjoy a panoramic flight to Eastern Nepal overlooking Mt Everest.
- Have an experience of riding on the scenic winding highways of Nepal.
- Reach the best-kept secret land of Nepal, where Mt Kanchenjunga, the third tallest peak in the world, towers
- Trek under the most scenic conditions of breathtaking peaks, vast meadows, lush woods, rural hamlets, pristine trails, and more.
- Witness the richness in flora and fauna of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
- Enjoy a peaceful trekking experience on one of the best off-the-beaten treks in Nepal.
- Traverse the two base camps of Mt Kanchenjunga, the south and the north.
- Catch mesmerizing views of Mt Jannu, Mera Peak, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks.
- Experience the locals’ unique living style, culture, and food along the trail.
- Happen to cross many suspension bridges, meadows, passes, monasteries, and more.
Overview about Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek
The Kangchenjunga Circuit Trek stands as a testament to the grandeur of nature and the allure of unexplored landscapes. Situated in the eastern reaches of Nepal, this trek promises a journey of a lifetime for seasoned adventurers and avid trekkers alike.
Trekking in Kangchenjunga Region: The Kangchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you through the captivating Kangchenjunga region, a treasure trove of biodiversity and majestic vistas. As you tread the lesser-trodden paths, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world that’s as challenging as it is breathtaking.
Secluded Beauty and Panoramic Vistas: The trek showcases the awe-inspiring Kangchenjunga massif, the third-highest peak in the world. Its towering presence paints a picturesque backdrop against the pristine landscapes, while the trek’s altitude promises panoramic views that are a feast for the eyes and the soul.
Untamed Wilderness and Remote Trails: For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Kangchenjunga Circuit delivers. Traversing through untouched wilderness and remote trails, you’ll encounter a raw and authentic side of Nepal that few have witnessed.
Flora and Fauna Extravaganza: The region is a sanctuary for biodiversity. Lush rhododendron forests, verdant alpine meadows, and dense jungles provide a habitat for a plethora of wildlife species. Spotting the elusive snow leopard or red panda amidst this natural wonderland is a possibility that adds an element of excitement to your trek.
Cultural Encounters and Local Villages: The trek also offers glimpses into the cultures of the ethnic communities inhabiting the region. You’ll have the chance to interact with the warm-hearted locals, learn about their customs, and witness their daily lives against the backdrop of towering peaks.
Physical Challenge and Trekking Requirements: This challenging trek demands a good level of physical fitness and mental resilience. With altitudes that can exceed 5,000 meters, the trek requires gradual acclimatization and determination.
Kangchenjunga Base Camps: The trail leads you to both the North and South Base Camps of Kangchenjunga, allowing you to stand at the foot of this majestic giant. These campsites offer a sense of achievement and a view that’s reserved for those who dare to tread these paths.
Planning Your Trek: To embark on the Kangchenjunga Circuit Trek, proper preparation is key. Choose a reputable trekking agency, pack suitable gear, and ensure you’re equipped for diverse weather conditions. The best time to trek is during the spring and autumn months.
A Truly Unforgettable Journey: In summary, the Kangchenjunga Circuit Trek is a blend of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and physical challenges. This journey promises to etch memories that will last a lifetime, making it an ideal choice for trekkers seeking an extraordinary adventure.
Itinerary
Day 0: Airport/Tourist bus park
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative or our guide picks you up and transfers you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur by morning flight — Drive to Ilam (1,210m) 4-5 hours
After breakfast drive to Domestic airport Kathmandu. Enjoying scenic flight to Bhadrapur. After landing, ride to Ilam enjoying the view of beautiful landscapes by private Jeep. Ilam is Nepal’s largest tea plantation area and it is a major tourist area even for domestic tourists. Overnight at Ilam.
Day 2: Drive from Ilam to Taplejung (1,820m) 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we head towards Taplejung in private Jeep. Driving along the beautiful countryside view, passing through Phidim to Limbu village of Taplejung. Overnight at Taplejung.
Day 3: Taplejung to Mitlung (9,21m) 4-5 hours
After breakfast we commence our trekking route passes through lush mid hills and several villages with traditional typical houses. We also come across rice paddies, terraced farm fields, and cardamom farms. We then continue to trek following the flow of Tamor River to reach Mitlung. Overnight at Mitlung.
Day 4: Mitlung to Chiruwa (1,270m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we trek through the Limbu and Tamang villages of Sinwa, Tawa, and Porke. We also pass over old landslide debris and boulder, and strewn river deposits, before descending to Thiwa Khola. We then cross a wooden bridge to reach Chiruwa. Overnight at Chiruwa.
Day 5: Trek from Chiruwa to Sukethum (1,579m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, trek through the villages of Taplethok, Tamewa, Hellok, and Lelep, we move alongside Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola, which emerges from the Yalung Glacier. We then trek through steep and narrow Ghunsa Khola valley to finally arrive in Sukethum. Overnight at Sukethum.
Day 6: Sukathum to Amjilosa (2,308m) 6-7 hours
After breakfast, start the trek with the flow of Ghunsa Khola, we head towards Amjilosa walking through steep uphill on exposed terrain. Relishing the amazing landscape view and crossing several bridges over Ghunsa Khola, we reach the Tibetan village of Amjilosa. Overnight at Amjilosa.
Day 7: Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m) 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we walk through forested trail filled with rhododendrons and bamboo, before ascending to Gyabla. We also come across a big waterfall on the opposite side of the river on our way to Gyabla. Making a steep ascent and then a descent, we reach in Gyabla. Overnight at Gyabla.
Day 8: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595m) 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we trek towards Ghunsa through a broad meadow. We then climb a small hill and descend to cross the river to reach the Tibetan village of Ghunsa with wooden houses, a micro hydropower plant, school, and a health post. Overnight at Ghunsa.
Day 9: Acclimatization day
Today we rest at Ghunsa for acclimatize and (to adjust with the thinning air), while we take a short hike to the opposite side of Ghunsa Khola with a gain of about 400m. After returning from the hike, we can spend rest of the day exploring the ancient village of Ghunsa visiting monasteries and learning about their Buddhist culture and tradition. Overnight at Ghunsa.
Day 10: Ghunsa to Khangpachen (4,050m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we begin our trek entering the forested path along the south bank of Ghunsa Khola and passing several Mani walls and Chortens along the way. We also trek through several scree slopes and some glacial moraines to reach the Tibetan settlement of Khangpachen from where we can get the stunning view of the north face of Jannu (7,710m). Overnight at Khangpachen.
Day 11: Khangpachen to Lhonak (4,780m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, leaving behind Khangpachen, we follow the trail on the left side of Kanchenjunga Glacier. We hike along a high plateau to reach the campsite of Lhonak. From Lhonak, we can see the panoramic view of massive mountain peaks like Wegde Peak (6,802m), Mera Peak (6,364m), Nepal Peak (7,177m), Twins (7,350m), and many others. Overnight at Lhonak.
Day 12: Lhonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,143m) and Trek back to Lhonak (4,780m) 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we head towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp following the trail along the glaciers on the northern ridges. The camp is also known as Pang Pema from where we get the mesmerizing and spectacular view of Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586m) along with the skyline filled with snow-capped mountain ranges bordering Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet. Then walk back to Lhonak. Overnight at Lhonak.
Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,595m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we trek down to Ghunsa remembering the amazing experience in KBC and Lhonak, we retrace our trail to Ghunsa enjoying the spectacular view of different mountains. Descending past Lhonak and Khangpachen while walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier and Kumbhakarna Glacier, we arrive in Ghunsa. Overnight at Ghunsa.
Day 14: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,595m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we trek down to Ghunsa remembering the amazing experience in KBC and Lhonak, we retrace our trail to Ghunsa enjoying the spectacular view of different mountains. Descending past Lhonak and Khangpachen while walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier and Kumbhakarna Glacier, we arrive in Ghunsa. Overnight at Ghunsa.
Day 15: High Camp to Tseram (3,870m) 8-9 hours via Sele -La Pass (4,480m) and Sinion La Pass (4,660m)
Today might be the most challenging day as we cross over two passes on our way to Tseram, the highest pass being the Sele La (4480m) and Sinion La (4,660). Upon reaching the top of the passes, we are rewarded with an amazing view of Yalung Glacier, Jannu (7,710m), Makalu (8,481m), Baruntse (7,129m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), and many other mountain ranges along the Sikkim border. We then descend to Tseram. Overnight at Tseram.
Day 16: Tseram to Ramche (4,580m) 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we commence our journey passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier into an ablation valley, we ascend towards Ramche. We also come across a lake and a meadow where we can spot the blue sheep grazing on the grassy hills. Overnight at home-stay in Ramche.
Day 17: Explore to Oktang (4,730m) 2-3 hours and trek back to Tseram (3,870m) 5-6 hours
Today, we explore Yalung Base Camp area. Trekking through the glacial moraines and challenging rocky path, we cross Oktang, from where we can get a panoramic view of Jannu (7,720m) and Kanchenjunga (8,586m), and several other peaks. Retracing the same trail, we trek towards Anda Phedi relishing the view of different mountain ranges and herds of blue sheep over the grassy slope. Overnight at Tseram.
Day 18: Trek from Tseram to Tortong (2,995m) 6-7 hours
After breakfast,we descend towards Tortong through the densely forested path filled with rhododendrons and bushes. We also stumble across few streams, Chortens, monasteries, ponds, and waterfalls on our way to Tortong. Overnight at Tortong.
Day 19: Tortong to Yamphudim (2,080m) 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we continue to descend to the Amji Khola and then crossing Lasiya Bhanjyang (3,310m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2,620m), we descend towards Yamphudim. Yamphudim is a village inhabited by a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. Overnight at Yamphudim.
Day 20: Yamphudim to Phuphung Panda (1,794m) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we leave behind the village of Yamphudim, and descend towards Phuphung panda passing through valleys, waterfalls, and forest area. Overnight at Khebang.
Day 21: Phuphung panda to Kande Bhanjyang (2,129m) 6 hours
After breakfast, we trek along the forested area and ascend towards Kande Bhanjyang From the mountainous part, we are now in the flatlands of Nepal. Overnight at Kande Bhanjyang.
Day 22: Kande Bhanjyang to Suketar
The route descends to the Pha Khola and then climbs steeply through Pokhara and Shimu villages to Thenbewa. The trail continues through forest to Lali Kharka and on to a ridge, then follows a gradual descent to Suketar.
Day 23: Suketar to Kanyam or Phikal bazar 6 hours drive
After breakfast, we take a Jeep and drive to Ilam (Phikal Bazar)
Day 24: Suketar to Kanyam or Phikal bazar 6 hours drive
After breakfast, we take a Jeep and drive to Ilam (Phikal Bazar)
Day 25: Phikal Bazar to Bhadrapur Airport by private Jeep 3 hours and catch the afternoon flight to Kathmandu.
We drive towards Bhadrapur airport to catch our flight back to the capital city. Enjoying the aerial view of the mountains, we arrive in Kathmandu. After landing, we transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
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Inclusions
What‘s included
KCAP Permit and Restricted Area Permit (RAP).A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.02 guest to 01 porter (Max weight limit for a porter- 20 kg (10 kg per trekker, weight limit).) with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment.We provide an assistant guide his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance walking with group to support where necessary as per the group size.Accommodation in the mountain during the trekking.To and Fro from Trek Start Point to Trek End Point by private vehicle.Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day.First aid kit box.All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary.What‘s excluded
Your Nepal Visa fees.All the International air fare to and from Kathmandu.All the International air fare to and from Kathmandu.All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara.Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu/Chitwan transportation (if you want we can organize for you with additional cost).Personal travel and health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation.In case of extra nights’ accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.Your personal expenses such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc).The tips to the trekking crews and drive.Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company).Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control.Essential Info
Suggested Equipment List
Duffel/Rucksack bag
Walking Pole
Day pack.
Trekking shoes.
Sports shoes or sandals.
Sun Hat/cap
Warm woolen cap.
Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
Pullover or warm sweeter
Raincoat
4/5 pairs of good quality socks
Hand gloves.
2/3 pairs of trekking trousers.
3/4 pairs of trekking shirts.
3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred).
Sun glasses
Water bottle
4 season sleeping bag
Flash or Torch light
Camera and batteries
FAQs
Q1.Is this Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is quite challenging due to its terrain and moderate difficulty level.
Q2. What type of accommodations are available during the trek?
Comfortable tea houses and lodges are available along the trail, offering cozy stays with basic amenities.
Comfortable tea houses and lodges are available along the trail, offering cozy stays with basic amenities.
Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a daypack, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views.
Q4. Do I need prior trekking experience to join this adventure?
No prior trekking experience is required. A reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure are all that’s needed.
Q6. What is the best time to undertake this Trek?
This Trek is best enjoyed during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear.
Q7. How is safety ensured during the trek?
Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and emergency procedures. Safety briefings are provided, and communication devices are carried for any unforeseen circumstances.
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