Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Trip Facts
Tour Details
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a challenging trek. Yet it is the most beautiful walk in the world. The trail goes around the Kanchenjunga Himalayan domain. The Kanchenjunga opens its beauty to those who dare. With a bit of patience and perseverance, you can triumph in this journey. The Tibetan word Kanchenjunga means “Five Treasures of Snow”. Local inhabitants have worshiped these mountains for ages. The five treasures are gold, silver, precious stones, Grains, and Holy Scriptures. These treasures refer to five individual peaks of the Kanchenjunga Himal Range.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek starts from Kathmandu, and you take a flight to Bhadrapur. From Bhadrapur, you drive to Taplejung. The trekking journey starts onward. The trek goes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The local communities in partnership with WWF manage this pristine conservation area. On the trek, local Tibetans welcome you with smiles and hospitality. You walk through rippling farmland, alpine meadows, high-altitude wetlands, and pristine Rhododendron Forest. This conservation area is home to endangered snow leopards and red pandas. There are also the vulnerable Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, and Assamese macaque. The gradual changes in the landscape offer diversified vegetation and wildlife. You can see the best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Jannu. In some places, you must be careful about the trail as they are prone to landslides and rockfalls.
A trek to Kanchenjunga is an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas. Kanchenjunga is not a mountain that will easily let anyone pass. It tests a trekker’s patience, perseverance, and dedication. But the trekkers swear on the magnificent beauty of the mountains and the sight of the third-highest mountain has to offer. They triumph in their journey with the greatest memories of life.
Departure & Return Location
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Departure Time
3 Hours Before Flight Time
What to Expect
- Opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of Mt. Kanchenjunga closely
- Trek through pristine forests, alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and glacial rivers, offering breathtaking views and a sense of seclusion
- Encounter rare and exotic wildlife species such as the snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and numerous bird species.
- Takes you through traditional villages inhabited by ethnic communities like the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa
- Crossing challenging high mountain passes, such as the Sele La Pass and Sinion La Pass
- Come across remote Buddhist monasteries, such as the Oktang Monastery and Ghunsa Monastery
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary
Welcome to Kathmandu
While entering the border of Nepal, you will see the Terai Plain and the everlasting green hills. The Himalayas at the horizon smile over your arrival in Nepal. After Customs clearance, you proceed toward the arrival terminal (gate). Our company representative will receive you and transfer you to the hotel as assigned.
Transfer: Private vehicle as per the group size
Meal Plan: No Meal
Overnight: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Star category hote
Explore Kathmandu & Trek Preparation
The exploration of Kathmandu Valley starts after having breakfast. We will visit some of the ancient UNESCO heritage sites, which is an important destination. Our tour guide will take you to Pashupatinath Temple and its surroundings to explore. This temple is the holiest destination on Earth for Hindus. The temple’s architecture is a masterpiece to behold. After this, you will visit Boudha Stupa which is the largest stupa in Nepal. After exploration, you will visit Swoyambhu Stupa, the monkey temple of Nepal. These two stupas are a pious destination for Buddhists. The vibes you get from these places are unworldly and divine. As time goes by, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the oldest squares in the valley. From here, you can walk up to the Thamel market if you have some shopping left to do for trekking. Or you will be dropped off to your hotel.
Transfer: Private vehicle
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Overnight: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Star category hotel
Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (91m). Drive to Ilam (1,205m)
After breakfast, you fly to Bhadrapur with a scenic view of the mountains. We try to take a flight as early as possible. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Bhadrapur, a beautiful town in the eastern part of Nepal.
From Juphal, you drive to Ilam (Phidim) – a tea city in Nepal. It takes about 4 hours in a private jeep to cover 90 km and reach Ilam. You have enough time to explore the market and enjoy your time.
Distance: 90 km drive
Time Taken: 45 minutes flight, 4 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ilam
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Drive Ilam to Taplejung (1,442m). Trek to Mitlung (921m)
After breakfast, your jeep ride starts to Taplejung, starting point of your trek. You drive through a low green hill. The temperature is temperate, and the land is fertile here. You can see Tea and Cardamom plantations. You can see Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Jannu playing hide and seek on the way.
From Taplejung, the Kanchenjunga trek route starts. The trek starts with a steep descent to the Tamor River. On the way, you pass through pastureland and small villages. You cross the Hungdewa River and the Tamor River. You reach Mitlung Village, a village of Limbu people.
Distance: 151 km drive, 9-10 km trek
Time Taken: 5 hours drive, 5 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Mitlung
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Mitlung to Chiruwa (1,270m)
Having breakfast, you trek toward Chiruwa; our next stopover. Today, you start trekking uphill to Sinwa village. You can meet lots of cheerful local people. From here you have an uphill climb to Tawa. The trail goes ups and downs until you reach the wooden bridge Thiwa Khola. You continue your trek enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. On the way, you see the plantation of rice, millet, potatoes, and vegetables. You walk along Chiruwa Khola and reach Chiruwa village. It is a small village of Limbu people with few lodges.
Time Taken: 6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Chiruwa
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Chiruwa to Sukatham (1,576m)
You start your trek along the Tamur River and reach Taplechowk. It is a checkpoint where your trekking permit will be checked. After crossing a suspension bridge, your trek continues with gradual ascent and descent. You pass through various villages like Phembu and Lelep. You reach Ghunsa Khola Valley. Further, walking from the valley, you reach Sukatham, a Tibetan village.
Time Taken: 6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Sukatham
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Sukatham to Amjilosa (2,308m)
Crossing the suspension bridge over the Ghunsa River, you trek to Amjilosa. You walk through dense forests and various villages before reaching Amjilosa. The trail is slippery, steep and narrow through a dramatic gorge. Following the uphill and downhill tricky trail, you reach Amjilosa. It lies above the gorge. Amjilosa is a Tibetan settlement with the Sherpa people and Tibetan people.
Time Taken: 7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Amjilosa
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m)
After breakfast, you trek to Gyabla. Amjilosa is a short ascent through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forest. You cross the ridge and descend toward Ghunsa Khola. At Thyanyani, there are several stone shelters. The trail goes ups and downs throughout the journey. After passing a large waterfall, there is a final steep climb to Gyabla.
Time Taken: 6-7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Gyabla
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595m)
The Rhododendron Forest opens, and settlement appears. That’s a Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a settlement just below Poonhill. This place used to be the gathering point for shepherds to let their horse drink water. After breakfast, your trek begins with a steep descent into a gorge. You walk through Firs and Rhododendron Forests. The trail becomes easier to pass. Following the riverbank, you trek to Yak Pastureland Pholey. Pholey is a Tibetan village with potato cultivation farmland. You can visit a monastery and explore the culture of the village. From Pholey, you trek to Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a beautiful village with colourful prayer flags. There are lodges and shops in the village.
Time Taken: 6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ghunsa
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Acclimatization Day
Today, you get plenty of time for acclimatization. You have to take enough rest and get your body free from exhaustion. You explore the village and enjoy the day. You can trek the nearby ridge and have a great view of the mountains. Ghunsa is the last permanent settlement in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Enjoy your day at Ghunsa while acclimatizing your body.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ghunsa
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m)
After breakfast, your journey starts following Ghunsa Khola. The trail goes a gradual climb up into Pine and Rhododendron Forest. There are mani walls and chortens on the way. You reach Rampuk Kharcha, a pastureland, after crossing a bridge over Ghunsa Khola. The onward trail is prone to landslides and rock falls. The trail then curves around the hillside and descends to Kambachen. Kambachen is a temporary Tibetan settlement with few houses. It is located on a grassy plain with few houses. You can see the mountains in the backdrop.
Time Taken: 5 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Kambachen
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780m)
Having breakfast, you trek to Ramtang. Ramtang is a yak herder’s camp after passing through the lateral moraine. Enjoy the moments at Ramtang. The trail is going to be trickier and a little dangerous. Take extra notice of falling rocks while passing through the landslide area. Afterwards, you cross the Northwest section moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier and reach Lhonak. From Lhonak, you can see mountains like Wedge Peak (6,750m), Mera (6,344m) and Twins (7,351m).
Time Taken: 7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lhonak
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Lhonak to Pangpema (5,140m). Visit Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m)
From Lhonak, the trail ascends along the lateral moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier. After passing through several loose and rocky sections, you reach Pangpema. Pangpema is a treasured site in Nepal. The sudden view of the North face of Kanchenjunga is magnificent. You have enough time to explore the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and enjoy the view.
Time Taken: 7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Pangpema
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Pangpema to Kambachen
After breakfast, you trek back to Kambachen tracing the same path. Enjoy your journey on the way.
Time Taken: 5 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Kambachen
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Kambachen to Ghunsa
After breakfast, you trek back to Ghunsa tracing the same path. Enjoy your journey on the way.
Time Taken: 6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ghunsa
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Ghunsa to Sele La Camp (4,290m)
From Ghunsa, you trek to Sele La Camp. The trail splits to the right-hand side leaving behind the trail to Gyabla. The trail is a steep uphill climb. On the way, you pass through the dense forest of Rhododendrons and Juniper Forest. Sele La Camp is an isolated settlement with one or two tea houses. Some people claim that they have seen Snow Leopard as well.
Time Taken: 7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Sele La Camp
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Sele La Camp to Tseram (3,870m) via Sele La Pass (4,480m)
Wake up with a great view of nature. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Today, you will cross Sele La Pass and reach Tseram. On the way, you will see the magnificent view of Mt. Jannu and others. This is an altitude trek so take care of your health condition. The weather might get worse sometime, and your journey gets difficult. Be strong and continue your journey. Enjoy the amazing vistas of the Himalayas. You will walk along the ridge and take final descent to reach Tseram. Tseram is a small settlement above the Simbua Khola.
Time Taken: 7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Tseram
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Tseram to Ramche (4,620m)
After breakfast, you trek to Ramche. You will pass through the tip of Yalung Glacier into an ablation valley. You can see the mountains on the east straddle which lies at the Nepal-India borders. At Ramche, there is a lake and meadow. You can often see Blue Sheep at Ramche.
Time Taken: 7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ramche
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Visit Yalung Base Camp (4,500m)
From Ramche, you trek further up to the valley. You follow a small stream and continue to climb the moraine until you see Kanchenjunga’s southern face. You trek further and reach Oktang Monastery. After a certain walk, you approach Yalung Base Camp. On the way, you see the extraordinary view of Mt. Jannu. Enjoy the view and return to Ramche.
Time Taken: 7-8 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Ramche
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Ramche to Tseram
After breakfast, you trek back to Tseram tracing the same path. Enjoy your journey on the way.
Time Taken: 5 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Tseram
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Tseram to Tortong (2,995m)
From Tseram, you trek to Tortong. You will pass through Rhododendron and Pine Forest throughout the journey. Enjoy the beauty of nature and view of the Himalayas on the way. You make your way to Tortong.
Time Taken: 6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Tortong
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Tortong to Yamphudin (2,080m)
Today, you trek to Yamphudin. The trail ascends until you reach the lunch point at Lamite Bhanjyang. On the way, the trail is steep and prone to landslides. You pass through the mossy forest of Pine and Rhododendrons. The onward trail is downhill and easy before crossing Imja Khola. The path contours down through the Corn and Barley field. You cross the ridge and reach Yamphudin. It is a village with Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung people.
Time Taken: 7 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Yamphudin
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Yamphudin to Mamankhe (1,810m)
Today, you trek to Mamankhe. Most of the trek will be downhill along the Kabeli Khola. During the walk, you will enjoy the beautiful ridge and passes various villages. Enjoy your time at Mamankhe.
Time Taken: 5 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Mamankhe
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Mamankhe to Kande Bhanjyang (2,120m)
From Mamankhe, you trek to Kande Bhanjyang. The trail passes through a stream on a lengthy suspension bridge. Afterwards, you climb uphill to Ponphe village. The trail further climbs to the ridge with some teahouses. You traverse to various villages before reaching Kande Bhanjyang.
Time Taken: 6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Kande Bhanjyang
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Kande Bhanjyang to Lalikharka (2,220m)
After breakfast, you trek through the edge of Khunjari village, a Limbu village. Onward, you pass through several villages and forest areas. You reach Lalikharka.
Time Taken: 6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Lalikharka
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Trek Lalikharka to Suketar (2,420m)
From Lalikharka, you trek to Suketar, your final day trek in the Kanchenjunga area. You descend to Pha Khola and pass through various villages. The trail goes ups and down before you reach Suketar.
Time Taken: 5-6 hours trek
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Suketar
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Drive Suketar to Bhadrapur
After breakfast, you will drive to Bhadrapur. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. You will enjoy your ride through green hills and valleys.
Distance: 250 km
Time Taken: 9 hours trek
Transfer: Private Vehicle
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Bhadrapur
Accommodation: Basic Lodge
Fly Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
Catch an early flight to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur. You enjoy your flight above the Himalayas, Hills, and valleys. You have enough time to spend after reaching your hotel. Enjoy your free time and arrange your luggage for departure.
Time Taken: 45 minutes flight
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Overnight: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel Shreesu or similar
Departure
Enjoy your final day in Kathmandu. Free till final departure. Transfer to the airport 3 hours prior to the flight scheduled.
Transfer: Private Vehicle
Meal Plan: Breakfast
What is Included Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
What is Exclude Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
FAQs About Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
In this travel package, we arrange transport facilities for Arrival & Departure depending upon the group size. For sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley, we arrange a good vehicle. You have an airport drop and pick up within this package. The vehicle will be nice and clean for transfer. We will arrange flight tickets from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur/Taplejung and return. In the case of extra transportation arrangements (leaving the trek earlier from the group, heli charter or others not mentioned), you are responsible for an extra cost.
The accommodation at Kathmandu is in the 3-star hotel on a BB basis. During the trek, each night you stay on a tea house/guesthouse run by local communities. Most of the tea houses are basic. The room is on a sharing basis with two beds. You will have a common hall for your meal & relaxing. In some places, the washroom (toilet) during the trek is the Squat toilet and used as a sharing one. We are not responsible for extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or other destinations. You might have to take extra night accommodation due to early arrival, late departure, early return from the trek, or due to any other reasons than the scheduled itinerary. You have to bear the cost of crew members as well as yours for meal & accommodation if you have to take an extra day in the trek.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is within a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit of Nepal. The permits required during this Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek are; 1. Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit 2. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
At Kathmandu, Breakfast is from the hotel side while the guest has to arrange Lunch and Dinner on their own. At the same time, it is the best chance to explore Nepali style food in Nepali Restaurants. On request, the Lunch & Dinner is served. Farewell dinner will be served on behalf of Lets Trip Nepal Adventure Pvt. Ltd. The meal during the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will be a simple and authentic Nepalese style. The breakfast and the dinner will be served at the tea house where you are staying overnight, and the lunch will be served on the way. The meals provided are fresh, organic, and locally grown vegetables. We don’t recommend having non-veg items (meats & dairy) during the trek, as they are not hygienic & healthy. Consumption of alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items & hot chocolate are bad during high altitude trek. All the Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be in the package during the trek.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a long and strenuous trek. Trekkers often feel exhausted and want to quit the trek. So, be mentally and physically prepared. This is a recommended trek for experienced and fit trekkers. This trek can be successful with a bit of preservation, determination, and patience. Beware of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while trekking. There is altitude gain and your body must be well acclimatized. To have the stabilized stamina, attitude and determination you can have a week-long walking practice before your trek day. Make sure you can walk for 7-8 hours a day. If you have any critical problems like heart diseases, blood cancer, lungs problem, and other life-threatening diseases, please consult your doctor before trekking and take necessary measures. You must inform any kind of such complication to Lets Trip Nepal Adventure Pvt. Ltd. as well.
The best time to visit Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will be in Spring (March-May), and Autumn (September–November). The weather and temperature are favorable for trekking. This is the best time to explore the unexplored terrain and wildlife. The weather will be warm, clean, and sunny with an incredible view of mountains on the horizon. During monsoon, the trip will be difficult because of the rain. The roads get blocked or swept out because of the landslide. There will be irregular flights as well. In Winter, the weather is very cold and it’s not doable.
Tipping is solely a traveller’s choice, be more or less entirely their perception. The wages provided to Guide(s) & Porter(s) for the trek are basic wage which will be used for meals & accommodation. Normally, tips are offered at the end of the trek or end of the whole trip. The amount to give is decided by the group depending upon your perception of service quality, length of trip, budget, and appreciation of their work. In Nepalese culture, tipping is the way to express your happiness about the trip and our service quality. Our company crews; Guide(s), Porter(s) & driver(s) are always there for you to take care and make your trip a success – the trip of a lifetime experience.
The weight limit for your baggage is 8 kg per trekker. Porters will be assigned to carry your baggage for your trek. One porter will carry the bags of two guests. The combined baggage should not exceed more than 16 kg. We are travelling to higher altitudes and should think about porters as well. So, we never overload our porters. You should carry your own knapsack or backpack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. Only carry what are essentials, you have to leave any excess baggage either at your hotel or at the Lets Trip Nepal Adventure store for free and it’ll be completely safe.
Your trekking trail goes to the remote destinations of Nepal. Most of the places don’t have a good health center or even medicine at a time. So, you have to carry the necessary medicine and think about travel safety. Our, guide(s) and porter(s) will not be responsible for bad health hazards due to the use of any medicine. They are only responsible to make your treks successful and give guidance during the trip.
We try our 100% effort to make your trip smooth and unforgettable. We guaranteed you to give 100% service to your payment. However, due to some unavoidable circumstances; like a landslide, flood, snowfall, political unrest, flight cancellation, sickness or accident, etc., the overall itinerary might get affected. We will not be responsible for such changes. The guests will have to bear any extra costing of self as well as the guide & the porters.
We have got a wide range of packages for our valued guests. The package starts from Kathmandu and ends up at various well-known destinations of Nepal as well as restricted areas too. If you are looking for any extreme and customized trek you can mail us at letstripnepal@gmail.com. We are at your service 24/7.
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