Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek allows trekkers who enjoy solitude to reach the base camp of the world’s third tallest mountain on a remote mountain trail. Mt. Kanchenjunga, located in Nepal’s far north-eastern corner, is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful mountain massifs. Kanchenjunga’s name translates as “Five Treasures of the Great Snow,” referring to the five summits that comprise the mountain. The 25-day circuit trek begins after we fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. The long journey on a less traveled path also provides us with a unique insight into rural Nepalese life in the country’s eastern region.
Highlights
- En route to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, take in the breathtaking scenery.
- Get a close look at the world’s third-highest peak (8,586 m)
- Hike through subtropical valleys, rhododendron forests, and high alpine meadows.
- Stay with local families and learn about their daily lives.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as red pandas, blue sheep, Himalayan black bears, and the endangered snow leopard.
Overview
Due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure, the Kanchenjunga region has remained off the radar of most trekkers despite its stunning natural beauty (until recently it was camping only).
Teahouses have opened up in villages and other convenient locations along the trail in recent years. This means that small groups can now trek here more affordably, and payments for lodging and meals benefit the local economy directly.
This region offers rewarding trekking through lush, low-lying valleys, up through incredible forests, and into high alpine pastures and glaciers at Kanchenjunga’s foot. You’ll pass through Hindu and Buddhist villages with Chhetri, Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Sherpa, and Tibetan cultures along the way.
Keep in mind that the trails are narrow and the teahouses are basic, as this remote area is still visited by a small number of trekkers. You won’t find the fancy meals and attached bathrooms found on popular trekking routes, but you will get to know the real Nepal, with all of its cultures and landscapes.
The most popular route takes 24 days and visits both Mt. Kanchenjunga’s North and South Base Camps. There are, however, a few other shorter options.
There is essentially one main trail that can be hiked in either direction, visiting both base camps (24 days) or one of the base camps (18/19 days), or doing a shorter circuit (about 15 days depending on your stops). The routes described below begin in Taplejung and do not include travel time to and from Kathmandu (please see the ‘getting there and away’ section below for more information).
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| Kathmandu office | 01-4439962, 01-4439963 |
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Trip Itinerary Brief
| Day | Highlights | Maximum Altitude | Walking / Hiking |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu and preparation for the trip | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu Sightseeing | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
| Day 3 | Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Drive to Taplejung; | 1,442m/4,731ft | |
| Day 4 | Taplejung to Lalikharka | 2,265m/7,431ft | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 5 | Lalikharka to Khesewa | 2,120m/6,956ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 6 | Khesewa to Mamankhe | 1,785m/5,857ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 7 | Mamankhe to Yamphudin | 2,080m/6,824ft | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 8 | Yamphudin to Tortong | 2,995m/9,827ft | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 9 | Tortong to Cheram | 3,870m/12,697ft | 2-3 hrs |
| Day 10 | Cheram: Acclimatization and Rest | 3,870m/12,697ft | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 11 | Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) | 4,580m/15,027ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 12 | Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp, back to Cheram | 3,870m/12,697ft | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 13 | Cheram to Sele La | 4,290m/14,075ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 14 | Sele La to Ghunsa | 3,595m/11,795ft | 2-3 hrs |
| Day 15 | Ghunsa to Kambachen | 4,050m/13,288ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 16 | Kambachen to Lhonak | 4,778m/15,677ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 17 | Kanchenjunga base camp, overnight at Pangpema | 5,143m/16,874ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 18 | Pangpema to Lhonak | 4,778m/15,677ft | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 19 | Lhonak to Ghunsa | 3,595m/11,795ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 20 | Ghunsa to Amjilosa | 2,308m/7,573ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 21 | Amjilosa to Chirwa | 1,270m/4,167ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 22 | Chirwa to Taplejung via Mitlung | 1,442m/4,731ft | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 23 | Taplejung to Bhadrapur | 2,419m/7,937ft | |
| Day 24 | Fly to Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
| Day 25 | Final departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and preparation for the trip
When we arrive in Kathmandu, a representative from Deshatan Travels and Tours will meet us at the airport and transport us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll have a pre-trip meeting where we’ll meet our trek leader and other team members. We can use this time to ask the management and trek leader any questions we have about our trip. In the evening, Deshatan Travels and Tours will host a welcome dinner. We will have excellent Nepalese cuisine for dinner, which will introduce us to the country’s food culture.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today, after breakfast, we begin a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual sites. The historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath), which is one of the world’s largest stupas, are all World Heritage Sites. At noon, there will be a pre-trip meeting where we will be able to meet our trek leader and other team members. In Kathmandu, spend the night.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Drive to Taplejung
We take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, which is located in the Mechi Zone of southeastern Nepal, and then drive to Taplejung.
Day 04: Taplejung to Lalikharka
On Day 4, we will trek for 5 hours to Lalikharka. Lalikharka is a lovely village in Panchthar District, Mechi Zone, eastern Nepal. It is an ascent and descent on a trail that mostly runs through lush green forests to Lalikharkha.
Day 05: Lalikharka to Khesewa
After breakfast, we set out on our journey to Khesewa. Until Phundrawa, the descent is mostly easy. We begin our ascent from here. It’s a steep climb until Yangpang, then it’s a steady ascent to Phumphe Danda, followed by another ascent to Khesewa. Our journey will take us through forests and small towns. Stay the night in Khesewa.
Day 06: Khesewa to Mamankhe
After breakfast, we set out on our journey to the Kabeli Khola. Following that, we walk on a trail through the woods before crossing a small stream. We enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks along the way, as well as passing through several charming small villages. In Mamankhe, spend the night.
Day 07: Mamankhe to Yamphudin
Today’s uptick will be mostly uphill on an easy trail that will take us mostly along the Kabeli Khola. We also take in the beautiful ridge behind the stream on our walk. We continue our walk, stopping to admire a lovely waterfall nearby. We come to a small suspension bridge after walking for a while. We pass through small towns before arriving in Yamphudin for the night.
Day 08: Yamphudin to Tortong
We begin our walk on a path used by the locals, passing through terraced farms and green meadows. We have the constant company of the Himalayas to enjoy along the way. Our walk will take us along the Amji Khola trail. Before arriving in Tortong, we also cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang. Overnight in Tortong.
Day 09: Tortong to Cheram
After breakfast, we begin our steady ascent to Cheram. Our trail runs alongside the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy walking through the lovely Lalung valley and have Tuplung peak to keep us company for the majority of today’s journey. We travel through dense rhododendron forest and marvel at the beauty of the Yalung Glacier. Cheram is where you’ll spend the night.
Day 10: Cheram: Acclimatization and Rest
We will spend a day in Cheram to help us acclimate to the high altitude. We can spend the rest of the day relaxing and going on short hikes. We can go exploring around the Yalung Glacier. There’s also a lookout point for the Kabaru and Rathong peaks. Cheram is where you’ll spend the night.
Day 11: Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche)
After breakfast, we set out on our short journey. We ascend for a while from Cheram before reaching the snout of the Yalung Glacier. It’s a lovely walk along a valley trail. We also treasure the views of various Himalayan peaks. Before arriving in Ramche, we pass through the small village of Lapsang. In Ramche, spend the night.
Day 12: Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp, back to Cheram
We walk further up the valley from Ramche. We then follow a stream before climbing the moraine top until we come face to face with Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We continue on our way, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We continue on our way to the Oktang Monastery. From here, we continue climbing to the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are breathtaking. The Himalayan peaks of Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung, and others are nearby. We return to Cheram and spend the night there.
Day 13: Cheram to Sele La
After breakfast, we set out on our journey. Today we cross four passes, starting with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. We continue to Mirgin La pass after crossing the pass. We keep trekking until we reach the Sinion La pass, which is not far away. From here, we climb to the Sele La pass. Prayer flags are strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail near the Sele La pass. We make it over the pass. Stay the night in Sele La.
Day 14: Sele La to Ghunsa
After breakfast, we set out on our journey. Tangbgharma Danda is nearby as we walk north. We arrive at a chorten, which is marked by prayer flags and marks the beginning of a steep trail. Before reaching Ghunsa, we descend through rhododendron, birch, and pine forests. It’s a lovely village with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 15: Ghunsa to Kambachen
We trek north from Ghunsa along the riverbank, passing through breathtaking mountain scenery. We walk through wildflower meadows and rhododendron and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past a waterfall, and traverse a treacherous section of a landslide. We begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu after passing through the landslide area. After more exploring and navigating the treacherous mountain trail, we arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.
Day 16: Kambachen to Lhonak
Today will be another difficult day, and an early start is required. We make our way through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank to a waterfall. Then we cross a bridge to the Ramtang monastery. We then encounter a landslide section that we must traverse at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. Spend the night in Lhonak.
Day 17: Kanchenjunga base camp, overnight at Pangpema
We trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Our path runs alongside the massive Kanchenjunga Glacier. We descend towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp after passing Pangpema. The view from the base camp is breathtaking. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal, and other Himalayan peaks are available for viewing. We return to Pangpema to spend the night.
Day 18: Pangpema to Lhonak
We trace our steps back to Lhonak from Pangpema. Spend the night in Lhonak.
Day 19: Lhonak to Ghunsa
We descend from Lhonak to Ghunsa via Kambache. It’s the same path we took when climbing up.
Day 20: Ghunsa to Amjilosa
We descend from Ghunsa to Phale. We pass through several Manes and a nearby monastery. We walk through Juniper forests until we arrive at Phale. It’s a steady descent from here to Gyabla. To get to Gyabla, we cross a bridge over the Chhundatangka Khola. As we continue our journey, we come across a waterfall. Before arriving in Amjilosa, we cross a suspension bridge over Sumbung Khola. Overnight in Amjilosa.
Day 21: Amjilosa to Chirwa
We come across a beautiful waterfall after walking for a while. We continue on our journey, passing through the small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. We arrive in Sukathum after crossing another suspension bridge over the Ghunsa Khola. Our path takes us through several villages, first alongside Thunsa Khola, then Tamor Nadi, before arriving in Chirwa. Chirwa is where you’ll spend the night.
Day 22: Chirwa to Taplejung via Mitlung
After a wonderful time in Chirwa, we trek for 8 hours to Taplejung. The trekking trails on the way to Mitlung are lush with greenery, flora, fauna, and especially quaint villages that are always ready to welcome us.
Day 23: Taplejung to Bhadrapur
We take the bus from Taplejung to Bhadrapur. The journey will last 9 hours.
Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu
Today marks the end of our incredible journey to the Kanchenjunga circuit. In the evening, Himalayan Glacier will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. In Kathmandu, spend the night.
Day 25: Final Departure
Today marks the end of our journey in Nepal! We will be dropped off at the airport by a Deshatan Travels and Tours representative approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. We have plenty of time on the way home to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
INCLUDED
- Accommodation in Standard Hotels on Twin Sharing Basis
- Equipment
- Domestic Flights
- Local Guide & Support Staff
- All Private Ground Transportation Including Airport Transfers
- Meals in the Mountain
- Small-Group Adventure
- Guaranteed Departures
- Lifetime Deposit
- No Booking Fee
International flights are not included, for your information. Unless you request a private room, rooms are usually shared by two people. You can also upgrade to better hotels in the mountains and even in cities. Please specify your customized services during the booking process or contact our Destination & Products Specialist.
MEALS
In Kathmandu, we will be served a buffet-style breakfast, and the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will include all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We eat breakfast and dinner in the tea houses/lodges where we spend the night, and lunch on the way to the next destination, while on the trek. Nepalese, Tibetan, continental, and Indian cuisines are popular choices on the menu.
Map
