Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary
Elevation: 1,677 m / 5,501 ft
Travel Duration: 5-hour drive
Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive through the lush hills to Ilam, famous for its tea gardens.
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22D 21N
Specific Tour
10 people
English, Francais
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an exhilarating and remote adventure in eastern Nepal, circling the world’s third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m / 28,169 ft). This 22-day trek offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most pristine and less-traveled trails in the Himalayas, passing through lush valleys, dense forests, high-altitude alpine meadows, and rugged glacial moraines.
This trek takes adventurers to both the northern and southern base camps of Kanchenjunga, providing awe-inspiring views of towering peaks, including Kanchenjunga itself, as well as Janu, Wedge, and Twins. The route traverses diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests teeming with rhododendrons to snow-covered high passes that require careful acclimatization.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the Kanchenjunga Circuit offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of eastern Nepal, with trails passing through traditional Sherpa, Limbu, and Rai villages. Trekkers will have the chance to experience the unique cultures, languages, and traditions of these remote mountain communities, while staying in local teahouses and encountering warm hospitality along the way.
Due to the trek’s remoteness and high altitude, it is classified as challenging and best suited for experienced trekkers in good physical condition. The trek requires permits and the accompaniment of a registered guide, as independent trekking is restricted in this region. Proper acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to help trekkers adjust to the altitude and enjoy the journey safely.
With its rugged trails, spectacular mountain vistas, and immersive cultural experiences, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a true gem for those seeking solitude and adventure in the Himalayas. It promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the world’s most beautiful and untouched mountain regions.
This trek is ideal for adventurous trekkers looking for a remote, off-the-beaten-path experience in the Himalayas. Be well-prepared, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and cultural richness that the Kanchenjunga Circuit has to offer.
# | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Group | 5 | 9.98 | 9.99% |
Elevation: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft Trek Duration: 7 hours Follow the Tamur River and pass through cardamom farms and forests to reach Lelep.
Elevation: 2,510 m / 8,234 ft Trek Duration: 5 hours Trek through dense forests and cross suspension bridges before reaching Amjilosa.
Elevation: 2,730 m / 8,956 ft Trek Duration: 4 hours Ascend through bamboo and rhododendron forests, with spectacular views along the way.
Elevation: 3,595 m / 11,794 ft Trek Duration: 4 hours Pass through Tibetan-influenced villages and arrive at Ghunsa, where the landscape becomes more alpine.
Altitude: 3,595 m (11,794 ft) Spend the day in Ghunsa to acclimatize, explore the village, and visit local monasteries.
Altitude: 4,100 m (13,451 ft) Trek Duration: 4 hours Trek along the glacial rivers, gaining elevation gradually as you arrive at Kambachen.
Altitude: 4,100 m (13,451 ft) Spend the day resting in Kambachen and taking short hikes to adjust to the high altitude.
Altitude: 4,785 m (15,698 ft) Trek Duration: 4 hours Follow a challenging path along the moraine to reach Lhonak, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
Altitude: 5,143 m (16,870 ft) at Base Camp Trek Duration: 8 hours round trip Trek to the North Base Camp, offering stunning views of Kanchenjunga’s northern face, then return to Lhonak.
Altitude: 3,595 m (11,794 ft) Trek Duration: 7 hours Retrace the route back to Ghunsa, with downhill stretches providing relief from the high altitude.
Altitude: 4,390 m (14,402 ft) Trek Duration: 5 hours Steep ascent to the high Sele La Pass, which offers expansive mountain views.
Altitude: 3,870 m (12,696 ft Trek Duration: 8 hours Cross several high passes and descend gradually to the settlement of Cheram.
Altitude: 4,730 m (15,518 ft) at Base Camp Trek Duration: 6 hours round trip Head to the South Base Camp to see the Kanchenjunga massif and Yalung Glacier, then return to Cheram.
Altitude: 2,080 m (6,824 ft) Trek Duration: 4 hours Begin a steady descent through alpine meadows and forests, reaching the village of Torongding.
Altitude: 1,980 m (6,496 ft) Trek Duration: 8 hours Continue through dense forests and traditional settlements as you approach Yamphuding.
Altitude: 1,910 m (6,266 ft) Trek Duration: 4 hours A pleasant trek descending through terraced fields and quaint villages, reaching Khebang.
Altitude: 1,500 m (4,921 ft) Trek Duration: 4 hours Complete the last leg of the trek, arriving at Khamdime, ready for the return journey.
Altitude: 93 m (305 ft) Travel Time: 10 hours Take a scenic drive back to Bhadrapur, passing through diverse landscapes and remote areas.
Altitude: 1,300 m (4,265 ft) Flight Duration: 50 minutes Return to Kathmandu, marking the end of your journey through the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a remote and challenging trekking route in eastern Nepal. It circles around Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, taking trekkers through diverse landscapes, high-altitude passes, and both northern and southern base camps of the mountain.
This trek is considered strenuous due to its high altitude, long duration, and remote locations. It requires good physical fitness and prior trekking experience, especially at high altitudes. It involves steep ascents, descents, and several high passes.
The full circuit trek usually takes about 22 days, including travel days from Kathmandu. It covers approximately 220 km (137 miles) in total.
The ideal times to trek are in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is more stable, and visibility is generally excellent. Summer brings heavy monsoon rains, and winter can be extremely cold with snow-covered trails.
To trek the Kanchenjunga Circuit, you need:
Yes, acclimatization is crucial due to the high altitudes, with parts of the trek reaching over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). The itinerary includes several acclimatization days to help prevent altitude sickness.
Accommodation is mostly in basic teahouses, which provide meals and a place to sleep. In more remote areas, facilities may be limited, and camping may be required, depending on the season and availability.
While hiring a guide is mandatory due to the restricted area regulations, it is highly recommended for safety and to navigate the remote trails. A porter can also be helpful for carrying heavy loads, allowing you to trek more comfortably.
Essential items include:
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk due to the high elevations. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to help mitigate this risk, but trekkers should be aware of the symptoms and descend if they feel unwell.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 5,500 meters or more) is highly recommended. The insurance should include coverage for emergency evacuation, as the region is remote with limited medical facilities.
Meals typically include staple Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, potatoes, and soups. While food choices are limited, especially in higher altitudes, teahouses usually offer a variety of basic, hearty meals to keep you fueled.
A high level of fitness is required, as the trek involves long days of walking over rugged terrain with significant altitude gains. Prior experience with multi-day treks and altitude is beneficial.
Mobile network coverage is limited and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes. Some teahouses may offer Wi-Fi for a fee, but connections are generally slow. Satellite phones are the best option for emergency communication.
Charging facilities are available at some teahouses for a fee. However, power availability is limited, so it’s wise to bring extra batteries or a solar charger for essential devices.
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