kanchenjunga circuit trek

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Trekking at great outdoors

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  • Group Size: 2-10 Persons
  • Trip Duration: 22 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 5300 M
  • Country: Nepal
  • Trip Start: Kathmandu
  • Trip End: Kathmandu
  • Trip Level: Adventures
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the mountain
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based on 3 review(s)
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekkanchenjunga base campkanchenjunga trek weatherKanchenjunga tea houses

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, a challenging yet rewarding adventure in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas. Traverse a diverse landscape, transitioning from verdant lowlands teeming with rhododendron forests to high alpine meadows offering breathtaking panoramas of the Kanchenjunga massif, the world’s third-highest mountain. Hike past charming villages, fertile farmlands, and witness the unique culture of the region’s indigenous people.

This off-the-beaten-path trek delves into restricted areas, offering a glimpse into a hidden world. The untouched route winds through remote villages nestled high in the mountains. Prepare for awe-inspiring mountain vistas as you conquer high passes like Sele La and Sinion La, and encounter iconic peaks like Lhotse, Makalu, and Jannu. Witness the dramatic Yalung Glacier and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage at Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenge and a deeper connection with nature. To sum up we have created an Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Circuit trek including both South and north base camp. Make a plan for this trek and then choose the spring or autumn seasons for clear skies and optimal trekking conditions. However, join Royal Holidays Adventure for a safe and unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Highlights

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers a smorgasbord of experiences:

  • Traverse the Untamed East:

Explore the less-traveled eastern region of Nepal, a hidden gem boasting dramatic landscapes and a unique cultural tapestry.

  • Witness Glacial Marvels:

Encounter some of the region’s most popular glacial lakes, glistening turquoise jewels nestled amidst the rugged mountains.

  • Immerse Yourself in Nature’s Bounty:

Hike through diverse ecosystems, from vibrant rhododendron forests teeming with life to alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers.

  • Find Inner Peace:

Seek solace in the tranquility of Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries, perched amidst the mountains and offering breathtaking views.

  • Conquer High Mountain Passes:

Challenge yourself by traversing high passes like Sele La and Sinion La, and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Himalayas.

  • Commune with Mountain Giants:

Feel the immense presence of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, alongside other iconic giants like Lhotse, Makalu, and Jannu.

  • Experience Authentic Culture:

Interact with the welcoming locals in remote villages, gaining insights into their unique way of life and rich traditions.

  • Disconnect to Reconnect:

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the serenity of the Himalayas. Find a deeper connection with nature and yourself on this off-the-beaten-path adventure.

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Day To Day Itinenary

Arrival on: Kathmandu | Departure from: Kathmandu
  • 1
    Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (40 min) and drive to Ilam

    Duration: 4 - 5 hr

    Included meals: Lunch and Dinner

    After early breakfast in your hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of the Kathmandu airport to board on the first flight to Bhadrapur. It takes 45 minutes to reach the easternmost part of Nepal from where you will drive to Illam by road. The 95 km drive takes over four hours in private vehicle crossing beautiful scenery and landscapes, tea gardens, and diverse agricultural farms. On arrival at Illam, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will rest for the next day’s journey. Overnight in Illam.

  • 2
    Drive from Illam to Taplejung

    Duration: 5 to 6 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Altitude: 1820 M

    Today’s trip includes a road drive for around 6 to 7 hours to reach Taplejung via Phidim. The scenic drive offers serene views of the lush tea and cardamom plantations throughout the drive. The hills and the high passes play hide-and-seek with Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Jannu. Driving through pasture land and small hamlets, you will arrive at Taplejung. You will rest at your hotel room and prepare for the upcoming trek the next day. Overnight in Taplejung.

  • 3
    Trek from Taplejung to Chirwa

    Duration: 7 - 8 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 1250 M

    You will kick off today after a sumptuous breakfast at Taplejung and head towards today’s destination Chirwa. The first part of the trek follows the road, and then a downhill trod to reach Hangdewa. Following the Tamur River along the paved road, you will pass several villages like Mitlung and Lingkhim (also known as Siwa). You will also witness arrayed fields with plantations of rice, millet, potatoes, and several vegetables. Siwa Bazaar is a small market with majority settlements of the Limbu tribes and has a high school, hospitals, and a police checkpoint. Continuing along the Tamur River for around 2 hours you will reach Tawa village where you will have lunch. After lunch, it is slightly a zigzag trail to walk on for about an hour which leads you to Thiwa village. After a slight downhill walk, you will cross a wooden bridge on the Thiwa River and an additional hour of several uphill and downhill paths will get you to Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa.

  • 4
    Trek from Chirwa to Japantar

    Duration: 4 - 5 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 1500 M

    You will continue your hike today after breakfast along Tamur River passing through the diverse landscape and several ups and downs, and forested areas. After 2 hours or so, you will reach Taplethok from where your Kanchenjunga trek permit starts as it is the doorway to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Taplethok is a place with loads of information in forms of plenty of signboards at one place. Traversing the suspension bridge over the river and walking on the west bank along cardamom farms will bring you to Phembu village where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, you will continue walking with no need of climbing up to Lelep. From about 30 minutes before Lelep, there is a small trail towards the right leading you down to a small suspension bridge. From this bridge, there is a juncture which leads to Sekathum on the right trail and the left trail goes to Olangchung Gola, which is a part of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. You will finally arrive at Japantar, which is just 10 minutes downhill walk from Sekathum following the Ghunsa River on a zigzag trail. Overnight in Japantar.

  • 5
    Trek from Japantar to Amjilosa

    Duration: 4 - 5 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 2390 M

    After breakfast, you will leave Japantar and continue the hike crossing the suspension bridge over the Ghunsa River entering the dense bamboo forest and other variety of local trees. You may encounter troops of Langur monkeys and musk deer en route Amjilosa today. After about 2 hours of walking, you will again cross another suspension bridge over the Ghunsa River to arrive at Jaubari, where there is a beautiful, large waterfall to savor. Moving ahead following the river takes you to Lamatar where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, you will continue through zigzag trail and enter another dense forest amidst steep and narrow trails and you will walk through a dramatic gorge. Crossing another suspension bridge, it is a gradual climb for over a couple of hours, and then walking on a straight trail for another half an hour brings you to Amjilosa high above the gorge. Overnight in Amjilosa.

  • 6
    Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla

    Duration: 5 - 6 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 2751 M

    Your trekking spree continues after breakfast at Amjilosa from the river bank all the way through thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up to a small valley ridge. You will walk downhill and corresponding flatlands to reach Sherpa Hotel at Mindhum. Descending towards Ghunsa River on a narrow downhill trail till Thyangyan, you will come across several houses built by stones. Hiking on several undulating paths and crossing a huge waterfall, it is a steep uphill climb up to the beautiful village of Gyabla. It is a village with largely Tibetan settlements where you may witness the Jokpes, which are the crossbred variety of yaks and cows. Overnight in Gyabla.

  • 7
    Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa

    Duration: 4 - 5 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    Altitude: 3430 M

    You will get back on track after your breakfast and begin walking down the river where the valley opens out. Walking along an easier path for most of the portion, you will reach the Tibetan settlement of Phale where you will have your lunch. This village has a monastery, two hotels, electricity, and a yak pasture. It starts getting cooler and at the same time, the vegetation changes and you get to see more rhododendrons and azaleas. In this village, you may catch a sight of the womenfolk weaving carpets at their homes or involved in handicrafts. Rambling on for about one and a half hour, you will arrive at Ghunsa village, a picturesque Tibetan hamlet with wooden houses encompassed by colorful prayer flags. On the way between Phale and Ghunsa, you will come across a memorial of the tragic helicopter crash in 2002 where 22 people died. Overnight in Ghunsa.

  • 8
    Acclimatization in Ghunsa

    Duration: 4 - 5 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 4000 M

    This day is spared on purpose for getting acclimatized to the higher elevations in the following days of trekking. It is an important day for getting used to a higher altitude as you will need to let your body adapt to the higher elevations so as to avoid altitude sickness. For the said purpose, you can opt by hiking up to the glacier at Chherpuk Kharka of Selele La Pass or you may even walk up to a viewpoint above the monastery along the trail to Lobsang La Pass, from where you can get amazing views of Phale, Ghunsa, Selele La, Ghunsa peak, and several other unnamed peaks from the top. Spending some time at the Pass, you will retrace your steps back to Ghunsa and get some rest for the next day’s trip. Overnight in Ghunsa.

  • 9
    Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen

    Duration: 5 - 6 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Altitude: 4055 M

    After a scrumptious breakfast today, you will leave Ghunsa and stride forward to your next destination. The path slowly rises through meadows with wildflowers and beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron on the eastern bank of Ghunsa River. Walking further ahead, you will reach a grassy area, Rampuk Kharka where you will find a single teahouse to stop for a while. Continuing past the waterfall and crossing a bridge, the trail goes up and then flattens out, but you need to cross an active landslide area with utter attention. If the landslide area seems to be worsening, then you will need to take an alternate route from another side of the river which will take about half an hour extra. Once you cross the landslide area, Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) will be visible to you in its full glory. Soon the trail curves around the hillside and you will descend to Khambachen, a peaceful Tibetan settlement rested in a grassy plain area surrounded by majestic mountain backdrops. Overnight in Khambachen.

  • 10
    Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak

    Duration: 4 - 5 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Altitude: 4810 M

    Today’s hike begins after breakfast on a path where azaleas and rhododendron flowers greet you. It is quite a challenging day today as you will be walking through large rocky boulders and tricky trails on a hillside before you cross a waterfall and arrive at a seasonal yak herder’s camp at Ramtang. On the way, you will get to catch a sight of the Kangbachen Himal and Yalung Kang. After crossing a bridge you will reach Ramtang monastery and then cross a landslide area, where you must be highly alert about the falling rocks. You will now drop down to the river and walk further as you finally reach Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.

  • 11
    Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema/North Base Camp; back to Lonak

    Duration: 6 - 7 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Altitude: 5300 M

    You will start today after an early breakfast with packed lunch and sufficient drinking water as the walk is quite long and challenging along the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Walking through rocky and uphill trails, you need to take extra care as there may be possibilities of landslides. You will walk past several massive glaciers and alluring views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pathivara, Mt. Yalung Kang, Nepal Peak, Twin Peak, Tent Peak, and several other peaks. Three hours of walking with views of several animals such as blue sheep, and many bird species, you will be in Jorkin at 5021 meters. Then, moving further ahead through the mountainous rocky trail, you will reach Pangpema, the North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. If you trek a bit higher, you will be able to see splendid views of Kanchenjunga, Chang Himal, Jannu Himal, Nepal Peak, and various other Tibet Himalayan ranges. At Pangpema, you will find a small stone hut, which is a tea shop and it is open during high season for trekkers. After spending some time at the Base Camp, you will descend back to Lonak to spend the night. Overnight in Lonak.

  • 12
    Trek from Lonak to Ghunsa

    Duration: 6 - 7 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Altitude: 3430 M

    You will retrace your footsteps back all the way through Khambachen down to Ghunsa following the Ghunsa River. Enjoying the panoramic views of the mountain peaks, you will cross the monastery and the herder’s camp at Ramtang. Rambling downwards the valley on the same track that you walked while ascending, you will finally reach the Tibetan influenced village of Ghunsa to spend the night. Overnight in Ghunsa.

  • 13
    Trek from Ghunsa to Sele La

    Duration: 4 - 5 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Altitude: 4480 M

    Many trekkers today cross Sele La and make way to Cheram, but it is quite a long day walk at high altitude, so you will use this day to walk up to Sele La High Camp. You will leave Ghunsa after breakfast ascending through rhododendron, birch, juniper, moss and pine forests. On the way, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Baruntse and several other peaks. Continuing the trek, you will have your lunch at a suitable spot. After lunch, you will trek further following a steep rocky trail through the forest and then along a ridge with a short, steep section to arrive at Sele La Pass at 4290 meters. It is about half an hour walk from the Pass to the high camp. Overnight in Sele La.

  • 14
    Trek from Selele La to Cheram via 3 passes, Sinion La, Mirgin La & Sinelapche La

    Duration: 7 - 8 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 4900 M

    Today is a long and a challenging day that you will cross three passes on the trail before you reach Cheram. Leaving Sele La after breakfast, you will trek uphill along with marvelous southern views of Mt. Jannu and Mt. Makalu. After ascending up to the first pass Sinion La, it is a short distance contouring the hillside and a short steep climb to reach the Mirgin La Pass. The trail then drops down shortly before curving round followed by a final short steep rise up to the top of Sinelapche La Pass (also known as Sinelapche Bhanjyang). The top of the three passes offers mind-blowing views of the Himalayan peaks. Crossing the passes, it is a steep drop downhill on a trail past a small lake and you will reach an area with yak kharka and roof houses. This small settlement located above the Simbua River is the beautiful Cheram village. Overnight in Cheram.

  • 15
    Trek from Cheram to Ramche

    Duration: 3 - 4 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Altitude: 4580 M

    It is relatively a shorter hike today, so you will depart after a relaxed breakfast, beginning with a gradual ascend uphill for about one and half hour till you reach Yalung Glacier, also known as Kanchenjunga South Glacier. The trail also passes through Simbua River and Lapsang village walking all the way through grassy meadows for the second half of the journey till you arrive at Ramche village. Here at this village, you will find a lake and a meadow along with two stone-houses and occasional views of blue sheep and yaks grazing on the grassy slopes above. Past clear streams and a frozen lake, the glimpses of Mt. Kokthan, Mt. Rathong, and Mt. Kabru is bound to increase your level of excitement during the trek today. Overnight in Ramche.

  • 16
    Trek from Ramche to Yalung Base Camp/South Base Camp; back to Cheram

    Duration: 5 - 6 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 4700 M

    After breakfast in the morning, you will begin the hike up towards a ridgeline which offers incredible views of Kanchenjunga South Face. Ascending further up the valley to Oktang viewpoint following a stream, you will climb up the moraine and catch a sight of the tantalizing Mt. Jannu Himal, Mt. Yalung, and Mt. Khambachen. From here, you will climb further high towards Oktang Monastery and up till arriving at the Yalung Base Camp, also known as the South Base Camp. From the base camp, you can have close up views of the impressive Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Nyukla Lachung and several other Himalayan peaks. After savoring some beautiful moments at the base camp, you will retrace your footsteps descending to Ramche and further below to Cheram on the same route that you walked earlier. Overnight in Cheram.

  • 17
    Trek from Cheram to Tortong

    Duration: 3 - 4 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 3000 M

    The day’s hike begins with a gradual descent along the shaded rhododendron and juniper forests while enjoying the awesome views of Jannu Himal. Since the trail is partially rocky and at some parts consist of loose soil, you need to walk precariously. You will pass several Mani walls and colorful prayer flags hung in the trees, fluttering in the wind. Following the Simbua River past the forested areas, you will arrive at Tortong to call it a day. Overnight in Tortong.

  • 18
    Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin

    Duration: 7 - 8 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 2080 M

    The day’s hike is yet another long day of walking which begins with a steep climb of 1000 meters through the mossy wooded area and crossing the landslide zone. Arriving at a pass in Lamite Bhanjyang, you will make a stopover for lunch before heading towards Yamphudin. Continuing after lunch, the trail drops down with a steep descent to a fairly good path. Rambling down for about a couple of hours to cross the Imja River, the trail curves around the hillside before making a final drop down to Yamphudin village. This village has a mixed inhabitation of the ethnic communities such as the Sherpas, Rais, Limbus, and Gurungs. The village also has an office of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Overnight in Yamphudin.

  • 19
    Trek from Yamphudin to Khebang

    Duration: 5 - 6 hr

    Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Altitude: 1910 M

    Leaving Yamphudin after breakfast, you will begin descending through forests, cardamom fields and the banks of the Kabeli River. En route, you will make a stop for lunch. Walking downhill you need to cross a bridge failing which you will be on the trail heading towards Taplejung via Mamangkhe. Crossing ridges, meandering paths, and slopes of hills through ethnic villages and undulating trail, you will arrive at Khebang village after about 5 to 6 hours of trekking. Overnight in Khebang.

  • 20
    Trek From Khebang to Khandime

    Duration: 5 - 6 hr

    Included meals: Brteakfast, Lunch, & Dinnner

    Altitude: 1510 M

    Today is the last day of your trekking, so after breakfast, it is time to make way to Khandime on a relatively easier path after the rigorous uphill and downhill walk in the previous days. Today’s walk is mostly on flat terrain, and you will find marks and red arrows on stones pointing on the route direction. Overnight in Khandime.

  • 21
    Drive from Khandime to Birtamod

    Duration: 10 - 12 hr

    Included meals: Bereakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Today, you will be driving back on a long journey all the way from Khandime to Birtamod. The road passes through tea estates, dirt roads, and thrilling meanders. You will have breakfast somewhere on the highway after a couple of hours or so. In the same way, your bus will stop for lunch at a highway restaurant. After several hours of drive, you will finally arrive at Birtamod, a rich township of eastern Nepal. Overnight in Birtamod.

  • 22
    Drive from Birtamod to Bhadrapur and Fly back to Kathmandu

    Duration: 45 Min

    Included meals: Breakfast

    Altitude: 1340 M

    After breakfast at your Birtamod hotel, you will be transferred to Bhadrapur airport which is 30 minutes drive from your hotel. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be immediately transferred to your pre-determined hotel room. After relaxing for a while, you may wander in the streets of Thamel for some souvenir shopping that you may want to take home with you. Rest of the evening you may relax in some cozy bar or pub, watch and enjoy live music show or grab your favorite cocktail. Overnight in Kathmandu.

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Itinenary Note

This is a standard itinerary designed with a view to allow sufficient acclimatization period for trekkers. However, if you are not satisfied with this itinerary or wish to modify it according to your needs, we will happily do it for you. You are free to choose your own hotels, guides or porters if you wish to. We are always there to customize or tailor-make your trips as per your plans and convenience.

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Inclusion & Exclusion

What's Included

  • Kathmandu international and Domestic Airport pick up and drop off by private jeep
  • Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Kathmandu both way flight ticket
  • All ground transportation by public bus or jeep as per the itinerary
  • The government licensed trekking guide for 22 days including his salary, food, accommodation and single trip mountain insurance
  • Accommodation during the trek in teahouse mostly in twin-shared rooms
  • Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek
  • Medical kits and water purification tablets
  • All required documentations including restricted area trekking permits, Kanchenjunga conservation area permit.
  • All government taxes including VAT, tourist service charges etc.

What's not Included

  • Food and Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Meals during the trek
  • Porter $450 extra (Porter carry 20 Kilo Max)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses; Laundry, battery charging, WiFi, hot bucket shower

Not satisfied with our standard itinerary?

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Latest Traveller's Reviews

Hear from our past clients about their experience with us.
100 %
based on 3 review(s)

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek 2023, an absolutely EPIC 19 day trek

Traveler: Tyson |

I just completed a 22 day itinerary to Kanchenjunga North and South base camp and can honestly say it was everything I'd hoped for and more! Sandip at Royal Holidays was fantastic in organising everything , communicating information clearly from start to finish and helping us with questions before departure. Our guide Nischal was also super down to earth and by the end of the trip had become a good...

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Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – super positive experience

Traveler: Zvonimir |

I went to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Royal Holidays Adventure. It was really great experience. I would like to say that the guide Jaya is a great guide. Really professional and takes a lot of care of his clients. Also I want to mention that all organizational stuff regarding this agency went super good.

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Great Wilderness on Kanchenjunga route

Traveler: Johannes | Country: DE

Following several reviews about Royal, we booked our Kanchenjunga circuit trekking with this company and they proved to be extremely professional in their services. Our guide and porter were very knowledgeable about the locality and genuinely cared about our safety at all times. They entertained us throughout the wilderness of the less-crowded trail by singing, cutting jokes and playing silly games. I got sick on one occasion after a day’s...

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Royal HolidaysWE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH

Registered with the company registration office under Nepal Government

Member of Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN)

Licensed by Nepal Tourism Board & Department of Tourism

Member of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)