The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Trek Description
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, also known as the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, is a wild, soul-stirring journey to the foot of the world’s third-highest peak (8,586m), where glacial valleys, rhododendron forests, and Tibetan-style villages hum with ancient rhythms. Trek through yak pastures in Ghunsa, cross high passes like Sinion La (4,660m), and camp beneath Kanchenjunga’s icy fangs, where the only sounds are prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Meet Limbu and Sherpa communities, sip tongba (fermented millet beer), and walk trails so remote you’ll feel like the first explorer. This 30-day adventure—best from March to June or September to November—is for those who crave raw Himalayan grandeur, not crowds.
Destination
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Duration
21 Days
Trip Grade
Challenging (High altitude, remote trails, steep ascents)
Start/ End
Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Best Season
Sep/ Oct/ Nov/ Mar/ Apr/ May/ June
Max People
12 (Small groups for minimal ecological impact
Transportation
Private vehicle, local bus, jeep, or Flight
Activities
Trekking/ Cultural Immersion/ Wildlife Spotting/Tour
The Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek offers an unparalleled Himalayan adventure, taking you through remote villages, pristine forests, and dramatic landscapes to the base of the world’s third highest peak. It’s a journey into the heart of eastern Nepal, where you’ll experience a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Facts
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek Name | Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek |
| Travel Budget | $2200 - $3500(permits, flights, meals, guides, basic lodging) |
| Standard Budget | $2500 - $3000(mid-range, private rooms where available) |
| Difficulty | Challenging (altitudes up to 5,143m, remote trails, no road access) |
| Best Time | March–June (spring blooms) & September–November (clear mountain views) |
| Permit | Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit ($20/week) and TIMS Card ($20) |
| Accommodation | Tea Houses, Lodges, Camping |
| Best ViewPoints | Pangpema Base Camp (5,143m) Oktang Viewpoint (Kanchenjunga’s face up close) Sele La Pass (4,700m, panoramic Himalayan vistas) |
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Pick-up from Tribhuvan International Airport
- Transfer to a hotel in Thamel.
- Trek briefing & last-minute gear shopping
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Full-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
- Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Final trek preparations.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Flight to Bhardapur and Drive to Taplajung 1820 meters
- Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (40 minutes): Arrive in Nepal’s humid lowlands near the Indian border, where tropical warmth greets you after a short, scenic mountain flight.
- Drive to Taplejung (9 hours): Wind through tea gardens and hillside towns like Kanyam, Ilam (famous for tea), and Phidim, ending in Taplejung—your gateway to the Kanchenjunga wilderness. Overnight in Taplejung.
Day 4: Drive to Ranipul 1740 meters, Trek to Lamatar 1600 meters
- Drive from Taplejung to Ranipul (5 hours): Journey on Taplejung’s rough new dirt road, passing terraced farms and villages like Mitlung Tawa and Chiruwa, before reaching Ranipul for lunch.
- Trek to Lamatar (2.5 hours): Post-lunch, hike through lush foothills to Lamatar, a quiet hamlet where you’ll spend your first night in a rustic tea house.
Day 5: Trek to Thangyam( Thyanyani) (2500 meters)
- Trek Along Ghunsa Khola (6–7 hours): Follow the river’s roar through misty bamboo forests and past cascading waterfalls, where every turn reveals the raw beauty of Kanchenjunga’s foothills. End your day at a cozy tea house, lulled by the river’s song.
- Cultural Shift & Himalayan Icons: Feel the air grow colder and the vibe more Tibetan—prayer flags flutter, locals chant Buddhist mantras, and yaks, the Himalayas’ shaggy guardians, graze slopes that stretch into the clouds.
Day 6: Trek to Ghunsa ( 3595 meters)
- Valley to Villages: Trek along the Ghunsa Khola, where the narrow valley widens to reveal Tibetan hamlets like Gyabla and Phale, their stone homes dotted with prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.
- Into Ghunsa: Walk through rhododendron forests to Ghunsa Village—the cultural heart of Kanchenjunga—where Sherpa hospitality, a centuries-old monastery, and the hum of yak bells welcome you after a 6-hour journey.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Ghunss Village (3595 meters)
- Grueling Ascent to Ghunsa (1,000m Elevation Gain): Trek from Thangyam (Thyanyani) to Ghunsa Village (3,595m)—a steep climb demanding careful pacing to avoid altitude sickness. Acclimatize yourself here; your body will thank you.
- Acclimatization Hike to Dudh Pokhari: Spend a day hiking along the Yamtari Khola to Dudh Pokhari (4,200m), a glacial lake framed by snow peaks (6–7 hours). Return to Ghunsa’s teahouse to rest and adapt.
Day 8 : Trek to Khangpachen( Kambachen) ( 4050 meters)
- Forests & Landslides to Rambuk Kharka: Trek through fragrant pine forests, cross wooden bridges, and navigate landslide-prone trails (stay alert—paths may shift!) to reach Rambuk Kharka’s wild meadows.
- Lunch on the Go: Pack snacks—no tea houses en route—before pushing 5–6 hours to Khambachen, where cozy lodges and mountain tales await.
Day 9 : Acclimatization Day at Khangpachen( Kambachen) ( 4050 meters)
- Acclimatization with a View: Hike to Janu Himal Base Camp (Kumbhakarna), a stunning snow-capped peak in Kanchenjunga’s shadow—a short but unforgettable detour to stretch your legs and soak in Himalayan grandeur.
- Half-Day Adventure: A 4-hour round-trip journey from Khambachen, blending rugged trails and panoramic vistas, before returning to rest in the village.
Day 10: Trek to Lhonak (4780 meters)
- Glacial Valleys & Peaks: Trek alongside the glacier, marveling at Mojka Peak, Gimigela, and Wedge Peak as the valleys widen to reveal endless Himalayan drama.
- Lhonak’s High-Altitude Magic: After 6 hours, reach Lhonak—a windswept paradise perched above the Kanchenjunga Glacier—where tea house fires and starry skies reward your climb.
Day 11: Side trip to Pangpema Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143 meters)
- Summit of the Trek: Pangpema (5,143m): Trek the Kanchenjunga Glacier to the North Base Camp, where the mountain’s icy north face looms—capture its raw power, then bow to Himalayan giants like Jannu and Wedge Peak.
- Return to Lhonak (7 hours): Retrace your steps through glacial valleys, ending at a Lhonak tea house where the day’s awe lingers under star-studded skies.
Day 12: Trek back to Ghunsa Village (3475 meters)
- Return to Ghunsa: Retrace your steps to Ghunsa, where you’ll recharge devices as electricity vanishes beyond here as south-side teahouses offer only bare-bones basics.
- Final Night in Ghunsa: Sleep soundly in Ghunsa’s warmth, savoring hot tea and Sherpa hospitality one last night before the wilder trails ahead.
Day 13: Trek to Sele La (4290 meters)
- Southbound to Sele La (5 hours): Trek from Ghunsa to Sele La—a stark, high-altitude pass with just two basic teahouses and whispers of snow leopards patrolling the icy cliffs.
- Wilderness Watch: Spend the night at Sele La, where thin air and raw terrain mark your gateway to Kanchenjunga’s remote south base camp.
Day 14: Trek to Cheram (Tseram ) (3870 meters)
- High Passes & Himalayan Crown Jewels: From Sele La (4,480m), gaze at Everest and Makalu on clear days, then push south over Mirginla La (4,480m) and Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4,646m)—the trek’s highest pass, where the air thins and the world feels endless.
- 8–10 Hour Odyssey to Tseram: Pack lunch (no tea houses en route) as you descend steeply from the passes through raw, rocky terrain, ending in Tseram—a humble hamlet where frosty peaks guard your teahouse rest.
Day 15: Trek to Ramche (4580 meters)
- Trek to Ramche (4 hours): A gentle ascent through alpine meadows leads to Ramche, a remote outpost with basic teahouse lodging nestled in Kanchenjunga’s shadow.
- Sunset at Oktang (4,730m): If skies clear, hike to the Oktang viewpoint for a fiery sunset over Kanchenjunga South—a Himalayan spectacle you’ll replay in your dreams. Return to Ramche to sleep under starry skies.
Day 16:Trek to Cheram (Tseram).
- Sunrise at Oktang (4,730m): Start early to watch the dawn ignite Kanchenjunga South’s icy face from the viewpoint, then return to Ramche for a hearty lunch amid mountain silence.
- Afternoon Trek to Cheram (5 hours): Descend through shadowed valleys to Cheram (Tseram), where a humble tea house and starry skies cap your day’s Himalayan rhythm.
Day 17: Trek Tortong (2995 meters)
- Leisurely Morning in Tseram: Savor a late breakfast in Tseram’s crisp mountain air, then trek downhill through the Simbu Khola Valley—a lush emerald corridor dotted with wildflowers.
- 4-Hour Descent to Tortong: Follow the river’s song to Tortong, a quiet hamlet where a warm teahouse and steaming dinner reward your gentle 4-hour walk.
Day 18: Trek to Sherpaguan / Yamphuding (2080 meters)
- Himalayan Rollercoaster: Tackle relentless climbs and drops through bamboo tunnels and misty forests, pausing at Lasiya Bhanjyang (3,310m) to marvel at Janu Himal’s icy crown before plunging into the Amji Khola Valley.
- Yamphuding’s Warmth: After 9 hours, reach Yamphuding—the trek’s largest southern village, where the Kanchenjunga wilderness fades into terraced farms and a cozy tea house welcomes you.
Day 19: Drive to Kanyam and stay overnight at Kanyam 1368 meters
- Farewell to the Trails: After breakfast, bid goodbye to trekking and embark on an 8–9 hour drive via private jeep to Kanyam, where Nepal’s famed tea gardens unfurl in lush emerald waves.
- Kanyam’s Verdant Embrace: Check into your hotel, wander through endless tea fields kissed by mountain air, and let the scent of fresh leaves lull you into a serene escape at Kanyam Hotel.
Day 20: Drive to Bhadrapur and flight to Kathmandu.
- Departure from Kanyam: After breakfast, drive 3–4 hours to Bhadrapur, then catch a 40-minute flight to Kathmandu—trading the tea garden serenity for the capital’s buzz.
- City Return: Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel, where hot showers and urban comforts await after weeks of mountain trails. Overnight in the heart of the city.
Day 21: Departure: Transfer to the airport for departure.
- Final Departure: After breakfast, your guide escorts you to Tribhuvan Airport (timed for your flight), bidding farewell to Nepal’s peaks with treasured memories of Kanchenjunga’s raw magic tucked in your heart.
- Until Next Time: Safe travels home—carry the Himalayas’ whisper in your soul, and know we’ll greet you with namaste until we reunite for your next Himalayan horizon!
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop service by private car.
- Meals on full board during the trekking(Breakfast, lunch,dinner,soup,Tea or coffee).
- Free Trekking map.
- An expert Government licensed holder guide.
- Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bags during the trekking.
- Ground transportation.
- All necessary paper works and Trekking entry permits.
- Unforeseen delay and emergency expenses.
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
- Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
- All kind of Personal Expenses.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Private Transport: Helicopter ride from Juphal to Kathmandu (skip the flight!).
- Premium Accommodation: Upgraded eco-lodges or private tents with camping beds.
- Extra food/snacks.
Why Choose This Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek ?
- Third-Highest Peak on Earth: Stand beneath Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third-highest mountain, worshipped as a deity by locals- its twin summits guard Nepal’s wildest, least-explored frontier.
- Raw Himalayan Wilderness: Traverse glacial valleys, rhododendron forests, and high passes (up to 4,646m) where yaks outnumber people and snow leopards stalk the cliffs.
- Cultural Time Capsule: Meet Limbu and Sherpa communities in villages untouched by modernity, where prayer wheels spin and tongba (millet beer) flows freely.
- Zero Crowds: A restricted area permit keeps crowds. This is Nepal’s last truly remote Himalayan trek.
- Moderate-Difficulty Trek – Suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers with a gradual altitude gain.
- Relaxing Hot Springs – Soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after days of trekking.
- Wildlife & Biodiversity – Walk through the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to Himalayan Thars, Langurs, and rare birds.
- Well-Established Teahouse Route – Comfortable lodging and meals available along the trail for a smooth trekking experience.
Best Time For Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- Spring (March–June): During spring, temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C during the day, while nights often drop below freezing. This season is marked by vibrant natural beauty, as rhododendrons burst into crimson blooms and the valleys come alive with pre-monsoon energy. It’s a spectacular time for trekking and enjoying Nepal’s lush landscapes.
- Autumn (September–November): Autumn offers crisp, pleasant days between 10°C and 20°C, with nighttime temperatures dipping as low as -5°C. The skies are crystal clear, providing breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga’s snow-covered peaks. This is also a festive season, with villages glowing in celebration as major festivals like Dashain and Tihar bring color and joy to the region.
- Monsoon (June–August): The monsoon season brings leeches, landslides, and muddy trails, making trekking less favorable. However, parts of eastern Nepal lie in a rain-shadow region, which means they receive significantly less rainfall and can still be explored. Despite this, most travelers tend to avoid this wet and unpredictable time of year.
Winter (December–February): Winter in Nepal can be harsh, with daytime temperatures plummeting to -10°C or even -20°C in higher elevations. Heavy snowfall often blocks high mountain passes, making many trekking routes impassable. This season is best avoided unless you’re equipped for extreme cold and snowbound conditions.
Pro Tip: For the perfect blend of clear skies, golden landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences, October is the ideal time to visit. It coincides with the Dashain festival, Nepal’s biggest celebration, so be sure to plan and book early to secure your spot during this popular season.
Cost and Planning Facts for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- Budget: Trekking costs range from $2,200 to $5,000+ per person, depending on group size, comfort, and season. Budget options ($2,200–$3,000) include basic teahouses and shared porters, while comfort treks ($3,500–$5,000) offer private tents, Western meals, and a 1:1 guide-to-porter ratio.
- Accomodation: Stay in basic teahouses ($5–$15/night) in villages like Ghunsa and Yamphudin. Camping is required at high-altitude sites like Pangpema, with gear included in most packages.
- Food/Meals: Meals typically include dal bhat, noodles, and Tibetan bread. Limited meat and fresh produce are available. Extras like sodas ($1–$2) and snacks ($3–$8) cost more—carry your own energy bars!
- Transportation: Fly Kathmandu → Bhadrapur ($150–$250 round trip), then jeep to Taplejung (8–9 hrs, $150–$200). Shared jeeps cost $20–$30/day; porters charge $20–$25/day.
- Guide & Porter: A licensed guide ($30–$50/day) is required for permits. Porters ($20–$25/day) carry 20kg. Tipping is appreciated: 10–15% for guides, $5–$10/day for porters.
- Permits: You’ll need a TIMS card ($20), Restricted Area Permit ($20/week, 3-week minimum = $60), and KCAP, often included in trek packages.
Packing Tips for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- Head
- Warm hat & cap.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Headlight.
- Face Mask or Balaclava
- Footwear
- Trekking shoes
- Hiking boots
- Warm Hiking socks
- Gaiters
- Body
- Base layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal Gloves
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Fleece Jacket
- Thermal Shirts and Pants
- Essentials/ Equipments
- Sleeping bag
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles & Raincoat
- Water Bottles
- High-energy snacks
- Maps & Compass/GPS
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek By Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition
Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition offers a thoughtfully organized Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek led by experienced guides to ensure a safe and unforgettable journey. Our dedicated team delivers top-notch services for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Join us to discover one of Nepal’s most serene and scenic trekking routes, featuring stunning mountain vistas and rich local culture. For over 20 years, we’ve turned tough hikes into unforgettable adventures because your safety and joy are what we do best.
Gallery Section
FAQ's Section
1. How physically fit do I need to be for this trek?
The Kanchenjunga Circuit is one of Nepal’s most demanding treks. You should:
- Train (hiking with a 10kg backpack, stair climbing).
- Be comfortable walking 6–8 hours daily at altitudes above 4,000m.
2. Is there any arrangement made for an emergency while on trekking / Tour?
- In the event of an emergency-such as severe high-altitude sickness or an unlikely accident, there will always be support available. You will be taken to the nearest hospital or, if needed, evacuated by helicopter for immediate medical care.
- All expenses related to emergency services are your responsibility, so please ensure your travel insurance covers both medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
3. Do I need prior trekking experience for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
No prior trekking experience is strictly required to do the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, but it is highly recommended to have some level of trekking or hiking experience due to the trek’s challenging nature.
Want to Trek kanchenjunga circuit with Mardi Himal Treks & Expedition?
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