Tourism License: 1793/072
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View of Kanchenjunga Range from Sandakphu Hill Ilam Nepal -
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Lonak Village in Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek - 18 Days
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Summary
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek has been marked as the best trekking destination in remote parts of Nepal by hundreds of hikers worldwide.The trek offers in-depth insight into unique local people’s lifestyles, flora and fauna, and mesmerizing panoramas by going into the remote mountain ranges of eastern Nepal bordering India and Tibet. The trek explores the area of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain among the fourteen eight-thousanders in the world. Visitors can see a variety of scenery, from lush, tropical jungles to rhododendron, chestnut, and oak forests, and then, at higher altitudes, into the alpine zone. Trekkers will observe a diversity of Nepalese culture and lifestyles from Rai and Tibetan Buddhist-influenced villages.
The Kanchenjunga Trekking 18-day itinerary starts by reaching the north base camp of Kanchenjunga at the height of 5140 meters, where you see views of Tent Peak, Nepal Peak, and Cross Peak, and then Pang Pema itself becomes visible in front of us. From Pangpema, our trek returns to Lumba Samba and then crosses the Mirgin La, or local Lapsang La, passing over to the south side of Kanchenjunga. Once over this pass, we visit the yak pastures of Ramche and Oktang, where there are impressive views of the southwest face of Kanchenjunga, considered one of the most beautiful mountain massifs in the world.
The 18-Day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek to the base of the world’s third peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga, offers an infinite variety of landscapes, cultures, and Himalayan panoramas. Walking on rice-terraced fields on the lowlands of Nepal passes by beautiful villages and green forests, and the trek goes into a ridge line of rhododendron forests. As the path gains elevation, the striking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, four of the world's five highest mountains, make the trek amazingly wonderful. Approaching the Yalung ice mass and crossing a series of passes, the views become more glorious. The path reaches Pangpema (4800 m), which is the base camp for the Kanchenjunga expedition. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is very well-liked among nature enthusiasts since it's connected to the extended journey to the foremost remote and exquisite space of a chain of mountains in Nepal’s eastern region.
The name Kanchenjunga suggests the 5 treasures of the nice snow that are in respect to the 5 summits that frame Kanchenjunga. This route is smaller and less crowded, and you will be pleased with a unique insight into the Nepalese way of life and its prosperous culture. You will also gain expertise in each climate the Kingdom of Nepal has to offer, from muggy jungles to cold glaciers. The foothills of Kanchenjunga have been open to foreign trekkers since 1988. The area is the homeland of the Limbu people, who speak a language related to Tibetan and follow a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu, and animist beliefs. This trekking trail is wonderfully free from crowds found around the Everest and Annapurna Treks. We guide in the Himalayas, operate the finest budget trek to Kanchenjunga with quality service and affordable prices, and provide local trekking guides and porters for the trip.
Trip Highlights
- Trekking to the base of the world’s third-highest peak.
- Exploration of both Kanchenjunga North and South base camps.
- A special experience of glacier walks rather than normal walk on routes
- Beautiful view of Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest mountain in the world
- Popular but yet less touristic and peaceful environment.
- The ethnic diversity of castes and groups in Nepal, like Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu,
- Lush green rhododendron forest, native vegetation, high alpine passes and typical agriculture
- There are abundant wildlife species, like musk deer, snow leopards, and blue sheep.
- Kanchenjunga Trek is the starting point for The Great Himalayan Trail and gaining fame among western trekkers.
- Wild and wonderful, as it offers a wilderness experience. Don’t miss it!!
Itinerary
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1 Day 01:Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung
We get an early exciting morning flight of 45 minutes to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu. Bhadrapur; which is located in the Mechi Zone of southeastern Nepal and then drive to Taplejung which takes some 7-8 hours depending on road conditions.
2 Day 02:Drive to Sekathum (1575m), 5-6 hours.
Today we drive Sekathum through beautiful settlements, valleys, and rivers. It is an amazing drive watching landscapes and finally ending the 4WD track at Sekathum.
3 Day 03:Trek to Amjilowa (2400m), 6-7 hours walk
The track for several hours is now on well-laid flagstones, walking through lovely cardamom groves in the early morning shade with the river roaring below as you climb over a bluff for 1hr. There’s a welcome teashop with bananas to reward you. Make a final short climb into Lelep (1650m) which is headquarters for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area with a pleasant courtyard. Continue through the houses and take the middle path in a bamboo grove to drop about 150m and cross the Tamor Nadi for the last time on a long swing bridge. The village of Sekathum (1650m) is to the left but not visible and the remote Tibetan village of Olangchunggola (Walungchungkhola) is further up the same valley. From here upwards the track follows the Ghunsa Khola, draining from the Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna (Jannu) glaciers and the major tributary of the Tamor Nadi. Turn right onto a rough riverside track just after the hotel. After 15mins don’t take the wooden swing bridge but 10mins later take the metal swing bridge to the true left then 10mins later cross back to the true right. 15 minutes after the bridge climb up, still on flagstones, past bluffs where we sighted two musk deer right on the track. After 1hr, cross to the true left. There’s another 1hr of up and down including some exciting riverside trails and informal bridges before the last bridge of the day crosses to the true right and climbs steeply for 400m in 1hr, traversing right over several ridges to Amjilosa (2400m). The lodge is the third building with comfortable 12 beds in 3 rooms and Tibetan hospitality. They claim to be open year-round. A common vegetable on both sides of Kangchenjunga at this altitude is the Tutsi karela, a sort of small bitter gourd that grows on vines and features in most meals.
4 Day 04:Trek to Gyabla (2725m)
This is a day of waterfalls. Sidle the huge visible slip with some exposure and climb further to round a bluff, then descend up and down across rock falls set in dense bamboo to arrive at a teahouse after 1.5 hours. Look out all day for the red pandas reputed to be in this area. After 1hr cross a substantial wooden bridge near the third waterfall, 20mins to another wooden bridge and the fourth waterfall, then climb steeply 30mins in a nasty wet gully to arrive in Gyabla (2725m) with a 9-bed lodge.
5 Day 05:Trek to Gunsa (3415m), 4 hours walk.
Descend to the roaring river confined by cliffs and continue up and down on a rocky path. Black bears have been sighted in broad daylight across the river. After about 2hrs arrive at a pleasant sandy beach then climb, cross a slip then an extensive slip, and exit at the top of a third slip onto a terrace of yak pastures. It is a very pleasant walk through juniper and rhododendrons to the Tibetan refugee village of Phale (3125m) about 1hr above the beach. While it is only another hour to the food, shops, and bathing delights of Ghunsa, this atmospheric village offers a glimpse of authentic Tibetan culture with two active gompas, carpet weaving, and a traditional lifestyle. A very pleasant walk through pines, rhododendrons, and the deciduous larches for which this area is famous, although most have lost their color and needles by the end of November. Look up left after the next bridge to the route to a yak hut just under Nango La (4795m), by which it is possible to reach the ancient village of Olangchunggola (~3000m) in two days. This village is reputed to be the original village settled from Tibet more than 600 years ago but there is no accommodation at present. Later there is a memorial to the many wildlife people killed in a horrific helicopter crash near Ghunsa in 2006. Pass the ancient Tashi Choding Gumba (which welcomes visitors but is usually locked) before crossing a swing bridge into Ghunsa (3415m). The Ghunsa houses are charming, with rocks holding down shingles on roofs, dark weathered pine walls, a forest of prayer flags, and juniper burning in the morning. Yaks, dogs, goats, and chickens roam the main street. Fresh milk and dahi (yogurt) may be obtained in season.
6 Day 06:Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa
Today; this day is planned for acclimatization as safety matters are vital, it is a free day in Ghunsa separated for rest or explore around. We can wander around the village, meet locals and get some insights about their lifestyle, traditions and customs. We may also go for a short hike to Lapsan La. Most people can climb to 3000m without getting altitude sickness, but the altitude gain this day is double the 300m per day suggested for safety. Watch for signs of altitude sickness and be prepared to rest or retreat if they emerge. Consider using Diamox and remember that there are no clinics or easy communications in case of trouble. You may want to spend a rest day in Khangpachen. Overnight stay at Ghunsa.
7 Day 07:Trek to Khambachen (4145m), 4 hours walk.
Take the obvious track up through Ghunsa and cross a bridge, icy in the mornings. The autumn larches above are like sunlight along the Ghunsa Khola in October-November, one of the highlights of many visits to Nepal. Gentle pleasant walking through larch, rhododendron, silver pine, and cedar forest, with yaks coming down loaded with potatoes and the valley ahead blocked by the huge Jannu terminal moraine. After some 3hrs cross a cantilever bridge to the true right, circle two big slips with significant rock fall danger and striking views of Jannu (7711m, Kumbakarna), and climb steeply. Then stop and admire the best views of Jannu! Traverse and eventually cross a small stream into Khangpachen (4145m; Khambachen) with about 10 stone houses.
8 Day 08: Trek to Lonak (4790m), 4 hours walk.
Climb past the chhortens above Khangpachen then steadily on the true right bank with beautiful icy rocky peaks all around, though big areas of sea-buckthorn that fruit prolifically in October but are not harvested locally. There are at least two large flocks of blue sheep. At times there may be avalanche snow across the track that can make crossing streams problematic and recent snow in 2013 made the going icy at the finish. The last 30 minutes traverse a loose and exposed gully wall at length, cross a rude bridge, and then a sandy plain to seven scattered huts of Lhonak (4792m). This is a very atmospheric place, mountains walls about a plain of yaks, particularly at night when you seek the ‘open toilet’ – be careful what you shelter behind! Walk up towards the Lhonak Glacier for the afternoon but take your warm clothes.
9 Day 09:Kanchenjunga base camp (5140), overnight at Lonak, 7 hours walk
This day takes you deep into the mountains with time to enjoy and acclimatize but the glacial retreat is collapsing the moraine terrace, meaning that some sections require considerable care and there is an ever-present risk of stone fall. About two-thirds of the walk is on grassy terraces. The views of Kanchenjunga and the glacier are stupendous, a big covey of chukar (Himalayan snow partridge), and blue sheep can be seen. There is a single hut in Pang Pema (5140m) which is open from September to sometimes mid-November and in April to May and sometimes March. A limited number of people could sleep inside. Pang Pema is generally regarded as the Kanchenjunga north base camp since it provides a complete view of the north face of Kanchenjunga, but it is possible to go further on deteriorating moraine walls – probably better to spend the time climbing the rocky ridge above Pang Pema for wider and wider views if you have the energy.
10 Day 10:Trek to Ghunsa (3415m) 7-8 hours walk.
Very delightful walk with full valley views of the golden larches in season. Retrace your steps down-valley to Khangpachen in 3-4hrs taking care of the icy bits. Lunch is available, then on to Ghunsa in another 3-4 hours, taking care of the two big slips which are now in the sun. The smell and sights of the forest are enchanting after the barren uplands. It is a 1600m descent today so watch your knees.
11 Day 11:Trek to Selele Camp (4130m), 4 hours walk.
This day and the next connect the north side of Kangchenjunga to the south side via a superb traverse smelling overwhelmingly, at altitude in autumn, of the honey-cinnamon of dwarf rhododendron. The traverse is remote and exposed to weather so consider a rest day in Ghunsa if the weather may spoil the views. Climb past the hydroelectricity station below Ghunsa and cross the Yamatori Khola to a sunny meadow, on the other side of which the track climbs on a beautiful rhododendron ridge for 1.5-2hrs to a viewpoint (known locally as Tama La) of Phale, Nango (Nangba) La which leads to Olangchunggola, and the terminal moraine under Jannu. Leaving the trees, circle on a very rocky track with mounting views. After another 1.5-2hrs take the short steep climb to Selele La with its pile of stones and prayer flags. Lie in the sun and soak up the views, then in 30mins through rockfalls arrive in Selele Camp (4130m). Today 795-meter climb and a 100-meter descend.
12 Day 12:Trek to Tseram - also called Cheram (3868m)
Steady climbing up the valley, largely through silent boulders with the stream deep in the rockfall and mounting views. Late snowfall can remain on north-facing slopes, making the ascent to the windy prayer-flagged notch of Mirgin La (4645m) in about 1.5 hours. The views of Jannu from here are as good as any available, together with Makalu, the long ridge of Chamlang, and even a glimpse of Everest. From here, traverse two obvious watersheds on fallen rock, up and down noting Lion Rock on the ridge above and finally climb to a second pass with flags and stones after 1hr 15mins. People from Ghunsa call this the Misisay La (4645m, Sinelapche Bhanjyang on map) after the death 20 years ago of a Tibetan and two yaks at this point. Just after this pass a track drops steeply right past two blue lakes (Anda Pokhari) to Anda Phedi where there is now a lodge. Near here you can refill your water bottle from the only flowing stream we saw. Keep traversing left with growing views down the valley where it is possible to make out the huge slip near Lasiya Bhanjyang. After 1hr steep climb reach the chorten and prayer flags of Sele La (4720m) and spectacular views of the Kabrus, Rathong, Kokthang, Khang La, and the Yalung Glacier. The best view is 15 minutes below the pass and also includes a part of Kangchenjunga. Scramble down 30 minutes on loose rocks to a sacred lake then past a second sacred lake and a long long way down reach welcome Cheram (3868m, Tseram) in 1hr. Today 850 meters up and 1100 meters downhill.
13 Day 13:Trek to Ramchour (4610m).About 3 hours walk.
Head up through moss-hung pines and rhododendrons with a small clear stream, climb and cross a large loose gully, and climb again into the seasonal yak pasture (kharka) at Yalung(wrong 3900m on the map, probably 4100m). The Decherol Monastery with 6 monks, mentioned by Chandra Das in 1881, was located here but no trace remains of it or the surrounding village although a shrine is rumored above. There follows a beautiful series of open ablation valleys, juniper, cinnamon-scented dwarf rhododendrons, and moraines and lakes with the Kabrus, Rathong, and Kokthang hanging above. Care will be needed crossing the many frozen streams and seeps. Watch out for yaks, some are wild, and for herds of blue sheep. The hidden stone lodge of Ramchaur (4610m; Ramche) is beautifully located and open March-May and September-November but ask in Cheram first at each end of these seasons.
14 Day 14:Trek to Okhordung to Tseram (3870 m): 4 to 5 Hours Hike.
Leave your rucksack behind but take a daypack with warm and windproof clothes for the upward leg, an easy gentle climb to a flagged cairn on a high moraine wall with views of the Yalung Glacier and the south face of Kangchenjunga, are quite shapeless and foreshortened but undeniably massive. Okhordung (4740m, Oktang) is regarded as the base camp but the actual camp is another 2km/1hr/100m up on a track collapsing due to glacial retreat. We did not regard the extra views as worth the effort, but if you do add 2 hours to the day. Okhordung is certainly worth an hour or so soaking it up then it takes about 1hr back to Ramchaur. Pick up your bag and enjoy going downhill to civilization at Cheram again.
15 Day 15:Trek to Tortong (2980m) Yasang: 5 to 6 Hours walk.
Descend to Yasang, also spelled Yarsang, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours of hiking, moving through dense forests and lush vegetation. The trail offers birdwatching opportunities and cultural encounters with local communities. Overnight stay at a lodge.
16 Day 16:Trek to Hellok and Drive to Taplejung
Trek to Helok (3-4 hours) and drive to Taplejung (4-5 hours by shared jeep). Celebrate the successful completion of your trek in this vibrant town. Overnight stay at a lodge in Taplejung.
17 Day 17:Drive to Kanyam in Ilam (1580 m): 5 to 6 Hours
Drive to Kanyam by shared jeep, which takes approximately 6 hours. Ilam is a famous tea garden in eastern Nepal where you can experience Nepal's tea state and nice views. Overnight stay in lodge
18 Day 18:Short drive to Bhadrapur and flight to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur (45-minute flight) and transfer to your hotel. Reflect on your unforgettable Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Cost Includes:
- A registered Kanchenjunga trekking guide from Kathmandu.
- One porter between two trekkers to carry your main pack (weight limit: 25/porter)
- Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Bhadrapur by domestic flight and airport taxes.
- Your guide and porter's flight/transportation fare and all their expenses.
- Local ground-sharing transportation to and from trekking.
- Local sharing jeep transfers to Taplejung from Bhadrapur.
- Meals: 16 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, and 16 Dinners
- Lodge accommodation on a sharing basis during the trek.
- All necessary Kanchenjunga trekking permits.
- Taxes and documentation fees.
Cost Excludes:
- Accommodation, meals, and transfers in Kathmandu.
- Bar and beverage drinks (coke, Fanta, mineral water, beer, etc.).
- Laundry, toiletries, internet, phone calls, and personal nature expenses.
- Personal travel insurance, trekking gear.
- International air ticket, Nepal visa, etc.
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary because of landslides, political trouble, strikes, flight delays, etc.
- Tips for your guide and porter.
Dates & Prices
Check our published dates and contact us (Guide in Himalaya) for a personalized tour if the dates do not match your time and schedule.
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Trip Map
Useful Info
This trip can be personalized as per your requirements that meet your time frame. The trip price will be according to Deluxe, Standard, or Budget and group size, so please kindly provide us your details for a tailor-made program.
Trip Price: US$ 1699
- Trip Duration 18 Days
- DestinationNepal
- Trip Difficulty Strenuous
- Trip StyleTrekking
- AccomodationTeahouse and Lodge
- Transportation: Domestic Flight, Bus
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Max Person: 12
- Min Person: 2
- Best time to trek: Sept, Oct, Nov, Mar, April and May
- Max. Altitude : 5180m
Need Help?
Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1-2 business days. Or just call us now
+977 9851042153 [email protected]Trip Info
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