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Country: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: Hiking, Sightseeing
Max. Elevation: 5160m
Group Size: Min. 2 pax
Walk the hushed trails of Kanchenjunga and discover the best-kept trekking secret of Nepal.
Are you looking forward to your next adventure, which will have stunning landscapes, a vibrant culture, and mountain trails? The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking offers an exciting journey through Nepal's tough Himalayan terrain.
Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,586 meters. It is in the far northeastern part of Nepal. Because this is a remote location trip, a high degree of fitness and prior trekking experience is recommended.
Kanchenjunga's name means 'Five Treasures of the Great Snow' and refers to the five summits that make up the mountain. In terms of the mountains themselves, in addition to Kanchenjunga's main peak, there are four subsidiary peaks that exceed 8,000 metres, the most notable of which is Kanchenjunga West, also known as Yalung Kang (8,505 metres).
Furthermore, this area has roughly twenty peaks surpassing 7,000m, the highest being Kambachen (7,903 m/ 25928.48 ft), Jongsong (7,462 m/ 24481.63 ft), Kabru (7,412 m/ 24317.59 ft), Janu/ Kumbakarna (7,710 m/ 25295.28 ft), Twins (7,350 m/ 24114.17 ft).
This breathtaking cluster of peaks is flanked by five main glaciers: Zuma, Talung, and Rathong, which flow into Sikkim, as well as the Kanchenjunga and Yulang Glaciers in the west. The Yalung glaciers run directly into the Tamor River.
Inside Kanchenjunga National Park, you may see an incredible variety of rare vegetation and fauna in pristine form. There is no better time than now to take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore these unspoiled and distant locations. Book Your Trip Now!
British travellers were the first people to really look into Mount Kanchenjunga in the late 1800s. Mount Kanchenjunga has an interesting history due to the difficulty of climbing the summit. Despite many attempts, the mountain remained unclimbed for a while due to its isolated location and severe circumstances.
On May 25, 1955, the British team led by Joe Brown and George Band made the first successful ascent. Believing that the summit is sacred, climbers stop just shortly below the exact peak, a tradition that continues today.
The Kanchenjunga trek became publicly available to trekkers in the 1980s. It is demanding and remote, with breathtaking landscapes, views of distant, wide traditional villages, and ethnic communities such as Rai, Limbu, and Sherpas.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is one of the most isolated and challenging routes among many famous trekking routes of Nepal. We use the term "challenging" because there are multiple mountain passes to cross, as well as difficult ascents and descents.
There is always a chance of getting altitude sickness. However, with sufficient preparation, you may always avoid the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking altitude sickness.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek includes everything you need for an adventurous and enjoyable adventure. The experience can be quite thrilling yet exciting if one is well-prepared for future challenges and takes the necessary precautions.
This trek is also very tough not only because of the altitude but also due to the length of time required to complete it. You will spend more than two weeks travelling through small rural settlements.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is one of the most restricted areas in Nepal, requiring two types of Kanchenjunga permits.
The Kanchenjunga Region has four Village Development Committees (VDCs), namely Yamphuding, Lelep, Paping, and Olangchung Gola in the Taplejung District wards, which the Nepalese government has designated as restricted zones.
As a result, travelers on this trekking must get a Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in order to enter these zones. This serves to govern tourism, protect flora and species, and prevent illicit activity in the area.
Along with that, The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit supports the growth and protection of the Kanchenjunga region, which covers 2,035 square kilometers.
The restricted region was established to preserve the Kanchenjunga region's significant history. Once you have the permit, you must walk along the specified or designated path and follow the guidelines of the officials.
Our flight today is from Kathmandu (TIA) to Bhadrapur (Chandragadhi Airport). It will take about 45 to 50 minutes. We are going to rent a car and drive through Kanyam. On our way to Taplejung, we drive along the Mechi Highway from Kanyam to see the tea farms. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Today, we take jeeps on a rough road to get to Sekathum. We drive along the Tamur Khola river as we go down from Suketar into the valley. The road was mostly built in 2020 because of a project to build a water dam in Sekathum. That's where the trek used to begin before.
To get to the Ghunsa Khola Valley, we will go downhill to leave the steep slope and then uphill. After some time, we'll get to a place where the Tamur and Ghunsa Khola rivers meet. Soon after, we'll get to Sakalathum and spend the night at a Guest House. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
We cross the suspension bridge at Sekathum camp and continue on the road through the thick forest. The path is steep and narrow at times as we walk through a beautiful gorge. Following that, we will walk northeast along the Ghunsa Khola until we get to our goal. From here, we will slowly rise in elevation. We stay in a lodge in Amjilossa, which is high above the river. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We leave after breakfast and go through pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak woods. We can see that the towns and people are becoming more like that in Tibet.
At a place called Thyanyani, we start to go down toward Ghunsa Khola. The path goes up and down, and after going by a big waterfall, thick forests, and a wooden bridge, we reach Gyabla and spend the night there. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Today, the road continues through woodlands and reaches Phale Village, a Tibetan refugee settlement established decades ago when Tibetans fled the communist authorities in China.
Today, as we ascend over 3,000 metres, the temperature begins to drop. The vegetation alters to include more rhododendrons and azaleas.
Similarly, it has a hydroelectric facility. The town is also situated in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. In addition, the area contains a number of Buddhist temples and forts. We'll spend the night in the Ghunsa Teahouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
The trail goes through landslide-prone zones. We observe the amazing view of Mt. Jannu and pass through green glacial valleys along the way. The trail contours the mountainside before descending to Khambachen. This is a Tibetan village with housing on a grassy plain surrounded by mountains. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
On this particular day, we take the chance to get used to the higher elevation and get ready for our trip to the North Base Camp. We will do a short trip to surrounding sites to help the body adjust to the altitude, such as Janu Base Camp or Kumbhakarama Base Camp, depending on preferences. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We head to the Kanchenjunga Glacier trek. We pass through Ramdang and arrive across the Ramdang Monastery. This is the challenging trail following the Lhonak-Kanchenjunga glacier intersection. Walking onward, we arrive at the tiny village of Lhonak, which has a few teahouses.
During the major trekking season, we can meet the trekkers as they walk toward and return from Kanchenjunga North Base Camp on this track. This is likewise an area with summer yak pastures, but there are no communities along the route. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
We walk along the trail on the side slope of Kanchenjunga Glacier for two hours from Lhonak. We will slowly go up by following the moraines along the trail until we get to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
It would be quite challenging to climb Kanchenjunga, but the peace and beautiful mountain views would make you forget about everything. Landslides are likely to happen along this path.
When you are on Pangpema, you can see the huge north face of Kanchenjunga. The walk back to Lhonak takes about three hours and starts after we eat our packed lunch.
After several days of trekking, the prize is the prayer flags and the third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga. We will go back to Lhonak and stay there tonight. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
We walk back to Ghunsa village along the same path that went through Kambachen. As we head back to Ghunsa, we pass through snow and return toward fresh vegetation.
Along the trail, you can find other cultural sites, such as chortens and main walls. When you get to Ghunsa, you will spend the night at a Guest House. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
The trip to Sele le Kharka will begin in Ghunsa. There are breathtaking routes that winds through steep, rock-strewn roads. On our route to the High Camp, we will take a stroll through a beautiful forest. We'll be crossing a high pass right above Sele la Kharka. In Sele la Kharka, we will stay the night at a guest home. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
After some hours of walking, we shall undulate the path across two passes—including Selele Pass and Mirgin La. The amazing perspective of Everest and Makalu will make your trip more fascinating. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After early morning breakfast today, we move forward across the Yalung glacier, gaining higher and near to the panoramas. By the Yalung, one may see Rathong (6682m) and Kabru (7412m). Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We walk toward the South Base Camp from Ramche. This walk goes through the edge of the glacier featuring vibrantly colored prayer flags.
Following spectacular pictures and a quiet time on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp walk, we return on the same path to Tseram. We shall therefore spend the evening on Tseram. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
After this, we start to move down in elevation. But the last part is a steep climb through woods and over a place that is prone to landslides.
The trail goes through Simbuwa Khola, then into a rhododendron forest, and finally it ends at Tortong. The Indian face is bordered by the Tortong side. The Leh Ladakh area of India is right across the mountains.
We spend the night at a teahouse in Tortang. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
We keep going down from Tortong to the Amji Khola, going through Lasiya/Lamite Bhanjyang (3415m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2665m). We walk past the area with the steep hill until we reach Yamphudin village. In Yamphudin, there is a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area check post where our permits are checked if we started our walk at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
We are now at the finish of our path. After a few hours, we will descend and then find a spot from which the jeep can reach Phikkal.
You will travel a lot on this day, which will take eight to nine hours total. You will come in a shared jeep through the way.
Since Phikkal is an urban location, you will enjoy first-rate services; you have not to worry about the services and facilities you may gain. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
We will leave in a private vehicle from Bhadrapur. The jeep travel across the off-road slopes is very fascinating. We will pass numerous lovely tea fields and villages on our way. We shall go to Bhadrapur after a couple hours of driving.
At last, it is time for a return to Kathmandu. We will then board the plane back to Kathmandu, and in late afternoon drop you at the hotel.
The most appropriate months for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking are September, October and November (Autumn); Spring, March to May. These seasons provide good weather; sunshine and mild temperatures suitable for trekking.
Spring also includes magnificent flowers, notably rhododendrons, which adds beauty to the designs; autumn has wonderful colors of leaves against mountainous backgrounds.
Trekking at these busy times will provide you with pleasant weather and the opportunity to participate in some of the local cultural events hosted by several settlements along the trail.
Two further seasons on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek are summer and winter. Every season has its beauty but also certain challenges.
Summer carries a lot of rain. It results in slick paths and maybe landslides that complicate the trip. With that, winter welcomes frigid weather where the temperature often falls below freezing, and the area suffers significant snowfall, rendering the trail unreachable.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit makes notable altitude increases of more than 4,000 meters. Take rest days and rise gradually to properly acclimate.
Moreover, during the monsoon and winter, the trail becomes slick due to weather conditions. To increase your endurance and stamina, we also strongly advise you to give pre-trek training some thought. Lasting up to four to five hours everyday, it takes roughly three weeks and spans almost 200 kilometers with notable elevation and declines.
Regarding why someone could get altitude sickness, there is no clear and quick answer. Anyone at the high elevations is prone to it. However, young people, and people living at lower elevations, and those with respiratory conditions are more sensitive to altitude sickness.
There is always a chance of getting mountain sickness. Still, you may always avoid the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek altitude sickness with enough planning. If one is well-prepared for future challenges and takes appropriate care, the experience can be really adventurous, thrilling and exciting.
Training your body is the best way to prepare for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Nepal. If you can, go on a few short hikes with a loaded backpack. Additionally, do cardiovascular exercises like jogging, running, long walks, cycling, swimming, and climbing stairs as a way to stay in shape. Similarly, you might work on developing your muscles and core strength.
A single day of walking will involve numerous ascents and descents. The trail is rugged and requires long walks. The air thins as you rise in elevation, and the cold temperature could affect you. We do not mean to scare you, but if you are not physically fit, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking can be a nightmare for anyone.
Trekking to the Kanchenjunga Circuit doesn’t require the small group to make all of their own camping plans. Basic tea houses are provided throughout the circuit, and Hidden Trek Nepal developed the Kanchenjunga Circuit Tea House Trek schedule to fit the needs of small groups.
Tea houses can be found at higher altitudes in the Himalayas, although modern facilities are available in lower regions. More housing alternatives are available in urban areas, and calm guest homes can be found on the more urbanized side of Kanchenjunga. Similarly, tea house accommodations in rural areas are very simple yet comforting.
Additionally, if you do not eat at the hotel you are staying at, the hotel owner may add an additional charge to your bill as an accommodation charge. However, you can always ask the hotel owners or our agents about any potential hidden expenses that may not be apparent at first.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trail is one of Nepal's most remote and adventurous trekking routes. So, don't expect a menu with Western or foreign food. Throughout the walk, trekkers can consume basic, local cuisines. Tea houses serve simple but filling meals, but the options are often the same. The majority of places do not have a menu.
General Breakfast Items:
General Lunch and Dinner Items:
Because this region is very remote, supplies must be carried up on foot or by mule, making food more expensive with limited menu options. The food varieties remain less than of popular trekking destinations like Everest, and Annapurna.
Even during the Kanchenjunga camping trek, the cook always serves fresh and warm breakfast and dinner. Lunch will be cooked fresh on short walking days and carried on longer ones.
Because the location lacks road access, fresh foods are in short supply, making processed goods such as instant noodles, cookies, and chocolates more frequent. As a result, we recommend you to bring your own snacks to enhance your nutrition.
From our own research into the best ways to plan the perfect Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary, we would like to share some useful tips about how to book flights and rent vehicles to get to Kanchenjunga.
Flights from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur are usually dependable, with several daily departures operated by Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
However, adverse weather conditions, especially low visibility caused by fog, can occasionally disrupt flights at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
The roads from Bhadrapur to Taplejung are narrow, winding, and rough, especially in the hills. In monsoon (June–September), landslides are common, making travel slow and risky. Jeeps are the most reliable transport option due to tough terrain.
If you need assistance visit Hidden Trek Nepal, we are more than happy to arrange all transportation for you and have a dedicated service for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking.
It is possible that mobile networks are not much accessible, and also not much stable; hence, satellite phones could be an alternative that is useful in times of need.
In some locations, local SIM cards, such as NTC and Ncell, are able to access the network; nevertheless, the connection and coverage are not sufficient.
The importance of communication in such a region is reflected in the fact that a guide possesses a mobile device that can assist in connecting you with a networked location. There are also telephones available at the lodges, which can be used for a fee.
To organize and schedule a Kanchenjunga trip, it is best to hire the services of a well-known trekking company in Nepal, such as Hidden Trek Nepal.
We are concerned about your safety whenever you book a local company like ours, and we are here to help. Throughout every step of your trip, you will constantly have someone with years of experience to provide you with the best recommendations.
By making the reservations as early as possible, particularly during the peak trekking seasons, you may assure that you will be able to secure your desired accommodation without encountering any difficulties. Given that the majority of the most desirable places to stay in the region are often reserved well in advance, it is always a good idea to begin your planning process as early as possible.
Kathmandu has many great hotels, and we recommend staying in Thamel, the city’s vibrant tourist hub. It's packed with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Thamel is also the perfect place to rent or buy trekking gear.
For shopping, there are plenty of nearby places to explore. Plus, our office is conveniently located in the heart of Thamel.
If you need assistance with hotel booking, Hidden Trek Nepal is here to help.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for individuals from the majority of countries by visiting the online website of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Online forms must be filled out, printed, and brought with you.
The online system can be accessed at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ from any location and at any time. The Online Application System can keep your application for 15 days in its system, allowing you to apply at your convenience and present it to the Immigration Authority at the time of admission or visa extension.
Visas on arrival are valid for 15, 30, or 3 months and are priced at:
Hidden Trek Nepal is known for having skilled porters and making each tour unique. They know both the history and geography of the area well enough to make sure you have a safe and useful trip.
Our goal is to give you an experience that immerses you in the awe of the great Nepalese wilderness, whether that means customizing your schedule or making changes to the trail in real time or helping you through the tough parts of the trip.
We also provide flexible solutions, such as a "guide only" service for independent trekkers who would rather handle their own logistics with expert advice. With Hidden Trek Nepal, you interact with people, environment, and the desire of adventure at every turn rather than simply travel.
We recommend hiking before the Kanchenjunga circuit trek, helping your body adjust to higher elevations. Test your gear and break in your hiking boots on these short walks to find and correct any problems while still near city shops and resources.
Some suggestions for hiking places near Kathmandu are: Champa Devi Hiking, Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill) Hiking, Sundarijal Hiking, Chandragiri Hiking, etc.
You can also visit some very popular cultural locations carrying significant histories while in Kathmandu before the trek: Boudhanath (Boudha), the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur).
After the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, relaxing and enjoying Nepal's splendor is worth it. After the lengthy trek, Nepal is also a great place to relax with views, and cozy cafés. We recommend:
The high altitude, difficult terrain, and long amount of time spent on the journey make it challenging. Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience are advised.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking is a restricted region, and trekkers must accompany a guide and porter, as mandated by the Nepalese government. They will assist with local knowledge, navigation, and gear carrying. This also benefits the local economy.
Yes, on clear days, the stunning vista from Kanchenjunga includes a glimpse of Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak. This breathtaking vista features two of the Himalayas' most renowned summits.
Kanchenjunga is well-known for its stunning beauty, difficult mountain routes, and cultural importance. The people who live there think of it as a holy mountain and have many stories and myths about its history and spiritual worth.
There are a variety of lodging options available, ranging from lodges and teahouses to simple guesthouses. In some of the more distant locations of the base camp, you will need to bring camping equipment.
It is possible to complete the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking over the course of thirteen days or more, depending on the schedule that you choose. Our itinerary for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is 18 days long and can be modified to suit your preferences while sticking to the guidelines.
Yes! Kathmandu has many shops (Thamel area) selling:
There are major electricity problems in these remote locations, and the power goes out often. You have to pay extra rupees if you want to use power. We highly suggest you bring a power bank and an extra battery to use it on higher altitudes.
These days, many tourists also bring smaller, foldable solar chargers with them so they can charge their phones and tablets while they walk. It is important to have these things on hand in case the power goes out or the energy drops.
Yes, you can always join our fixed departure treks at the last minute. For customised treks, please stay in touch with us to check availability and arrangements.
Our 18-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is perfectly curated to cover all highlights while ensuring proper acclimatisation and comfort. It’s possible to complete the trek in less than 18 days, but it depends on how many days you're looking to cut and your trekking experience. Let’s discuss your preferences to see what’s feasible.
The Kanchenjunga region prohibits solo trekking. You need to go on a trek with a qualified local guide and at least one other person.
John Doe
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