Kanchenjunga Trek
Explore the Majestic Kanchenjunga Trek in Nepal!!
Kanchenjunga Trek is a challenging and remote trek in the eastern part of Nepal near the border with India, offering stunning views of the third-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m). The trek provides panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks. The trail passes through diverse landscapes inhabited by various ethnic groups like the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa, providing an opportunity to experience local cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.
This Kanchenjunga Trek involves crossing two challenging high passes, Sele La Pass (4290 m) and Mirgin La Pass (4663 m). The route encountered unique flora and fauna species in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and dense forests.
Trip Overview
Trip code: KR 100 
Duration: 22 Days 
Max Altitude: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143 m) 
Transportaion: Flight / Private Vehicle 
Accomodation: Hotel / Lodge or Teahouse 
Start: Kathmandu
End: Kathmandu 
Meals: European Plan Outline Itinerary
Kathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Kathmandu (1400m)Kathmandu – Bhadrapur (Fly – Flight Transfer) – Mitlung (Drive – Private Transfer)
Bhadrapur (91 m; 45 mins) Mitlung (921 m; 7 hrs)Mitlung – Chirwa
Chirwa (1270 m; 6hrs)Chirwa – Sukethum
Sukethum (1660 m; 6 hrs)Sukethum – Amjilosa
Amjilosa (2510 m; 6 hrs)Amjilosa – Gyabla
Gyabla (2730 m; 5 hrs)Gyabla – Ghunsa
Ghunsa (3595 m; 6 hrs)Ghunsa
Ghunsa (3595 m)Ghunsa – Kambachen
Kambachen (4100 m; 4 hrs)Kambachen – Lhonak
Lhonak (4785 m; 4 hrs)Lhonak – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp – Lhonak
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143 m) Lhonak (4785 m; 8 hrs)Lhonak – Ghunsa
Ghunsa (3595 m; 7 hrs)Ghunsa – Sele Le Kharka
Sele Le – 4390 m; 6 hrsSele Le to Tseram via Mirgin La Pass
Sinion La Pass (4440m), Sele La Pass (4480m), Mirgin La Pass (4663m), Tseram (3870 m; 8 hrs)Tseram – Ramche
Ramche (4580m; 6 hrs)Ramche – Kanchenjunga South Base Camp – Ramche
Ramche (4580 m; 5 hrs)Ramche – Tortong
Tortong (3000 m; 6 hrs)Tortong – Yamphudin
Yamphudin (2080 m; 7 hrs)Yamphudin – Ilam (Drive – Private Transfer)
Ilam (1206 m; 6 hrs)Ilam – Bhadrapur (Drive – Private Transfer)
Bhadrapur (91 m; 6 hrs)Bhadrapur – Kathmandu (Fly – Flight Transfer)
Kathmandu (1400 m; 45 mins)Kathmandu (Departure)
Price Inclusion
- Airport transfers (Domestic/ International) on a tourist vehicle
- Domestic flight ticket (Kathmandu / Bhadrapur / Kathmandu)
- Private tourist vehicle (Bhadrapur / Taplejung) (Yamphudin / Ilam / Bhadrapur)
- Entire accommodation during the trek – 2 nights at hotel in Kathmandu, and 20 nights in lodges/guesthouse during trek to Kanchenjunga Circuit
- Hotel breakfast during the stay at Kathmandu
- Experienced, government licensed, English-speaking or another language trekking guide
- All necessary permits for Kanchenjunga Conservation Permit and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 pax)
- All government taxes and administrative expenses
- Local staff insurances
Price Exclusion
- International flight tickets and Nepal Entry Visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Any meal during the Trek
- Any expenses of a personnel nature, e.g., telephone calls, laundry, table drinks, etc.
- Any Tips to Guides, Drivers, and Trekking Staffs
- Any entrance fees for cameras and video cameras at the monuments
- Any other services not mentioned above
- Cost of any emergency evacuation, strikes, etc.
Detail Itinerary
Expand AllKathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, our representative will be waiting at the airport for your welcome. Then board a private vehicle and be transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel and rest after your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore ancient temples and vibrant markets and experience the unique atmosphere of Nepalese urban life.
Kathmandu – Bhadrapur (Fly – Flight Transfer) – Mitlung (Drive – Private Transfer)
After breakfast, you’ll take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. From Bhadrapur, a private transfer will take you to Mitlung via Taplejung, the starting point of your trek. The drive offers glimpses of the diverse landscapes you’ll encounter during your trek.
Mitlung – Chirwa
Today, you will start your trek after having breakfast. You will walk through a rough path with few ascents and descents in the dense forest. On the way, you will cross several waterfalls and through picturesque landscapes to reach charming village Sinwa, then climb through lush forest and cross the bridges at Thiwa to arrive at Chirwa village.
Chirwa – Sukethum
You will continue your trek towards Sukethum. As you pass through the landslide area, you will reach Taplethok. Then, you will walk along the riverside of Tamor Nadi and cross many small villages to reach Temewa. Your trail will descend towards Simbuwa Khola and cross the river over the bridge. After crossing the bridge, a few hours of walking will take you to Sukethum, the Tibetan village.
Sukethum – Amjilosa
After breakfast, you will ascend through the dense forest of rhododendron and bamboo. On the way, you will cross the river and climb a gorge on the slippery trekking route. After a slow and steady walk on the slippery trail, you will cross the suspension bridges and small villages of Jongim, Solima, and Lowagaon to reach Amjilosa, a Tibetan village.
Amjilosa – Gyabla
Today, you will trek towards Gyabla, where the trail passes through the small Tibetan villages and forest of pine, rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. You will walk up a flat ridge with stunning views of snow-capped mountains. After passing through the scattered pastures and waterfalls, you will reach Gyabla.
Gyabla – Ghunsa
After having your breakfast, you will continue your hike towards Ghunsa. You will walk on the trail, which passes through the forest and small villages called Phale, which was a Tibetan refugee camp. This village is famous for the local carpet, and you can explore or buy handicrafts and homemade rugs.
After exploring the local carpet factories and monastery in Phale, you will continue your walk through the green fields and juniper larch forest to reach Ghunsa. On the way to Ghunsa, you will witness the ancient village of Olangchun Gola and track to Nango La before descending to the riverside of Ghunsa Khola.
To reach Ghunsa village, you will pass the ancient Tashi Choding Gumba and cross the bridge.
Ghunsa
Today, you will acclimate yourself to this beautiful village of Ghunsa. You can explore the village and interact with the locals. To acclimatize to the high altitude, you can also hike to a nearby riverside area and enjoy the magnificent views of Jannu Peak.
You can visit the nearby local markets and Buddhist monasteries for a close insight into the culture and traditions of the Buddhist communities.
Ghunsa – Kambachen
Leaving Ghunsa behind, you will hike through the forest of rhododendron and pine on the bank of Ghunsa Khola. On the way, you will witness the many monasteries, main walls, and chortens. After a few hours, you will have to cross slopes and glacier moraines to reach Kambachen, a beautiful village known for its Tibetan heritage and stunning views of the Himalayas.
Kambachen – Lhonak
Today, you will trek to Lhonak village. Your trail is ascending through rocky terrain to Ramtang. On the way, you will come across Ramtang Monastery with its stunning waterfalls, rivers, and peaceful trails. After a few hours of walking, you will see the magnificent Kanchenjunga Glacier on the way to Lhonak.
Once you reach Lhonak, you will witness the awe-inspiring peaks, including Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mera Peak. Wedge Peak and Nepal Peak.
Lhonak – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp – Lhonak
Today, you will do a short hike towards Pang Pema, known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Early in the morning, you will start your hike with stunning views of the Himalayas on the trail. The trail offers a forest of rhododendrons, mountain glaciers, and subtropical lowlands to reach Pang Pema.
Once you reach the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, or Pang Pema, you will witness the beautiful scenery with mountain vistas. You will see the magnificent views of the world’s third-highest mountain, the north face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Peak, Changa Himal, and other peaks that are tucked between Nepal and Sikkim, India.
After witnessing the beauty of base camp, you will hike down to Lhonak.
Lhonak – Ghunsa
After breakfast, you will trek towards Ghunsa for the jounery to explore the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. You will follow the same paths as before to reach Ghunsa. You will cross the village settlements, main walls, chortens, and monasteries on the trail to reach Ghunsa.
Ghunsa – Sele Le Kharka
Today, you will change your trekking path towards the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. You will ascend and hike through a forest and along a grassy ridge, from where you will see a glimpse of Mt. Makalu. You will ascend to the High Camp, and after crossing a high pass, you will reach Sele Le Kharka.
Sele Le to Tseram via Mirgin La Pass
You will have a challenging trekking trail as you cross challenging high passes, including Sinion La Pass (4440m), Sele La Pass (4480 m), and Mirgin La Pass (4663m), on the way to Tseram. As you ascend to the top of these passes, you will witness the mesmerizing views of the Kanchenjunga region.
From the top of the highest pass of this trek, Mirgin La Pass, you will witness mind-blowing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Tseram Valley. After witnessing the views from the top, you will descend on a small trail to reach Tseram. On the way, you will see small ponds, glaciers, and isolated terrain to reach Tseram.
Tseram – Ramche
Today, you will have a close walk towards the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga as you hike up to Ramche. You will walk towards forested areas towards Yalung Bara. After a challenging and scenic route, you will head towards Lapsang, where you will witness an excellent view of Yalung Glacier with Kokthang Peak in the background, to reach Ramche.
Ramche – Kanchenjunga South Base Camp – Ramche
After breakfast, you will start your hike towards the south base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Your trail passes through the moraine of Yalung Glacier. As you reach Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, known as Oktang, from where you will get close-up views of the south face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, including Kanchenjunga main, Kanchenjunga central, and Yalung Kang. After witnessing the beauty of Oktang, you will return to Ramche by following the same route.
Ramche – Tortong
After witnessing the beauty of the Kanchenjunga range, you will trek down to Tortong. You will walk on the trail along the side of Simbuwa Hola. The trail is slippery and steep on the ridge to reach Tortong.
Tortong – Yamphudin
After breakfast, you will trek towards Yamphudin on a steep and challenging trek on the side of Simbuwa Khola from the forest, cross some landslide-affected areas, and ascend to the Lasiya Bhanjyang. Then you will descend to Yamphudin, a village of Sherpa, Rais, and Limbu ethnic groups.
Yamphudin – Ilam (Drive – Private Transfer)
After exploring and learning about the culture and traditions of Yamphudin village, you will drive towards Ilam. It will be a long drive towards Ilam, a sloped tea garden. Ilam is a beautiful tourist attraction with a lush green forest, a variety of tea gardens, holy sites, and culture.
Ilam – Bhadrapur (Drive – Private Transfer)
Early in the morning, you will explore Ilam. You will visit the tea gardens, holy sites, and tourist attractions. Then, you will drive to Bhadrapur. The ride will take you through the lush green forest and plain fields towards Bhadrapur.
Bhadrapur – Kathmandu (Fly – Flight Transfer)
You will have an early morning flight to Kathmandu. The flight takes you with breathtaking views of the mountains, hills, and landscapes, and you will arrive at Kathmandu domestic airport. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be escorted towards your hotel. The rest of the day is free, and you can explore some of the city’s cultural and historical areas.
Kathmandu (Departure)
Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will escort you towards the airport. Before your fight schedule starts, you may have some free time in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Why you'll love this trip
- Providing breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Tent Peak, Mt. Janu, Mt. Kambachen, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Everest.
- Visit Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) and Oktang (Kanchenjunga South Base Camp) for close-up views of the Himalayas.
- Explore the rich biodiversity of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is home to unique plant and animal species.
- Experience the diverse cultures of the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa ethnic groups.
- Interact with local communities, learn about their traditions, and witness their unique way of life.
- Cross challenging high passes like Sinion La pass (4440m), Sele La Pass (4480m), Mirgin La Pass (4663m), and encounter glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and dense forests.
When To Visit
The best time to start on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is during the spring and autumn seasons, which occur from April to June and September to November. The weather is generally stable during these times, offering clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and ideal trekking conditions. Spring brings lush landscapes, blooming rhododendrons, and vibrant colors, while autumn offers crisp air, breathtaking mountain views, and dry trails. During these seasons, there is less chance of rain, making for a safer and more pleasurable trekking experience amid the breathtaking Kanchenjunga region’s scenery.
Cannot see your date or not satisfied with the itinerary? We may be able to add new trip dates.
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FAQs for Kanchenjunga Trek
What is the level of difficulty for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
The trek is considered challenging due to its remote location, high altitudes, and varied terrain. Trekkers should be physically fit, have prior trekking experience, and be prepared for long and demanding days.
What permits are required for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Trekkers need a special restricted area permit for the Kanchenjunga Circuit, and it’s advisable to check the latest permit requirements from the local authorities. Additionally, a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is required.
How do I prepare for the high altitudes during the trek?
Proper acclimatization is crucial. The itinerary includes rest days at higher altitudes to help trekkers acclimatize. Adequate physical fitness, hydration, and a gradual ascent are also important.
Are there emergency evacuation options on the trek?
In cases of emergencies, there are evacuation options available, typically involving helicopters. It’s important to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations.
What is the cultural experience like on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Trekkers have the opportunity to interact with the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa ethnic groups, experiencing their unique cultures, traditions, and hospitality. Visiting local monasteries and villages adds to the cultural richness of the trek.
