Nepal is a big box of trekking wonders. If you look Inside the box, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the best surprises. It is an utter trekking adventure in eastern Nepal, under the shadows of the world’s third-highest peak. If you are an avid trekker, the trek should be on your list.

Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary is of 19 days, perfect for experienced and passionate trekkers, and takes you on a round trip around Mt Kanchenjunga. On the walk, you scale two base camps of the mountain: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp(5,140m) and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp(4,750m). Alongside the base camps, the trek drives you through the entire virgin region.

Locating near the Indian border, the Kanchenjunga Region(Eastern Nepal) is a cluster of wonderful things. Flora and fauna in and out of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. The distinct culture and lifestyles of the Tibetan and Sherpa locals. A fantastic diversity of landscapes ranging from green hills to whitish mountains. Ancient monasteries and Buddhist Shrines. Suspension bridges and sounding rivers and waterfalls. Terminal moraines, lakes and glaciers, and many more.

On this walk on Kanchenjunga Circuit, you will have numerous memorable trekking experiences. You will spend days on scenic hiking trails and nights in teahouses and tented camps. You will enjoy the best mountain panoramas throughout the trek.

There will be times in traditional remote villages. Just check the below listed major highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

However, you have to prepare yourself well. This journey is not for beginners but prepared trekkers. If you have prior trekking experience, it is a big plus for you. At least, you have to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the trek. Long trekking trails, steep & rough sections, and high altitudes should be usual for you.

If you think you have all the requirements for the trek, you can join us on this adventure. We will ensure you have a treasurable walking experience in the lapses of Mt Kanchenjunga. Start planning Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek after this blog!

Major Highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

• Enjoy a panoramic flight to Eastern Nepal overlooking Mt Everest.
• Have an experience of riding on the scenic winding highways of Nepal.
• Reach the best-kept secret land of Nepal, where Mt Kanchenjunga, the third tallest peak in the world, towers.
• Trek under the most scenic conditions of breathtaking peaks, vast meadows, lush woods, rural hamlets, pristine trails, and more.
• Witness the richness in flora and fauna of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
• Enjoy a peaceful trekking experience on one of the best off-the-beaten treks in Nepal.
• Traverse the two base camps of Mt Kanchenjunga, the south and the north.
• Catch mesmerizing views of Mt Jannu, Mera Peak, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks.
• Experience the locals’ unique living style, culture, and food along the trail.
• Happen to cross many suspension bridges, meadows, passes, monasteries, and more.
• Know yourself and your limits on the fantastic route around the Kanchenjunga region.

Why Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the best off-the-beaten trekking trail in Nepal. Often, people go to Everest or Annapurna Region for treks making the regions crowded. This Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the best option to avoid those crowded trails. Opting for this trek, you certainly have a tranquil trekking adventure. You will be there and the happenings of the walk, that is all.

Likewise, the trek is the best for its remoteness and natural beauty. It happens on the eastern hills of Nepal, which adjoins the Indian side. The region is yet to be touched by modernness. Thus, everything there is raw and surreal. The trek’s best things are lush and intact flora and fauna, lovely people, unique culture, madness mountains, fresh rivers, and more. On this round trek around Kanchenjunga Region, you will encounter numerous eye and soul-pleasing things.

What Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers to the doers is something that can’t be explained here with words. The trek has many good reasons why you should do it. Trust us, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is exciting, raw, adventurous, scenic, and touching.

Best Time for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

We, like many others, are labeling Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek as one of the best treks in Nepal. It is indeed the best, but what time you do it matters. You get to experience the trek at its best during prime times. Or it can be a disappointing journey if done in bad times. So timing is essential.

Like all the treks in Nepal, Spring and Autumn are the two best timings for this trek. These two are dream seasons for trekking in Nepal. Thousands of strollers come to Nepal during the months of Spring and Autumn. Whereas, Monsoon and Winter are the two not-so-ideal seasons for the trek. The trek during these two seasons is, however, possible. But it is difficult; the weather conditions make it adverse.

Autumn

Let’s begin with Autumn, which operates from September to October in Nepal. It is a post-monsoon season when everything looks so washed and fresh. The landscapes get bright and vibrant colors during this season. Except for early weeks, the season has low precipitation levels thoroughly. It is the right time to watch the mountains in Nepal, which remain snow-washed. The weather is also quite ideal for walks in the mountains. Plus, the season is the time for the biggest festivals in Nepal, Dashain & Tihar.

Spring

Following the departure of Winter, Spring, the best time for treks in Nepal, comes in. It brings colorful blossoming flowers, warm temperatures, dry weather, and a breathtaking ambiance to Nepal. Nepal’s mountains are best this season, thanks to the Winter showering snow. All the conditions favor exciting trekking opportunities in Nepal. Therefore, you will find many trekkers choosing this season over all others. March, April, and May of Spring are the best months for what you are planning to do.

Off-Season for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Winter

Winter takes over Nepal in December after Autumn and remains until February. You can expect cold weather and massive snowfall in the mountains this season. The first few weeks of the season are not that harsh. But as the season progresses, it becomes freezing in the higher parts of Nepal. The mountains look stunning with new snowfall, but it is hard to trek up to them. Chilly temperatures and massive snowfall are the major hindrances of this season. They make a trek a hard one. Hence, travelers in very few numbers pick this season.

Monsoon

Once Spring departs, Monsoon arrives gradually in Nepal. Also known as Summer, Monsoon activates from June to August in the Himalayas. Through these three months, Nepal becomes humid and rainy. The lowlands are more prone to the season than the higher ones. However, clouds, moderate rainfall, and snowfall can occur in the mountains. The season can also invite landslides blocking roads and trails. Hence, very few treks happen during this season. The early weeks of the season can be the right time for a walk when Monsoon is not that active.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Flight to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung(2,420m) via sharing Jeep (Direct Flight to Taplejung from Kathmandu is also available on Wed, Friday and Monday)

Day 02: Drive to Ranipul / Handruk, and Trek to Sekhathum(1500m)

Day 03: Trek from Sekhathum to Amjilosa(2,498m)

Day 04: Trek to Gyabla (2,730m)

Day 05: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m)

Day 06: Acclimatization day at Ghunsa

Day 07: Trek to Kambachen (4,050m)

Day 08: Acclimatization trek to Kumbhakarna Viewpoint and back to Kambachaen

Day 09: Trek to Lhonak (4,780m)

Day 10: Hike to Pangpema (5,065m) Lonhak or Khambachen back

Day 11: Trek back to Ghunsa

Day 12: Trek to Sele le (4,290m)

Day 13: Trek Sele la, Sinion La Pass, Mirgin La Pass, Sinelapcha La Pass, and Tseram (3,870m).

Day 14: Hike to Oktang Base Camp back to Ramche(4,580m)

Day 15: Trek to Torangden (2,995m) / (Tortong )

Day 16: Trek to Ranipool(2080m)

Day 17: Drive to Taplejung(1,820m)

Day 18: Drive to Bhadrapur (Taplejung to Kathmandu flight might be available on Wednesday, Friday and Monday)

Day 19: Flight back to Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Day 01: Flight to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung(2,420m) via sharing Jeep

Note: Direct Flight to Taplejung from Kathmandu is also available on Wed, Friday and Monday

Flight Duration: 45 minutes

Drive Duration: 8-9 hours

Overnight at: Taplejung

Pick your bag! It is time to start the adventure of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Following breakfast, you will lead toward Kathmandu Airport’s domestic terminal for a flight to Bhadrapur. It is a short & scenic flight of 45 minutes to eastern Nepal. Mt Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and many other peaks will be visible from the flight.

Upon a smooth landing at Bhadrapur Airport, you will prepare for the drive to Taplejung, the real beginning point of the Kanchenjunga Trip. It will be a long drive of around 244 km through Nepal’s twirling Mechi highway. You will enjoy the experience of driving on the exciting roads of Nepal. The drive will have many good sights of local villages and greenery. In the evening, you will reach Taplejung for the night.

Day 02: Drive to Ranipul / Handruk, and Trek to Sekhathum(1500m)

Drive Duration: 3-4 hours

Trek Duration: 2-3 hours

Overnight at: Sekhathum

On the second day, you will leave for Ranipul from Taplejung. It will be an exciting drive of 3-4 hours, which ends in Ranipool. At Rainpul, you will have lunch before beginning the trek. Ranipool is where the walk starts. Today’s hike is short, barely two or three hours.

During the walk to Sekhathum, you will cross a river several times that forms from Yalung Glacier. You will climb a ridge to cross it and enter the Ghunsa Khola Valley. Enjoying the walk, you will come across Ghunsa Khola's confluence and Tamur Khola's confluence. The route to Sekhatham is easy to navigate as it is stone paved. You will reach Sekhatham shortly for the night in a teahouse.

Day 03: Trek from Sekhathum to Amjilosa(2,498m)

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Overnight at: Amjilosa

After breakfast, you will leave Sekhatham by crossing a suspension bridge. You will trek through dense vegetation for some time. The trek will then gradually progress towards the northeast along the banks of Ghusa Khola.

Moving further by crossing a gentle hill, you will reach a small hamlet of Zaubari. You will stop in the village to catch your breath. Then, you will also pass by Laminar village. You will just love hiking through small villages overlooking the people and lifestyle. The hike will not leave the banks of Ghunsa Khola any time soon. You wil cross the river once again before doing a steep climb to Amjilosa village. Overnight at Teahouse in Amjilosa

Day 04: Trek to Gyabla (2,730m)

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Overnight at: Gyabla

From Amjilosa, the trek has to progress towards Gyabla. It is a fantastic trek day, where you will cross forests, waterfalls, ridges, and more. You will start the walk by moving to the banks of Ghunsa Khola. After crossing the river, you must trek via a lush forest of bamboo, rhododendron, and fir for a while.

Then, you will take an uphill that winds towards Gyabla village. While climbing the hill, you will see a giant waterfall from the mountains. It is worth pausing there for a few minutes to enjoy the sound of the waterfall. After the brief pause, you will continue approaching Gyabla until you reach there. The village has some good views to watch after reaching. You will have an excellent night's rest in the village.

Day 05: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m)

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Overnight at: Ghunsa

Today, you will cross 3000m altitude on the trek while tracing Ghunsa. The walk will start with a descent to a gorge. Then you will reach a forest of fir and rhododendron. Then you will move into a vast meadow by crossing the river and following the river bank. The field is by Pholey village, a Tibetan village. You will have some beautiful moments around the village on lunch break. There is also a significant monastery around the place.

Following lunch and exploration, you will resume your walk in the valley. The valley gets wider and wider as you progress ahead. In some distance, you will trek via green lands and dense forests. Then the trail will begin to go downhill to the banks of Ghunsa Khola. You will use a suspension bridge to cross the river and enter the Ghunsa village.

Day 06: Acclimatization day at Ghunsa

Now, you have to slow down a little bit. You will have to spend an acclimatization day in Gunsa. The day will help you get used to the altitude and region. Rushing and no proper acclimatization are two significant reasons for altitude sickness. Hence, an acclimatization day at Ghunsa is necessary.

The day, however, is exciting rather than boring. You will go on a short hike around Ghunsa for some more exploration. There is a famous monastery, Lepasan La Monastery, by the village. You will hike up to the monastery to spend the day well. Along with the monastery, you will explore Ghunsa, the last permanent settlement of the route. You will spend another night in the village.

Day 07: Trek to Kambachen (4,050m)

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Overnight at: Kambachen

Today, you will finally leave Ghunsa for Kambachen. It will be a great day of rambling via dotted woods of rhododendron, pine, and other trees. Alongside, you will be continuing on the sandy banks of Ghunsa Khola. After this, you will go on to cross Rambuk Kharka. The trail following Rambuk Kharka is tricky; hence you must be careful.

Slowly, you will start to see Mt Jannu and Jannu Glacier. The breathtaking view will make the trek more exciting. Kambachen, the day’s destination, is located in the foothills. So you will gradually descend to Kambachen. It is a temporary settlement of shepherds. You will spend the night in a tent overlooking the stars.

Day 08: Acclimatization trek to Kumbhakarna Viewpoint and back to Kambachaen

It will be another acclimatization day of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. This day’s acclimatization will make your body perfect for further walks. To make the day more happening, you will hike to Kumbhakarna viewpoint, a place nearby Kambachen. The viewpoint is only 2-3 hours away from Kambachen and presents enchanting mountain vistas. It is the best touring option for acclimatization day in Kambachen. Following the walk, you will return to Kambachaen.

Day 09: Trek to Lhonak (4,780m)

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Overnight at: Lhonak

Now the trek reaches a bare site. You will pave your way on a scenic trail, a terminal moraine of glaciers. Yet, the walk will be scenic. You will catch gorgeous views of surrounding peaks and icy glaciers now. Then you will have to climb a sloppy place to reach Ramtang(4,350m), a scenic pasture.

After the pasture, you will move ahead to see Ramtang Monastery. It is a demanding trek day where you must cross glaciers and their terminal moraines. But good views will keep coming and make you forget all challenges. Crossing the difficult part of the day, you will reach a downhill section. From there, you will have an easy descent to the Lhonak. It is a great camping site, where you will spend the night in a camp.

Day 10: Hike to Pangpema (5,065m) Lonhak or Khambachen back

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Overnight at: Lhonak or Khambachen

Pangpema is the regional name of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. So on this day, you will hike to the northern base camp of Mt Kanchenjunga. It will start with a gradual climb overlooking Mt Kanchenjunga. The trail is landslide prone and slippery in some parts. So you have to oversee every step while walking on this part.

Once you pass the slippery section, you will reach a place of plain grassy land. That part of the place is the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Your long wish to see Mt Kanchenjunga from its base camp is real here. You will have a fantastic time in the camp before returning to either Lhonak or Kambachen.

Day 11: Trek back to Ghunsa

You will already be back in Kambachen or Lhonak after exploring Pangpema. Now you have to trek back to Ghunsa. The trek will happen on the same earlier trail. So it will be a retracing that will bring you back to Ghunsa. You will again trek via the fantastic forests and see mountains again. This way, you will re-find Ghunsa for yet another night.

Day 12: Trek to Sele le (4,290m)

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Overnight at: Sele Le

Now the trek will move towards the right side of the region. Instead of going toward Gyabla, you will march toward Sele Le to continue the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The path to Sele Le is an inclining one, and there are no human settlements along the route. Most of the time, you walk via thick woods of Juniper and Rhododendron trees. And after walking for around 6-7 hours, you will finally find Sele Le. It is a place with several teahouses for trekkers. You will have a comfortable night in the area.

Day 13: Trek Sele la, Sinion La Pass, Mirgin La Pass, Sinelapcha La Pass, and Tseram (3,870m).

Trek Duration: 8 hours

Overnight at: Tseram

You will leave Sele La to begin a long day of trekking. Your day will start with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and terrains. Ahead, you have to cross several mountain passes. Firstly, you will climb the top of Mirgin La Pass. You will get awe-inspiring views from the climb and every incoming climb. Mt Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Jannu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and others are viewable from the passes.

Similarly, you will cross Lapsang La Pass(5,160m) and Sinelapche La Pass(4,830). No need to rush as you will be in the high areas. You will trek from one pass to another gradually. After all the passes, you will descend to Tseram for the night. You will have an earned rest in Tseram.

Day 14: Hike to Oktang Base Camp back to Ramche(4,580m)

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Overnight at: Ramche

You will now move toward Oktang Base Camp(the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp). It is a long day; thus, you will start early from Tseram. To do that, you will cross Rmache and Cheeram. The walk will begin by crossing several stops. Then the Yalung Glacier and terminal moraine will come along. You will slowly climb through the place enjoying ridges and mountains. Various mountains will be easily observable from here. And the views will keep getting better.

Traversing Yalung Glacier, you will move toward Oktang or Kanchenjunga South base camp. You will also enjoy the sights of Kumbhakarna Glacier. Upon reaching the base camp, you will experience the southern base camp. The mountains will feel like touching your nose. After enough time in the base camp, you will return to Ramche.

Day 15: Trek to Torangden (2,995m) / (Tortong )

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Overnight at: Torangden

Now you will descend towards Tseram by leaving breathtaking peaks behind. The walk will also get easier as you have to lose altitude. Trekking on the winding route, you will come across mountains, forests, glaciers, rivers, and waterfalls. You can take enough time to enjoy the serenity as the trek is more accessible now. Slowly and exploring every view, you will reach Torangden for the night.

Day 16: Trek to Ranipool(2080m)

Trek Duration: 8-9 hours

Overnight at: Ranipool

The walk from Torangden to Rainpool saves one day. Hence you will use this route to Ranipool. However, the trial is a stony route with several landslide-prone areas. Those without prior trekking experience can have some tough times on this trail. This tricky trail will also pass via the forest of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. You will come across vast vegetation and some animals in the protected area. This way, you will reach Ranipool to finish the last trekking day of the trip. Raanipool is just by the Tamor river.

Day 17: Drive to Taplejung(1,820m)

Drive Duration: 7-8 hours

Overnight at: Taplejung

From Ranipool, you have to make the rest of the journey on a jeep. You will use a sharing jeep to reach Taplejung. It will be a long drive of around 7-8 hours. During the jeep drive, you will enjoy gorgeous views from your windows. The night will be in Taplejung.

Day 18: Drive to Bhadrapur (Taplejung to Kathmandu flight is available on Wednesday, Friday and Monday)

Drive Duration: 7-8 hours

You will take a shared jeep to Bhadrapur from Taplejung. It will be another long day on the roads of Nepal’s eastern side. On the last day, you will catch good views along the drive. After a 7-8 hours drive, you will come to Bhadrapur for the night.

Day 19: Flight back to Kathmandu

In the morning, you will go to Bhadrapur airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. You will have a flight of 45 minutes. It will be genuinely scenic as you will see the mountains of the trek and others from the sky. In a few minutes, you will land in Kathmandu. You will get back to your hotel, and it will be the end of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Trip Cost US$ 2050 Per person

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes: