Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek: 21-Day Ultimate Itinerary
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Destination
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek: 21-Day Ultimate Itinerary
Duration
21 Days
Trip Grade
Hard
Start/End
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Best Seasons
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)
Transport
Private Car/Jeep/Flight
Accommodation
Teahouses/Lodges
Permits
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit, Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and TIMS Card
Overview Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is among Nepal's most rugged and remote long-distance treks, circling the breathtaking Kanchenjunga Himal, the third-tallest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters. Located in the isolated far-east region of Nepal, the 21-day trek features a fabulous mix of remoteness, harsh alpine terrain, virgin scenery, profuse diversity, and undisturbed Himalayan culture.
Starting and finishing in Kathmandu, this journey takes you through subtropical valleys, dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, high alpine meadows, and eventually to the breathtaking North Base Camp and South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. Unlike more developed treks like EBC or ABC, the Kanchenjunga Circuit remains relatively untainted and off-the-beaten-path, which will suit experienced trekkers seeking solitude and authenticity.
Trekkers can experience living in common Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan-origin villages where hospitality, monasteries, and traditional cultural rites are deeply rooted. The trek also offers very good opportunities for viewing occasional wildlife such as the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and different Himalayan bird species and pheasants within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- Trek to North and South Base Camps of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m)
- Venture off the beaten trail with one of Nepal's most isolated and less-trodden routes
- Trek across diverse ecosystems, from lowland jungles to highland alps
- Panoramic mountain views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Tent Peak, and more
- Encounter with Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan-influenced villages
- Trek across sacred and spiritual lands rich in myths and legends
- Encounters with wildlife in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (Red Panda, Musk Deer, etc.)
- Enjoy the tranquility of off-the-beaten-path routes, unaffected by mass tourism
- Walk through high-altitude passes such as Sele La with breathtaking vistas
- Enjoy rhododendron blooms (spring) and cool mountain views (autumn)
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary Chart
Day | Location | Altitude | Trek Duration |
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,300 m | – |
2 | Sightseeing and Trek Preparation | 1,300 m | – |
3 | Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Taplejung | 91 m 1,820 m | 45 minutes (flight) 8-9 hours (drive) |
4 | Taplejung to Sekathum | 1,600 m | 5 hours (drive) |
5 | Sekathum to Amjilosa | 2,510 m | 6 hours |
6 | Amjilosa to Gyabala | 2,730 m | 4-5 hours |
7 | Gyabala to Ghunsa | 3,595 m | 5-6 hours |
8 | Acclimatization | 3,595 m | – |
9 | Ghunsa to Kambachen | 4,100 m | 4-5 hours |
10 | Acclimatization | 4,100 m | – |
11 | Kambachen to Lhonak | 4,785 m | 5 hours |
12 | Explore Kanchenjunga North Base Camp | 4,785 m | – |
13 | Lhonak to Ghunsa | 3,595 m | 6 hours |
14 | Ghunsa to Sele Le | 4,390 m | 6-7 hours |
15 | Sele Le to Tseram (Cheram) | 3,864 m | 7-8 hours |
16 | Tseram to Ramche, Explore Kanchanjanga South Base Camp | 4,610 m | 7-8 hours |
17 | Ramche to Tortong | 2,080 m | 5-6 hours |
18 | Tortong to Khebang | 1,910 m | 8 hours |
19 | Khebang to Kanyam | 1,150 m | 5-6 hours |
20 | Kanyam to Bhadrapur to Kathmandu | 91 m 1,300 m | 2-3 hours (drive) 45 minutes (flight) |
21 | Departure for Kathmandu | – |
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
- Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Complete immigration to be welcomed by your guide or driver, who will drive you to your Thamel hotel.
- Evening walk around Thamel and welcome dinner.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
- Spend day two in Nepal getting to know the capital and trek preparation. Tour around Kathmandu's main heritage areas before nightfall:
- Swayambhunath
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Patan or Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Afternoon is utilized for a pre-trek briefing and preparation.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (91m | 45 minutes), Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m | 8 to 9 hours)
- Start your trek with an early morning flight from Kathmandu. You reach Bhadrapur in 45 minutes. Bhadrapur is the lowest point of this trek. It is 91 m above sea level.
- An 8 to 9-hour drive will take you to Taplejung. Taplejung is famous for trekking and biodiversity. A very popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage also exists in Taplejung.
- Overnight in a lodge or tea house in Taplejung.
Day 4: Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1,600 m | 5 hours)
- Continue your drive from Taplejung. A 5-hour comfortable drive will take you to Sekathum.
- Sekathum is a remote village at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. The village is the meeting point of Gunsa Khola and Tamur River, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of valleys, forests, and waterfalls. Sekathum is inhabited by Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan-origin people, with a diverse array of mountain cultures.
- Spend the night in a lodge or tea house in this beautiful village.
Day 5: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,510 m | 6 hours)
- Begin your trek from Sekathum village. The 6-hour trek goes on an ascending and descending path, crossing rhododendron forests and villages such as Jognim, Solima, Ghaiyabari, and Chanjalung Danda.
- Amjilosa is a Tibetan-type village, and the trekkers can feel that the local culture, architecture, and climate differ from lower altitudes.
- Overnight at Amjilosa tea house.
Day 6: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m | 4 to 5 hours)
- Continue today's 4 to 5 hours trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla. Today's trek offers a trek through diverse terrain, such as dense forest and along the riverside of Ghunsa Khola. The trek involves trekking through waterfalls, tiny villages, and on-site possible rare wildlife.
- Gyabla is a tiny, remote Sherpa village on the Kanchenjunga trekking route in the remote far eastern Nepal, which is situated at about 2,730 meters above sea level. It is renowned for its peaceful environment, magnificent mountain scenery, and culture, offering trekkers a chance to mix with the Sherpa inhabitants and observe their way of life.
- Overnight at a tea house in Gyabla.
Day 7: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 m | 5 to 6 hours)
- The 6-7 hour walk from Gyabla to Ghunsa goes through forests, crossing the Ghunsa river, and along the Phale (Phole) Tibetan refugee camp. The trail has green terraced field views and juniper larch forests, then goes along the Ghunsa Khola river down to Ghunsa village.
- Ghunsa is a peaceful Sherpa village in the Kanchenjunga region of eastern Nepal, renowned for its stunning Himalayan scenery. It is situated at 3,595 meters and comprises traditional wooden houses and welcoming people who rely on yak herding and tourism as a means of survival.
- Overnight at Ghunsa tea house.
Day 8: Acclimatization in Ghunsa
- Acclimatization is also required by trekkers of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek to adjust to the low oxygen in Ghunsa, a village located high above (approximately 3,500 meters or 11,500 ft).
- The body adapts physiological change during the process of adaptation to the reduced amount of oxygen and atmospheric pressure.
- Altitude sickness can be reduced by giving trekkers a rest day in Ghunsa so that they acclimatize gradually.
Day 9: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,100 m | 5 to 6 hours)
- The Ghunsa to Kambachen trek is a 5-6 hour hike on diverse terrain with great mountain vistas and cultural experiences. The hike is along the Ghunsa Khola through forests, meadows, and difficult patches such as a landslide area. The hike includes highlights such as a bridge at Rampuk Kharka and views of Mt. Jannu.
- Kambachen is a high-altitude settlement with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and Kanchenjunga.
- Overnight in a tea house at Kambachen.
Day 10: Acclimatization in Kambachen
- Spend another day in Kambanchen for altitude acclimatization. When gaining a higher altitude, it's extremely necessary to give the body its rightful time to adapt to the surroundings.
Day 11: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4,785 m | 4 to 5 hours)
- The trek from Kambachen to Lhonak is a 5-6 hour trek on stony paths, beside the Kanchenjunga Glacier, with magnificent mountain views.
- The trail passes through Ramtang, where there is a monastery to visit, and continues to Lhonak, a small village on a sandy plateau near a dry lake bed.
- Overnight at a tea house in Lhonak.
Day 12: Explore Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
- Day 12 of the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek from Lhonak to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) and return to Lhonak. Today's trek to Pangpema offers great views of Kanchenjunga's principal peak, Wedge Peak, Tent Peak, Nepal Peak, Cross Peak, and the Twins. The trail is a rocky, gradually ascending path on the moraine.
Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,595 m | 8 to 9 hours)
- Have an early breakfast at Lhonak and trek down to Ghunsa. It takes 8 hours of trekking from Lhonak to arrive at Ghunsa. Stay overnight at a lodge or tea house in Ghunsa.
Day 14: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,390 m | 6 to 7 hours)
- Sele La Pass is a high-altitude trekking pass in the Kanchenjunga area of Nepal, specifically on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking. It's at an altitude of 4,290 meters (14,075 feet) and connects the north and south of the trek.
- The pass is situated between the Kanchenjunga mountain and the Jannu mountain geographically. It's a significant connection point for trekkers completing the whole Kanchenjunga Circuit.
Day 15: Trek from Sele Le to Tseram (Cheram) (3,864 m | 6 to 7 hours)
- With an early breakfast, you continue your trek to Tseram. A hike of 6 to 7 hours will get you to Tseram from Sele Le.
- Tseram or Cheram offers you great views of the grand landscape and lovely snow-crowned Mountains.
- Night halt at a tea house in Cheram.
Day 16: Trek from Tseram to Ramche (7 to 8 hours | 4,610 m)
- With an early morning breakfast, head to the Ramche. While you journey on, you have the impression that with every step you are closing in on your destination.
- Sleep tightly in Ramche, as tomorrow you will go to the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.
Day 17: Explore Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,610 m), descend from Ramche to Tortong (2,080 m | 5 to 6 hours)
- Get up early to tour the sacred South Kanchenjunga Base Camp. After uploading gazillions of photos and Kanchenjunga Peak memories, trek down to Ramche.
- Trek down further from Ramche, after hiking for 5 to 6 hours, you will be in Tortong to overnight.
Day 18: Hike from Tortong to Khebang (1,910 m | 8 hours)
- Begin the day with an early breakfast at Tortong and hike down to Khebang. An 8-hour hike from Tortong will lead you to Khebang. Overnight stay at a tea house or a lodge in Khebang.
Day 19: Trek from Khebang to Kanyam (1,150 m | 5 to 6 hours)
- Complete your last day of trek to Kanyam. Trekking 5 to 6 hours from Khebang will take you to Kanyam.
- Overnight stay at Kanyam.
Day 20: Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur (91m | 2 to 3 hours), then fly back to Kathmandu (1,300 m | 45 minutes)
- You will have a pleasant drive for 2 to 3 hours to Bhadrapur Airport from Kanyam today.
- Fly from Bhadrapur Airport in a 45-minute flight to Kathmandu.
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu
- You’ll be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule.
- Say farewell to Nepal with unforgettable memories of your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Packing essentials for Kanchenjunga Treks
Kanchenjung Treks is a moderate trekking route that does not require much gear. But there are a couple of things that you should carry on the trek.
Head
- Warm hat & cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlight
- Earmuffs
- Beanie
Body
- Thermal layers
- Warm and Waterproof jacket
- Thermal Gloves
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Neck buff
- Waterproof gloves
Footwear
- Trekking shoes
- Hiking boots
Essentials/Equipment
- Warm Hiking socks
- Gaiters
- Sleeping bag
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles & Duffel bag
- Water Bottles and Hydration Bladders
- Raincoat
- High-energy snacks
- Reliable oxygen supply
- Maps & Compass/GPS
Note: Do not overpack unnecessarily, as it would cause you trouble during the trek. Pack only the essentials.
Best Season for Mt Kanchenjunga Trek
Spring (March to May) – Overall Best Season for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Weather: Dry and stable with clear weather.
Temperature: Mild at lower elevations, cold in high camps (~-10°C at night).
Highlights:
Rhododendrons and other wildflowers in full bloom.
Excellent mountain views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks.
Good photography and high passes (if doing the North route or circuit).
Autumn (Late September to November) – Most Populated Season Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
Weather: Post-monsoon clarity and dry days.
Temperature: Pleasant in lower altitudes; biting and chilly in higher altitudes.
Highlights:
Glittering landscapes of white-capped peaks.
Ideal trail conditions with minimal rainfall.
Superb visibility for distant panoramas and base camp outings.
Winter (December to February)
Conditions: Very cold and usually snowy above 3,500 m.
Hazards: Snowy trails, shut-down teahouses, high-pass sections inaccessible.
Only for Seasoned trekkers with appropriate equipment and a support team.
Monsoon (June to mid-September)
Conditions: Heavy rainfall, leeches, muddy and slippery trails.
Hazards: Landslides and low visibility.
Not recommended due to safety and trail conditions.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Kanchenjunga Himal
- Formerly the world's highest peak until 1852, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is now the third highest mountain.
- The first ascent in 1955 honored local customs by not making it to the summit, a tradition that continues to this day.
- The peak lies on the border of Nepal and Sikkim and was once along an old trans-Himalayan trade route.
- Consecrated as a holy mountain, it is a symbol of the "Five Treasures of Snow" of Sikkimese mythology: gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books.
- Home to ethnic communities like the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa, the region blends Buddhist and animist cultures.
- Guardian gods and forefathers' spirits are believed to inhabit it by the locals; many tales of Yeti and hidden valleys are linked with it.
- Conventional lifestyles, culture, and architecture have been preserved through isolation.
- Protected by Nepal's Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, the region promotes eco- and cultural tourism.
Wildlife and Plants Kanchenjunga Himal Trek
Plants
- Rhododendrons (20+ species, bloom in spring)
- Juniper, oak, pine, fir, and hemlock forests
- Alpine shrubs, medicinal herbs, and bamboo groves
- Orchids and mosses
Animals
- Red Panda
- Snow Leopard
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Musk Deer
- Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Tahr, Goral, Jackal, and Civet Cats
Birds
- Satyr Tragopan
- Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal (Nepal's national bird)
- Snow Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, Laughingthrushes
- Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, and Himalayan Griffon
Included
Complimentary airport pick-ups and drop-offs
Two-night stay in Kathmandu, including breakfast (twin share).
All necessary trekking permits for the Kanchenjunga Peak trek
Return flights to and from Kathmandu (Bhadrapur)
All accommodation during the trek
Three meals a day during the trek
Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid trained local guide
First-aid kit
Excluded
International airfare and Nepal visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, entrance fee, etc.)
All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, WiFi, etc.
Tip for staff
Safety Tips for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
- Solo hiking is not allowed, so hike with a licensed guide and obtain the necessary permits.
- Acclimatize yourself gradually to avoid altitude sickness, ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, and rest if you don't feel well.
- Carry a well-stocked first aid kit with you that contains altitude medication, water purification tablets, and your medicines.
- Avoid hiking during monsoon months (June–August) and winters (December–February); springs (March–May) and autumns (September–November) are best.
- Pack appropriately for adverse weather, such as clothing in layers, rain gear, sun gear, and a warm -10°C rated sleeping bag.
- Poor cell phone connectivity, so bring offline maps or a satellite device for safety and navigation.
- Drink boiled or filtered water and freshly cooked food only to prevent sickness.
- Don't forget to take trekking boots and trekking poles to steady yourself on steep or slippery terrain.
- Be gentle with nature and locals, don't litter, don't touch or handle wild animals, and never take anyone's photos without asking first.
- Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency helicopter evacuation, as rescue services are not advanced in remote areas.
Why Kanchenjunga Trek Package with us?
With decades of experience, Hi Nepal Tours and Treks is a trusted name in Himalayan travel. We take pride in delivering exceptional trekking and tour experiences, marked by meticulous planning, safety-first operations, and culturally enriching encounters. Our team comprises highly skilled, licensed guides and dedicated support staff, all of whom are passionate about sharing the majestic beauty and heritage of Nepal.
Would you like to learn more about our Kanchenjunga Circuit trek package?
Kanchenjunga Trek Cost Breakdown
Budget: Mt Kanchenjunga trek does not have a fixed budget because everyone has unique requirements, and all the requirements have a different price tag. The amount of luxury you would want in your accommodation, food, and other facilities will determine the cost.
Transport: This will depend on the size of your group and the type of transport.
Meal and Accommodation: Depending on your location and taste, the cost of meals and accommodation will vary. During trekking, one can consume local food like tarkali (lentil soup, vegetables, rice), dal bhat, Momo, noodle soup, thukpa, local bread, pasta, etc. In the lodge, you are staying in a teahouse.
Guide and Porter: Experience level will determine the cost of the guide and porter.
Permit: You require 3 permits to trek in the Kanchenjunga Region: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit, Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and TIMS Card, and they are included in the package.
Final Thoughts
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the adventurous traveler willing to venture off the beaten paths of the Everest and Annapurna treks. Its untamed, raw splendor and cultural richness are unmatched, offering physical adventure and deep personal reward. From sacred base camps to high-altitude ridges and virgin forests, every step on the circuit takes you closer to Nepal's best-kept secrets.
This is not for the faint of heart; a journey of its length, altitude, and remoteness requires perseverance and planning. Yet for those willing to undertake it, the trek offers exceptional solitude, dramatic views, and close cultural encounters that remain long after you have departed the mountains.
Whether you seek spiritual connection, high Himalayan adventure, or unspoiled wilderness, the Kanchenjunga Circuit guarantees an unforgettable Himalayan journey.
FAQs
What permits are required for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit, Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and TIMS Card are the permits required for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
What is the starting point of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Kathmandu is the starting point of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Where is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is located in Eastern Nepal, specifically in the Taplejung district.
How long is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is 21 days long.
What is the best season for the trek?
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) are the best times for trek.
How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Trek?
The difficulty level of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is moderate.
Are there acclimatization days included in the itinerary?
Yes, two days are considered for the acclimatization.
Are there other trekking itinerary in Kanchenjunga Region?
Yes, two other trekking itineraries of Kanchenjunga Region are Kanchenjunga North Base Camp trek and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek.
