Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 23 Days

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through customs formalities. Afterwards, you will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. Once you meet our representative, he will help you transfer to the 4-star category hotel at Thamel in a private hotel. 

Check in at the hotel and get a well-deserved rest for a bit. Later on, our guide will give you a brief regarding the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary and also complete the trip formalities. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you can taste authentic Nepali cuisine (Dal bhat tarkari). Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to our office for documentation work. Here, you will meet your crew members and other trekkers who will be joining you on this trek in Nepal. Later on, in the afternoon, we will organize a half-day sightseeing tour of the UNESCO Heritage Site. At first, we will visit the holiest Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here we will visit several temple complexes, and you may also watch the cremation ceremony happening at the bank of the Bagmati River.

Later on, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, which is only a 10-minute drive from Pashupati. Roaming around the Boudhanath gives you the peace of mind as you hear the chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum”, which translates to “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus“. You can also visit rooftop restaurants within the Boudhanath complex to enjoy good coffee and other delicacies. 

You can choose between Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. We will either visit Boudhanath or Swayambhunath.  Swayambhunath is a 2,500 years old stupa. From the top of Swayambhunath, you will enjoy a wide view of the whole of Kathmandu city. Once done with the exploration, we will return to the hotel, do the final check, and prepare for our Kanchenjunga Trek. We will check for the gears, do final packing, and buy if anything is missing.

Our destination for today is Taplejung. To reach Taplejung, first we will take a short 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, a warm town near the Indian border. Once at Bhadrapur, we will hop on the private jeep or bus and start a long 8 hours drive towards Taplejung. The road passes through green hills, tea gardens of Ilam, and towns like Kanyam and Phidim before reaching Phungling Bazaar in Taplejung.

Taplejung is known for the Pathibhara Temple, a sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, and for its cardamom farming. We will reach Taplejung in the evening, check into our teahouse, have dinner, and rest for the night. Overnight at Taplejung.

After breakfast in Taplejung, we will pack our bags and begin a 5-hour jeep ride to Sekathum. The road is rough and bumpy, but full of beautiful scenery. Along the way, we pass through terraced cardamom fields and forests of pine and oak trees.

As we move closer, the trail follows the Tamor River and later the Ghunsa River, which we will cross before reaching the Sekathum village. At Sekathum, we will settle into a local teahouse, have dinner, and rest for the night. From Sekathum, we will enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Day 5 of the South and North Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek itinerary officially marks the start of the trekking day. On this day, after breakfast, we will leave Sekathum and follow the Ghunsa Khola (river). The first day trek is going to be hard as the trek route passes through slippery, narrow sections, forest areas, and involves steep uphills. We will also have to cross several suspension bridges.

Firstly, crossing the suspension bridge, we will walk uphill to Solima village. From Solima village, the trail lowers down to yet another river. Leaving Solima village and climbing steadily, we will finally reach the tiny settlement of Amjilosa. Amjilosa marks the point where we transition from the lower Kanchenjunga region to the upper part. We will rest at a cozy teahouse with very simple rooms in Amjilosa.

Leaving Amjilosa early in the morning after breakfast, we will take 5 hours of long walk to Gyabla. We will see many Tibetan refugee settlements on our way, mostly near Phale village. The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek trail continues along the riverbank and traverses bamboo, fir, and rhododendron forest to take us to the tiny stone house located near the river. We will follow the uphill trail and cross bridges at a few points.

We will also enjoy the sound of streams and waterfalls and sometimes see yaks, sheep, and goats grazing. After a steady climb, we will finally reach Gyabla, a small Tibetan-style village. Here, you may see handmade items like beads, carpet, and other souvenir items for sale. It’s a peaceful place to relax after the walk. We stay overnight in a teahouse at Gyabla.

Today, we will leave Gyabla and trek towards Ghunsa. At first, we will start trekking downhill to the river from where the valley opens wide to Phale village, which was once a Tibetan refugee camp. Even today, you can see Tibetan-style houses and buy handmade rugs and crafts here. 

From Phale, the Kanchenjunga Base Camps trek path climbs steadily uphill until we reach Ghunsa, the largest Sherpa village in this region. We need to cross the conifer and pine forest to reach Ghunsa. Ghunsa village has monasteries, mani walls, prayer wheels, and a mix of cultures different from those of the Rai and Limbu people in the lower areas. Ghunsa also has a small health post, conservation office, and even phone and internet services. We will stay overnight in a teahouse here.

Bonus point: Ghunsa is also the place where a helicopter carrying more than 20 remarkable environmental conservationists, including Dr Harka Gurung, had crashed on 23 September 2006.

It’s a rest and acclimatization day in Ghunsa. Since we are above 3,400 meters, it is important to let the body adjust to the thin air and prevent altitude sickness. Even though it is a rest day, we will stay active with short hikes. We can explore Ghunsa village. The village has many Buddhist monasteries where you can see the old mountain culture, strongly linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Green fields and pasture land surround Ghunsa, and you can walk near the river to see the amazing view of Khumbhakarna Peak (7,711 meters).

While exploring the village, you can meet friendly locals and learn about their daily life, culture, and traditions. Another alternative day hike is to visit the Laspsan La Monastery, for which we need to walk through the forest area. We will return to Ghunsa from the Monastery for an overnight stay. Ghunsa is the last permanent settlement on the way to the north base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking path from Ghunsa to Kambachen continues through the landslide area that takes us through the off-the-beaten-path section of Kanchenjunga North. The trail passes through quiet Tibetan villages, green forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and juniper trees, and provides beautiful views of the mountains. 

As we climb higher, we will see stunning sights of Mt. Jannu and other snowy peaks. The path then leads us to Rambuk Kharka situated at 3,720 meters. From Rambuk Kharka, we will walk along the cascading waterfall and arrive at yet another landslide-prone area, so we need to walk carefully. After this tricky section, we will be rewarded with a close view of the northern face of Mount Jannu and the shining Jannu Glacier. After long hours of walking on the peaceful trail, we will finally reach Kambachen, a lovely place to rest overnight.

Kambachen lies at 4,050 meters and is an open highland area with grass but no forest. It is the best place to take a rest day and let our bodies adjust to the high altitude. Resting here also gives us the energy we will need for the tough walk to the north base camp of Kanchenjunga in the coming days.

In the afternoon, we can explore the Nupchu River Valley or hike up a nearby ridge for stunning views of Kanchenjunga. If you feel unwell, you should tell your guide right away because it is harder to evacuate from Pangpema than from Kambachen. We will spend the night in Kambachen.

Day 11 is going to be a long and tiring day as we need to trek for around five hours to reach Lhonak from Kambachen. We will begin our trek early in the morning. We will walk past the field of rocks and boulders and enter Ramtang Valley as we pass through the Ramtang Monastery. This Monastery is located near the bridge, which we will reach after passing through the cascading waterfall. We will visit the Monastery and take a brief rest before continuing our journey through the landslide-prone area.

Keep your eyes open for loose rocks that make the path tricky. After that, we will go down to the river and follow the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp path that greets us with the first view of Lhonak settlement. There are very few normal basic stone teahouses in Lhonak. These teahouses are a summer settlement of shepherds. Accommodation in these teahouses will not be as comfortable as in other stops. Lhonak is a pastureland that is surrounded by hills and mountains. Stay overnight in Lhonak.

On the 10th day of trekking, we will leave Lhonak and walk towards Pangpema, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. The trail is rough, with rocks, loose stones, and some landslide areas, so we need to walk carefully. As we go higher, the Pangpema Base Camp path opens into a wide valley with frozen streams, glaciers, and grassy patches. Step by step, we will reach Pangpema at 5,143 meters, which is a big achievement. From here, we can see the close-up views of the Kanchenjunga range North Face, Mt. Jannu, Chang Himal, and many other snowy peaks.

We will spend some time enjoying the views, taking photos, and feeling the beauty of the high mountains. If lucky, we might also see climbers preparing to climb nearby peaks. Since there are no teahouses at Pangpema, we will return to Lhonak on the same trail. The walk back is easier as it goes slightly downhill. At Lhonak, we will rest and stay overnight in a teahouse after this long and rewarding high-altitude trek.

Continuing our return trip, we will leave Lhonak and head down to Ramtang Monastery. After taking a brief rest in Ramtang Valley, we will walk past the landslide area to arrive at the bridge, which we will cross, and walk past the waterfall to arrive at Kambachen. The descending trail is easier, so we can easily make it to Lhonak from Ghunsa in a single day without having to take a rest day in Kambachen. Having said that, it’s certainly going to be a long trek.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek trail from Lhonak is scenic with views of the Kanchenjunga, Gimmigela Peak, Mera Peak, and other peaks and mountains at the backdrop. Following the descending trail from Kambachen, we will reach Ghunsa, from where we can find the permanent settlements. We can meet with trekkers from Sele Le who are on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. Stay overnight in Ghunsa.

Early in the morning, we will leave the trail leading us to Gyabla and choose the right path all the way to Sele Le. Sele Le is not a village, so there are no locals living here. We will walk past the forest of rhododendron and juniper. This region is rich in wildlife. Many travellers claim to see a snow leopard in this area. So always stick together and do not walk alone.

This will be our final night in the northern part of Kanchenjunga, as we will reach Cheram village on Kanchenjunga South after passing through Sele Le Pass on the next day. The trail takes us close to Sele Le Pass, which is a very special place with amazing views of Mt. Jannu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other snowy peaks. We will stay overnight at Sele Le Phedi.

This is a challenging day as we need to move up and down through the steeper section. We will begin our trek early in the morning. Climbing the steep uphill section, we will make it to the summit of Sele Le Pass (4,480m) from where we will enjoy the views of Kanchenjunga North Face, Mount Makalu, and Mount Jannu. We must climb slowly and steadily, as it demands more energy.

The path from Cheram to Ramche continues uphill. We will descend from Sele Le Pass and move towards the lower section of Kanchenjunga South. The trail continues through the boulder valley to Cheram, which is the first village that we will find on our Kanchenjunga South Base Camp journey. We will proceed further to Yalung from Cheram, where we will stay overnight.

Today we trek to Ramche from Cheram, following a gentle but steady climb. The trail goes along the side of the Yalung Glacier, also called the Kanchenjunga South Glacier. On the way, we will pass alpine meadows and the small village of Lapsang. The closer we get to Ramche, the more the valley opens up with wide views of snowy peaks and glacial landscapes.

As we arrive in Ramche, you will be welcomed with stunning close-up views of the Kanchenjunga massif, Rathong, Kabru, and other surrounding mountains. The Yalung Glacier can also be seen in full glory from here. Ramche is an important resting spot and serves as the gateway to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, which is only about an hour’s hike further. We will stay overnight at a teahouse and prepare for the big day ahead.

After breakfast in Ramche, we will set out on a trip to Oktang Valley, which is also known as the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. The South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga trail first follows a rocky path along the Yalung Glacier and then gradually climbs higher toward the ridge. As we move closer, the views open up to the mighty south face of Kanchenjunga, along with the stunning peaks of Jannu, Rathong, and Kabru.

The last point of the trekking trail takes us to Oktang Valley. Reaching Oktang Valley is one of the biggest highlights of exploring the Kanchenjunga region. From here, we can enjoy panoramas of the Kanchenjunga massif, glacier fields, and surrounding snow-covered mountains. The valley also holds the ancient Oktang Monastery, prayer flags, and small chortens that add a spiritual touch to the adventure. After spending time soaking in the views and taking photos, we will retrace our steps back to Ramche, where we will rest overnight in a teahouse.

From this point of the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, we will have completed exploring both the South and North Base Camps of Kanchenjunga at a single trek cost. Now the trek requires us to begin the long descent towards the lower valleys. Today’s trek starts from Ramche with an easy downhill walk back to Cheram. From here, the trail branches, and you will follow the path that descends across the Simbua Khola River into lush forests.

The walk takes us through dense stands of rhododendron, pine, and fir trees within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Along the way, we will still catch glimpses of the snowy Kabru range and the distant Yalung Glacier before dropping into warmer, greener terrain. After about six hours of trekking on steep steps and switchbacks, you will arrive at the quiet settlement of Torongdin, where a couple of basic teahouses provide food and shelter. This descent of more than 1,500 meters also helps our body readjust to lower altitudes, improving rest and recovery.

Following the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek map and itinerary, on day 19, we will trek from Torongdin to Kengsara. From Torongdin, we will follow a newer and shorter trail that goes over Yasang La instead of the old, longer route through Yamphudin. This path saves about two trekking days along the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek.

The walk is mostly uphill, with steady climbs through forests and mountain paths. After about 6 hours of walking, you will reach Kengsara, a small village where you will spend the night in a local lodge. This stop also sets us up for an easy walk the next day to Lapsetar, from where jeeps are available to Taplejung.

This is our last trekking day on the Kanchenjunga Circuit. From Kengsara, we will take a short and pleasant walk through green fields to Lapsetar or Zero Point. The trail is easy compared to earlier days, and it takes about 2 hours.

From Lapsetar, we will take a local jeep ride for about 5 hours to Taplejung. The drive follows rivers, forests, and farmland. Taplejung is a small town and the official endpoint of the trek. Here, you can enjoy better facilities like hot showers, electricity, Wi-Fi, and local shops. In the evening, you can celebrate the completion of the trek with your team and explore the local town life.

We will travel back to Kathmandu. If flights are available, we may fly directly from Suketar in the morning. If not, we will take a scenic 8-hour drive to Bhadrapur, passing through green hills, villages, and farmlands. From Bhadrapur, we will board a 40-minute flight to Kathmandu.

Once we reach Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel. In the evening, you can relax and enjoy your time in the city after completing this long and rewarding high altitude trek.

Today is a free and rest day in Kathmandu. You can relax at your hotel, explore the city, or go shopping in Thamel, a popular area for souvenirs and handicrafts. If you wish, a guided sightseeing tour can also be arranged to visit some of the city’s cultural sites.

In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with your guides, trek leads, and fellow trekkers. It’s the perfect way to end your adventure in Nepal.

After breakfast, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, about 3 hours before your scheduled flight. As your Kanchenjunga adventure comes to an end, we wish you a safe journey back home.

We hope you enjoyed this incredible trekking experience and look forward to welcoming you again for more treks in the Himalayas in Nepal.