Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
Over View
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, one of the great adventure in Nepal that granting an incredible opportunity to experience different vegetation and fauna, remoteness, magnificent mountain landscapes, including nice local culture. The area located on the far eastern border between Nepal and Sikkim (India). Mount Kangchenjunga 8,586m (28170 ft) is the 3rd topmost peak on this planet, plus is seen as probably the most gorgeous mountain massifs on earth. The trekking trails run through kanchanjunga conservation Area, which was established in 1998. The entire region is equipped with diverse ecological regions, from the subtropical arena to frozen nature.
The term Kanchenjunga denotes ‘Five Treasures of the Fabulous Snow’ and that is in credit to the 5 summits which make up Kanchanjunga, is usually worshiped by the local people. Especially for a climber, it is restricted to ascend topmost point, they should stop just a few meters ahead of a summit and have to descend back to Base Camp. While on the trail, you will be able to notice several small communities their customs and tradition. Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Gurung are the main ethnic inhabitants in this zone. Hey, never miss the opportunity to test Tongba, a warm and soft local alcohol, which is offered in the brass ringed wooden pot.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek (KCT) gets started from Suketar (Taplejung district), which is usually reachable by domestic plane, or alternatively, is also approachable by a roadway from Basantapur. The lengthy trek on a less populated route is somewhat plus point for us, with an original perception of life-style in Nepalese countryside and its eye-catching scenery. Initially, the path leads north-eastwards to Yalung Basecamp 4500 m. After that turns western side throughout a couple of passes and then keeps up to the Ghunsa where it climbs up to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5143 m) facing an amazing higher alpine surroundings. And then gets back southwest to Taplejung, the starting and final spot of the Kangchenjunga circuit trek.
Details Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu transfer to hotel and overnight in Kathmandu
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport then our representative will welcome you. You will be guided to your hotel where you can rest and unpack. Alternatively, you can also explore the nearby areas around the hotel.
Day 2: Overnight at Kathmandu
Shopping wonder around and Preparation for trekking. Overnight Kathmandu.
This day is separated for shopping and preparation of the trek. You can visit the UNESCO world heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. You’ll meet your guide and get information about the trek. You’ll also be given a list of gears and equipment that you’ll have to buy for the trek. You can also roam around the city while we manage your passes
Day 3: Kathamndu to Bhadrapur
Kathmandu to Bhadrapur by flight and drive by bus to Birtamod.
After a nice breakfast, you’ll take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which is a small town in eastern Nepal. You spend some time in Bhadrapur and then drive to Birtamod, which is a very short drive. Birtamod is about 17 km northwest from Bhadrapur. You’ll head to a hotel and rest for the day. Overnight stay in Birtamod.
Day 4 :Drive Birtamod to Taplejung (1820m) by bus/jeep.
Next, from Birtamod, you’ll head to Taplejung which lies north of Birtamod. The drive takes around 8 hours by bus or jeep. On the way, you’ll get views of hills and drive past Ilam, Embung, Amarpur and many other settlements. You’ll ascend a little bit and enter the Kanchenjunga region. Overnight stay in Taplejung.
Day 5 : Trek Taplejung to Sinwa (980m)
Your trek starts this day from Taplejung to Sinwa. Passing the fertile valleys and small settlements, you head to Siwan. You walk along the Tamor River crossing the Hangdewa River. After some hours of walking, you need to descend a bit on muddy trial and will reach Mitlung. The trail takes numerous ups and downs as you head to Sinwa. Overnight stay in Sinwa.
Day 6 : Trek Siwan to Taplethok. (1380m)
Further, you trek downhill from Siwan and cross Tamor River and trek on the trail along the river. You reach Pawa and then enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Here, your permits will be checked and you will continue along the river. You ascend gradually and pass through traditional villages to reach Taplethok. Overnight stay in Taplethok.
Day 7 : Trek Taplethok to Sukethum/Japan Tar (1585m)
Your next destination will be Sukethum from Taplethok. From forests and hilly areas, you’ll enter rocky trails as you head further north. You’ll get the close view of Mt. Kumbakarna (7711m) on the trail. Finding the path along the Ghunsa River, you reach Sukethum. From here, you can view Mt. Kumbakarna (7711m), Gimmigela Himal (6415m), and Kabru (7412m). Overnight stay in Sukethum.
Day 8: Trek Sukethum to Amjilosa (2395m)
Trekking along Ghunsa Khola, you’ll head to Amjilosa. This day, you ascend a little more than previous days. The trail is steep uphill and a bit difficult to reach Amjilosa. You cross few bridges and walk on some stone trails to cross Jongim on the way. After hours of trek, you’ll get to a Tibetan village, Amjilosa. Overnight stay in Amjilosa.
Day 9 :Trek Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730m)
Today, you’ll head to Gyabla. You’ll pass through rhododendron and bamboo forests. After a short uphill walk, you’ll reach a big waterfall on the side of the Ghunsa River. You pass Saekang River and reach Syanjungma en route. With small inclinations and declinations on the way, you finally reach Gyabla. Overnight stay in Gyabla.
Day 10 : Trek Gyabla to Ghunsa. (3427m)
Walking through a broad meadow, you leave Gyabla village and head to Ghunsa. After a short walk, you’ll climb a small hill and descend down and cross a river to reach Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a Tibetan village with wooden houses, a micro hydropower plant, a health post, and school. You can visit some Buddhist gompas and stupas after you reach the village. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
Day 11 : Rest day exploration at Ghunsa. (3427m)
Your day is spent adjusting with the thinning air at high altitude and the changing climate. You can go on a short hike at the opposite side of Ghunsa Khola which ascends 400 m from the village. You can explore the village and observe the ancient culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the people residing there. You can also try the local products as you rest before continuing on the trek. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
Day 12 : Trek Ghunsa to Kambachen. (4050m)
After breakfast, you walk along the southern bank of Ghunsa Khola and through the pine and rhododendron forests towards Kambachen. Crossing Rampuk Kharka, the trail heads to Lakep where you will trek along with a dangerous rock fall. You trek on steep slopes and cross various glacial moraines to reach Kambachen. Kambachen is a small Tibetan settlement that is surrounded by mountains. Overnight stay in Kambachen
Day 13: Kambachen to Lhonak. (4780m)
You will follow the Ghunsa Khola until you reach its source at the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Then, you’ll walk along the trail that is south to the glacier. You will walk along a plateau passing Lhonak Glacier and reach Lhonak. You gain more altitude this day so, you should be careful to take the trek in a slow and steady manner. You’ll cross streams on the way and snow can cause some difficulties. You can have enjoyed the views of Mera Peak (6364m), Nepal Peak (7177m), and Twins Peak (7350m). Overnight stay in Lhonak.
Day 14: Trek Lhonak to Pangpema Base camp
Northern Base Camp of Kanchenjunga (5143m) and Back to Lhonak (4780m) as the same day.
Finally, you’ll get to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m). Mostly, the trails are grassy and covered with snow as you head east from the base camp. Pangpema is considered as the Northern Base Camp of Kanchenjunga and it provides a complete view of the Northern face of the Mountain. Along with the view of Kanchenjunga, you can also get views of the mountain ranges bordering India and Tibet. After spending some moments in the base camp, you’ll retrace your path along the glaciers and return to Lhonak. Overnight stay in Lhonak.
Day 15 : Trek Lhonak to Ghunsa. (3427m)
After enjoying the breakfast with the constant company of the mountains, you’ll begin the return trek to Ghunsa. You’ll rest at Kambachen and continue your walk to Ghunsa. You trek on the trails along Kanchenjunga and Kumbakarna glaciers. You’ll descend more than 1300 meters so, you need a nice rest and a good diet. Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
Day 16: Trek Ghunsa to Selele La Kharka
Today, you’ll head to Selele La Kharka from Ghunsa. You walk through forests of rhododendrons and pines and start ascending. You follow the steep rocky trail that takes you to Selele la Kharka that’s just above the High Camp. The pastureland offers a surreal vista of mountains in the Kanchenjunga and Kumbakarna Himal ranges. After enjoying the views, you will explore the surrounding and rest. Overnight stay in Selele La.
Day 17 : Trek Selele La to Cheram/Tseram. (3870m)
The most exciting day of the trek finally appears. This day, you walk through two passes, that are Selele La pass (4480 m) and Sinion La pass (4645 m). As you get to the top, you get brilliant views of Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Jannu (7711 m), Makalu (8481 m) and other snowcapped mountains along with the Yalung Glacier. You can also get views of the mountain ranges along the Sikkim border. After the Sinion La pass, you’ll descend about 1000 meters and reach Tseram.
Day 18 : Trek Cheram to Ramche/Ramchaur. (4580m)
From Tseram, you’ll trek passing the moraines of Yalung Glacier into an eroded valley. The trail is again the forests with rhododendrons and pines. You can spot yaks and blue sheep grazing on the pasturelands en route to Ramche. You also need to cross some frozen streams to reach Ramche. Overnight stay in Ramche.
Day 19 : Trek Ramche to Oktang (4730m) / Yalung (4500m)
Southern Base Camp (and return back to Cheram. (3870m)
Today, you’ll explore the Yalung Base Camp area and Oktang Monastery. You climb a moraine wall to get to Yalung Glacier and further trekking on the rocky path, you get to Oktang. You can witness the beautiful panoramic scene of Kanchenjunga range with several other Himalayas. The day’s trek takes you to the southern base camp. Here, you can explore as you enjoy the views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m). After watching the views and resting awhile, you’ll return back to Cheram via Ramche. Overnight stay in Cheram.
Day 20 : Trek Cheram to Lasiya Bhanjyang. (3310m)
From this day, you’ll start descending and the trek becomes easier. Your trail goes through Simbu Khola as you walk on your return journey. As the trek becomes easier, you can admire the surroundings and the views more constantly. You pass Tortong and head to Lasiya Bhanjyang that lies below Amjilosa. Overnight stay in Lasiya Bhanjyang.
Day 21 : Trek Lasiya Bhanjyang to Yamphudin. (2080m)
The day begins as you witness the views of the mesmerizing Himalayas in Kanchenjunga ranges. You begin the trek as you descend to Lamite Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang through pine forests. You pass Chitre and Amji Khola then descend to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is a village where the people of different ethnicities like Rai, Sherpa, and Limbu have settled. Overnight stay in Yamphudin.
Day 22 : Trek Yamphudin to Khebang. (1915m)
The path is mostly forest and you come past rivers, streams, and waterfalls. You’ll leave the Kanchenjunga Conservational Area and head to Khebang from Yamphudin. The settlements are mainly small on the way. You pass those small settlements, cross suspension bridges and walk along Kabeli Khola to reach Khebang. Overnight stay in Khebang.
Day 23 : Trek Khebang to Hapu Khola lunch and drive to Ilam same day.
Through the forested trails and lush-green hills, walking past waterfalls, you’ll head towards Hapu Khola. The trek heads south and reaches Pedang. Shortly after, you arrive at the confluence of the Tawa and Kabeli rivers to reach Hapu Khola. After lunch, you’ll drive to Ilam. You can visit the area in Ilam if time permits. Then you’ll prepare for the drive and flight for the next day. Overnight stay in Ilam.
Day 24 : Ilam to Birtamod by Jeep and same day by flight to Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Birtamod and then Bhadrapur to catch your flight. You’ll fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. The flight offers a final glimpse of the Kanchenjunga ranges and heads to Kathmandu flying over beautiful landscapes. You’ll be guided to the hotel where you can rest. Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Day 25 : Shopping and rest day in Kathamandu
On this day, you can rest, go shopping or visit the sites you’ve missed. You can go to Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Changunarayan Temple. Alternatively, you can also choose to hike to the hill stations around the Kathmandu Valley. You can also feel free to shop for gifts in the local markets. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 26 : Departure
Departure to the international airport or if you have a few days extra in Kathmandu you can chill, do shopping and sightseeing, etc.
After breakfast, you will be dropped to Tribhuvan International airport if you have a scheduled flight. If you intend to stay a little longer, you can chill and go shopping. If you want to take any other trips, you can reach us.
Included in the Cost
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the Kanchenjunga circuit trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Suketar -Kathmandu)
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Duffel bag, t-shirt with Info Trekking Nepal’s logo and trekking map are yours to take
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
Not Included in the Cost
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
