Important Information

Region
Kanchenjunga Region Treks
Duration
21 Days
Max Altitude 5143m
Best Season March - November
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 4
Group Size
2 - 20 people
Transportation Flight - Jeep

Kanchenjunga circuit or round trek is a popular trek in eastern Nepal which was opened for foreigners in 1988. For those who want to experience less crowded trekking destinations in Nepal then we recommend you trek in Kanchenjunga Area. Kanchenjunga is actually the name of the world's 3rd highest Mountain with an elevation of 8,586 meters. It lies between the borderline of Nepal and India connecting Sikkim and Darjeeling in India and the Taplejung district in Nepal. This is a perfect destination for mountain lovers where you can witness fascinating peaks like Kumbokarna (7711m), Kabru (7412m), Tent Peak (7362m), Nepal Peak (7177m), Rathong (6682m), Gimmigela, Kanbachen (7802m) and many other peaks below 7000 meters.

This circuit trek combined both the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and South Base Camp that is Pang Pema (5,140m) and Oktong (4,580m) respectively. In the past Kanchenjunga trek was possible only by camping but now day tea houses treks are more popular. On the route to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp –Pang Pema, you will see Limbhu and Rai during your first few days and then slowly Sherpa people in the higher places.  But on the southern side, you will see settlements only up to Yamphudin. Between Yamphudin to Ghunsa, you will only find tea houses. One of the wildest and unspoiled conservation areas of Nepal where one can relish in nature. You will see local people drinking Tongba which is very popular in this area. Tongba is a wooden pot filled with fermented millet seeds and added with boiled water. You sip the mixture through a special bamboo straw; with tiny filters to keep the seeds out of the drink. This drink is special in the whole Kanchenjunga Trek. You will enjoy truly genuine Nepali hospitality in remote picturesque villages and marvel at breathtaking mountain views. The entire area is one of the most sparsely populated with some of the least busy trekking trails you can find fewer tourists here.

Highlights

  • Mt Kanchenjunga- Third highest peak in the world
  • Tibetan hospitality
  • Traditional Nepali cultures
  • Remoteness and untouched natural heritages
  • Wildlife such as Snow leopards, Musk deer, Red pandas, etc.
  • Different landscapes from forests to meadows
  • Snow-capped mountains above 8000m
  • Kanchenjunga Glacier and many others
  • Rivers and waterfalls

Outline Itinerary ( 21 Days )

Day 1

Arrival in Nepal.

Arrive in Kathmandu and welcome assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel, rest at the hotel, and briefing about the trip.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 2

Sightseeing and trek preparation.

Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath), and the world's largest Buddhist stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide).

Overnight accommodation is in the same hotel as the BB Plan.

Day 3

Flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung. 7-8 hours.

Early morning, we will have our breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu and then we will forward to the airport and catch the flight over Bhadrapur which will take 45 minutes to reach. After getting off the flight we will drive to Taplejung.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 4

Drive from Taplejung to Tapethok (3-4 hours) and trek to Sekhatum (1,509m), 2 & half hours.

You will have breakfast at Taplejunga and take a four-wheeler local jeep to Tapethok for 3 to 4 hours and lunch at Tapethok. After lunch, we will start our first day of trek by crossing the suspension bridge on the Tamur River. Trial passes through the Cardamom field next to the stone-paved route which leads to Sekhathum.

Overnight at teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 5

Sekhathum to Amjilosa (2,498m), 4-5 hours.

The trekking route from Sukathum to Amjilosa is regarded as a bit challenging and rough. We need to cross the suspension bridge which is outside of the Sukathum village. Then the trail passes through the dense forest and gentle ascending via the hamlet of Zaubari. From Laminar we need to cross the Ghunsa Khola and a steep climb will reach Amjilosa, a Sherpa village.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 6

Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m) 4-5 hours.

From Amjilosa, we will trek towards the river bank and through the dense forest of bamboo, fir, and rhododendron. We then climb uphill crossing several small bridges along the way. During the trial, we will enjoy the dramatic waterfalls which are originated from the mountains. We will continue until we reach Gyabla.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 7

Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595m) 6-7 hours.

From Gyabla, the trek goes towards the Ghunsa through the river to the valley. Then we will reach Phale, a Tibetan refugee settlement. We can purchase some of the beautiful creations of human beings here. Then we enter through the forest of pine and conifer to reach the village of Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a beautiful village of Sherpa people. We can see a hydroelectricity plant in this region. Ghunsa is at an altitude of 3,595m above sea level.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 8

Acclimatization day at Ghunsa.

You must need a rest day for acclimatization because you are already in a serious mountain area. You will have breakfast late than normal trekking days and then our guide will take you to visit hydropower, old Chorten, and Monastery on the opposite side of Ghunsa village. The afternoon will be perfect for a hot shower and relaxing at the teahouse.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 9

Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,145m), 5-6 hours.

From Ghunsa viewing the beautiful scenery of great ranges of mountains, we will walk through the river bank to Kambachen. The route goes through the beautiful meadows full of beautiful flowers of different types and pine forests. We need to cross the bridge of Rampuk Kharka viewing some glorious views of beautiful waterfalls and landscapes as well. Further continuing our way will lead us to Kambachen.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 10

Kambachen to Lhonak (4,800m) 5-6 hours.

The trail from Kambachen to Lhonak is a bit tougher as it goes through the high altitude through slopes of recent landslide and climbing up the hillside to a pasture land called Rating. We have to acclimatize ourselves during the whole trek at this part of the land. From there you will walk on the moraine of Kanchenjunga glacier till the Lhonak.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 11

Lhonak to Kanchenjunga north base camp (5,143m) 4 hours and back to Khambachen 3-4 hours.

From Lhonak, viewing the Kanchenjunga Mountain above us, we will continue our trail following the Kanchenjunga glaciers. We have to be very careful while walking in this region due to the possibility of landslides and some ice slides also. From the base camp, a little higher point will offer its visitors the most panoramic view Kanchenjunga one, Tent peak, Nepal peak, and Gimmigela Chuli (the twins). We will have lunch at Lhonak and trek back to Khambachen.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 12

Kambachen to Ghunsa (3,595m) 4-5 hours.

From Kambachen, we will return back to Ghunsa following the same trail. We can get a dazzling view of the beautiful forest along with some marvelous view of the White Mountains all around us. The night will be exhilarating at Ghunsa. Best place to stay on your whole trek.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 13

Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290m) 5-6 hours.

From Ghunsa, we will trek towards the Sele le. We will trek through the dense forest of moss and Rhododendron throughout the way. We will be served a delicious breakfast at one of the favorable places during the trek.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 14

Sele Le to Cheram (3,868m) 5-6 hours.

From Sele le, we walk through the uphill path enjoying the mesmerizing view of Jannu Himal and Makalu Himal. The path then goes through the strenuous area after passing several passes like Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. We then make descend to Cheram.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 15

Cheram to Ramche and back to Cheram (3,868 m) 7-8 hours

From Cheram, explore south base camp 4,740 m, we ascend towards the Yalung Glacier and should walk alongside the Simbwa Khola after passing through the Lapsang village and we will reach Ramche. We will be offered the glorious view of the southern face of Kanchenjunga, Yalung, Kabru 1, Kabru 2, Kabru 3, Ratong, and Sikkim peak. Descend the same way and spend the night at Cheram.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 16

Cheram to Tortong (2,980m) 3-4 hours.

From Cheram, we will descend towards the Tortong Khola and encounter two trails at this point. Then we follow the way through the forest of Rhododendron along the way to reach Tortong ()Totangden.

Overnight at Teahouse.

​​​​​​​Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 17

Tortong to Yamphudin (1,692m) 6-7 hours.

From Tortong, we descend towards the Yamphudin while passing the Lasiya Bhanjyang which involves walking through the trees and beautiful landscapes. We need to walk through the land of landslides and walking further through the same way will enable us to reach Yamphudin inhabited by Sherpa, Limbu, and Rai. It is also called Sherpa Goan.

Overnight at Teahouse.

​​​​​​​Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 18

Yamphudin to Happukhola (1400m)-7 to 8 hours

We descend from Yamphudin to Hapukhola. We will cross several bridges at Samekham and should continue the trail towards Khebang. The trekking route goes through the beautiful pass of Khebang with some Limbu houses. We need to cross the bridge over Jorpool and should descend through the cardamom fields. It is a pleasuring walk through nature. 

Overnight at Teahouse.

​​​​​​​Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 19

Drive Early in the Morning Hapukhola to Ilam (800m) – 7 to 8 Hours

After breakfast, you drive to Ilam. En route the unpaved and paved road you will spot some villages and beautiful scenery of fields. After arriving in Ilam you take a walk through a village and stay overnight in Ilam.

Overnight at Teahouse.

​​​​​​​Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 20

Drive Ilam to Bhadrapur (91m) – 2 ½ to 3 Hours and fly to Kathmandu – 35 to 40 minutes

Today we will drive to Bhadrapur in the morning which takes 3 hours approximately. Enjoy the last moment of driving through the tea garden of Illam and then descending down to Jhapa district. On arrival at Chandragadhi Airport, you will fly 40 minutes to Kathmandu. After arriving at Kathmandu, we will move towards the room of the hotel to take a rest for some time and can visit the town and the market area later in the day.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.​​​​​​​

Day 21

Farewell.

You will be transferred to the International airport by our airport assistant with a farewell scarf.

 

Include

Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath and Pasupatinath) with city guide and necessary transport.
3 nights’ accommodation (2 persons per room) in Kathmandu in a 3* standard Hotel with breakfast.
Kathmandu - Bhadrapur & Bhadrapur – Kathmandu flight ticket.
All land transportations (a private car/bus)
Full Board Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the whole trek.
Government licensed guide and a porter for two people.
Kanchenjunga special permits and national park entry permits.
Group First Aid Kit.
HWW Company Duffle Bag for luggage

Exclude

Meals & drinks during the trek and in Kathmandu (unless stated otherwise under ‘The trip cost includes’)
Personal trekking equipment
Travel/medical insurance
Emergency rescue evacuation
Phone calls
Internet
International air ticket
Tips for your trekking guide & porters at the end of the trek
If you’re forced to extend your trek due to bad weather or natural disaster circumstances, we are not liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses you may incur
Anything not mentioned in the ‘includes section’
Nepal entry visa Fee.

Route Map

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Important Information

* The Price given here is per person based on a minimum of 2 people. The price will be cheaper with an increase in the number of people.

* Single Supplement applied (In Case of Single Trekker)

CHECKLISTS FOR KANCHENJUNGA CIRCUIT TREK

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
Trekking in Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket Jumper or piled jacket Hiking shorts Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants T-shirts or blouses Underwear Sun hat

Rucksack Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional) Water bottle Torch, batteries, and bulbs