Kanchanjangha Trek
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Himalayan Spirit Trek
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek sounds like an incredible adventure, offering numerous highlights and unique experiences.
The memorable moments
Explore Hidden Corners: Discover the less-traveled areas around Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. Restricted Area Trek: Trek in a region that requires special permits, adding to the exclusivity and adventure. Breathtaking Panorama: Enjoy stunning mountain views and a journey that feels like stepping back in time. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area: Experience abundant flora and fauna in a protected area. Less-Crowded Trails: Walk on trodden trails with lush forests, stunning waterfalls, rivers, and beautiful villages. Challenging Terrain: Cross passes, suspension bridges, and meadows, and reach the north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Cultural Experience: Encounter the Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle of the locals and visit ancient monasteries. Wildlife: Potentially see rare wildlife like Himalayan black bears, musk deer, snow leopards, and red pandas. Himalayan Views: Get exclusive views of peaks like Tent Peak, Mt. Kambachen, Mt. Janu, and eight-thousanders like Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse. Local Stories: Hear fascinating stories about the Yeti from locals. Unique Aspects Experienced Guides: Trek with experienced native guides familiar with the region and the locals. Custom Itineraries: Flexible and customizable trek itineraries to suit your needs. Transparent Policies: No hidden clauses or charges in the trek policies. Friendly and Experienced Team: A team with over two decades of expertise in trekking.
Journey at a glance
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) — Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, an HST airport representative will be there to receive you. You will be transferred to the hotel booked by us in a private vehicle. In the evening, you can take a stroll on the vibrant roads of Thamel and then have a good rest at the hotel. Day 2: Trek Permit Preparation Day (Optional Sightseeing) (1400m/4593ft) — Today, the team management will meet you at around 9 am to collect your original passport for the preparation of the trekking permit. At 5 pm, the team manager will meet you at our office to hand over your original passport and introduce you to your trekking guide. The guide will check your trekking equipment and suggest any necessary purchases or rentals available in the trekking shops in Thamel. Optionally, you can do a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in the afternoon. Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung (1820m/5971ft, 6 hrs drive, 152 km) — In the morning, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, which lasts about 45 to 50 minutes. From Bhadrapur, you will drive to Taplejung via Kanyam, viewing the tea plantations along the way. Taplejung is the starting point of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Day 4: Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1650m/5413ft, 39km/24.23 miles, 6-9 hrs) — After breakfast, we will catch a local jeep and drive to Sekathum, passing through villages like Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, and Lelep along the Tamor Nadi. Along the way, we will have our Kanchenjunga National Park permits checked at an entry point. Day 5: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2498m/8195ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 5-6 hrs) — Today, the real trekking adventure begins. After breakfast in Sekathum, we will hike along Ghunsa Khola, cross several bridges, and pass through the small settlements of Jonggim and Ghaiyabari before reaching Amjilosa. Day 6: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2725m/8940ft, 8km/4.97 miles, 4-5 hrs) — After breakfast, we continue our trek through dense forests. If we are lucky, we may spot Red Pandas along the trail. The uphill climb will reward us with magnificent mountain sceneries and several waterfalls as we make our way to the village of Gyabla. Day 7: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3415m/11204ft, 11km/6.83 miles, 5 hrs) — Today, we will walk through woodlands with a wide range of flora and fauna, reaching the Phale village and continuing on to Ghunsa. Many trekkers stop at Ghunsa for acclimatization, but our acclimatization day is planned at Khambachen. Day 8: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4145m/13599ft, 11km/6.83 miles, 5-6 hrs) — We will begin the gradual ascent through an open pine forest after breakfast. Along the way, we might spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail passes through landslide-prone areas, and we will see spectacular views of Mt. Jannu and encounter green glacier valleys before reaching Khambachen. Day 9: Acclimatization and Rest Day in Khambachen — After several days of trekking, today is a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. We can take short hikes to nearby glaciers, viewpoints, and lakes, and meet numerous trekkers in Khambachen who are returning from or traveling to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Day 10: Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4792m/15721ft, 10km/6.21 miles, 4-5 hrs) — Today’s trek will take us along the Kanchenjunga glacier trail. We will pass through Ramdang and come across the Ramdang Monastery. Walking along the junction of the Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glaciers, we will reach the tiny settlement of Lhonak with a few teahouses. Day 11: Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pang Pema) and return to Lhonak (5143m/16873ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 6-7 hrs) — Today, we will hike to the north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, also known as Pang Pema. The climb follows the moraines through the trail, and upon reaching Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we will be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the towering third-highest mountain in the world. We will then return to Lhonak for an overnight stay. Day 12: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3415m/11204ft, 21km/13 miles, 7-8 hrs) — Leaving behind the views of the Himalayas and the memories of Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we retrace our steps back to Ghunsa, passing through stone huts, soaring mountain peaks, and rocky fields. Day 13: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le Base Camp (4240m/13910ft, 6km/3.72 miles, 5-6 hrs) — We will leave the trail to Gyabla and head towards Sele Le Base Camp, passing through dense forests with a chance of seeing snow leopards. The trail takes us through isolated human settlements with few teahouses that are open only during the main trekking season. Day 14: Trek from Sele Le Base Camp to Tseram (3868m/12690ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 6-7 hrs) — Leaving Sele Le Base Camp, we will hike up to the high-altitude passes: Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. During the ascent, we will see panoramic views of Mt. Jannu, Everest, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga. We then descend to Tseram for an overnight stay. Day 15: Trek from Tseram to Ramche and Hike to Oktang (Yalung South Base Camp Viewpoint) and back to Tseram (4740m/15551ft, 14km/8.6 miles, 7-8 hrs) — After early morning breakfast, we will head towards the Yalung glacier, passing by views of Rathong and Kabru. We will stop for lunch at Ramche and then hike to Oktang, the viewpoint of Yalung Base Camp or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. After enjoying the views of the three summits of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other towering peaks, we will return to Tseram. Day 16: Trek from Tseram to Tortong (2980m/9776ft, 13km/8 miles, 6-7 hrs) — Today’s trek takes us downhill through rhododendron forests, passing by Simbuwa Khola with enchanting views of the Himalayas en route. We will stay overnight at Tortong. Day 17: Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin (1692m/3910ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 6-7 hrs) — From Tortong, we will continue to descend to the Amji Khola, passing through Lasiya/Lamite Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang. Walking past steep slopes, we will reach the village of Yamphudin, where our permits will be checked at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area checkpost. Day 18: Drive from Yamphudin to Kanyam (1210m/3969ft, 8 hrs drive) — After breakfast in Yamphudin, we will explore the beautiful landscapes along the trail, trekking alongside Kabeli Khola. We will then drive to Kanyam, a beautiful place surrounded by tea gardens, where we will spend the night. Day 19: Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur and Fly back to Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) — Today, we will take a morning drive to Bhadrapur and then take an afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will transfer to the hotel and have a farewell dinner with the trekking management team to celebrate the successful completion of the trek.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) — Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, an HST airport representative will be there to receive you. You will be transferred to the hotel booked by us in a private vehicle. In the evening, you can take a stroll on the vibrant roads of Thamel and then have a good rest at the hotel.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Trek Permit Preparation Day (Optional Sightseeing) (1400m/4593ft) — Today, the team management will meet you at around 9 am to collect your original passport for the preparation of the trekking permit. At 5 pm, the team manager will meet you at our office to hand over your original passport and introduce you to your trekking guide. The guide will check your trekking equipment and suggest any necessary purchases or rentals available in the trekking shops in Thamel. Optionally, you can do a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in the afternoon.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3Fly to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung (1820m/5971ft, 6 hrs drive, 152 km) — In the morning, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, which lasts about 45 to 50 minutes. From Bhadrapur, you will drive to Taplejung via Kanyam, viewing the tea plantations along the way. Taplejung is the starting point of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1650m/5413ft, 39km/24.23 miles, 6-9 hrs) — After breakfast, we will catch a local jeep and drive to Sekathum, passing through villages like Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, and Lelep along the Tamor Nadi. Along the way, we will have our Kanchenjunga National Park permits checked at an entry point.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2498m/8195ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 5-6 hrs) — Today, the real trekking adventure begins. After breakfast in Sekathum, we will hike along Ghunsa Khola, cross several bridges, and pass through the small settlements of Jonggim and Ghaiyabari before reaching Amjilosa.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 6Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2725m/8940ft, 8km/4.97 miles, 4-5 hrs) — After breakfast, we continue our trek through dense forests. If we are lucky, we may spot Red Pandas along the trail. The uphill climb will reward us with magnificent mountain sceneries and several waterfalls as we make our way to the village of Gyabla.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 7Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3415m/11204ft, 11km/6.83 miles, 5 hrs) — Today, we will walk through woodlands with a wide range of flora and fauna, reaching the Phale village and continuing on to Ghunsa. Many trekkers stop at Ghunsa for acclimatization, but our acclimatization day is planned at Khambachen.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 8Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4145m/13599ft, 11km/6.83 miles, 5-6 hrs) — We will begin the gradual ascent through an open pine forest after breakfast. Along the way, we might spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail passes through landslide-prone areas, and we will see spectacular views of Mt. Jannu and encounter green glacier valleys before reaching Khambachen.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 9Acclimatization and Rest Day in Khambachen — After several days of trekking, today is a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. We can take short hikes to nearby glaciers, viewpoints, and lakes, and meet numerous trekkers in Khambachen who are returning from or traveling to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 10Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4792m/15721ft, 10km/6.21 miles, 4-5 hrs) — Today’s trek will take us along the Kanchenjunga glacier trail. We will pass through Ramdang and come across the Ramdang Monastery. Walking along the junction of the Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glaciers, we will reach the tiny settlement of Lhonak with a few teahouses.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 11Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pang Pema) and return to Lhonak (5143m/16873ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 6-7 hrs) — Today, we will hike to the north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, also known as Pang Pema. The climb follows the moraines through the trail, and upon reaching Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we will be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the towering third-highest mountain in the world. We will then return to Lhonak for an overnight stay.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 12Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3415m/11204ft, 21km/13 miles, 7-8 hrs) — Leaving behind the views of the Himalayas and the memories of Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we retrace our steps back to Ghunsa, passing through stone huts, soaring mountain peaks, and rocky fields.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 13Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le Base Camp (4240m/13910ft, 6km/3.72 miles, 5-6 hrs) — We will leave the trail to Gyabla and head towards Sele Le Base Camp, passing through dense forests with a chance of seeing snow leopards. The trail takes us through isolated human settlements with few teahouses that are open only during the main trekking season.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 14Trek from Sele Le Base Camp to Tseram (3868m/12690ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 6-7 hrs) — Leaving Sele Le Base Camp, we will hike up to the high-altitude passes: Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. During the ascent, we will see panoramic views of Mt. Jannu, Everest, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga. We then descend to Tseram for an overnight stay.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 15Trek from Tseram to Ramche and Hike to Oktang (Yalung South Base Camp Viewpoint) and back to Tseram (4740m/15551ft, 14km/8.6 miles, 7-8 hrs) — After early morning breakfast, we will head towards the Yalung glacier, passing by views of Rathong and Kabru. We will stop for lunch at Ramche and then hike to Oktang, the viewpoint of Yalung Base Camp or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. After enjoying the views of the three summits of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other towering peaks, we will return to Tseram.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 16Trek from Tseram to Tortong (2980m/9776ft, 13km/8 miles, 6-7 hrs) — Today’s trek takes us downhill through rhododendron forests, passing by Simbuwa Khola with enchanting views of the Himalayas en route. We will stay overnight at Tortong.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 17Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin (1692m/3910ft, 9km/5.59 miles, 6-7 hrs) — From Tortong, we will continue to descend to the Amji Khola, passing through Lasiya/Lamite Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang. Walking past steep slopes, we will reach the village of Yamphudin, where our permits will be checked at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area checkpost.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 18Drive from Yamphudin to Kanyam (1210m/3969ft, 8 hrs drive) — After breakfast in Yamphudin, we will explore the beautiful landscapes along the trail, trekking alongside Kabeli Khola. We will then drive to Kanyam, a beautiful place surrounded by tea gardens, where we will spend the night.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 19Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur and Fly back to Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) — Today, we will take a morning drive to Bhadrapur and then take an afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will transfer to the hotel and have a farewell dinner with the trekking management team to celebrate the successful completion of the trek.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off services for both international and domestic flights.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Accommodation during the trek in tea houses or lodges.
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek, as well as tea and coffee.
- Government licensed and first aid-trained trekking guide.
- Salary, food, equipment, and insurance for the trekking guide.
- Shared Jeep or Bus transportation (Bhadrapur - Illam / Taplejung - Sekathum and Yamphudin - Kanyam - Bhadrapur airport).
- Flights from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, and Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
- First aid kit with basic medications.
- Sleeping bag or down jacket if needed (refundable).
- Nepal Nirvana T-shirt, Trekking Map, and Water Purification Tablets.
- Farewell dinner in a fine restaurant.
- Official expenses, all local and government taxes, and VAT.
Not included
- International flight tickets to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Travel and health insurance that covers emergency rescues and evacuations.
- Personal expenses during trekking such as snacks, beverages (beer, coke, juice, water), and Wi-Fi.
- Additional costs for porter services ($400 per porter shared between two trekkers).
- Optional private Jeep hire ($400 for Bhadrapur - Illam / Taplejung - Sekathum and Yamphudin - Kanyam - Bhadrapur airport).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Entrance fees for sightseeing at temples and monasteries.
- Tips for the trekking guide and porter (tipping is expected but not included).
Essential trip information
Before you go
Booking Information Availability: Early booking for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek spring and autumn is open. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers a unique combination of adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and exclusivity, making it an exceptional choice for experienced trekkers looking for a challenging and rewarding Himalayan trek.
Fitness & eligibility
3
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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