How to Reach Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Starting Point?

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, being one of the most remote treks in Nepal, has a remote way of reaching the trailhead, too. But reaching the Kanchenjunga Trek starting point is an adventure on its own.

From scenic flights over eastern Nepal to winding jeep rides through lush tea gardens, rolling hills, and traditional villages. Every step of the journey offers a taste of the region’s natural beauty and culture.

So many people inquire a lot about how to reach the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek starting point. In this guide, we will help you with the transportation options available for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, the duration, and the hours involved.

Where is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trailhead?

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trailhead is in Taplejung District, Province 1 (Koshi Province), to the east of Nepal. The geographical location of this distant region is in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is near the border of India.

The Kanchenjunga Trek Starting Point is Taplejung, which is the last town with good road infrastructure, lodging, and simple amenities.

All the trekkers must access Taplejung before they can reach the trailhead itself. The real point of origin of the Kanchenjunga trek is above Taplejung.

Out of the town, the tourists can only take a 4WD jeep to the villages of Sekathum, Japantar, or Chiruwa, as per road conditions and the itinerary selected.

The most accessible point is Sekathum since it has a better trail to reach the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. These villages are where the vehicle transportation stops, and the walking path starts on foot.

What are the Available Options for Transportation?

Access to the Kanchenjunga Circuit trailhead is complicated, which requires trekking through an agency because the area is isolated. The trekkers are transported, combining both flights and long road trips.

Here is an elaborate discussion of every transportation mode in simple and practical form for the trekkers.

Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Flight

For the trek to the Kanchenjunga trailhead, a flight to Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa District, from Kathmandu, is usually used as the starting point of the trip.

The flight lasts approximately 297 kilometres (184.6 miles) and takes 45 to 50 minutes, and thus is the most convenient and quickest way to head to eastern Nepal. The flight to Bhadrapur will cost around $125 per person.

This is because this option will save a couple of days of difficult and tiresome road trips, which will enable the trekkers to begin their adventure afresh.

Flights are regular every day, though the schedule may vary according to the weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season or due to winter fog. It is best to check beforehand and decide.

Drive from Bhadrapur to Phikkal or Ilam

After landing at Bhadrapur, trekkers proceed by the road to Phikkal or Ilam. The distance is around approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles) in 2 hours. This section is paved by a large highway and passes through the popular Ilam tea gardens, which makes this drive scenic and comfortable.

Before proceeding with the longer trip, many trekkers spend the night in Phikkal or Ilam to have a rest. The means of transport is by personal car or local bus, but the buses are primarily from Birtamode.

Phikkal and Ilam Drive to Taplejung

The route between Phikkal or Ilam and Taplejung is one of the longest and most beautiful. It spans about 186 kilometres (115 miles) and takes about 7 to 9 hours.

The road passes across hills, rivers, and forested areas; however, the state of the roads might prove to be difficult. The road contains a combination of tarmac roads and mountain trails.

Most of the travelers bring their private or shared jeep, which is quicker and more comfortable compared to the slow local buses.

Average prices are Rs. 17,000 for a jeep or Rs. 22,000 for a Scorpio. The cost of the buses is around Rs.1200 to Rs.1500, and the duration is approximately 9 hours to 10 hours.

A vehicle can help save time and make the journey smoother with a jeep, especially by offering features such as being able to travel more easily along steep and narrow parts of the road.

Jeep Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum or Japantar

The way to the Kanchenjunga trailhead starts at Taplejung, by 4WD jeep to such villages as Sekathum or Japantar.

This is approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles), though it may take approximately 4 hours to drive to it since there are small mountain paths, crossings over rivers, and rocky roads. In the process, jeeps go through many rivers, such as the River Tamor, which contributes to the adventure.

This point is the last point to be reached by motor vehicle, and it the starting point for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.

The average price of a personal jeep is approximately Rs. 12,000. It is relatively convenient and comfortable when it comes to hiking, but there are ample cars on this difficult road instead.

Complete Road Trip from Kathmandu to Taplejung

Some passengers choose to cover the whole distance by road from Kathmandu to Taplejung. This is a trip that takes about 627 kilometers (390 miles), more than 20 hours, or maybe a day, based on the state of roads and the weather.

Although this travel method is cheaper, it is physically more tiring and less comfortable. A jeep is also needed, even with complete road travel, to get to the village entry points of the trails at Taplejung.

Accommodation & Supplies Before Trailhead

Always plan where you will spend the night and purchase supplies in Taplejung.

It is the last town whose services are trustworthy; it is essential before the Kanchenjunga trek. Bhadrapur, Phikkal, Ilam, or Taplejung itself are the areas where most trekkers stay.

Simple hotels are found around the airport in Bhadrapur and are the stopover hotel after a flight.

Phikkal and Ilam provide simple lodges with simple rooms and food, hence good stopping points prior to the long journey to Taplejung.

At Taplejung, there are a few guesthouses, but they are sufficient for now. This is the final town to get a place to stay before you start trailhead towns like Sekathum or Japantar.

Cash is necessary since ATMs are not available in the town. Take toiletries in the form of toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer, basic medicines, energy bars, dry fruit, chocolates, rain gear, trekking poles used in trekking, extra batteries, and so on.

Taplejung has a few trekkers staying an additional night after the long ride by jeep before the actual trek.

It means that being well-equipped will provide you with greater ease into the Kanchenjunga Circuit and will prevent you from ending up having issues on the trail at the last moment.

Road Conditions: Seasonal and Weather Hazards

The distance to the Kanchenjunga trailhead also depends on the time of year, as the roads in eastern Nepal may shift rapidly.

Landslides are normal during the monsoon (June to September). There will be muddy roads, and the travel of jeeps between Taplejung and other villages, such as Sekathum or Japantar, may be halted or postponed.

Trekkers will have to wait before the road is cleared, or may need to use other roads. There is no better recommendation than to give yourself a few more days in your schedule as a buffer.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the seasons that provide the best weather success as well as a beautiful mountain view.

It will not be very crowded during winter (December to February), whereas the frost in the early mornings can slip down some roads, and snowfall is not uncommon, causing delays to the trip.

Still, certain areas of the road are narrow, steep, and bumpy even during the best seasons, hence the use of a 4WD jeep.

Knowing about seasonal danger, consulting weather conditions, and having more time to deal with the unforeseen delay will guarantee you a safer and easier beginning to your expedition.

Stop Points Along the Way

Kanchenjunga Trek starting point is an adventure itself, and planning stop points along the route facilitates the journey and makes it pleasurable.

Most trekkers take a flight into Bhadrapur to have some rest and get ready to carry on with the long trek.

Then beyond that, the scenic route to Phikkal or Ilam have the wavy hills. The tea gardens are the ideal spots for taking short breaks and photographs.

Most of them spend the night in Ilam, after which they proceed to Taplejung, where the roads are steeper and narrower.

Small villages will provide an opportunity to stretch, have some local snacks, and enjoy the eastern Nepal culture.

In addition, the 4WD ride to trailhead villages in areas beyond Taplejung, such as Sekathum or Japantar. These places do not have much to visit or see, and thus, it is best to carry snacks and water.

Such planning of the stops would make the journey relaxed and let you have time to see the natural beauty of the region before your trek starts.

Why Book Kanchenjunga Trek with Himalayan Masters?

Booking your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Himalayan Masters makes the trek stress-free and hassle-free. Our team handles all Kanchenjunga Trek permits, jeeps, rides, guides, and porters for you.

We can also help you plan the buffer days for road delays, weather changes, or any kind of inconvenience that may occur during the trek. By choosing us, you also support the local communities and use an eco-friendly way of trekking.

Author

Himalayan Masters

Himalayan Masters has been established by travel and trekking experts with several years of experience. Our consultants have travelled extensively and have in-depth knowledge of the region you will be traveling in.