Among the many popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is the remotest and most challenging. The true form of nature has been preserved in its untouched form within the eastern highlands of Nepal. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary takes you to the far eastern region of Nepal, encircling Mount Kanchenjunga.
Along with Kanchenjunga, there are other high peaks like Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyo, etc. that you can see on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek map. However, these mountain peaks are not the only perks of the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek. The pristine set of five glacial systems, including Zumu, Talung, and Rathong, flows towards Sikkim.
And then there are the Yalung glaciers that flow right into the Tamor River. This alpine highland and its wonders have been under the protection of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, thus needing a special Kanchenjunga trek permit. Inside the Kanchenjunga National Park, you get to witness an unbelievable array of unique flora and fauna lying in pristine condition.
Also, there are relic mammals like the Red Panda and the Snow Leopard. The Kanchenjunga trek was opened for tourists in the year 1980 only. Recently, the Kanchenjunga circuit trek has been upgraded to teahouse trekking. This means you can comfortably walk while living in a cosy room and enjoying the warm food.
Altitude: 1677 m / 5501 ft
Drive duration: 3 hrs
Early in the morning, a driver picks us up from the hotel and drives us to the domestic terminal of the Kathmandu airport. Soon, we hop into a plane, taking us above the mountains. Flying above the lush green hills and many perennial flowing rivers, we land in Bhadrapur, Jhapa in about 1 hour.
From Jhapa, we move to the higher altitude of Illam. Driving along the stunning hilly, winding roads, we can see the beautiful tea farms of Illam. Taking some amazing photos, we stopped at a local guesthouse in Illam.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Guest House
Walking / Driving : 45mins flight/ 1 hr drive
Altitude: 1820 m / 5971 ft
Drive duration: 5 hrs
We will wake up early in the morning to witness the spectacular sunrise at Illam before starting the real Kanchenjunga trek. Although the drive to Kanyam is not included in our itinerary, arrangements can be made. After breakfast, we plan to drive further north along the terraced fields.
After mid-day, we reach Taplejung, a beautiful town in the hills. Here, we get to visit different Buddhist gompas that have had butter lamps burning continuously for more than 400 years. After a peaceful evening, we get back to the hotel.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 1270 m / 4166 ft
Duration: 6 hrs
We start trekking to Kanchenjunga on the rough paths beyond the stunning river. Early in the morning, we walk towards the village of Sinwa, Tawa. After a short stop at the Porke, we can see that the valley narrows over old landslide debris. Then, we shall walk down to the Thiwa Khola River and walk on a thrilling wooden bridge. After a few hours, we shall then walk to Chirwa. The huge boulders and tiny bamboo houses of Chirwa make a wonderful stop.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 1860 m / 6102 ft
Duration: 7 hrs
The first thing in the morning is a short walk to the Tamur River. In the next few hours, we will be walking towards the Simbua Khola. This river flowing from the south of Kanchenjunga makes an amazing view. Next, we shall stop at the narrow Ghunsa Khola. Next is the Tibetan village of Lelep.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 2510 m / 8234 ft
Duration: 5 hrs
On the fifth day of the trek to Kanchenjunga, we walk beyond the wonderful waterfalls and suspension bridges. Today’s walk on the steep trail will be challenging as we gain altitude. However, once we reach the Sherpa village of Amjilosa, we get lost in its charm. Here, we can see yaks and sheep all around.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 2730 m / 8956 ft
Duration: 5 hrs
Moving above the Amjilosa, we start to see the western side of Kanchenjunga. Walking via the forest of oak and bamboo, you cross many suspension bridges and rivers. After a final steep walk, we descend to Gybala.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 3595 m / 11794 ft
Duration: 5-6 hrs
It’s another long and exciting day in the mountains. First, we shall walk through the forest to get to the Phale Village. Phale is a Tibetan refugee camp which started almost a decade ago after fleeing from the communist regime in China. From this winter settlement village, we further move to Ghunsa. This is the largest village in the highland area with a police station and health post.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Since we are living at 3,500 metres above sea level, it’s important to stop for a day for acclimatisation. And since Ghunsa is the most developed settlement here, it’s an ideal place for the stop. We hike to nearby hills, enjoy a campfire, and observe local culture for a day.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 4100 m / 13451 ft
Duration: 5 hrs
After a relaxing day, it’s now time to move further away from the mountains. Today, we can witness the Jannu Himal as we walk along the gentle path. Here, we can see the beautiful green glacier valley. If you look into the alpine area, you might also spot blue sheep and snow leopards. In 5–6 hours, we reach Kambachen.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Before we head further upwards in a challenging section of the tour, we let our bodies rest for another day. Since we plan to have fun, there’s no need to rush for Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 4785 m / 15698 ft
Duration: 5 hrs
From Khambachen, we first walk via the rocky path leading to Ramtang. Walking west of the Kanchenjunga Glacier gives us an opportunity to take some amazing pictures. In the evening, we reach Lhonak village, which is decorated with large stone huts. From Lhonak, we can witness the views of Wedge Peak, Mera Peak, Nepal Peak, and the Twins.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 4785 m / 15698 ft
Duration: 8 hrs
Climbing beyond the moraine of Kanchenjunga Glacier, we head towards the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga. The climb to Kanchenjunga would be very challenging, but the tranquillity and stunning views of the mountain vistas make you forget everything. We enjoy the beauty of Kanchenjunga for a few hours and then walk down to Lhonak for the night. Our Kanchenjunga base camp trek is going to be a wonderful experience.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 3595 m / 11794 ft
Duration: 7 hrs
Walking via the pebbled route, we walk down from the Lhonak and head towards the Kambachen Village. East of the Tamor River, we can enjoy a beautiful night in Ghunsa. It’s a relaxing day on the Kanchenjunga base camp trek.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Duration: 5 hrs
Altitude: 4390 m / 14402 ft
Walking beyond the forest of Ghunsa in the morning, we can again see the alpine grassland. The colourful vegetation and the awesome views of the mountain take your heart away. As the view of Phole villages gets smaller, we climb to Sele Le.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 3870 m / 12696 ft
Duration: 8 hrs
We leave the Sele Le quite early in the morning and head for the most difficult walk of the journey. We commence in the morning by climbing Sinion La pass at 4,450m. After a short stop here, we need to cross Sinelapche La pass (4,830m); the Kanchenjunga trek difficulty keeps on increasing. Finally, after 8 to 9 hours of walking, we reach Cheram at night.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 3870 m / 12696 ft
Duration: 6 hrs
From Cheram, we trek to Ramche for a few hours. After lunch at Ramche, we walk for less than an hour to the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. This base camp, decorated with colourful prayer flags, is located on the edge of the glacier. After amazing photos and a peaceful time in Kanchenjunga’s south base camp, we get back to Cheram.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 2080 m / 6824 ft
Duration: 4 hrs
Now, we start moving towards the lower altitude. Walking downwards from the gorge, we get to the area that is prone to landslides. Moving down, we start to see the sub-tropical forests during this Kanchenjunga National Park trek. In the late evening, we get to Torongding, the only settlement we can see in the entire day.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 1980 m / 6496 ft
Duration: 8 hrs
As we head downhill from Torongding, the mountains start to appear. In the morning, we first walk towards the Lasiya Bhanjyang. After lunch in Lasiya, our path goes steeply downhill to the forest. Finally, we reach the big village of Yamphuding. It’s an important stop on the Kanchenjunga base camp trek map.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 1910 m / 6266 ft
Duration: 5 hrs
From Yamphudin, the Kanchenjunga trek route first descends to the Kabeli Khola River. On the way, we stop at Bhanjyang for a short time and then walk along with the terraced farms to the Khebang. Today’s a relaxing day on the Kanchenjunga trek.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 1500 m / 4921 ft
Duration: 5 hrs
From Khewang, the trail moves to a steep ridge. Then, we walk downwards to the village of Aaap Danda. After a stop here, we trek to Jor Pool and then to Simal Danda. Finally, in the late evening, we will crash at Khamdime. Our final day of the trek to Kanchenjunga ends on a high note.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Altitude: 93 m / 305 ft
Duration: 10 hrs
From Khimdime, we drive to Bhadrapur in a private vehicle. The jeep ride along the off-road of the hills is quite interesting. On the way, we will pass many beautiful tea farms and villages. After a few hours of walking, we reach Bhadrapur in the evening.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : hotel
Altitude: 1300 m / 4265 ft
Duration: 50 minutes
Finally, it’s time to head back to Kathmandu. A driver takes us to the Bhadrapur airport, and in less than one hour, we will be walking through the streets of Kathmandu. When you return to Thamel, you will have enough time for souvenir shopping. In the evening, it’s time for the farewell dinner. We celebrate the wonderful Kanchenjunga trek in Nepal, conquered together.
Although wonderful, this is also the most dangerous and long trekking route in Nepal. Having an expert team of Himalayan masters will be helpful to make your stay even more exciting. So, book your trip with us here.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Hotel
Kanchenjunga is a restricted region. You will need a special restricted area permit. which can be issued by a local company like Himalayan Masters. You will need a Kanchenjunga restricted area permit. Also, a conservation area project entry permit for the Kanchenjunga trek. If you want to go to Kanchenjunga, two trekkers are compulsory for the trek.
Yes, the Nepal government issues permit for all foreigners to trek to the Kanchenjunga base camp. There is a different route to trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and Trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Itinerary here takes you to both of these Base camps, completing one Circuit. Almost all treks to Kanchenjunga starts from Taplejung.
However, you cannot trek beyond the Kanchenjunga base camp without a climbing permit. Along with a special permit, you will also need climbing experts and porters.
