Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
This trek combines stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.
- Duration
- 26 days
- Max elevation
- 5,143 m
- Difficulty
- Medium to challenging
- Price
- On request
Route altitude profile
Kanchenjunga region
Taplejung to Pang Pema, via Amjilosa and Gyabla
Route altitude profile
Full trip: 26 days
Graph: Days 3 to 21
Days 1 and 2 cover arrival and preparation. Days 22 to 26 cover Ilam, local hiking and rest, return travel to Kathmandu, and departure.
Highest point: Pang Pema · 5,143 m
Scroll to see the full altitude profile.
- Route stop
- Pass or day visit
- Shaded area: above 3,500 m
Several points on the same day show places visited that day.
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m) and transfer to the hotel
- Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
- Settle in ahead of the journey to eastern Nepal.
Rest day and trip preparation
- Rest in Kathmandu and prepare for your trek.
Fly to Bhadrapur (91 m) then drive to Taplejung (1,820 m)
- Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur.
- Continue by private Jeep to Taplejung.
- Flight duration: 45 minutes
- Drive distance: 238 km, 8–9 hours
Drive to Sekathum (1,585 m)
- Travel from Taplejung to Sekathum by shared local Jeep.
- The walking portion of the trek begins the following day.
- Drive distance: 40 km, 5–6 hours
Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,395 m)
- Begin trekking from Sekathum to Amjilosa.
- This is the first walking day in the outline.
- Walking distance: 7.4 km, 4–5 hours
Meals are not included.
Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m)
- Continue from Amjilosa to Gyabla.
- An acclimatisation day follows before the route continues higher.
- Walking distance: 8 km, 5–6 hours
Meals are not included.
Acclimatization day
- Spend an acclimatization day before continuing the trek.
Meals are not included.
Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,427 m)
- Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa.
- The route brings you above 3,400 m before another acclimatisation day.
- Walking distance: 10 km, 5–6 hours
Meals are not included.
Acclimatization day
- Spend an acclimatization day before continuing towards Kambachen.
Meals are not included.
Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050 m)
- Continue from Ghunsa to Kambachen.
- The route brings you above 4,000 m.
- Walking distance: 10 km, 5–6 hours
Meals are not included.
Acclimatization day
- Spend an acclimatization day before continuing towards Lhonak.
Meals are not included.
Kambachen to Lhonak (4,790 m)
- Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak.
- Another acclimatisation day follows before the North Base Camp visit.
- Walking distance: 9 km, 5–6 hours
Meals are not included.
Acclimatization day
- Spend an acclimatization day before the planned walk to North Base Camp.
Meals are not included.
Lhonak to Pang Pema or Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 m)
- Walk from Lhonak to Pang Pema, also known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
- The outline lists an elevation of 5,143 m for this visit.
- Walking distance: 9 km, 6–7 hours
Meals are not included.
Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,427 m)
- Begin the return journey from Lhonak to Ghunsa.
- This is a longer walking day in the outline.
- Walking distance: 19 km, 7–8 hours
Meals are not included.
Rest day (Recommended rest day in Ghunsa after completing North Base Camp and start South Base Camp)
- Rest in Ghunsa after the North Base Camp portion of the trek.
- The next part of the journey continues towards South Base Camp.
Meals are not included.
Ghunsa to Sele La Kharka (4,200 m)
- Trek from Ghunsa to Sele La Kharka.
- The pass crossing follows the next day.
- Walking distance: 7 km, 5–6 hours
Meals are not included.
Sele La Kharka to Tseram (3,870 m) via Sele La Pass (4,480 m)
- Cross Sele La Pass at 4,480 m between Sele La Kharka and Tseram.
- Walking distance: 9 km, 7–8 hours
Meals are not included.
Tseram to Ramche (4,730 m) then trek to Oktang Base Camp (4,730 m) along Yalung glacier
- Continue from Tseram to Ramche, then trek to Oktang Base Camp.
- The day’s route follows the Yalung glacier.
- Walking distance: 14 km, 5–6 hours
Meals are not included.
Ramche to Tortong (2,995 m)
- Begin the return trek from Ramche to Tortong.
- The route descends below 3,000 m.
- Walking distance: 15 km, 6–7 hours
Meals are not included.
Tortong to Yamphudin (2,080 m)
- Continue from Tortong to Yamphudin.
- This is the final walking day before the journey to Ilam.
- Walking distance: 13 km, 6–7 hours
Meals are not included.
Yamphudin to Ilam (1,200 m)
- Travel from Yamphudin to Ilam by shared local Jeep.
- Drive distance: 220 km, 6–7 hours
Rest/hiking around
- Spend the day resting or hiking around Ilam.
Drive to Bhadrapur (91 m) and fly to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
- Travel by private Jeep from Ilam to Bhadrapur.
- Take the planned flight back to Kathmandu.
- Flight duration: 45 minutes
- Road distance (Ilam-Bhadrapur): 85 km, 3–4 hours
Rest day
- Rest in Kathmandu after the trek and return journey.
Departure
- Your trip ends with an included airport transfer for your departure.
- Best season
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)
- Permits
- Kanchenjunga Special Restricted Area Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
- Group size
- Minimum 2 trekkers
- Trek distance
- 220 km
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable adventure around the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, in the eastern Himalayas. This trek combines stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Starting in Taplejung, trekkers pass through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into local life. As the trail ascends, views of Kanchenjunga's snow-capped peaks become more prominent, culminating in dramatic sights at Pangpema and the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. The trek also passes through alpine meadows, glaciers, and challenging high mountain passes like Sele La Pass and Mirgin La Pass.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third highest peak in the world.
- Stunning views of North and South Kanchenjunga.
- Less crowded trekking region in Nepal.
- Trek through pristine forests, valleys, and villages.
- Experience the unique culture of the Limbu, Rai, Sherpa and Tibetan communities.
- Spot rare wildlife, including the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan Monal.
- Experience the Yalung Glacier’s dramatic scenery and surrounding peaks.
- Cross a high mountain pass with panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and Janu Himal.
More about this trek
Route highlights
- Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, a thrilling adventure that pushes you to new limits.
- This challenging trek requires 6–8 hours of walking daily, rewarding you with breathtaking views and serene, less crowded trails.
- The trek's stunning natural beauty, coupled with its unique cultural tapestry, makes for an unforgettable experience.
Culture and communities
- Cultural encounters along the way include visits to villages of Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities, with opportunities to experience their festivals, music, and monasteries.
- The Kanchenjunga Circuit is as much a journey through nature as it is a deep dive into Himalayan culture.
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal's eastern Himalayas, where traditional ethnic groups and Tibetan influences blend seamlessly.
What is included
Cost includes
- Airport transfers
- 4 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu)
- English-speaking government-certified trekking guide
- One porter service (our porter carries a maximum of 20 kg)
- Basic teahouse accommodation in shared twin rooms during the trek
- Filtered natural drinking water during the trek
- Private jeep (Bhadrapur-Taplejung)
- Shared local jeep (Taplejung-Sekathum,Yamphudin-Ilam)
- Private jeep (Ilam-Bhadrapur)
- HGT will plant trees equivalent to the amount of pollution generated during the trip.
- All necessary paper work: Kanchenjunga Special Restricted Area Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP).
- Staff costs included: Insurance, equipment, transportation, food, and accommodations during the trip.
- All government and travel agency expenses.
- First aid medical kit.
- Save The Mountains eco bag.
- Appreciation certificate.
Cost excludes
- Nepal visa fees.
- Additional transportation for tours in the Ilam area.
- Travel insurance (Travel cancellations, accidents, health emergency, evacuation and theft or loss of personal belongings).
- Personal expenses such as meals, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tea, coffee, dessert, mineral water, hot water, hot packs, hot shower, wifi service, mobile charging and camera battery charging etc.
Trek essentials
Accommodation
- The Kanchenjunga region offers simple rooms with private or shared toilets and bathrooms.
- Teahouses in Sele Le Kharka are very basic. When there are many visitors, guests may need to share rooms. Rooms for men and women are separate.
Food and drinks
- The Kanchenjunga region provides a variety of national and international cuisine.
- Along your trek, you'll find simple cafes and basic restaurants, offering a variety of hot/fizzy drinks and food.
Food safety
To supply
To supply
Phone and Wi-Fi
- Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi, but most places have no phone or internet service.
- Mobile network coverage is available only in some areas.
Travel and flight delays
To supply
To supply
Safety and rescue
To supply
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Tipping
Tipping in Nepal is not mandatory, but it is widely appreciated, especially in the tourism and service sectors. In restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality services, tipping is generally viewed as a gesture of gratitude for good service rather than an obligation. Many restaurants, particularly in urban areas, may include a service charge in the bill; in such cases, additional tipping is entirely optional.
In trekking and adventure tourism, tipping guides, porters, and support staff is customary and often contributes significantly to their overall income. Tips are typically given at the end of the trek and are usually collected as a group and distributed among the trekking team. The amount may vary depending on the duration of the trek, group size, and quality of service, and is commonly calculated on a per-day, per-staff-member basis.
In our case, our staff members are fairly compensated; however, tips are always appreciated as a kind acknowledgment of their effort and support.
Gear and clothing
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Thermal set (top and bottom)
- Warm pants for evening and morning
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Warm hat
- Cap
- Neck gaiter (Buff)
- Gloves (recommended for -20°C)
- Trekking boots
- Crampons (in case of use)
- Light shoes or sandals
- Sleeping Gear
- Down sleeping bag (recommended for -20°C)
- Dry towel
- Trekking Accessories
- Trekking poles
- Daypack and bag cover
- Reusable water bottle and light thermos
- Water filter
- Sunglasses
- Solar charger
- Headlamp and extra batteries
Personal items
- ATM card and extra money for external expenses (food and drinks)
- Passport
- Insurance document
- Personal beauty care kit
- Personal medicines
- Toiletries
Waste and responsible travel
- By simply following the “Pack In, Pack Out” principle with Himalayan Green Trips, carrying out what you bring in, you are already making a meaningful contribution to preserving the mountains.
- Imagine that your journey is more than just a trek; it’s an opportunity to create a positive impact. By helping care for the trails and mountains, you become part of a meaningful effort to protect the Himalayas. Together, we can preserve this extraordinary landscape and ensure it remains a pristine and inspiring destination for generations to come.
On every trip
- Need to follow the pack in and pack out principle.
- Leave only footprints on the mountain.
- Do not bring single-use plastic bags on the trek.
- Priority is drink natural water, filter, boiled water.
- Bring your own reusable water bottle.
- Carry out whatever you buy in the mountains.
- Clean up the trekking trails if possible.
- Carry out 1 kg of recyclable waste from the mountains to the city for the city to reduce mountain pollution.
- Support the Let's Clean Up Nepal Green initiative by spreading an environmental message by displaying posters at guesthouses and educating guides, porters, trekkers, and locals, etc.
Your quote will include the route, itinerary, price, and what is included or excluded. We can also arrange camping treks and tailor an itinerary to your preferences.
All travel plans and itineraries are based on the pack in and pack out principles.