Kanchanjunga Circuit Trekking
21 Days
5142m
Medium to Challenging
MarβMay / SepβNov
Overview
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a remote and beautiful journey in eastern Nepal, taking you around Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the worldβs third-highest mountain. The trek connects the North and South Base Camp routes and offers a great combination of mountain views, high-altitude adventure, local culture, and traditional villages.
Highlights
β’ Pangpema (5,142 m) β Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
β’ Oktang View Point β stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the South Base Camp area
β’ Kumbhakarna (Jannu) Base Camp (4,500 m)
β’ Lhonak (4,750 m) β one of the highest points of the trek
β’ Sele Le Pass β challenging high-altitude crossing
β’ Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) β spectacular Himalayan views
β’ Remote villages, glaciers, alpine valleys, and beautiful mountain landscapes
Culture and Local Life
The trail passes through remote mountain villages where local people have a strong connection with the mountains. You can experience their simple lifestyle, traditional houses, monasteries, prayer flags, and local customs. The local food is simple and filling, with dal bhat, noodles, soups, Tibetan bread, potatoes, and other traditional dishes commonly available along the trail.
Kanchenjunga is not only a great mountain but also a sacred and important part of local culture. The peaceful surroundings, traditional communities, and impressive mountain scenery make this trek a special experience.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers looking for a challenging, peaceful, and culturally rich Himalayan adventure away from the busy trekking routes of Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m), Transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur by flight (45 min) β Taplejung (1,820 m), Drive about 10 hours.
Day 03: Taplejung to Sekathum (1,640 m), Drive about 4 hours & trek about 2 hours.
Day 04: Sekathum to Amjilose/Thangyam (2,300 m), Trek about 6β8 hours.
Day 05: Amjilose/Thangyam to Gyabla (2,700 m), Trek about 4 hours.
Day 06: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,550 m), Trek about 8 hours.
Day 07: Ghunsa (3,550 m), Rest and acclimatization day.
Day 08: Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,100 m), Trek about 5 hours.
Day 09: Khambachen (4,100 m), Rest day with hike to Kumbhakarna Base Camp (4,500 m), Hike about 5 hours.
Day 10: Khambachen to Lhonak (4,750 m), Trek about 7 hours.
Day 11: Lhonak (4,750 m), Explore North Base Camp/Pangpema View Point (5,142 m).
Day 12: Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,550 m), Trek about 8 hours.
Day 13: Ghunsa to Sele Le Phedi (3,700 m), Trek about 6 hours.
Day 14: Sele Le Phedi to Sele Le Pass β Cheram (3,800 m), Trek about 9 hours.
Day 15: Cheram to Ramche (3,500 m), Trek about 4 hours & hike to Oktang View Point/South Base Camp, Hike about 4 hours.
Day 16: Ramche to Torontan (3,200 m), Trek about 8 hours.
Day 17: Torontan to Khemsar/Kensara (2,700 m), Trek about 8 hours.
Day 18: Khemsar/Kensara to Zero Point β Taplejung, Trek about 2 hours & drive about 4 hours.
Day 19: Taplejung to Bhadrapur, Drive about 10 hours.
Day 20: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (1,350 m), Flight about 45 minutes.
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
Altitude: 1,350 m
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, enjoy some time to rest and relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby area or simply enjoy the evening at your hotel.
In the evening, meet your trekking team for an introduction and briefing about the Kanchenjunga trek, including the route, trekking conditions, permits, safety, and preparations for the journey ahead.
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Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel
Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Altitude: 1,820 m | Flight: ~45 Minutes | Drive: ~10 Hours
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Upon arrival in Bhadrapur, meet your driver and begin the long scenic drive toward Taplejung.
The journey passes through Nepal’s eastern countryside, following winding mountain roads through green hills, terraced farmland, traditional villages, and river valleys. As you travel deeper into the eastern hills, the landscape gradually becomes more mountainous.
Arrive in Taplejung and settle into your accommodation for the night, preparing for the trek to begin the following day.
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Overnight: Taplejung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel/Lodge
Flight: ~45 Minutes
Transport: Private/Tourist Vehicle
Altitude: 1,640 m | Drive: ~4 Hours | Trek: ~2 Hours
After breakfast, continue by vehicle from Taplejung toward Sekathum. The road follows scenic mountain terrain through remote villages, forests, terraced hillsides, and river valleys.
After reaching the trekking point, begin your first short trek toward Sekathum. Follow the trail through peaceful surroundings and enjoy your first experience of the remote Kanchenjunga region.
Arrive at Sekathum and settle into your lodge, enjoying a relaxing evening before the longer trekking days ahead.
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Overnight: Sekathum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Driving: ~4 Hours
Trekking: ~2 Hours
Altitude: 2,300 m | Trek: ~6β8 Hours
Begin the trek along the Tamor River and through the beautiful landscapes of the Kanchenjunga region. The trail gradually climbs through dense forests, rocky paths, and traditional mountain surroundings.
Cross small streams and follow the changing terrain as the valley becomes narrower and more remote. The long trekking day offers beautiful views of forests, hills, and river valleys.
Continue toward Amjilose/Thangyam and settle into your accommodation after completing the day’s trek.
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Overnight: Amjilose/Thangyam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~6β8 Hours
Altitude: 2,700 m | Trek: ~4 Hours
After breakfast, continue trekking through peaceful forested terrain toward Gyabla. The trail gradually gains elevation while passing through beautiful woodland and remote mountain landscapes.
Enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the Kanchenjunga region as you continue deeper into the valley. The relatively short trekking day provides time to enjoy the surrounding scenery and settle into your lodge in Gyabla.
Rest and prepare for the longer trek toward Ghunsa the following day.
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Overnight: Gyabla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~4 Hours
Altitude: 3,550 m | Trek: ~8 Hours
Today begins with a longer trek toward Ghunsa, one of the important settlements along the Kanchenjunga trekking route. Follow the trail through forests and rugged mountain terrain while gradually gaining altitude.
As you approach Ghunsa, the surrounding landscape becomes increasingly alpine and the mountain scenery more dramatic. Continue along the trail toward the village and enjoy views of the surrounding Himalayan terrain.
Arrive in Ghunsa and settle into your lodge for a well-earned rest after the long trekking day.
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Overnight: Ghunsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~8 Hours
Altitude: 3,550 m
Today is an important rest and acclimatization day in Ghunsa. Take time to relax and allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude before continuing toward the higher sections of the Kanchenjunga region.
Enjoy a gentle walk around the village and surrounding area, or simply rest at the lodge while taking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Use the day to prepare your equipment and body for the higher elevations ahead.
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Overnight: Ghunsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Activity: Rest & Acclimatization
Altitude: 4,100 m | Trek: ~5 Hours
After breakfast, leave Ghunsa and continue toward Khambachen. The trail gradually enters higher alpine terrain as the vegetation becomes thinner and the surrounding mountains become increasingly prominent.
Follow the mountain trail through rugged landscapes and enjoy impressive views of the Himalayan surroundings along the way.
Arrive at Khambachen and settle into your lodge. Take time to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
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Overnight: Khambachen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~5 Hours
Altitude: 4,100 m | Hike: ~5 Hours
Today is another acclimatization and exploration day at Khambachen. After breakfast, take a hike toward Kumbhakarna Base Camp at approximately 4,500 m.
The hike provides an opportunity to explore the high-altitude surroundings while gradually adapting to the elevation. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and views of the rugged Himalayan landscape.
After completing the hike, return to Khambachen and spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the continued ascent toward Lhonak.
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Overnight: Khambachen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Hiking: ~5 Hours
Activity: Acclimatization & Exploration
Altitude: 4,750 m | Trek: ~7 Hours
Continue the trek toward Lhonak, entering increasingly rugged and remote high-altitude terrain. The landscape becomes more barren as you approach the higher reaches of the Kanchenjunga region.
Follow the trail through dramatic mountain scenery with impressive views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, and rocky alpine landscapes.
After the long ascent, arrive at Lhonak and settle into your accommodation. Rest well and prepare for the exploration day toward Pangpema.
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Overnight: Lhonak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~7 Hours
Altitude: 4,750 m | Pangpema View Point: 5,142 m
Today is one of the major highlights of the Kanchenjunga trek. From Lhonak, explore the North Base Camp area and continue toward the Pangpema View Point at approximately 5,142 m.
The trail leads through spectacular high-altitude landscapes with dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Take time to appreciate the remote Himalayan environment and the magnificent scenery surrounding Kanchenjunga.
After exploring the area, return toward Lhonak and enjoy a well-earned rest after the high-altitude excursion.
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Overnight: Lhonak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Activity: North Base Camp/Pangpema Exploration
Pangpema View Point: 5,142 m
Altitude: 3,550 m | Trek: ~8 Hours
After breakfast, begin the long descent from Lhonak toward Ghunsa. Retrace the trail through the high mountain landscapes and gradually lose elevation as you return toward the lower valley.
Enjoy the changing scenery as the rugged alpine environment slowly gives way to more vegetation and forested surroundings.
Continue toward Ghunsa and settle into your lodge for a comfortable evening after the long trekking day.
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Overnight: Ghunsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~8 Hours
Altitude: 3,700 m | Trek: ~6 Hours
After breakfast, leave Ghunsa and begin the ascent toward Sele Le Phedi. The trail climbs through forested and rugged mountain terrain as you approach the high passes of the Kanchenjunga region.
Enjoy increasingly impressive mountain views as you gain elevation. The route becomes more remote and alpine while preparing you for the challenging pass-crossing section ahead.
Arrive at Sele Le Phedi and rest well in preparation for the long trek across the Sele Le Pass the following day.
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Overnight: Sele Le Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~6 Hours
Altitude: 3,800 m | Trek: ~9 Hours
Today is a challenging and rewarding trekking day as you cross the high mountain terrain toward Sele Le Pass. Begin early and gradually ascend through rugged landscapes while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
After crossing the pass, begin the descent toward Cheram. The landscape changes as you gradually lose altitude and move toward greener terrain.
After the long day on the trail, arrive at Cheram and enjoy a well-earned rest at your lodge.
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Overnight: Cheram
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~9 Hours
Altitude: 3,500 m | Trek: ~4 Hours | Hike: ~4 Hours
After breakfast, continue from Cheram toward Ramche through the remote southern section of the Kanchenjunga region. The trail gradually climbs through alpine terrain with impressive views of surrounding mountains and glaciers.
After reaching Ramche, continue on a hike toward the Oktang View Point/South Base Camp area. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape and provides another major highlight of the trek.
After completing the exploration, return to Ramche and enjoy a relaxing evening after the day’s trekking and hiking.
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Overnight: Ramche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~4 Hours
Hiking: ~4 Hours
Altitude: 3,200 m | Trek: ~8 Hours
After breakfast, begin the descent from Ramche toward Torontan. The trail gradually loses elevation as you move through changing mountain landscapes and forested sections.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and views of the surrounding hills and mountains as you continue toward the lower valley.
Arrive at Torontan and settle into your lodge for the evening.
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Overnight: Torontan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~8 Hours
Altitude: 2,700 m | Trek: ~8 Hours
Continue descending from Torontan toward Khemsar/Kensara. The trail passes through beautiful forested terrain and remote mountain landscapes as you gradually move toward lower elevations.
Enjoy the changing vegetation and scenery as the high-altitude environment gives way to greener surroundings.
After the long day’s trek, arrive at Khemsar/Kensara and settle into your accommodation for the night.
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Overnight: Khemsar/Kensara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking: ~8 Hours
Altitude: 2,700 m | Trek: ~2 Hours | Drive: ~4 Hours
After breakfast, complete the final trekking section toward Zero Point. Enjoy the last views of the surrounding mountain landscapes as you make your way toward the road access.
From Zero Point, continue by vehicle toward Taplejung. The drive passes through scenic mountain roads, villages, forests, and terraced hillsides.
Arrive in Taplejung and enjoy a comfortable evening after completing the main trekking journey.
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Overnight: Taplejung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel/Lodge
Trekking: ~2 Hours
Driving: ~4 Hours
Altitude: 1,820 m | Drive: ~10 Hours
After breakfast, begin the long drive from Taplejung toward Bhadrapur. Travel through the scenic eastern hills, passing traditional villages, terraced farmland, forests, rivers, and winding mountain roads.
As you descend toward the lower elevations, the landscape gradually changes from mountain terrain to greener countryside.
Arrive in Bhadrapur and settle into your accommodation for the night, preparing for your flight back to Kathmandu the following day.
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Overnight: Bhadrapur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel/Lodge
Driving: ~10 Hours
Altitude: 1,350 m | Flight: ~45 Minutes
After breakfast, transfer to Bhadrapur Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic aerial views as you leave eastern Nepal and return to the capital.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may relax, explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy a comfortable evening after the long journey.
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Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel
Flight: ~45 Minutes
Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Your Kanchenjunga trekking adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time before our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
Thank you for choosing us for your Himalayan adventure, and we hope to welcome you again for another journey in Nepal.
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Meals: Breakfast
Airport Transfer: Included
Included / Excluded
Included: Guide, permits, accommodation, airport transfers
Excluded: International flights, personal expenses, tips