The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an awe-inspiring journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and unspoiled regions. This trek offers trekkers an opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of the Eastern Himalayas.
This three-week trek takes adventurers through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and high mountain passes. It also provides breathtaking views of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, and its surrounding peaks.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek typically begins in the village of Taplejung or Suketar, accessible by flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a long drive. From Taplejung, trekkers embark on a journey that takes them through remote villages, dense forests, and high mountain passes before reaching the base camps of Kanchenjunga, both north and south. The trek follows a circular route, passing through picturesque valleys and crossing high-altitude passes before returning to Taplejung to conclude the adventure.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, each more stunning than the last. Trekkers traverse through lush subtropical forests teeming with rhododendrons, oak, and bamboo, gradually giving way to alpine meadows adorned with colorful wildflowers during spring.
As the trail ascends higher, the scenery transforms into rugged terrain, with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear glacial lakes dominating the landscape. Explore the region and encounter the diverse wildlife, including the enigmatic red panda, the elusive snow leopard, and a colorful spectrum of bird species.
Throughout the journey of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, trekkers can interact with the diverse ethnic communities that inhabit the region, including the Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan people. These communities have preserved their traditional way of life for generations, and trekkers can experience their hospitality firsthand by staying in local teahouses and homestays along the route.
Visitors may also observe cultural ceremonies, festivals, and rituals that offer insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek has numerous highlights and attractions, making it a memorable adventure. Some of the must-see sights along the route include:
Kanchenjunga Base Camps:
Trekkers can visit Kanchenjunga’s north and south base camps, which offer unparalleled views of the majestic peaks and surrounding glaciers.
High Mountain Passes:
The trek features several high-altitude passes, including Sele La and Mirgin La, which offer panoramic views of the Himalayan range stretching into Tibet and Sikkim.
Yalung Glacier:
The trail passes by the stunning trail offers breathtaking views of the Yalung Glacier, one of the largest and most impressive glaciers in the Eastern Himalayas. It offers trekkers a chance to witness nature’s raw power up close.
Village Life:
Encountering the remote villages of Ghunsa, Lhonak, and Yamphudin allows trekkers to gain insight into the traditional way of life of the local people while also experiencing their renowned hospitality.
Flora and Fauna:
The region has diverse plant and animal species, including rare orchids, Himalayan blue sheep, and elusive snow leopards. Trekkers can spot these unique creatures amidst the pristine wilderness of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
While the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, it has its challenges. The trail involves long days of trekking, often over rough and rugged terrain, with altitudes reaching over 5,000 meters at specific points. Harsh weather is to be expected, particularly at higher elevations. Be ready for snowstorms and high winds. Sufficient acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. It’s essential to ascend gradually and listen carefully to your body throughout the journey.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a truly epic adventure that takes trekkers off the beaten path and into the heart of the Eastern Himalayas. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled wilderness, this trek offers an experience like no other. From experienced to first-time trekkers, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek promises an extraordinary adventure that will permanently mark your soul.
Kathmandu
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an extraordinary adventure that offers trekkers a unique and remote experience in the eastern region of Nepal. Overall, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek promises a challenging and rewarding adventure through some of Nepal’s most pristine and untouched landscapes, offering trekkers an unforgettable journey of exploration, discovery, and natural beauty. Here’s what you can expect:
Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, where you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. Spend the day resting and preparing for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Before Heading to the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, ensure all necessary permits are ready, including the Restricted Area Permit and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, which can be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu like Sali trekking. Before the trek, a thorough trip briefing with the guide is essential, covering safety protocols, itinerary details, altitude sickness prevention, and cultural sensitivities.
Additionally, optional sightseeing tours in Kathmandu can be arranged to explore cultural and historical landmarks such as Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Durbar Square. These tours provide a deep and meaningful introduction to Nepal’s rich heritage, leaving you feeling enriched and connected to the country’s history and culture before embarking on the trek.
The adventure begins with a scenic 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. After arrival, you drive to Ilam, which takes about 4-5 hours and 90 kilometers. The drive takes you through the lush landscapes of eastern Nepal, offering picturesque views of tea gardens, rolling hills, and local villages. Eventually, you reach the charming town of Ilam, renowned for its tea plantations and tranquil ambiance, at an altitude of 1,208 meters.
The adventure starts again with a drive from Ilam to Taplejung, which takes about 6-7 hours and covers a distance of about 154 kilometers. The journey offers a scenic route through the lush tea gardens of Ilam, rolling hills, and terraced fields. As you ascend towards Taplejung, the landscape changes with winding mountain roads and panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. Eventually, you reach Taplejung, the starting point for the Kanchenjunga trek, at an altitude of 2,420 meters.
The drive from Taplejung to Sekathum offers a thrilling and scenic journey through the remote landscapes of eastern Nepal. This part of the road is new, and we take advantage of driving through the winding mountain. The route takes you through dense forests, past terraced fields, and along the banks of the Tamur River. It is around a 60 km drive and gradually descends from Taplejung’s altitude of 2,420 meters to Sekathum at 1,660 meters, providing a dynamic introduction to the Kanchenjunga region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
The trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa is a challenging and scenic 10-kilometer journey that takes about 6-7 hours. The trail follows the Ghunsa River, starting with a steep climb through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. Crossing several suspension bridges and passing through small villages, you experience a significant change in altitude as you ascend from 1,660 meters to 2,510 meters. This altitude change offers trekkers glimpses of waterfalls and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, making it a physically demanding yet rewarding segment of the Kanchenjunga trek.
The trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla is a challenging and scenic route that covers about 10 kilometers in 5-6 hours. The trail ascends gradually through dense rhododendrons and bamboo forests, offering glimpses of waterfalls and lush greenery. As you climb higher, you pass through small settlements and cross several streams, immersing yourself in the tranquil and remote beauty of the Kanchenjunga region. The day’s journey ends at Gyabla, a picturesque village nestled at 2,730 meters.
The trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa takes about 7 hours and covers 17km. The trail ascends gradually at 2,730 meters in Gyabla, offering a mix of forested areas and open terrain with increasingly impressive mountain vistas. Along the way, trekkers pass through the village of Phole, which features traditional Tibetan houses and a monastery. As you approach Ghunsa, the landscape opens up, revealing a picturesque settlement in a broad valley at 3,595 meters.
Journey through Ghunsa to Kambachen, a high alpine terrain characterized by dramatic mountain vistas and challenging landscapes. Covers approx 12 kilometers in about 6-7 hours, the trail ascends gradually, passing through rocky fields, glacial moraines, and occasional scree slopes. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the Jannu Himal. The altitude gain from 3,595 meters at Ghunsa to 4,100 meters at Kambachen requires steady pacing to accommodate acclimatization.
At Kambachen, at an altitude of 4,100 meters, the acclimatization day offers trekkers a crucial opportunity to adjust to the high altitude before continuing their journey towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp. With the surrounding peaks towering above, this rest day involves gentle exploration of the surrounding area, allowing hikers to soak in the breathtaking views, engage with local culture, and perhaps embark on short hikes to nearby viewpoints or glacier vantage points.
It’s a time for trekkers to listen to their bodies, hydrate well, and acclimate gradually, ensuring they are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead while relishing the serene beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
The trek from Kambachen to Lhonak is an awe-inspiring journey through high alpine terrain, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers and beginning with gradually ascending over rocky fields and past immense glaciers, with every step revealing new vistas of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
As trekkers navigate the rugged terrain, they are treated to glimpses of elusive wildlife and the raw beauty of the remote wilderness. Covering a distance of approximately 10 kilometers throughout 6 – 7 hours, the trek ends at Lhonak, a remote settlement at an altitude of 4,780 meters, where trekkers can rest in the serene beauty of the high Himalayas.
Embarking on a day trip from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, trekkers are treated to a breathtaking adventure amidst towering peaks and glacial landscapes. Starting early to maximize daylight hours, the journey spans approximately 9 kilometers each way, demanding around 8 hours of trekking.
Traversing rugged terrain and crossing icy streams, hikers navigate their way to the awe-inspiring Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at an elevation of 5,143 meters. Surrounded by majestic vistas of the world’s third-highest mountain, the experience offers a profound sense of accomplishment and wonder before returning to Lhonak, culminating in a day filled with unforgettable memories of natural splendor.
From the high-altitude terrain of Lhonak, the trek descends gradually, retracing the path through rocky fields and glacial moraines, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Passing through Ghunsa La, the journey gradually leads down through alpine landscapes and lush forests, with occasional encounters with yak herders and Tibetan settlements. Trekking approximately 12 kilometers over 6-7 hours, the route returns to the welcoming village of Ghunsa, nestled amidst the rugged Himalayan scenery, where trekkers can rest and rejuvenate before continuing their journey.
The trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le Base Camp is a demanding yet exhilarating journey through the rugged terrain of the Kanchenjunga region. Beginning from the quaint village of Ghunsa at an altitude of 3,595 meters, the trail ascends steadily, leading trekkers through dense forests and alpine meadows. As the path winds up, breathtaking vistas of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls unfold.
Crossing high mountain passes and traversing rocky ridges, trekkers gradually gain altitude, eventually reaching the pristine wilderness of Sele Le Base Camp at 4,290 meters. The trek, spanning approximately 8 kilometers, typically takes 6 to 7 hours to complete, offering adventurers a thrilling blend of natural beauty and rugged mountain landscapes.
Trekking from Sele Le Base Camp across the challenging terrain of Sele Le Pass to Tseram offers a rigorous yet breathtaking journey through the rugged landscapes of the Kanchenjunga region. Setting out from the base camp, trekkers navigate steep ascents and rocky trails, surrounded by panoramic views of towering peaks and pristine glaciers. As they ascend the pass, the air thins, adding to the sense of adventure and accomplishment.
At an altitude of 4,290 meters, at Sele Le Pass, trekkers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views stretching across the Himalayan range. The descent towards Tseram reveals a dramatic change in scenery, with lush alpine forests.
From Tseram, the trek ascends through pristine alpine landscapes, following the path towards Ramche. As you approach Ramche, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and frozen glaciers. Upon reaching Ramche, you embark on an exhilarating hike to Oktang, the viewpoint overlooking the Yalung South Base Camp. At Oktang, you’re rewarded with an awe-inspiring panorama, including the imposing south face of Kanchenjunga. The experience at this high-altitude vantage point is truly unforgettable.
The trek from Tseram to Tortong takes you through the beautiful landscape of lush forests and serene alpine meadows. Starting from 3,870 meters, you descend gradually, passing by crystal-clear streams and rhododendron-filled valleys. The trail offers glimpses of majestic peaks and occasional encounters with local wildlife. Trekking approximately 10 kilometers over 5-6 hours, you arrive at Tortong at 2,980 meters.
The trek to Yamphudin starts with a gradual descent; the trail soon transitions into steep sections, traversing through dense forests and picturesque villages. Trekking approximately 15 kilometers throughout 7 to 8 hours, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the awe-inspiring beauty of the terraced fields.
Finally, arriving at Yamphudin, located at an altitude of 2,080 meters, trekkers can unwind and immerse themselves in the warm hospitality of the local community, marking the end of another rewarding day on the Kanchenjunga trek.
From Yamphudin, you can arrange a jeep ride to Bhadrapur, which is a quicker and more comfortable alternative to trekking back to Taplejung. The journey typically takes 8-9 hours and traverses diverse landscapes, ranging from lush forests to terraced fields and small villages. The jeep route offers glimpses of local life and stunning mountain views, making for a memorable journey before reaching Bhadrapur.
From Bhadrapur, take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the city’s vibrant energy, marking the end of your epic adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore Kathmandu further. And Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, bidding farewell to Nepal and its majestic mountains.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a challenging trekking route that circles the Kanchenjunga massif in the eastern region of Nepal. It offers stunning views of the world’s third-highest mountain and takes trekkers through remote villages, lush forests, alpine meadows, and High Mountain passes.
The duration of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek varies depending on the itinerary chosen and the individual’s trekking pace. Typically, it takes 20-25 days to complete.
The best time to do the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally stable, and the skies are clear, offering the best views of the mountains.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is considered one of the more challenging treks in Nepal due to its remote location, high altitude, and rugged terrain. Trekkers should be physically fit, mentally prepared for long days of walking, and accustomed to high-altitude trekking.
For the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, trekkers need two permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). Trekking agencies typically arrange these permits, which are necessary to enter the restricted areas and conservation zones along the trekking route.
Accommodation along the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek varies from basic teahouses in lower elevations to more rustic lodges and camping in higher altitudes. Facilities are basic, with shared rooms, communal dining areas, and simple meals available.
Packing essentials for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek include appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, sturdy hiking boots, a good-quality sleeping bag, personal toiletries, a first-aid kit, and trekking poles. Sufficient water, snacks, and any necessary medication are also essential.
Due to the high elevations reached during the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, altitude sickness is a potential risk. It’s essential to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and dizziness. Trekkers should descend to lower elevations if symptoms persist or worsen.
Yes, we offer customized itineraries for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, allowing trekkers to tailor the route, duration, and activities according to their preferences and fitness levels. Extensions to nearby destinations or side trips to scenic viewpoints can also be arranged.
Professional and personable
“Joining Sali Trekking for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek was a fantastic decision. The trek was expertly organized, with guides who provided excellent support and information. The trek itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding, with diverse landscapes and stunning views of Kanchenjunga. The remote beauty of the region was breathtaking, and Sali Trekking’s meticulous planning and experienced guides made the journey enjoyable and safe. This trek is a must for anyone looking to explore one of the world’s most beautiful regions.”
Unforgettable trekking to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek…
“The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Sali Treks was an extraordinary adventure. The trek was well-planned, and the guides were highly skilled and supportive. They provided valuable insights into the local culture and environment while ensuring our safety. The trek offered stunning views of Kanchenjunga and traversed through diverse landscapes. Sali Treks’ attention to detail and excellent service made this trek an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend them to fellow trekkers.”
The best trekking experience guided by the best team!
“The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Sali Treks was a remarkable adventure. The guides were exceptional, providing excellent support and ensuring that the trek was well-organized. The trek was demanding, but the stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the beautiful landscapes made it a rewarding experience. Sali Treks’ professionalism and attention to detail were evident throughout, making this trek one of the best I’ve ever experienced.”
Great!
“Sali Trekking delivered an amazing Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The trek was well-organized from start to finish, with guides who were not only professional but also very personable. They provided great insights into the local culture and ensured that we were well-prepared for the challenging sections of the trek. The landscapes were incredibly diverse, and the views of Kanchenjunga were absolutely spectacular. This trek is a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty, and Sali Trekking made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.”
Me and 2 friends booked with Sali
“The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Sali Treks was an incredible journey. The guides were excellent, offering support and insight throughout the trek. The trek was challenging, but the stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the remote beauty of the region made every effort worthwhile. Sali Treks’ meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured a safe and memorable adventure. This trek is perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure and natural beauty.”