Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 26 days

Trip Facts

Trip Points Kathmandu –Suketar – Lali Kharka – Phumphe – Yamphudin – Tortong – Tseram – Ramche – Ghunsa – Lhonak – Pang Pema Base Camp – Kambachen – Phale – Limkhim – Suketar – Biratnagar – Kathmandu
Duration 26 Days
Max. Altitude: 5,160m/16928ft.
Group size Min. 2 – Max. 12
Best Time for Visit Spring (February – May) and Autumn (September – November)
Activity Trekking
Trip Guide & Porter Experienced | Licensed | Strenuous
Facilities Meal | Breakfast | Accommodation | Porter
Meals Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Accommodation Tea-House / Lodge Basis
DIFFICULTY Difficult
LOCATION Kanchenjunga Region
Flights Kathmandu – Biratnagar –Taplejung – Kathmandu
Departure From Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy your Trek to the 'Five Treasures of the Great Snow"
  • Stand aside Kanchenjunga – the third highest peak in the world
  • Least traveled destination of eastern Nepal
  • Meet Himalayan people and their lifestyle, observe Buddhist monasteries, architecture, and traditions
  • Average physical fitness trekkers can easily accomplish
  • Well-experienced licensed guides, strong porters, and support crew members
  • Physically less challenging journey and heavenly natural pleasure – Collect lifetime experiences
  • One of the most satisfying treks among all destinations in Nepal.

Overview

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes almost all the trekking points in the Kanchenjunga Region. In return, you collect a lifetime memory of the ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snows” as the mountain contains five prominent peaks – Kanchenjunga Main (8,586m), Yalung Kang (8,505m), Kanchenjunga West (8,420m), and the Twin Peaks (both 8,476m) stretching towards different four nations: Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) – the third highest peak in the world is the main attraction of this Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

This Kanchenjunga Region is a protected region and a home for the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep, and rhesus monkey. Also, we can find 250 species of different birds, including impeyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, and ashy drongo. Kanchenjunga region also offers biodiversity of 20 indigenous gymnosperms, 15 among Nepal’s 23 endemic flowering plants, 23 varieties of rhododendron species, and 48 varieties of orchids.

Trek in the Kanchenjunga Region – the least traveled destination of eastern Nepal. You pass through Himalayan trekking passes, visit traditional villages, and enjoy dense forests, rivers, natural flora, and fauna during your journey. You can enjoy Himalayan beauty, pristine snow-capped mountains, and glaciers during your adventurous trek. Also, you meet Himalayan Sherpa people (Tibetan origin), observe their Buddhist culture, visit Gompas and feel the warmth of organic hospitality.

Your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek begins after you fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and then a scenic flight from Biratnagar to Suketar (Taplejung district). Next, you pass through rustic trails, cross bridges, walk through dense forests, climb cliffs, and shelter in the traditional settlements.

Book your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Nomadways Adventure. We promise you to provide the best quality trekking services, security, and proper guidance plus assistance. So be ready to collect the most beautiful memories, natural-thrilling moments, and life-changing activities.

Itinenary

You will meet our representative when you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport. He/she will greet you, drive to our luxury Nepali authentic restaurant, and assist you in checking in at Thamel. So, please keep your eyes on someone holding a placard with your name or our company’s name – Nomadways Adventure.

In the evening, we arrange a short introduction meeting. After that, you will meet your guide, and our trekking expert will provide you with all the detailed information about the trek.

We offer you a welcome dinner, and you simply take a rest at the restaurant. Then, overnight, you stay at our hotel and restore your energy to accomplish your upcoming adventurous trip to Kanchenjunga Circuit Camp Trek.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

Today, you are going to enjoy the Kathmandu Valley Tour – the city full of World Heritage Sites, Nepali culture, and many more to explore.

Early morning, we offer you a warm breakfast, and your sightseeing starts with our city guide. At first, you visit Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, then move to Boudhanath Stupa – the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world. After that, we will drive you to Patan Durbar Square. In addition, we take you to Swayambhunath Stupa – the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hilltop also nick-named as monkey temple. Finally, we come to Kathmandu Durbar Square, observe Kumari Temple (living goddess temple), Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak streets, and more.

Your exciting city tour finishes in the evening. Then, you take a delicious dinner and take a rest collecting energy for the upcoming adventure.

  Activity Duration : Full-Day City Excursion
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guest house

Today, catch a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar – the edge of the Indian plains. After 35 minutes, you land at Biratnagar airport, which transfers you to the hotel. In the evening, you can explore the plains, local attractions, and markets in Biratnagar.

  Activity Duration : 35 Minutes Flight
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Today, we fly from Biratnagar to the airstrip at Suketar in Taplejung. You meet your local porters, pack your backpacks, and are ready to trek to Lali Kharka.

First of all, we follow the trail through the rhododendron forest and cross Surke Danda (Hill). After that, we descend, passing through dense forest and reach Lali Kharka. Overnight, we stay at Lali Kharka.

  Activity Duration : 30 Min Flight & 3-4 hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

From Lali Kharka, we continue following the trail down to Simbu villages. Next, we cross a suspension bridge over the Phewa Khola. Then, we climb up to Kunjari – a Limbu village.

Ahead, we keep on going upwards, passing through Sinchewa Bhanjyang ridge. Finally, we reach Sinchewa and stay here overnight.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

On this 6th day, our trek strolls through terraced farmland and passes from many traditional villages above the Kabeli Khola (stream). Further, we walk through dense forests and pass high waterfalls. Finally, we reach Phumphe after crossing the Khesewa Khola.

Overnight, we stay at Phumphe.

 

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

From Yamphudin, we follow the route between ridges and rivers. Also, we trek through traditional Limbu and Rai villages.

Completing along upward trek, we reach Yamphudin valley – a prosperous agricultural village. Yamphudin is the check point for trekking permits to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Overnight, we stay at Yamphudin.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Today, we cross the river and climb steeply through dense forest to the crest of the Dhupi Bhanjyang (2,540m/8,333ft). You can observe numerous peaks to the east (all over 4,000m/13,120ft) line the border with Sikkim. From the summit, we go down to the Amji Khola.

We set up a camp here and stayed overnight at Amji Khola.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Camp

On this day, we cross the river and start trekking through dense forest to the crest of the Deurali Danda (Hill) at Lamite Bhanjyang (3,310m/10,860ft). Then, we descend to the Simbuwa Khola (from the Yarlung Glacier), passing through a forest. Then, we follow the track up the river to a bridge that crosses it just below the old-fashioned village of Tortong.

Overnight, we stay at Tortong.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

We trek up via the riverside trail and dense forests to Tseram – a summer pasture settlement for herds from Yamphudin or lower regions. When you reach Tseram, enjoy the spectacular views of the Yalung Glacier moraine, Rathong, and the Kabru peaks.

Overnight, we stay here at Tsera.

  Activity Duration : 4-5 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Today, our trail goes up slowly towards Ramche. First, we reach the Yarlung glacier through Yak pastures, crossing old mani walls and monastery. Then, continuing further, we come at Ramche – a beautiful flat valley.

We set up a camp here and stayed overnight.

  Activity Duration : 2-3 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Camp

From Ramche, we follow the path up to the South Base Camp Viewpoint. From Ramche, we follow the trail up slowly from the Ramche valley to around a sweeping curve before climbing onto the moraine.

On the way, you observe the spectacular views of the huge south face of Kangchenjunga, which appears to dominate the entire skyline. This point extends about a kilometer south of the Tso Glacier (Oktang) and borders between Nepal and Sikkim.

From the South Base Camp, we retrace towards Yarlung Bara and then head west for the final climb to the small lake, Chukkung Pokhari, on the Ghunsa trail.

Overnight, we stay at Chukkung Pokhari.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Today, we trek from Chukkung Pokhari  to Ghunsa. In between, we cross Sinelapche La (4,724m/15,500ft), Mirgin La (4,663/15,300ft), Sinion La (4,660m/15,290ft), Sele La (4,115m/13,500ft) and Tamo La (3,900m/12,796ft).

Finally, we reach Ghunsa (3,595m/11,794ft). Overnight, we stay at Ghunsa.

  Activity Duration : 7-8 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Accomplishing 14 days trek, today, we take rest at Ghunsa – an attractive Tibetan village with farmsteads spread out in wood-enclosed fields.

On this day, we visit the monastery (belonging to the Khampa Dzong monasteries of Tibet) on the edge of the village. We also hike up the Yamatari Khola along the Lapsang La trail. Also, you can observe locally made Tibetan carpets.

We, again, spend this second night here at Ghunsa.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

We follow the trail north of Ghunsa down to the Ghunsa Khola on this day. Further, we cross a sandy, boulder-strewn valley and above the west bank to Rambuk Kharka. Ahead, we climb steeply and pass the exciting muzzle of the Khumbakarna (Jannu) Glacier on the opposite side of the valley.

From the snout of the glacier, we drop to Kambachen, which offers magnificent views of several peaks, including Jannu (7,710m/25,295ft).

Overnight, we stay and take a rest at Kambachen.

  Activity Duration : 3-4 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

We trek from Kambachen to Lhonak. Passing via desolate landscape and rivers, we reach summer-pastoral huts at Ramtang. Further, walking along the riverbed of Ghunsa Khola and passing by summer grazing meadows, we reach Lhonak.

Overnight, we stay and take a rest here at Lhonak.

  Activity Duration : 4-5 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

On this day, we follow the trail along Kanchenjunga Glacier eastwards. Pang Pema lies opposite the head of the glacier. You can enjoy spectacular views of the vast north face of the Kanchenjunga Mountain and other peaks. Even we enjoy some glimpses of Tibet. Overnight, we stay and take a rest here at Pang Pema.

  Activity Duration : 2-3 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

This is the second rest and exploration day. Today, we take a rest and explore the areas at Pang Pema and with the jaw-dropping scenes of the pristine mountains.

From Pang Pema, we ascend the lower slopes of Drohma Ri (5,500m/18,045ft) behind the camp for better views of the mountain – at sunrise. Ahead, we walk along the Langpo moraine to the Corner Camp for better views of Pyramid Peak and other massifs. Finally, we spend another night at Pang Pema.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Today, we start tracing back to our trek. From Pang Pema, we head back towards Lhonak slowly. Enjoying beautiful natural scenes on the way, we stroll down to Kambachen.

Overnight, we stay and take arrest at Kambachen.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

On this day, we keep on retracing back to our previous trails. From Kambachen, we go down to Ghunsa and have lunch here. Ahead, we walk through dense forest with pheasants, cross the river below the village and continue downstream beside the GhunsaKhola. After passing by farmland, we reach Phale – the Tibetan summer grazing village, and we can visit the wooden gompa here.

Overnight, we stay and take a rest at Phale.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Our tails keep on going down. We trek, passing through the rhododendron forest, and continue going down to the valley. We cross numerous streams and waterfalls on the trail. Finally, we reach Gyabla – the last Tibetan village.

Ahead, we drop to Amjilosa and stay overnight here.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

From Amjilosa, we start going down steeply to Sekathum – the convergence of the Ghunsa Khola and Tamur Khola. After that, we follow the Tamur Khola’s western bank and cross a suspension bridge across the Simbuwa Khola, which comes in from the Yarlung Glacier through Tortong.

At last, we reach Chirwa and stay overnight here.

 

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

We descend above the east bank of the Tamor Khola to Thiwa village – an exit point from the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Next, we head up towards Tawa, over a ridge, before dropping into a side canyon to cross the Tawa Khola. Finally, we pass Malbase village and reach Linkhim. Overnight, we stay at Linkhim.

  Activity Duration : At a Hotel/Guest house
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : 5-6 Hours Trek

The route weaves in and out of side canyons from Linkhim to Limbu village, Phurumbu, and a peak viewing a massive landslide before Jogidanda. A last 3-4 hour ascend via the Sherpa settlements of Bung Kulung, and Bhote Gaun leads to the Suketar airstrip.

We celebrate with a farewell supper before saying goodbye to your trekking group.

Overnight, we spend a night at Suketar taking a rest.

 

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

Taking an early warm breakfast, we fly from Suketar to Biratnagar. When we land at Biratnagar, we again catch a domestic flight to Kathmandu. In 35 minutes, we land at TIA and transfer you to our hotel.

You can take a rest or explore the streets and markets in Kathmandu. Even you can enjoy various cuisines at different restaurants in Thamel – Nepal’s No. 1 tourist city.

  Activity Duration : 30 min & 35 min Flight
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Hotel/Guest house

On this final day, offering you a light breakfast, we transfer to the Tribhuvan International airport via our private transportation. We bid you a happy ‘Goodbye’ and wish you a safe flight.

 Meal : Breakfast

Cost Includes:

  • Trekking Permits
  • TIMS Card
  • Necessary Permit and Monuments Entrance Fees
  • Guide (Government-licensed Trekking Guide for all-round support)
  • Porter (Logistic Support)
  • Food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Tea or Coffee)
  • City Accommodation (Normal, 3-Star and 5-Star Hotels)
  • Transportation in Cars or Jeeps (During your Trip)
  • All airport transfers
  • Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu for two nights with breakfast
  • Flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
  • All airport taxes
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park permit and TIMS)
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry your luggage
  • Guide and porter salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
  • Full meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner of your choice
  • Supplementary snacks: energy bar and cookies
  • Seasonal fresh fruits desert every day
  • Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • A comprehensive First Aid kit
  • Oxi-meter: To check heart rating and oxygen saturation to Everest Base Camp and return
  • All government and local taxes
  • Trekking equipment: down-filled sleeping bag, walking poles, and duffel bag
  • Souvenir: Trekking Route map printed T-Shirts

Cost Excludes:

  • International Flight Fare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Electronic device re-charge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Hot shower
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation
  • Tipping

Equipment

Trekking requires careful selection of gear to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail. Depending on the conditions (terrain, weather, duration), the equipment you need may vary, but here’s a comprehensive list of essential trekking gear:

  1. Backpack
  • Capacity: Typically, for a multi-day trek, a 40-60L pack is ideal.
  • Fit: Adjustable straps for shoulder, chest, and hip.
  • Features: Hydration system compatibility, side pockets for easy access, and a rain cover.
  1. Footwear
  • Trekking Boots: Look for boots with good ankle support, durable soles (Vibram is a popular choice), and waterproof features.
  • Trail Shoes: For lighter treks or well-maintained paths, trail shoes may suffice.
  • Sock Layers: Merino wool socks or synthetic socks that wick moisture and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton.
  • Gaiters: To keep debris, mud, and snow out of your boots.
  1. Clothing (Layering System)
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool) long-sleeve top and bottoms.
  • Mid Layer: Insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket.
  • Outer Layer (Shell): Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are excellent choices.
  • Trekking Pants: Convertible pants (with zippers for shorts) can be useful.
  • Trekking Shirt: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
  • Gloves: Lightweight gloves for warmth, plus an additional heavier pair if trekking in cold climates.
  • Hat/Cap: A sunhat or beanie depending on the weather.
  • Neck Gaiter/Buff: For sun protection, warmth, or dust.
  1. Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated for the conditions you’ll face. Down bags are warmer and lighter but lose effectiveness if wet, while synthetic bags dry quicker.
  • Sleeping Pad: Inflatable or foam pads that insulate from the cold ground.
  • Tent: Lightweight trekking tents (1-3 person) that suit your conditions. Some options include 4-season tents if you're trekking in harsh weather.
  1. Hydration System
  • Water Bottles: Collapsible or hard plastic bottles (ensure they’re BPA-free).
  • Hydration Reservoir: Camelbak or similar bladder systems for easy access to water.
  • Water Purification: A filtration system (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw) or chemical tablets to purify water from streams or other sources.
  1. Food and Cooking
  • Stove: Compact gas or alcohol stove for cooking on the trail.
  • Cookware: Lightweight pots or pans, often titanium or aluminum.
  • Fuel: Compatible fuel for your stove (check for availability in the region you’re trekking).
  • Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and fruits. Lightweight, high-calorie, and easy-to-prepare foods are best.
  1. Navigation Tools
  • Map and Compass: Always have a paper map as a backup, even if you use a GPS.
  • GPS Device or Smartphone with a Trekking App: Make sure to download offline maps.
  • Altimeter Watch (optional): Useful for tracking elevation and route progress.
  1. Lighting
  • Headlamp: Hands-free lighting for night-time use, with extra batteries.
  • Flashlight: A backup to your headlamp.
  1. First Aid Kit
  • Include basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal Medications: Always bring enough for the whole trip, plus extras in case of delays.
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  1. Safety Gear
  • Multi-tool/Knife: A good multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman) is very useful for repairs and emergencies.
  • Whistle: For signaling.
  • Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact for warmth in case of emergency.
  • Firestarter: Matches or a lighter, and waterproof if needed.
  1. Miscellaneous
  • Trekking Poles: Help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and improve traction on uneven terrain.
  • Towel: Quick-dry, compact towel.
  • Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes.
  • Camera/Smartphone: For documenting the journey, with extra storage or a portable charger.
  1. Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
  • Toilet Paper: Always carry biodegradable toilet paper and a small trowel for digging a "cathole" if there are no facilities.
  • Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean without access to water.
  • Wet Wipes: For cleaning yourself when there's no shower.
  • Biodegradable Soap: If you need to wash, use eco-friendly soap.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Compact travel versions.
  1. Weather Protection
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Rain Gear: A high-quality waterproof jacket, pants, and gaiters, especially if you're trekking in areas with unpredictable weather.
  • Cold Weather Gear (if needed): Depending on the trek, you might need additional gear like down jackets, insulated gloves, or even crampons for ice or snow.
Extra Considerations for Specialized Treks:
  • High-altitude Treks: Consider gear for altitude sickness (like Diamox), extra layers for extreme cold, and an oxygen system if necessary.
  • Long-distance Treks: You might need additional gear like extra food storage, a larger stove, or a lightweight trekking umbrella.
Always check the weather forecast and understand the terrain and altitude of your trek to fine-tune your gear selection.

FAQ's

The trek is located in eastern Nepal, in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, close to the borders of India and Tibet.

The trek typically takes 18–24 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization needs.

The trek reaches an altitude of 5,143 meters (16,873 feet) at the Sele La Pass.

Yes, the trek is classified as challenging due to its remote location, long duration, and significant altitude. Previous trekking experience is highly recommended.

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