Trip Overview

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the best satisfying treks in the remote and isolated parts of Nepal which takes you to both the base camps of the great Mt. Kanchenjunga. Considered sacred by the locals for its divine appearance and the belief that it is home to various deities, Kanchenjunga is indeed appealing and majestic luring the travelers to visit the region. 

 

The trek is a blend of adventure, thrill, and an opportunity to explore the unique landscapes, diverse ecosystem, ethnic cultures while enjoying the panoramic vistas of the gigantic snow-capped peaks, lakes with crystal clear water, gorgeous waterfalls, and streams. The trail moves through the crowded cities to terraced farmlands rising towards lush green forests of Pine, Oaks, Rhododendron, and slowly takes you to the alpine zone with pasturelands leading to rocky and barren lands. If you get lucky enough, you may encounter some rare and endangered species including but not limited to Red Pandas, Musk Deers, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, and many more. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to numerous species that wander freely around the area so we must be careful as well as vigilant as we trek along. 

 

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a demanding trek that requires spending a couple of weeks in a remote and isolated region with a limited number of people residing. It is in fact a long trek stretched in about 220 km, requiring a high level of physical fitness as you will be walking on rough, rocky terrains. The initial sections of the trail are easy and comfortable, but as we move along we will be ascending over ridges and shoulders. 

 

So, prepare yourself well for strenuous walking as well as for high altitude by training for cardiovascular fitness and walking with backpacks. Our guides will take you slowly, provide the best food and suggest you get good rest while. This is the key to avoiding high altitude sickness and enjoying a marvelous journey of Kanchenjunga Base Camp/Circuit Trek.

 

Best season to go on Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

 

The best seasons to go on a trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp are Spring and Autumn. These seasons portray the best views of the landscapes and showcase the pure beauty of the wilderness of nature. However, we can customize the itinerary and organize the trek for you and your team at any time of the year.

 

Check out the gears required for this trek. 

Trip Itinerary

DAY
  • 1
    Arrival In Kathmandu And Transfer To The Hotel

    As you land at the airport and complete your immigration procedures, you will be greeted by one of our representatives and driven to the hotel booked for you. You can rest and relax at the hotel and step out for sightseeing in the evening.

    Altitude 1400 m
    Meals N/A
    Accommodation 3-5 Star Hotel
  • 2
    Trek Briefing, Documentation, And Sightseeing

    This day has been allocated for you to rest and get over the jetlag. In the afternoon, we will conduct the trek briefing and you may go around the city for personal shopping and sightseeing. Meanwhile, we will make all the documents ready and obtain the necessary permits for the trek.

    Altitude 1400 m
    Meals Breakfast
    Accommodation 3-5 Star Hotel
  • 3
    Fly From Kathmandu To Bhadrapur And Drive To Illam

    After early morning breakfast, we will take a domestic flight to Bhadrapur. Then we will meet with our crew and drive to Illam, a beautiful city in the Eastern region of Nepal. We will spend our night in a cozy hotel in Illam.

    Altitude 100 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation 3-5 Star Hotel
  • 4
     Drive From Illam To Taplejung (670 M)

    After spending the wonderful morning in Illam Bazaar, we will further drive to Taplejung which will take us about 6/7 hours. 

    Altitude 670 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
  • 5
    Trek From Taplejung To Mitlung (912 M)

    Our trek starts from Taplejung through the lush green forests in the mid-hilly region passing through several villages with local culture and eye-catching lifestyle. The terraced farms, rice fields, cardamom farms make the villages picturesque. We continue our trek on the trail that follows the Tamor River until we reach Mitlung, our stop for the day.

    Altitude 912 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
  • 6
    Trek From Mitlung To Chiruwa (1270 M)

    The trek on this day is demanding as we will need to walk on rough and rocky paths, sometimes passing over the debris of landslides. We will cross Tamang villages of Sinwa, Tawa, and Porke. The trail then descends towards Thiwa Khola, taking us up and downhill until we reach the Chirwa village at 1270 m. Chirwa is a small settlement with houses made from bamboo with few shops.

    Altitude 1270 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
  • 7
    Trek From Chirwa To Sekathum (1660 M)

    Trekking through the villages of Taplethok, Tamewa, and Lelep, we move alongside Tamor River and descend towards Simbu Khola, which emerges from the Yalung Glacier. We then trek through steep and narrow Ghunsa Khola valley to finally arrive in Sukathum. Overnight in Sukathum.

    Altitude 1660 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
  • 8
    Trek From Sukethum To Amjilosha (2510 M)

    On this day of the trek, we climb the steep and narrow uphill to the Tibetan village, Amjilossa. The trail takes us through numerous bridges over the Ghunsa River letting us enjoy the marvelous views of the surrounding landscapes until we reach the Amjilossa.

    Altitude 2510 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
  • 9
    Trek From Amjilossa To Gyabla (2730 M)

    We will trek for about 5 hours on this day. The trail passes through dense forests of Rhododendron, Oak, Bamboo, and deodars. We will be able to view glimpses of the south-western face of Mt Kanchenjunga. Walking on a steep uphill, followed by short descents we reach a huge and eye-catching waterfall before we climb steeply to reach Gyabla.

    Altitude 2730 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
  • 10
    Trek From Gyabla To Ghunsa (3595 M)

    On our route from Gyabla towards Ghunsa, we will pass the Kyapra village then take an easy climb along the riverbank. We will then come across a large meadow which is mesmerizingly beautiful. After walking past a few more villages, we will descend and cross the river to reach the beautiful Ghunsa Village which has few shops, lodges, and small settlements.

    Altitude 3595 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Lodge/Teahouses
  • 11-12
    Trek From Ghunsa To Khambachen And Acclimatize (4100 M)

    We slowly start gaining significant altitude, so we walk slowly with enough rest. The trail on this day takes us along the south bank of Ghunsa Khola climbing up to the dense forests of Rhododendron slowly dominated by pine and oaks. Being resided by Tibetans, we will encounter numerous Mani Walls and Chhortens as well as Prayer flags throughout the journey. The latter part of the climb is on a steep slope leading to the Tibetan settlements of Khambachen. The next will be spent here for acclimatization where we will go around the village to view some of the majestic sceneries of the surrounding Himalayas.

    Altitude 4100 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Teahouses/Camping
  • 13
    Trek From Khambachen To Lhonak (4785 M)

    The trail that leads from Khambachen to Lhonak is an exciting one. The initial parts of the trail os climb up through the rocky path to Ramtang village. Then, we cross the North West section of the Kanchenjunga Glacier with small settlements to reach Lhonak village. Lhonak village is an excellent viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Mera Peak, Wedge Peak, Nepal Peak, and many more.

    Altitude 4785 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Teahouses/Camping
  • 14
    Trek From Lhonak To Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) (5143 M)

    This day is a remarkable day of this trip as we will be trekking up to the North Side Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. Upon reaching the Base Camp, Pangpema, we can enjoy the majestic views of Tent Peak, Nepal Peak, the Twins peak, and the massive Kanchenjunga itself. 

    Altitude 5143 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Camping
  • 15
    Trek Back From Base Camp To Ghunsa (3595 M)

    We retrace our path back to Ghunsa and rest overnight.

    Altitude 3595 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Teahouses/Camping
  • 16
    Trek From Ghunsa To High Camp (4100 M)

    From Ghunsa, we climb a 500 m long steep uphill to reach the high camp at 4100 m.

    Altitude 4100 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Teahouses/Camping
  • 17
    Trek From High Camp  To Tseram (3870 M)

    The trek from High Camp to Tseram demands a high level of fitness as it takes us through numerous passes, most significant being the Sele La Pass (4480 m), Sinion La Pass (4660 m) and Mirgin La pass at 4663 meters. Then we descend steeply to reach the small settlement just above the Simba Khola, Tseram, our stop for the night.

    Altitude 3870 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Teahouses/Camping
  • 18
    Trek From Tseram To Ramche (4580 M)

    Traversing the moraines of the Yalung Glacier, we head towards Ramche. We will walk past several lakes and meadows where blue sheep are seen grazing making the scenery worth watching. We can also enjoy the views of all peaks towards the east along the Nepal-India Border including Koktang (6147 m), Rathong (6679 m), and many other 7000 m peaks.  Ramche houses small monasteries where we will offer our prayers in the evening.

    Altitude 4580 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Teahouses/Camping
  • 19
    Trek To Oktang (Kanchenjunga South Base Camp) (4730 M)

    The trek to the south side Base Camp of Kanchenjunga follows a rocky path along the glacial moraines. This base camp was used during the first summit of Kanchenjunga in 1953. The base camp offers unforgettable vistas of Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal, and several other peaks. After some time of exploration, we will return back to Ramche to rest overnight. 

    Altitude 4730 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Teahouses/Camping
  • 20
    Trek From Ramche To Lamite Bhanjyang (3310 M)

    We start descending steeply through the Rhododendron and Pine forests until we reach Toronton. Then, we climb uphill to reach the pass at Lamite Bhanjyang where we will rest overnight. This pass also offers beautiful glimpses of Kanchenjunga and Jannu Himal.

    Altitude 3310 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Lodge/Teahouses
  • 21
    Trek From Lamite Bhanjyang To Yamphudin (2080 M)

    We will descend steeply on this day. Passing several villages and crossing dense forests we descend to Imja River. We then cross the Dubi pass and further descend until we reach the Yamphudin Village. Yamphudin is a community resided by diverse ethnic groups like Sherpas, Gurungs, Rais, and Limbus.

    Altitude 2080 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Lodge/Teahouses
  • 22
    Trek From Yamphudin To Khebang (1900 M)

    The trail on this day takes us down the forests, traversing high waterfalls and walking through valleys to Kabeli Khola across the overhead bridge. Then, we walk past small settlements to reach Khebang where we will rest overnight.

    Altitude 1900 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Lodge/Teahouses
  • 23
    Trek From Khebang To Khanidingbe 

    We continue our trek from Khebang village to Khanidingbe while enjoying the stunning views of Kanchenjunga and Jannu Himal in the background. Crossing dense forests and several waterfalls, we reach Khanidingbe to rest overnight.

    Altitude 1300 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel/ Lodge
  • 24
    Drive To Birtamod By Private Jeep (300 M)

    From Khanidingbe, we will take a private jeep and drive to Birtamod, a city in the eastern Terai of Nepal. 

    Altitude 300 m
    Meals BLD
    Accommodation Hotel
  • 25
    Drive To Bhadrapur Airport And Fly Back To Kathmandu

    After the rest at a cozy hotel in Birtamod, we will wake up for a heavy breakfast at the hotel. We will then drive to the airport to catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

    Altitude 1400 m
    Meals Breakfast
    Accommodation 3-5 Star Hotel
  • 26
    Final Departure 

    After the long strenuous trek to the base of the third highest mountain in the world, we will now bid farewell to each other as we depart our ways to head to our homes. One of our representatives will drop you off at the airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure. 

    Altitude 1400 m
    Meals Breakfast
    Accommodation N/A

Want to customize your own trip?

PERSONALIZE YOUR TRIP

Includes

  • 6 nights hotel accommodation in hotels in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Illam, and Birtamod on a bed/breakfast basis
  • Scheduled flight Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu for members, guides
  • Full Board food, lodging during trekking to base camp and back to Birtamod
  • A professional guide
  • Transportation for all staff KTM-Base Camp-KTM,
  • Clean Mountain bags
  • Insurance for Climbing Sherpas, Cooks, and local porters as well as Equipment,
  • Allowances and wages for Sherpa guides and porters
  • Applicable Conservation Area Entry fees
  • First Aid kit ( For special medicine or internal medicine please seek advice from your doctor and prepare accordingly)
  • Company service charge
  • All Applicable taxes

Excludes

  • International flight tickets from/to your country
  • Nepal Entry visa fee that can be obtained at the airport upon arrival,
  • Lunch and Dinner during the stay in Kathmandu.
  • An extended stay in a hotel after 3-nights in Kathmandu
  • Your Personal Climbing Equipment
  • Buy special Insurance such as travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation by helicopter in case of need during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
  • Charges for Commercial Filming and Drone Permit if needed,
  • International airport departure tax at Kathmandu Airport.;
  • Expenses of a personal nature such as hard and soft drinks, laundry, postage, telephone, Wi-Fi, etc,
  • Tips for Guide and Porters (if required)
  • Any other extra expenses other than mentioned in the Cost Includes section,
  • Any unforeseeable risks that can arise during the trek,

Departures

Trip Notes

Please do remember these things.

 

NOTE: Climbers are advised to prepare and train their bodies and mind in a perfect way to adapt to the remoteness, high altitude, and distance from the families. It is also advised to carry lesser amounts of valuable belongings. Also, pack in some cotton clothes for your stay in Kathmandu while some warm ones for the Himalayas. Always keep a copy of your passport and photos with you. 

 

Trekking and mountain climbing in the Kanchenjunga region are highly dependent on weather conditions. We try to schedule our trips at the most favorable time but in case of extreme scenarios, domestic flights may be delayed or canceled. In cases as such, we would like to notify you that except for the total number of days in the itinerary section, expenses of other extra days shall be borne by the client himself/herself. However, 8K Expeditions will make necessary arrangements for the accommodation of porters and guides. If you wish to make alternative arrangements such as a helicopter flight to avoid flight delays, we can arrange it at a nominal extra charge. 

 

Also, 8K Expeditions shall not be liable for any compensation for losses due to missed International Flights but we will surely help to make necessary arrangements to minimize your loss. To avoid missing flights, we suggest keeping some flexible time frames before trip departure and after trip departure. 

 

Also be notified that as we will be traveling in remote areas with extreme climatic conditions and geography where trails can be distorted at times, we might need to adjust our itineraries as required.  But we assure you that the quality of service shall not be compromised at any cost.

 

Thank you for joining us on our Trek!!

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