Overview
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an exciting adventure that takes you around the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga Mountain. This 19-day trek offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from lush tropical forests to alpine meadows and glacial valleys, and rich cultural encounters in remote mountain villages.
A few days after arriving in Kathmandu, the Kanchenjunga circuit trek begins. Firstly,we will fly to Bhadrapur (Jhapa) and then travel via Kanyam by local jeep. We will reach Taplejung via Mechi Highway from Kanyam. After We Initialize our trek, we will pass through the Sekathum, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa and take an acclimatization day in khambachen. It will take 2 more days to reach the Kanchenjunga North base camp.
After exploration and rest, we will descend to Kanyam(ilam) through the villages and forests of Lhonak,Ghunsa,Tseram,Tortong and Yamphudin. Kanchenjunga trek ends at Yamphudin. can meet many local tourists as Kanyam is a popular destination with tea plantations.after that we’ll drive or flight to Kathmandu.After arriving in Kathmandu, we will check in at our hotel and rest.
Expediya Holiday Trekking has been performing the Kanchenjunga circuit Trek for a very long time. Kanchenjunga trek is considered one of the off-beaten trails in the Himalayas of Nepal.Our company, with the help of our local, experienced, and skilled guides and porters, can make the trek exciting and praise-worthy. Our team will do whatever we can to make your trek the best.
Outline itinerary
Day | Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking Time |
---|---|---|---|
Day1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | – | – |
Day2 | Trek Permit preparation Day (Sightseeing tour Optional) | – | – |
Day3 | Morning flight of 45-50minutes to Bhadrapur, then Drive to Taplejung | 1,820m/5971ft | 152km ,6-7 hrs |
Day4 | Taplejung to Sekathum | 1650m/5413ft | 39km/ 5-6 hrs |
Day5 | Sekathum to Amjilosa | 2498m/8195ft | 9km/ 5-6 hrs |
Day6 | Amjilosa to Gyabla | 2725m/8940ft | 8km/4-5 hrs |
Day7 | Gyabla to Ghunsa | 3415m/11204ft | 11km/ 5-6 hrs |
Day8 | Ghunsa to Khambachen | 4145m/13599ft | 11km/ 5-6 hrs |
Day9 | Acclimatization Day | – | – |
Day10 | Khambachen to Lhonak | 4792m/15721ft | 10km/4-5 hrs |
Day11 | Hike to Kanchenjunga North base camp (Pang Pema) and return to Lhonak | 5143m/16873ft | 9km/ 6-7 hrs |
Day12 | Lhonak to Ghunsa | 3415m/11204ft | 21km/ 7-8 hrs |
Day13 | Trek to Sele Le Base Camp | 4240m/13910ft | 6km/ 5-6 hrs |
Day14 | Trek from Sele Le Base Camp to Tseram | 3868m/12690ft | 9km/ 6-7 hrs |
Day15 | Day 15: Trek from Tseram to Ramche and Hike to Oktang (Yalung South Base Camp Viewpoint and back to Tseram | 4740m/15551ft | 14km/8.6km / 7-8 hrs |
Day16 | Trek from Tseram to Tortong | 2980m/9776ft | 13km/ 6-7 hrs |
Day17 | Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin | 1692m/3910ft | 9km/ 6-7 hrs |
Day18 | Yamphudin to Kanyam | 1210m/3969ft | 8 hrs |
Day19 | Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur and afternoon flight back to Kathmandu | 1400m/4593ft | – |
DETAILS ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted with traditional Dhaka Khada and transferred to the hotel in (Check in at 1400 Hrs). Reminder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (No Meal)
Day 2: Trek Permit preparation Day (Sightseeing tour Optional) (1400m/4593ft)
Today, your guide will meet with you during the day to collect your original passport for permit preparation. They will also check the trekking equipment you have after that we’ll embark on a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is in Kathmandu. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. UNESCO lists it. It features pagoda-style architecture. It showcases intricate carvings. It stands by the Bagmati River. Daily rituals take place. Devotees frequent it.
Boudhanath Stupa: one of the world’s largest, draws visitors for its religious importance. Encircling the base are 108 niches with statues of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, symbolizing enlightenment stages. It holds significance for Tibetan Buddhists and locals alike.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (Includes: breakfast)
Day 3: Morning flight of 45-50minutes to Bhadrapur, then Drive to Taplejung (1820m/5971ft,152 km, 6 -7 hrs drive)
Today, we will flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur on a domestic flight of about 45 to 50 minutes. We will take a local jeep and drive through Kanyam. We drive via Mechi Highway from Kanyam viewing the tea cultivations on the way toward Taplejung from where the trek to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek starts
Overnight stay at Hotel in Taplejung (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 4: Taplejung to Sekathum (1650m/5413ft, 39km,5-6 hrs drive)
After breakfast,catch the local jeep and begin our second-day ride to reach our destination for the day, Sekathum. Usually, trekkers prefer to walk up to Sekathum from Taplejung,we reach Sekathum few days before other trekkers. The drive will take us through Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, Lelep, and several other villages along the Tamor Nadi. There is the Kanchenjunga National Park entry point on our way, where our permits are checked and allowed to move forward to Sekathum.
Overnight stay at Sekathum (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 5: Sekathum to Amjilosa (2498m/8195ft, 9km,5-6 hrs trek)
After two days of driving, we will begin our hike with breakfast at Sekathum. The adventurous journey through the Himalayas starts with an ascent along the Ghunsa Khola, crossing numerous bridges. Along the way, we will explore verdant forests, the small settlements of Jongim and Ghaiyabari, and eventually reach Amjilosa.
Overnight stay at Amjilosa (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 6: Amjilosa to Gyabla (2725m/8940ft, 8km, 4-5 hrs trek)
After breakfast in Amjilosa, we proceed to Gyabla, also known as Kyapra. Our path leads through a dense forest and along a trail without any human settlements. If we’re lucky, we might spot Red Pandas during our trek on the Kanchenjunga Trail. After the uphill climb, we will be rewarded with magnificent views of the mountains and several waterfalls. We then make our way slowly and reach the village of Gyabla.
Overnight stay at Gyabla (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 7: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3415m/11204ft, 11km, 5-6 hrs trek)
Walking through the woodlands, rich with diverse flora and fauna, we will arrive at Phale village. Continuing our trek at a steady pace, we will reach Ghunsa village. While many trekkers stop at Ghunsa for acclimatization. our acclimatization day will be at Khambachen.
Overnight stay at Ghunsa (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 8: Ghunsa to Khambachen (4145m/13599ft, 11km,5-6 hrs trek)
After breakfast, we will begin a gradual ascent through an open pine forest, with the chance to spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail passes through landslide-prone areas.Along the way,We see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu, encounter the green glacier valleys, and finally reach Khambachen village.
Overnight stay at Khambachen (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 9: Acclimatization Day
After rest days of walking, we will rest at Khambachen. To help our bodies adjust to the altitude, we will take a short hike to nearby glaciers, viewpoints, and lakes. In Khambachen, we can meet many trekkers who are either returning from or heading to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
Overnight stay at Khambachen (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 10: Khambachen to Lhonak (4792m/15721ft, 10km,4-5 hrs trek)
We continue on the trail of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. During the main trekking season, we will encounter other trekkers heading to and returning from Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Moving through Ramdang, we will come across the Ramdang Monastery. The trail becomes challenging as we reach the junction of the Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glaciers. Moving forward, we will arrive at the small settlement of Lhonak, which has a few teahouses.
Overnight stay at Lhonak (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 11: Hike to Kanchenjunga North base camp (Pang Pema) (5143m/16873ft) and return to Lhonak (9km,6-7 hrs trek)
Today, we will hike to the north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, We will climb gradually following the moraines through the trail and reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The prayer flags around and the mesmerizing towering third-highest mount Kanchenjunga is the reward after multiple days of trekking. We will return to Lhonak for an overnight stay.
Overnight stay at Lhonak (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 12: Lhonak to Ghunsa (3415m/11204ft, 21km, 7-8 hrs trek)
Rejoicing in the views of the Himalayas and leaving behind Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we retrace our steps and arrive at Ghunsa. The Kanchenjunga trail offers unforgettable memories as we pass by stone huts, soaring mountain peaks, rocky fields, and rockfall zones.
Overnight stay at Ghunsa (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 13: Trek to Sele Le Base Camp (4240m/13910ft,6km,5-6 hrs trek)
We arrive at Sele Le, leaving the road to Gybla. There is a chance to see snow leopards passing through dense forests. There are isolated human settlements with a few teahouses open only during the main trekking season. During heavy snowfall we can reach Tseram in one day by cutting a day from our planned itinerary by taking the South Base Camp route to Sekathum.
Overnight stay at Sele Le Base Camp (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 14: Trek from Sele Le Base Camp to Tseram (3868m/12690ft, 9km, 6-7 hrs trek)
Leaving Sele Le Pass, we will hike up to the high-altitude passes, Sinion La, then Mirgin La and Sinelapche Bhanjyang. We will see the spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Jannu, Everest, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga during our ascent. We descend to Tseram and stay overnight over there.
Overnight stay at Tseram (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 15: Trek from Tseram to Ramche and Hike to Oktang (Yalung South Base Camp Viewpoint,4740m/15551ft.) and back to Tseram (14km/8.6km), 7-8 hrs trek)
After morning breakfast, we head forward through the Yalung glacier getting higher and close to the vistas. Passing by the Yalung which provides views of Rathong and Kabru, we will stop for lunch at Ramche. We will hike to Okhordung the viewpoint of Yalung Base Camp or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Enjoying the closer view of three summits of Mt. Kanchenjunga 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m, and other towering peaks, exploring this untouched, unexplored by many trekkers, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we will return to Tseram.
Overnight stay at Tseram (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 16: Trek from Tseram to Tortong (2980m/9776ft, 13km, 6-7 hrs trek)
With the elevated snow-capped mountains behind us and the peaceful walk through rhododendron forests, we find tranquility. Our trek descends, ending at Tortong, and we pass through Simbuwa Khola while enjoying enchanting views of the Himalayas along the way. We will stay overnight at Tortong.
Overnight stay at Tortong (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 17: Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin (1692m/3910ft,9km, 6-7 hrs trek)
From Tortong, we continue our descent to Amji Khola, passing through Lasiya/Lamite Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang. After navigating the steep slopes, we reach Yamphudin village. In Yamphudin, there is a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area checkpoint where our permits will be checked if we started our trek at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.
Overnight stay at Yamphudin (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 18: Yamphudin to Kanyam (1210m/3969ft, 8 hrs drive)
After breakfast in Yamfudin, we start to explore the beautiful landscapes through trails, and trek along the path of Kabeli River. We will go to Kanyam, a beautiful place surrounded by tea plantations. On the way to Kanyam, we could see cardamom and tea plantations from our window. can meet many local tourists as Kanyam is a popular destination with tea plantations.
Overnight stay at Kanyam (Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day19: Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur and afternoon flight back to Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft)
We will start with breakfast and then explore the green tea cultivation area. After that,In the late afternoon, we’ll take a 45 to 50-minute flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel,In the evening, we come together for a special farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Overnight stay at Hotal in Kathmandu (Includes: breakfast, dinner)
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