Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, which offers stunning views of the eastern Himalayan range. From Bhadrapur, you’ll take a scenic drive to Ilam, a beautiful hill station known for its tea gardens and lush landscapes. After arriving in Ilam, take time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The day involves around 5 hours of driving, and you'll be staying at a local lodge for the night.
Today, you’ll drive to Taplejung, which is one of the most important gateways to the Kanchenjunga region. The drive takes about 5 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes, including rural villages, terraced fields, and dense forests. Upon arrival in Taplejung, you’ll spend the night at a lodge and prepare for the trek ahead.
Your trekking journey begins today as you head from Taplejung to Chirwa, a small village nestled in a valley. The trail is mostly downhill as you descend towards the Tamor River, crossing several suspension bridges along the way. It’s a scenic route through lush forests and terraced fields. The trek takes approximately 6 hours, and you’ll arrive at Chirwa in the afternoon.
From Chirwa, you will trek to Lelep, which is situated at a higher elevation and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The trail passes through a variety of terrain, including dense forests and small villages. It is a moderate trek of about 7 hours, with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Today’s trek will take you to Amjilosa, a small settlement nestled in a scenic valley. The trail is moderately challenging, with some uphill sections, but it’s also rich in wildlife and natural beauty. As you ascend through beautiful forests and cross streams, you’ll gradually make your way toward Amjilosa. The trek will take about 5 hours, and you’ll rest for the night in a local teahouse.
Today, you’ll continue your ascent toward Gyabla, a charming village surrounded by beautiful forests. This trek offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga region and the surrounding peaks. The walk takes around 4 hours, and you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of snow-capped mountains as you arrive at Gyabla.
The trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa takes you deeper into the heart of the Kanchenjunga region. You’ll pass through picturesque villages, forests, and meadows, all while enjoying views of towering peaks. The trek lasts about 4 hours, and upon reaching Ghunsa, you’ll settle into a comfortable lodge to rest and prepare for the next leg of the journey.
To help your body adjust to the increasing altitude, today is an acclimatization day. You’ll spend the day exploring the village of Ghunsa and taking short hikes around the area to help your body acclimate. It’s important to stay active, but not overexert yourself. This rest day will help you avoid altitude sickness as you continue your trek.
After acclimatizing, it’s time to continue your trek to Kambachen. The trail climbs gradually, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. As you walk through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, the landscape becomes more dramatic. The trek takes around 4 hours, and you’ll be able to enjoy some rest and recuperation upon arrival at Kambachen.
Another acclimatization day is scheduled at Kambachen to help your body adjust to the high altitude. You can take short walks around the area, perhaps visiting nearby viewpoints or enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Staying well-hydrated and resting are essential as you prepare for the challenging days ahead.
The journey from Kambachen to Lhonak is a relatively short yet rewarding trek. The path takes you through alpine terrain, past glaciers, and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. After approximately 4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive in Lhonak, where you’ll enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
Today, you’ll make a day trip to the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. It’s an exciting opportunity to get up close to the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. The trek is challenging but incredibly rewarding, with panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. After spending time at the base camp, you’ll return to Lhonak to rest for the night.
After visiting the North Base Camp, it’s time to return to Ghunsa. The trek takes about 7 hours as you descend through stunning landscapes, retracing your steps back to the village. This will be a long day of trekking, but the journey will be filled with incredible views and the satisfaction of having reached the North Base Camp.
Today, you’ll continue your trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le, which is located at a higher elevation. The trail climbs steadily through forests and across alpine meadows, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The trek takes around 5 hours, and you’ll enjoy an overnight stay at Sele Le.
Today’s trek will take you from Sele Le to Cheram, a small village known for its alpine beauty and proximity to the South Base Camp. The route takes you through rough, rocky terrain with amazing views of Kanchenjunga and other surrounding peaks. It’s a challenging 8-hour trek, but the breathtaking scenery makes it all worthwhile.
On this day, you’ll make the trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, which offers an up-close view of the majestic Kanchenjunga. The trek takes about 6 hours, and you’ll be able to capture stunning photos of the mountain range and surrounding landscape. After spending some time at the base camp, you’ll head back to Cheram to rest.
Today, you’ll descend to Torongding, which is located at a lower elevation. The trek is relatively easier compared to the previous days, and you’ll pass through beautiful forests and meadows. The journey takes around 4 hours, and you’ll enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Torongding for the night.
From Torongding, you’ll make your way to Yamphuding, which is a larger village located at a lower elevation. The trek takes about 8 hours, with some challenging uphill sections and steep descents. As you pass through villages and terraced fields, you’ll get a chance to experience the rural lifestyle of the region.
Today, you’ll head from Yamphuding to Khebang, a peaceful village in the lower hills. The trek is moderate, lasting about 4 hours, and offers wonderful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You’ll enjoy the warm hospitality of the villagers and stay overnight in a local lodge.
The trek from Khebang to Khamdime is a relatively short 4-hour walk through villages and farmlands. You’ll gradually make your way down the hill, following a scenic route with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Upon arrival at Khamdime, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Today, you’ll drive back to Bhadrapur from Khamdime. The 10-hour drive takes you through charming rural landscapes, offering you one last chance to enjoy the beauty of eastern Nepal before reaching the town.
On the final day of your trek, you’ll take a flight from Bhadrapur back to Kathmandu. You’ll be able to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed through the Kanchenjunga region as you return to the hustle and bustle of the capital city.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a remote and less-traveled trekking route in eastern Nepal that takes you around the majestic Kanchenjunga massif, the third-highest mountain in the world. This trek offers trekkers the chance to explore pristine nature, encounter traditional villages, and witness breathtaking mountain views. The trek is known for its diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, and its rich cultural experiences. The Kanchenjunga Circuit is perfect for adventurous trekkers who seek an off-the-beaten-path experience away from the crowds.
Explore Holiday Nepal is a reputable trekking company with years of experience in organizing treks in Nepal’s remote regions. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent service, ensuring safety, and delivering authentic trekking experiences. When you choose Explore Holiday Nepal, you benefit from our knowledgeable local guides, comfortable logistics, and comprehensive support throughout your trek. We prioritize your safety, satisfaction, and an unforgettable journey to one of Nepal's most spectacular regions.
The best time to embark on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is clear, and the temperatures are more moderate, allowing for better trekking conditions. The skies are usually clear, offering spectacular mountain views. However, it’s important to note that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and trekkers should be prepared for varying conditions.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its remote location, long trekking days, and high-altitude terrain. The route reaches elevations above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), which increases the risk of altitude sickness. The trek requires a good level of fitness and prior trekking experience in similar environments. It is highly recommended to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude-related issues. Our team at Explore Holiday Nepal will ensure you take proper acclimatization breaks and provide expert guidance to help you safely navigate the trek.
Yes, it is highly recommended to trek with a licensed guide and porter. Explore Holiday Nepal provides professional guides who are knowledgeable about the local terrain, culture, and safety procedures. A porter will assist in carrying your heavy load, allowing you to focus on the journey and the breathtaking views around you. Our team ensures your comfort and well-being throughout the trek by providing the best logistical support.
Altitude sickness is a concern on high-altitude treks like the Kanchenjunga Circuit. As the trek reaches elevations over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), proper acclimatization is key. Our guides at Explore Holiday Nepal are experienced in helping trekkers acclimatize properly by taking rest days and ensuring gradual elevation gains. We also advise you to stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and be mindful of any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Throughout the Kanchenjunga Circuit, you will stay in basic tea houses or local lodges. While the accommodations are relatively simple, they are comfortable enough to rest and recharge for the next day of trekking. The teahouses offer warm meals, local food, and a cozy atmosphere, though it’s important to have realistic expectations as the trek is in a remote region. There will be opportunities for a few nights of camping in areas where tea houses are not available.
Packing for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek requires careful planning due to the variable weather and altitude. Key items include:
Proper trekking boots
Warm clothing (layers are best)
A sleeping bag for colder nights
Waterproof jackets and pants
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
A first aid kit, water purifier, and personal medications
A good quality camera to capture the stunning landscapes
Our team will provide a detailed packing list when you book the trek to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure.
Safety is our top priority at Explore Holiday Nepal. Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness prevention, and we ensure that your trek follows proper safety protocols. We monitor the weather conditions and adjust the itinerary as needed to avoid potential hazards. We also carry emergency communication devices to ensure that assistance can be provided in case of an emergency.
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek depends on the specific itinerary, duration, and services included. This typically covers permits, transportation (flights and drives), accommodations, meals, guide and porter fees, and other logistics. A detailed breakdown of the costs will be provided when you inquire with Explore Holiday Nepal, ensuring transparency and no hidden fees.