Overview
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and adventurous Himalayan trekking routes, offering an unforgettable journey to both the North and South Base Camps of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third-highest mountain. The name Kanchenjunga means “Five Treasures of the Great Snow,” referring to the mountain’s five magnificent peaks.
Starting from Taplejung in eastern Nepal, the trek passes through traditional Rai and Limbu villages, terraced farmlands, lush rhododendron, oak, and chestnut forests, alpine landscapes, and glacial valleys within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Known for its serenity, solitude, rich biodiversity, and unspoiled wilderness, this 18–22 day trek is ideal for trekkers seeking an authentic off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.
Trek Highlights
- Adventurous trek in remote part of Nepal.
- Unique insight of rural Nepalese lifestyle of eastern region.
- Trekking from humid lowland of Tumlingtar to alpine Kanchenjung base camp.
- Cultural and natural bio-diversity to observe while trekking.
- Magnificent panorama of Kanchenjung, Jannu and many other mountain.
- Crossing of Sele Le pass offering magnificent Himalayan view.
Itinerary
After long days of walking, today is acclimatization and res day. We will hike to Laspsan Monastery. It is better to walk rather than sitting idle. O/N camping (BLD)
We rest and acclimatize in Kambachen to cope our body with altitude. We’ll spend day hiking to Nuphchu Khola valley area. O/N camping (BLD)
We walk along Kanchenjunga Glacier. We take precaution as we walk along rockier sections and landslide prone area. After some hour we reach Pangpema which is flat grassy base camp of Kanchenjunga in north side. O/N camping (BLD)
We retrace our route back to reach Kambachen. O/N camping (BLD)
It is steep uphill walk from Ghunsa to sele le. Today, we climb through dense forest of Rhododendron. O/N camping (BLD)
O/N camping (BLD)
Contingency day in case of flight delay or unforeseen circumstances delaying trek schedule. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner in traditional restaurant with cultural dance performances in celebration of your amazing trip. O/N Hotel (BD)
Cost
The Cost Includes
- All Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers (Pick up and drops).
- 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu, b/b plan.
- Kanchenjunga Restricted and conservation area permit fee, and applicable permits & taxes.
- Camping Equipments - Tents, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Mattresses.
- Food : 3 meals a day during the trekking day, tea and coffee.
- Twin sharing accommodation in tea house/lodge.
- One English speaking experienced Nepali guide.
- 1 cook & his assistance, necessary helpers.
- Necessary mules, 2 clients : 1 porter for carrying loads.
- Nepali staffs wages, daily allowances and insurance.
- Flight : Kathmandu – Bhadrapur, Suketar-Kathmandu.
- Welcome and farewell dinner.
- Rescue evacuation co-ordination (covered by your travel insurance).
- All government tax, vat and office service charges.
The Cost Excludes
- International air ticket and airport taxes.
- Lunch and dinner while stay in Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fee (40 USD for 30 days).
- Personal Trekking Equipment for trek.
- All expenses of personal nature like: bar and beverages bills, telephone calls etc.
- Personal Travel insurance.
- Staffs tips.
- All not mentioned in cost includes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the toughest treks in Nepal, so the fitness requirement is fairly high—not because it’s technical, but because it’s long, remote, and physically draining at altitude.
Maximum Altitude: 5,143 meters (16,873 ft)
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Map
