Kanchenjanga Circuit Trek

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413ft)

  We will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from jet lag or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel on your own. This dedicated arrival day ensures you’re properly rested before beginning the logistics of reaching the remote Kanchenjunga region. Evening briefing about the trek ahead and gear check preparation. This realistic approach eliminates the traditional cramped beginning that forces exhausted travelers into immediate demanding schedules.

  Time: Airport transfer + rest day | Difficulty: Easy

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
• day 02
  Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Taplejung (1,820m/5,971ft)

  After breakfast, we transfer to the domestic terminal for our scenic 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur over the hills and valleys of eastern Nepal. This flight provides your first glimpse of the remote regions you’ll be exploring. From Bhadrapur, we begin the 7-8 hour drive to Taplejung through winding mountain roads, tea plantations, and traditional villages. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure as you witness rural Nepalese life transitioning from subtropical lowlands to the cooler hill regions. Taplejung, perched at 1,820 meters, serves as the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region and offers your first taste of the mountain air.

  Distance: 45-minute flight + 241km drive | Time: 8-9 hours total journey | Difficulty: Easy

  • Accommodation: Standard Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 03
  Rest and Preparation Day in Taplejung (1,820m/5,971ft)

  This innovative rest day solves the traditional “cramped beginning” problem that plagues most Kanchenjunga itineraries. After yesterday’s long journey, your body needs time to recover before beginning the physical demands of high-altitude trekking. Today we’ll conduct a comprehensive gear check, finalize permits, and hold detailed briefings about the trek ahead. You’ll have time to explore Taplejung’s local markets, visit the famous Pathibhara Devi Temple (Mukkumlung Mangham), and mentally prepare for the adventure. This strategic staging day ensures you begin trekking refreshed rather than exhausted, setting the foundation for a successful circuit.

  Time: Full rest day with optional local exploration | Difficulty: Easy

  • Accommodation: Standard Hotel
• day 04
  Drive to Sekathum (1,575m/5,167ft). Short Acclimatization Walk

  We utilize the recently constructed road providing 4WD access directly to Sekathum , eliminating two extra days of walking that were previously necessary . The 3-4 hour drive descends through terraced hillsides and traditional villages before reaching the confluence of the Tamur and Ghunsa Khola rivers. Sekathum marks the modern starting point for Kanchenjunga treks, where ancient trading routes meet contemporary logistics. Upon arrival, we’ll take a gentle 1-hour acclimatization walk to stretch our legs and begin the gradual adjustment to mountain rhythms. The evening offers time to meet your trekking team and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.

  Distance: 3-4 hours drive + 1-hour walk | Time: 4-5 hours total | Difficulty: Easy

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 05
  Trek to Amjilosa (2,310m/7,579ft)

  Today begins our trekking journey proper with a gentle 4-5 hour walk designed for gradual conditioning rather than immediate shock. Following the Ghunsa Khola northeast, we gain 735 meters of elevation through moderate terrain, passing through traditional settlements and pristine forests. This first trekking day deliberately avoids the brutal 7-8 hour marches that characterize poorly designed itineraries, allowing your body to adapt gradually to the demands ahead. Amjilosa, a stunning Tibetan settlement, provides your first immersion into the rich cultural heritage of the Kanchenjunga region. The village’s stone houses and prayer flags create a magical introduction to the high Himalayan lifestyle.

  Distance: 6-7km | Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 06
  Trek to Gyabla (2,730m/8,957ft)

  Our journey continues with a scenic 5-6 hour trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests toward Gyabla. The trail follows ancient paths used by traders and pilgrims for centuries, winding alongside rushing streams and through clearings that offer glimpses of the peaks ahead. You’ll encounter a magnificent waterfall partway through the day, providing an excellent photography opportunity and rest stop. As we gain 420 meters of elevation, the landscape gradually transitions from subtropical vegetation to temperate mountain forests. Gyabla offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks in the distance, serving as a beautiful reminder of the ultimate destination that awaits.

  Distance: 7-8km | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 07
  Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m/11,795ft)

  Today marks our entry into the high-altitude zone with a significant 865-meter ascent to Ghunsa, the largest settlement in the upper Kanchenjunga region. The trail leads through enchanting forests of pine and oak before opening into the spectacular valley where Ghunsa sits. This traditional Tibetan village features stone-walled houses, a health center, school, and hydropower station, representing a thriving community in one of Nepal’s most remote regions. Buddhist monasteries and chortens dot the landscape, while prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze. Ghunsa serves as the crucial gateway to higher elevations and offers your first taste of the profound cultural heritage that defines the Kanchenjunga region.

  Distance: 10km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 08
  First Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa (3,595m/11,795ft)

  This critical acclimatization day allows your body to adjust to the altitude above 3,500 meters. We’ll take a rewarding hike to a viewpoint ridge approximately 400 meters above the village, offering spectacular views of Jannu Peak and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The 4-5 hour round trip provides excellent acclimatization exercise while revealing the dramatic mountain amphitheater that surrounds us. You’ll also have time to explore Ghunsa’s monasteries, interact with local families, and observe traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture in action. This day exemplifies the “climb high, sleep low” principle essential for safe high-altitude travel.

  Distance: 4-5km round trip to viewpoint | Time: 4-5 hours hiking | Difficulty: Moderate

  • Accommodation: Tented
  • Meal: Teahouse
• day 09
  Trek to Khambachen (4,100m/13,451ft)

  Departing Ghunsa, we follow the Ghunsa Khola’s southern bank through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. The trail passes numerous monasteries, mani walls, and chortens that speak to the deep spiritual significance of this landscape. Pine and rhododendron forests gradually give way to alpine vegetation as we ascend 505 meters over 5-6 hours. The magnificent Jannu Himal dominates the skyline, while glimpses of the Kanchenjunga massif begin to appear. Khambachen, a traditional summer village with strong Tibetan heritage, provides stunning 360-degree mountain views that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the incredible beauty surrounding this remote settlement.

  Distance: 8km | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging

  • Accommodation: Tented
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• day 10
  Second Acclimatization Day in Khambachen (4,100m/13,451ft)

  This second crucial acclimatization day provides unrivaled side trip opportunities to Jannu Base Camp or the beautiful glacial lake Nupchu Pokhari, contributing to successfully reaching Kanchenjunga North Base Camp . Expert sources emphasize that many Nepalese trekking agencies only have a 1-night stay at Khambachen, which is dangerous and misses excellent acclimatization opportunities . Our carefully planned 2-night stay ensures proper altitude adaptation while offering spectacular day hikes to viewpoints providing close encounters with some of the world’s most impressive peaks. The day allows for both essential physiological adjustment and unforgettable mountain experiences.

  Distance: 5-8km depending on chosen side trip | Time: 4-6 hours optional hiking | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 11
  Trek to Lhonak (4,785m/15,699ft)

  Today’s journey takes us into the heart of snow leopard territory as we trek across glacial moraines and rocky terrain toward Lhonak. The 5-6 hour walk gains 685 meters of elevation through increasingly dramatic high-altitude landscapes. We’ll traverse summer yak pastures and cross boulder fields while keeping our eyes open for blue sheep and, if we’re incredibly fortunate, the elusive snow leopard. The trail follows the Kanchenjunga Glacier’s lateral moraine, providing stunning views of the towering peaks that form the massif. Lhonak, situated at nearly 4,800 meters, offers a cold but incredibly clear mountain environment where the air is thin but the views are boundless.

  Distance: 9km | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 12
  Trek to Pangpema - Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m/16,873ft) and Return to Lhonak

  Today represents the primary objective of our journey as we trek to Pangpema, the North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. The 7-8 hour round trip takes us across the Kanchenjunga Glacier’s moraine to stand before the third-highest mountain in the world. At 5,143 meters, this base camp offers an overwhelming sense of scale and natural power, with Buddhist prayer flags creating a spiritual atmosphere against the backdrop of ice and rock. The panoramic views include not only Kanchenjunga’s north face but also neighboring peaks that tower above 7,000 meters. After absorbing this extraordinary environment and capturing memories through photography, we return to Lhonak for the night, having achieved one of trekking’s most spectacular destinations.

  Distance: 8km round trip | Time: 7-8 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 13
  Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,595m/11,795ft)

  We begin our descent from the high-altitude environment, retracing our route through Khambachen before continuing to Ghunsa. This 6-7 hour journey involves a significant 1,190-meter descent, manageable as a single day while providing relief from the thin air of higher elevations. The trail offers opportunities to observe how dramatically the landscape changes with altitude, from the stark beauty of the glacier zone to the increasingly lush vegetation as we descend. Lunch at Khambachen provides a welcome break and chance to reflect on yesterday’s achievement. Returning to Ghunsa feels like coming home, with the village’s relative comfort and lower altitude offering a restorative environment before continuing the circuit.

  Distance: 15km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 14
  Trek to Sele La High Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)

  Today we begin the challenging transition to the circuit’s second half by trekking toward Sele La Pass. The 6-7 hour journey gains 605 meters through steep, rocky terrain and dense forest sections. This demanding day requires early departure and steady pacing as we climb toward the high camp that will position us for tomorrow’s pass crossing. The trail winds through areas of incredible natural beauty, with glimpses of the peaks we’ll soon view from the opposite side. Sele La High Camp provides basic but adequate shelter in a dramatic mountain setting, preparing us for one of the trek’s most challenging but rewarding days ahead.

  Distance: 8km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 15
  Cross Sele La Pass (4,480m/14,698ft) and Trek to Tseram (3,870m/12,697ft)

  This epic day involves crossing the challenging Sele La Pass, which links the north and south sides of the Kanchenjunga massif. We’ll tackle two significant passes—Sinion La (4,660m) and Sele La (4,480m)—before descending 1,000 meters to Tseram. The 7-8 hour journey tests both physical endurance and mental determination while rewarding us with some of the trek’s most spectacular scenery. From the passes, the views encompass both sides of the Kanchenjunga region, providing a unique perspective on this vast mountain wilderness. The descent to Tseram brings relief from altitude and entry into the beautiful Yalung valley system that leads to the southern base camp.

  Distance: 12km | Time: 7-8 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 16
  Trek to Gunsa (3,475m).

  From Tseram, we begin our approach to Kanchenjunga’s southern base camp region with a beautiful 4-5 hour trek through the Yalung valley. The trail follows ancient paths alongside the Yalung Glacier, gaining 710 meters of elevation through increasingly spectacular mountain scenery. We’ll pass through small settlements and encounter the dramatic geological features that characterize this glacial environment. Ramche, situated at 4,580 meters, provides the staging point for reaching the southern base camp and offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga massif from this entirely different perspective. The village’s location allows for excellent photography of the surrounding peaks, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

  Distance: 7km | Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 17
  Trek to Oktang - Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,730m/15,518ft) and Return to Ramche

  Today completes our circuit’s primary objectives with a visit to Oktang, the viewpoint for Kanchenjunga’s South Base Camp. The 6-7 hour round trip takes us through moraine landscapes and glacial terrain to reach this spectacular vantage point at 4,730 meters. From Oktang, you can observe four of Kanchenjunga’s main summits: Kanchenjunga Main (8,586m), Yalung Kang (8,505m), Kanchenjunga Central (8,482m), and Kanchenjunga South (8,476m)—an extraordinarily rare opportunity to view four such high peaks in close proximity. After experiencing this overwhelming display of Himalayan grandeur and completing photography, we return to Ramche having achieved both major base camp objectives of the circuit.

  Distance: 8km round trip | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging

  • Accommodation: Tea house at Ramche
• day 18
  Trek to Tortong (2,995m/9,826ft)

  We begin our descent from the high-altitude regions with a significant 6-7 hour trek that drops 1,585 meters to Tortong. This major elevation loss takes us through dramatically changing ecosystems, from the stark beauty of the glacial zone through alpine meadows and eventually into temperate forests. The long descent requires careful attention to footing and knee protection, but the gradual return to thicker air provides noticeable relief. Tortong, situated in a beautiful valley setting, offers a pleasant contrast to the harsh high-altitude environment we’ve been experiencing. The village provides comfortable accommodation and the satisfaction of having successfully completed the circuit’s most challenging sections.

  Distance: 12km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 19
  Trek to Yamphudin (1,690m/5,545ft)

  Continuing our descent, we trek 6-7 hours through beautiful mountain landscapes toward Yamphudin, losing another 1,305 meters of elevation. The trail passes through traditional villages where we can observe the rich cultural heritage and time-honored customs of the local communities. Yamphudin represents a return to the warmer, more comfortable elevations where breathing becomes noticeably easier. This traditional village, renowned for its cultural preservation, provides insight into the authentic mountain lifestyle that has remained unchanged for generations. The evening offers time to reflect on the incredible journey completed and celebrate the achievement of successfully circumnavigating the Kanchenjunga massif.

  Distance: 12km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
• day 20
  Trek to Pang Pema (5,140m).

  Our final day begins with a 4-5 hour drive from Yamphudin to the road network, then continues to Bhadrapur for our flight back to Kathmandu. The journey provides final opportunities to observe the beautiful countryside and reflect on the extraordinary adventure completed. The 45-minute flight returns us to Nepal’s capital, where the contrast between the remote mountain wilderness and urban civilization feels particularly striking. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have successfully completed one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding treks, having experienced both base camps of the third-highest mountain on Earth while gaining deep appreciation for the cultural richness and natural beauty of the Kanchenjunga region.

  Distance: 4-5 hours drive + 45-minute flight | Time: 6-7 hours total journey | Difficulty: Easy

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• day 20
  Drive from Yamphudin to Bhadrapur. Fly to Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413ft)

  Final day with drive to Bhadrapur and flight back to Kathmandu. Reflect on the extraordinary adventure completed—you’ve successfully experienced both base camps of the third-highest mountain on Earth while gaining deep appreciation for the Kanchenjunga region’s cultural richness and natural beauty.

  Distance: 4-5 hours drive + 45-minute flight | Time: 6-7 hours total | Difficulty: Easy

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• day 21
  Final Departure

  Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure, carrying with you the spiritual insights and cultural connections forged in the sacred Tsum Valley.

  Distance: Airport transfer | Time: 30 minutes drive

  • Meal: Breakfast