Kanchenjanga Circuit Trek

duration 29 days
usd 4,310 All inclusive
difficulty Hard

Among the hardest available treks but still these treks are in reach of most people however one must be fit. These trips go above 5000 meters and for the duration of 15 – 20 days walking up to 6-7 hours in a day.
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
group size Min. 2 Pax
max altitude From 1,345m at Kathmandu to 5,140m at Pang Pema

trip overview

Go the base of the Kanchenjanga, the third-highest mountain in the world, in one of the most exotic locations in the world.

Kanchenjanga, which is the third highest mountain in the world that lies partly in Nepal and partly in Sikkim, India. At rough terrains above 28,000 feet, you will literally be on the top of the clouds.

This mountain is limited in the west by the Tamur River, in the north by Lhonak Chu and Jongsang La, and in the east by the Teesta River. It lies 128km east of Mount Everest. It is also called as the Five Treasures of Snow after its five high peaks, so it is most obvious you will walk on glaciers and along mountain ridges like a true mountaineer all along this trip.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival.

Your arrival will be at the Tribuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345m) from where we will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Overnight at a hotel and brief you on your tour next day.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley.

We will take you on a guided tour to three iconic monuments in Kathmandu which are included in the Unesco’s World Heritage List. Our first stop will be the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the biggest and holiest shrines in the world of Hindu god Shiva.

We visit another World Heritage Site of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the country. It is believed that the Stupa is a tomb of an incarnation of Lord Buddha.

We then drive to Bhaktapur to visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The square is a former royal courtyard where there are several ancient temples and monuments to visit. The place is rich in culture and preserves the traditional way of living.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar.

Your next destination is Biratnagar which is the second largest city of Nepal.You will reach Biratnagar in about 40 minutes flight. After a short drive-by around Biratnagar city for sightseeing, you will be transferred to your guesthouse for rest.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 04
Early morning flight to Taplejung (2,320m). Trek to Lali Kharka (2,276m).

Early in the morning, you will reach your next stop Taplejung in a 30 minutes flight. It is one of the most beautiful areas in eastern Nepal with spectacular landscapes, Himalayan peaks and a wide range of flora and fauna. After some refreshment we will head toward our next destination Lali Kharka, which is about 3 hours trekking away. On the way we pass through mountainous terrain with forests to amuse us on our trek.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
Trek to Keswa (2,120m).

Travelling along the step route of Pokora village and crossing the bridge above the Phawa Khola, we start our 5 hours trek toward Keswa. After refreshment and lunch at Kunjari, we pass through dense forest and charming villages, along sloping mountain paths till we reach Tambawa and Bhanjyang where we stop our day trip with Mount Kanchenjung in our sight.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 06
Trek to Mamanke (1,920m).

Leaving Keswa behind we travel toward Nandeva Khola, along the glaciated mountains through the dense forest and Loppoding village.The five hours long route will take us to Mamanke.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
Trek to Yamphudin (2,080m).

We have to walk for 6 hours along the hillside above the Kabeli Khola leads to our next destination Yamphudin. We cross ridges and streams, many clears pools and beautiful rivers on this day so keep your camera charged up to take beautiful pictures.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 08
Trek to Chitre (2,965m).

After heading out from Yamphudin we take a 5 hour route before we get to our next stop Chitre. We pass through different forests and rivers on this day as well.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 09
Trek to Torontan (3,010m).

We ascend steeply for 6 hours through dense forests to the top of Deurali Danda, from here we can see Mt Jannu clearly. After this we go down the valley of the Simbua Khola and cross a dense forestto reach Torontan.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 10
Trek to Tseram (3,870m).

We hike for 6 hours following the right bank of the river, passing through pine and rhododendron forests. On the way we can see the massive snow of the Yalung Glacier and also the towering height of Mounts Kabru and Rathong. We end our day at Tseram.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 11
Trek to Ramche (4,580m).

As we take the 4 hours walk toward Ramche we ascend through the snout of the Yalung Glacier, cross a frozen lake and witness magnificent views of Mounts Kokthang, Rathong and Kabur.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 12
Explore around Ramche (4,580m) & trek to Oktang (4,730m).

Exploration around Ramche is meant for a close encounter with Kanchenjunga, watching its circular ridge which is about 15km long and 7500m high. Proceeding further toward Oktang we descend into the glacier where we can see beautiful views of glacier mountains. The eastern part of Kumbhakarna Glacier is the most impressive view to watch.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 13
Trek to Yalung Ri Base Camp (5,400m).

Yalung Ri is located in Rolwaling Valley and we get there following the route of Ramdung Go. The base camp of Yalung Ri and Ramdun Go is same.From the base camp the trail splits where one goes to the summit and the other goes to Na Gaon.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 14
Trek back to Ramche (4,580m).

After viewing the Kanchenjunga and the Oktang and few glacier mountains we head back to Ramche for rest.We need to refill our energy for our next trek.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 15
Trek to Sallerle over the Mirgin La (4,480m).

Before turning around the Mirgin La, we have to trek down the valley passing the small settlement of Lapsang. This pass leads us Gunsa and the north side of Kanchenjunga, we can view Mt Jannu that is simply magnificent and the camp site will be fixed to with the peak in sight.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 16
Trek to Gunsa (3,475m).

Through the village of Gunsa we can see the awesome southwest view of Mt Jannu which is around 5km away. Gunsa is a Tibetan village with a tiny gompa and prayer flag that keeps fluttering in the Himalayan winds.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 17
Trek to Kambachen (4,040m).

Walking continuously for 6 hours through the beautiful trail inside pine and rhododendron forests, we reach our place, Kambachen, a summer village. The view of Mt Jannu and Mt Kumbhakarna from here is quite excellent.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 18
Exploration day at Kambachen.

The marvelous and beautiful river at Rampak Kharka and the awesome glacier Mt Jannu and Mt Khumbhakarna are some of the highlights of this trip.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 19
Trek to Lhonak (4,790m).

The breathtaking view of the valley and mountain peaks on the way to Lhonak through Ramtang village will keep us motivated for our 6 hours trek.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 20
Trek to Pang Pema (5,140m).

A 4 hours’ walk will take us to the Pang Pema from where tourists can have a close and clear view of Mount Kanchenjanga. Although the uphill climb is tough, the view of the mountain in the distance will surely be our encouragement.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 21
Explore around the Kanchenjanga Base Camp (5,100m) & retrace your steps to Kambachen.

The panoramic view of the Kanchenjanga and its adjoining peaks and the Jogsang La Pass will be so beautiful that you would not want to leave. After all, it is the third highest mountain in the world and has an exotic charm about it. But we have to leave and have to walk for five hours to get back to Kambachen.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 22
Trek to Gunsa (3,475m).

Passing through Ramtang and Kambachen we have to retrace our way towards Ghunsa. Beauty of exotic nature and wilderness will keep us company.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 23
Trek to Amjilsa (2,460m).

We walk downhill to Amjilsa. This easy walk is coupled with beautiful views of nature.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 24
Trek to Sakathum (1,600m).

We have to walk for five hours to reach Sakathum. We can view the magnificent Gunsa Khola Valley all the way on our travel.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 25
Trek to Chirwa (1,200m).

We keep following the Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola rivers till we reach Chirwa. At Chirwa, the two river unite and flow in the Tamur River. The entire journey from Sakathum to Chirwa takes about five hours.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 26
Trek to Suketar (2,420m).

After leaving the valley and ascending along the ridge for about 5 hours, we reach the Suketar village. At the comfort provided by our village brothers and sisters we conclude our journey and head toward our airstrip.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 27
Fly to Biratnagar. Then fly to Kathmandu.

After the visit of Kanchenjunga, we finally head toward Biratnagar and take a quick connecting flight to Kathmandu. Then you will be transferred to your hotel for rest.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 28
Leisure day. Farewell dinner.

We have nothing planned for this day so you might want to go sightseeing around Kathmandu. But before you leave, we have a farewell dinner to officially end your vacation.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
day 29
Final Departure.

We will drop you to Tribhuvan International Airport and recollections of your Himalayan journey will surely keep you busy throughout the flight.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
Stay at teahouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for Trekkers’ Information Management System card.
Round tickets for Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Taplejung flight and back.
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 250.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six hours to eight of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customised trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook everyday.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?

You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

You will have to trek uphill continuously for 18 days before you reach the Kanchenjanga and the way back is equally tough. There are several cliffs and high passes that you have to cross. Take light endurance training before starting the trip.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Binoculars
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.