The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you to both the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586 meters.
Because this is a remote location trip, you should have a decent level of fitness and some trekking experience. Despite its isolation, hikers may learn about local culture and visit the Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries.
The scenery is replete with rivers, waterfalls, lush meadows, rhododendron, birch, and pine woods, the Yalung Glacier, and, of course, stunning mountains that accompany travelers on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Kanchenjunga is located in Nepal’s far eastern region, on the border with Sikkim, a small Himalayan state in India’s north-eastern region. Kanchenjunga was regarded to be the world’s tallest mountain until the mid-1800s.
Until the mid-1980s, this region was off-limits to hikers. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area now protects the area, and special trekking permission is necessary. Because of these limitations, the area’s stunning and distinctive flora and animals are preserved in the perfect form today.
In terms of the mountains themselves, Kanchenjunga has four subsidiary peaks that exceed 8,000 meters, the most notable of which is Kanchenjunga West, also known as Yalung Kang (8,505m). There are over twenty peaks above 7,000 meters in this area, the tallest of which are Kambachen (7,903m), Janu (7,710m), Jongsong (7,483m), Kabru (7,353m), Tent Peak (7,365m), and the Twins (7,365m) (7,350m).
There are also several summits above 6,000 meters. Five main glacial systems are located among this spectacular cluster of peaks. Zumu, Talung, and Rathong glaciers flow into Sikkim, while the Kanchenjunga and Yalung glaciers flow into Nepal’s great Tamor River.
This just adds to the fact that the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a memorable experience that takes trekkers deep into the heart of the Himalayan mountains and valleys that are less traveled.
With the recent inclusion of the great Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek trail on the hiking map, tourism is being pushed in this and other remote places, resulting in the building of new teahouses along the route. While this is wonderful news for the locals, now is an ideal time to visit Kanchenjunga before more hikers ‘find’ the region!
Best time for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is most popular during the Autumn and Spring seasons, as it is for most other major trekking paths in Nepal. Kanchenjunga hiking is a camp hike. As a result, good weather is required for walking on this route.
The greatest time for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is in the autumn (September, October, and November). Thousands of trekkers from all over the globe descend on Nepal’s hiking routes during this season.
Autumn boasts the clearest sky and the most consistent weather. The air quality is at its optimum in the autumn. The weather and temperature remain pleasant and consistent, making this the ideal time for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. This season is also attractive since it has the fewest odds of rain and snow.
After Autumn, spring (March, April, and May) is the most popular trekking season. This is the season for outdoor enthusiasts. The trees around the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek route are ablaze with vibrant wildflower blossoms. Rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower, comes in a variety of colors.
Spring brings with it beautiful views of verdant hills and vibrant woods, as well as predictable weather. Temperatures are also temperate even at greater elevations. The sky is blue, and the visibility is excellent.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek during the peak seasons is a stunning experience. Because this journey is less popular than those in the Everest and Annapurna regions, you’ll have a great experience walking through Kanchenjunga’s deserted routes.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking Routes
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking takes you through Nepal’s breathtaking grandeur. It is evident in the scenery, woods, animals, and culture of the country.
It’s impossible to visit both Northern and Southern camps on the same trip due to the region’s isolation and nature. However, you can accomplish so by extending your travel by a few days.
You can select between either two base camps to shorten your travel. Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek are the two options for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
The North Base Camp is more adventurous due to the height of Pangpema View Point (5388m). It has more animals and greenery than the South Base Camp, which extends to Oktang.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek culture and way of life
This area is home to a wide range of civilizations. Exploring this diversity is a fantastic way to pass the time on the ride. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a tea-house journey that will allow you to see a wide range of ethnic groups. As the altitude rises, so do their cuisines. At the end of the day, you may enjoy and learn about their cultures, meals, and languages during your homestay.
In the lower paths, you’ll come across traditional Brahmins and Chhetris as you begin your adventure. Their primary language is Nepali, although they also know English.
It is also home to a sizable Limbu and Sherpa population. They speak a language other than Nepali, the national language. However, due to the region’s significant tourist attractiveness, they are conversant in English.
As you ascend in altitude, you will observe Tibetan culture and cuisine. In one location, they practice both Buddhism and Hinduism. Stupas, Bihar, and other common monuments will be numerous throughout the routes. Tourism, animal husbandry, and agriculture are the primary occupations of these people.
Wildlife and Vegetation in Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek passes through a variety of landscapes and plants. It begins in the Terai lowlands, with coniferous woods, grasslands, and meadows. This variety of plants provides a habitat for a wide range of species.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a global eco-region. As a result, it is well-known for uncommon species such as the snow leopard, black bear, musk deer, and red pheasant.
If you do the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in the autumn, you will be amazed by the thirty different types of rhododendrons and the 69 different types of orchids. The blooms will provide gorgeous hues to the paths. The sounds of birds and nature are also included.
In the lower elevations, you’ll see basic woods of Pine, Fir, Bamboo, and Hemlock. Pines and Junipers are uncommon at higher elevations.
Is solo trekking allowed for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Because this is a restricted area, solo treks are not permitted. In such a wild and uneven landscape, there is a great chance of danger. The rule requires that you go with a partner or in a group with a licensed guide.
The routes of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek may lead to severe terrain, and communication is also lacking. Except at the lodges, you will seldom come across a huge group of people on the trek. As a result, trekking alone in this area is not an option.
The difficulty of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, being an isolated environment and high-altitude hiking experience, presents hikers with several obstacles. A long trip at higher altitudes in the Himalayas necessitates good physical fitness. Furthermore, this trip takes place in a rural location with limited lodging and food options. The paths are not well-marked, making them difficult to follow.
Before you decide to go on this Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you should be informed of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary and its difficulty level. It’s a challenging journey not just because of the longer hiking days, but also because of the altitude gain.
The track you walk through is sparsely populated, with few communities along the way. As we encounter fewer humans, the quest becomes increasingly difficult. We spend most of our time on the path by ourselves.
Because most areas lack communication networks, communicating with the outside world can be difficult. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is essentially a trek into the heart of the Himalayan environment, with the bare minimum of contemporary amenities.
The Himalayan and natural beauty, as well as the exhilarating remoteness of the mountains and your stay there, provide an unforgettable experience.
Permits for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Foreigners must pay 2,000 NPR (about $20) to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit USD 10 per person, per week, Minimum required for three weeks permit USD 10×3 = 30 Per person
Recommended Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Today starting the day of our trip, we send our organization agents to pick you up at Tribhuwan International Airport. You will be heartily welcomed with greetings and shifted towards a tourist standard hotel. We additionally plan for a meeting at our office for a discussion about the upcoming trek.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trekking preparation
Kathmandu Valley is the real spot to see major cultural and historical sites. Early morning, we step forward to sightsee some historical spots that are on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After spending some hours exploring these locations, we returned to finalize our trekking equipment, which was required during our trek, and this night we spent at the fine hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (2,420m) and drive to Taplejung (45 min flight & 9 hours drive)
From Kathmandu, we get on a morning flight to Bhadrapur which is located in the Mechi Zone of southeastern Nepal, and then drive to Taplejung.
Day 04: Taplejung to Lalikharka (2265m) 4- 5 hrs trek
Today we will head to Lalikharka for 5 hours of trekking first trekking day of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Lalikharka is a beautiful village in the Panchthar District in the Mechi Zone of eastern Nepal. It is a simultaneous ascent and descent on a trail that mostly passes through lush green forests to Lalikharkha
Day 05: Lalikharka to Khesewa (2120m) 5-6 hrs trek
We begin our trek to Khesewa after breakfast. It is mostly an easy descent until Phundrawa. From here we begin our ascent. It is a steep climb until Yangpang from where we climb steadily up until Phumphe Danda followed by another ascent to Khesewa. Our trek will be through forests and small villages. Overnight in Khesewa
Day 06: Khesewa to Mamankhe (1785m) 5-6 hrs trek
After breakfast, we begin our trek towards the Kabeli Khola. Next, we walk on a trail that passes through forests before crossing a small stream. On the way, we enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan peaks while also passing through several beautiful small villages. Overnight in Mamankhe
Day 07: Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2080m) 4-5 hrs trek
Today’s trek will be mostly uphill on an easy trail whereby we mostly walk alongside the Kabeli Khola. During the walk, we also admire the beautiful ridge behind the stream. We continue our walk and admire a beautiful waterfall nearby. After walking for some time, we cross a small suspension bridge. We pass through small settlements before reaching Yamphudin to spend the night.
Day 08: Yamphudin to Tortong (2,995m) 7-8 hrs trek
We begin our walk on a path commonly used by the villagers and pass through terraced farms and green meadows. Along the way, we have the constant company of the Himalayas to enjoy. Our walk will be on a trail along the Amji Khola. We also cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong. Overnight in Tortong
Day 09: Tortong to Cheram (3,870m) 2-3 hrs trek
We begin our steady climb to Cheram after breakfast. Our trail is right at the side of the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy walking in the beautiful Lalung Valley and have Tuplung Peak for our company for most of today’s journey. We pass through the thick rhododendron forest and enjoy the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier. Overnight in Cheram
Day 10: Acclimatization and rest in Cheram
We spend a day in Cheram which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude. We can spend the rest of the day resting and taking part in small hikes. We can explore the areas around the Yalung Glacier. There is also a viewpoint for the Kabaru and Rathong peaks. Overnight in Cheram
Day 11: Cheram to Ramchaur (4,580m) 3-4 hrs trek
We begin our short trek after breakfast. From Cheram, we ascend for some time before reaching the snout of the Yalung Glacier. It is a beautiful walk on a valley trail. We also cherish the views of several Himalayan peaks. We pass through a small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche. Overnight in Ramche
Day 12: Ramchaur to Yalung Base Camp (4500m), back to Cheram 3-4 hrs trek
From Ramche, we walk further up the valley. We then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We continue our trek further towards the Oktang Monastery. From here, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks are close by. We descend and spend the night at Cheram.
Day 13: Cheram to Sele La (4290m) 6-7 hrs trek
We begin our trek after breakfast. We cross four passes today beginning with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass, we continue to Mirgin La pass. We continue trekking and reach the Sinion La pass which is not very far. From here, we ascend to Sele La Pass. There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass. We cross the pass. Overnight in Sele La
Day 14: Sele La to Ghunsa (3,595) 2-3 hrs trek
We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. We reach a Chorten marked by prayer flags which marks the start of a steep trail. We descend through rhododendron, birch, and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village with houses with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. Overnight in Ghunsa
Day 15: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m) 5-6 hrs trek
From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We pass through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers, then cross rhododendron and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past a waterfall, and cross the tricky section of a landslide. After crossing the landslide area, we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.
Day 16: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780m) 5-6 hrs trek
Today will be another challenging day, and an early start is needed. We trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. We then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. We then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak
Day 17: Kanchenjunga base camp (5,143m) 6-7 hrs trek
From Lhonak, we trek towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Our trail is alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. After passing Pangpema, we descend towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The view from the base camp is extraordinary. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal, and other Himalayan peaks are ours to admire. We descend back to Pangpema to spend the night.
Day 18: Pangpema to Lhonak 3-4 hrs
From Pangpema we trace back our steps to Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak
Day 19: Lhonak to Ghunsa (3475m) 6-7 hrs
From Lhonak, we descend to Ghunsa via Kambache. It is the same route we took when we were climbing up.
Day 20: Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m) 5-6 hrs trek
From Ghunsa, we descend towards Phale. We pass through several Manes and a monastery nearby. We walk through Juniper forests and reach Phale. From here, it is a steady descent to Gyabla. We cross a bridge over Chhundatangka Khola to reach Gyabla. As we continue our trek, we see a waterfall nearby. We also cross a suspension bridge over Sumbung Khola before reaching Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.
Day 21: Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m) 6-7 hrs trek
After walking for a while, we see a beautiful waterfall nearby. We continue our trek and pass a small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. We cross another suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola and reach Sukathum. Our trail passes through several villages and is beside Thunsa Khola at first followed by Tamor Nadi before reaching Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa.
Day 22: Chirwa to Taplejung via Mitlung (921m) 7-8 hrs trek
After a wonderful time in Chirwa, we head to Taplejung by trekking for 8 hours. The trekking trails along the way to Mitlung offer greenery at its best, floras and faunas, and especially quaint villages always ready to welcome us.
Day 23: Taplejung to Bhadrapur 9 hrs drive
We move toward Bhadrapur from Taplejung by bus. The ride will last for 9 hours.
Day 24: Fly back to Kathmandu
Our amazing journey to the Kanchenjunga circuit trek comes to an end today. Today, we host a farewell dinner in the appreciated local restaurant, where you can enjoy Nepalese cultural dance and music with great Nepali dishes. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 25: Departure Day
On the final day of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you can go to collect some memories for your loved one before the flight time. Our company’s private vehicle will take you to the airport focusing your flight time for your final departure our representative wishes you a safe journey and successful forward steps with respect and greetings at the airport.