Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,338 m/4,390 ft)

  As your airplane glides, its massive wheels and touch down on the runway of Tribhuvan International Airport, your luggage, along with yourself and your aspiration for the Kanchenjunga trek, is carefully transported to your pre-booked hotel by one of our diligent staff members. Take a refreshing shower, nourish your muscles, or wander the streets of Thamel, where you can visit holy places, temples, savor unique street food, experience the vibrant nightlife, and engage in shopping activities. Additionally, consider investing in a deep sleep to prepare all 206 of your bones for the invigorating trek that lies ahead in the coming days.

  Altitude: 1350m

  Meals: breakfast

  Accommodation: 3-star hotel

• Day 2: Flight to Bhadrapur and Drive to Illam

  Drive Distance: 83.3 km

  Drive Duration:  2-3 hours

  Flight Duration: 45 minutes

  Here, we embark on a short 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur, followed by a swift drive to Illam. During the drive, our humble and informative guide keeps us engaged with interesting conversations. On reaching Illam escalate around the viridescent tea garden spread across acres of land and be sure to devour the natural, herbal, authentic, and tempting tea of Illam Valley.

  Altitude: 1350 m

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: 3-star hotel

• Day 3: Drive to Taplejung

  Drive Distance: 151.1miles

  Drive Duration: 8-9 hours

  We squash down the soft seats as the thick tires of the jeep take you on an 8–9 hour drive to Taplejung. On reaching Taplejung make sure to gulp a nutritious diet while replenishing your body for a rugged trek that awaits tomorrow!

  Altitude: 1,820m

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: 3-star hotel

• Day 4: Trek to Chirwa

  Trek Distance: 12.5 km

  Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

  Your hike starts now! This day tests your abilities as a trekking enthusiast. The path gently descends as we journey towards the village of Sinwa, nestled along the banks of the Tamo River, ultimately arriving at Chirwa. Make sure to maintain proper hydration and nourishment throughout your entire trekking expedition.

  Altitude: 1270 m / 4167 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: Tea-house

• Day 5: Trek to Lelep

  Trek Distance: 46 km

  Trek Duration: 7 hours

  Marking a bright tick on our successful mission to Chirwa, we now tighten our shoelaces, trekking to Lelep—a beautiful village comprising only about 500 households. On this trek, we pass through Tapethok, plunging into the well-popularized Kanchenjunga conservation area. The fauna wouldn't mind being captured in some flattering pictures. A touch of humor is always refreshing! Before crossing the suspension bridge and beginning the ascent to Lelep, it's essential to have our permits checked. Take some time to rest and reflect on your amazing trekking day.

  Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 6: Trek to Amjilosa

  Trek Distance: 9Km

  Trek Duration: 5 hours

  Today's trek is a 5-hour journey, initially crossing the Gunsang Khola via numerous suspension bridges and taking in small breaths of air with every step. Passing through lush trees and quaint encampments like Jonggim and Ghaiyabari, justice is finally served as you celebrate a joyous arrival at Amjilosa. Upon reaching Amjilosa, you'll be treated to charming catering services that offer steaming cups of tea, creating a cozy atmosphere synonymous with an extension of your own little haven.

  Altitude: 2,510 m / 8,234 ft

  Meals: breakfast, lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 7: Trek to Gyabla

  Trek Distance:8 Km

  Trek Duration:4-5 Hours

  With the golden sun waking you up, the sense of celebration should be maintained, as the trek you're undertaking within this 24-hour day. Nourishing ourselves, we venture into the bird-echoed forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. Wouldn't it be sheer folly to not shine a spotlight on the "panda" after all the chatter about bamboo forests? If you're truly one of God's treasured children, you might catch sight of a red panda clinging to a twig like a leaf. The presence of vibrant flora and fauna adds even more life to this trek. Bouncing through the woods and past icy waterfalls, we glide over a wooden bridge, ultimately reaching Gyabla, our destination for the night as we strive to shake off the numbness.

  Altitude: 2730 m / 8956 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 8: Trek to Ghunsa

  Trek Distance:11Km

  Trek Duration:5 Hours

  At dawn, we set out on our trekking expedition towards the village of Ghunsa, continuing our journey. The trail, adorned with stones, twigs, dust, and dirt, winds through forests and takes us past the charming Phale village, which is home to Tibetan refugees. Their endearing eyes, warm hearts, and skilled craftsmanship enhance the experience. Don't forget to collect some of their exquisite handicrafts. After overcoming challenges with determination, we continue on to Gunsa. Being the largest village in the region, it offers slightly more progress and amenities compared to its counterparts. You are responsible for your recovery, so make sure to get plenty of rest to ensure a well-conditioned and strong body for the next day.

  Altitude: 3,595 m / 11,794 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 9: Acclamatization day at Ghunsa

  By now, every minuscule tissue, fat, muscle, nerve, and cell within your flesh demands adaptability to the dynamism experienced as the altitude advances. We engage in acclimatization in Gunsa, addressing the situation by visiting nearby lakes, glaciers, fields, viewpoints, and essentially any natural beauty that refracts beams of awe into your corneas (eyes). Here, an ancient monastery awaits exploration, and a nearby ridge presents an opportunity to climb, greatly aiding in the acclimatization process. Make sure to take ample rest to recharge your mitochondria for an amazing trek tomorrow.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 10: Trek to Khambachen

  Trek Distance:11Km

  Trek Duration:4-5 Hours

  Kambachen exudes the essence of those secluded yet magnificently pristine mountainous locations. As we observe the crystal-clear Jannu Himal adorned with caramelized white snow, we ascend towards a lush glacier valley, passing by waterfalls and landslide-prone areas that depict Mother Nature's fury. In this serene haven, you can even witness the presence of rare flora and fauna. Snow leopards and Blue sheep, on the other hand, become your perfect subjects for a truly graceful photoshoot.

  Altitude: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 11: Acclamatization day at Khambechen

  Once again, we prepare ourselves and acclimatize our bodies to the seemingly harsher and higher altitudes that our body is still not quite ready for. Today, we conquer yet another ridge, all in the pursuit of paying homage to the magnificient Kanchenjunga Peak.

  Meals: breakfast, lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 12: Trek to Lhonak

  Trek Distance: 10Km

  Trek Duration: 4-5 Hours

  Today's journey leads us predominantly across a debris expanse originating from the Kanchenjunga Glacier. "Scintillating" and "speechless" would be the perfect adjectives to describe a traveler's sense of joy upon beholding the enchanting Kanchanjunga peak and the surrounding peaks. The apex predator, the elusive Snow Leopard, might meet your gaze with its hunter's eyes, and we remain vigilant, hoping for a glimpse of this extraordinary creature. Furthermore, this terrain serves as summer grazing land for yaks. Aside from these grazing fields, the landscape is virtually devoid of vegetation.

  Altitude: 4,785 m / 15,698 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 13: Trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and Back to Lhonak

  Trek Distance: 9Km

  Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours

  Base camps indeed provide relief from accumulated anxiety, with realization of a particular form of victory. Reaching base camps signifies the successful completion of half of the trekking. Today, after hiking a couple of kilometres, we journey past the majestic peaks to reach the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Set up your tents, brew some tea, satiate your appetite, and immerse yourself in the exhilarating view that unfolds. It seems as if the mountains are merely a couple of hundred feet away from you! Before long, we will mark our return to Lhonak, which you should have already established as your overnight stay destination!

  Altitude: 4,785 m / 15,698 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 14: Trek to Ghunsa

  Trek Distance: 21km

  Trek Duration: 7-8 Hours

  Parting ways from Lhonak, we trek back to Ghunsa. On this trip back you can expect beautiful villages and lands spread across sprinkled by the essence of natural beauty, diversity and the pretty view of mountains. Trekking for 7-8 hours reach Ghunsa for a relaxing time and recalling memories.

  Altitude: 4,785 m / 15,698 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 15: Trek to Sele La

  Trek Distance: 6km

  Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

  We hope you are cherishing a stunning experience on the trek! This day we scale through the Ghunsa trails squeezed between the lap of cold, howling mountains. The journey itself spans a substantial five hours, adorned with captivating views of Machapuchhre Mountain, Langtang Peak, and Mt. Makalu. Along the extended path, we continue to observe Buddhist prayer flags fluttering, occasionally brushed by the chilly wind, which sweeps across the colorful fabrics. Admiring the blue sky we head to our Journey in the south crossing diverse terrains, and forests slowly and steadily arriving at Sele La.

  Altitude: 4,390 m / 14,402 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 16: Trek to Cheram

  Trek Distance: 9km

  Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours

  The enriching voyage to Cheram unfolds as a truly blessed experience, albeit a challenging journey spanning approximately 8 hours. The altitude itself tests your endurance and well-being. However, as we descend, a sense of revitalization gradually takes hold. Our expedition commences with a rollercoaster-like traverse through breathtaking landscapes, diverse terrains, and picturesque trails.

   

  We traverse the Sinon La Pass, dancing along the pathways, eventually arriving at the pinnacle of this journey, the highest pass at 4,750m. Progressing along the echoing trails, the sound of your own breath becomes increasingly pronounced as the altitude soars. Majestic giants like Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang reveal themselves in all their splendour, captivatingly visible before your very eyes. The designated viewpoint gifts a photogenic sunrise panorama.

   

  Continuing along the path, we cross a slippery wooden bridge, and the rich flora and fauna of the forested area become remarkably evident. Upon reaching Cheram, getting ample sleep is advised, preparing you for tomorrow's majestic expedition, mirroring the grandeur of today's venture.

  Altitude: 4,390 m / 14,402 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 17: Trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp

  Trek Distance: 14 km

  Trek Duration: 6 hours

  Before reaching the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, situated amidst the glaciers and surrounded by imposing mountains, we pass through Ramche. At this point, Ramche offers an opportunity for a quick yet fulfilling lunch, renewing your energy for the upcoming invigorating trek. On the journey to Ramche, stunning glacier walls and beautiful ridges capture your attention, while Tibetan Prayer Flags imbue the atmosphere with the essence of Lord Buddha's blessings. Following a few hours of trekking, the warmth of achievement embraces you upon your arrival at the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.

  Altitude: 3,870 m / 12,696 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 18: Trek to Torongding

  Trek Distance:13Km

  Trek Duration:6-7 Hours

  Today, our journey leads us to the enchanting village of Torongding, a destination that can be reached in about four hours. The trail offers a completely downhill path, providing a sense of ease as it keeps you away from higher altitude challenges. En route to Torongding, immerse yourself in the serene views of mountains, lakes, gorges, and forests.

  Altitude: 3,870 m / 12,696 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 19: Trek to Yamphyding

  Trek Distance:9 Km

  Trek Duration:6-7 Hours

  Indulging in an authentic Nepalese breakfast sourced organically, we zip up our bags and embark on a descent toward the sprawling village of Yamphyding. This leg of the journey entails a continuous downhill trek, following the meandering course of the Simbuwa Khola. It's important to acknowledge the remoteness of the area, devoid of any form of amenities, and it's worth noting that a solitary teashop stands as a modest oasis to quench our thirst. As we traverse through the forests, glimpses of wildflowers adorn the path to Yamphyding, enhancing the scenic experience.

  Altitude: 2,080 m / 6,824 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea

• Day 20: Trek to Khebang

  Trek Distance: 10Km

  Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

  As soon as the sun greets you, we embark on the journey to Khebang following a substantial and energizing breakfast. We proceed with an uphill trek through the settlement of Lamite Bhanjyang, making our way through the rustling coniferous pine forest paths. The air carries the pure scent of an ever-flowing water source at Simbhua Khola, guiding us alongside its banks towards Khebang. This trek lasts around 6-7 hours, and the companionship of warm food and hot beverages emerges as your best friend.

  Altitude: 2,080 m / 6,824 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 21: Trek to Khamdime

  Trek Distance: 6Km

  Trek Duration: 4 Hours

  Khamdine sadly makes its appearance as our ultimate trek destination. All the enchantment concludes here, yet unending threads of memories, deeply interwoven, are etched into our core recollections. The journey to Khamdine spans 6-7 hours, enhanced by the breathtaking natural vistas. Upon reaching Khamdine, you're welcome to explore the area at your leisure, capture picturesque photos, and subsequently take the chance to immerse yourself in reminiscing about the trek of a lifetime throughout the night.

  Altitude: 1,910 m / 6,266 ft

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  Accommodation: tea-house

• Day 22: Drive to Bhadrapur

  Drive Duration: 10 Hours

  Early dawn marks our sail back to Bhadrapur trumpeting stories of the trek through the drive. The drive is a long 83.3 km journey accompanied by small stops in the middle to devour snacks. Upon reaching we assign your belongings along with you precisely to the prebooked hotels.

  Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft

  Meals: breakfast

  Accommodation: 3-star hotel

• Day 23: Flight to Kathmandu

  Day 23 since you surrendered yourself to the embrace of Mother Nepal's beauty. You board your short flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu International Airport. Upon returning to Kathmandu, you can seamlessly glide into the lap of luxurious nightlife, delve into city exploration, indulge in serene city tours, wander through its charming streets, and acquire exclusive Nepalese handicrafts as cherished souvenirs. Rest for your final day tomorrow in Nepal.

   

  Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft

  Meals: breakfast

  Accommodation: 3-star hotel

• Day 24: Fly back home

  We feel extremely honored to have guided you on your Kanchenjunga Trek. With indispensable feelings, millions of radiant smiles, hundreds of photographs, and an array of memories for a lifetime, we bid you a hearty farewell as you depart from your respective flights back home. We hope to serve you shortly by organizing such amazing trips and treks again! Until next time, Namaste!

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