Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek is one of the isolated and remote trekking trails located on the border between China and India. It is a dream destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and travelers. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek lies in the northeastern part, of the country, a region least explored, raw, and true. This Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek is a perfect package to explore this country’s hidden gem, a place where nature and culture blend.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit trek is one of the great Himalayan trails, taking you across a wide region of topography and microclimates. The trek is one of a kind, where you will witness grand views of landscapes like never before. From the lush sub-tropical forest, dense woodlands, complex river networks, series of waterfalls, high alpine grasslands and meadows, mountain valleys, high mountain passes, deserted landscapes, glaciers, and the pristine views of the greater Himalayan range. A chance to witness the biodiversity of the region, home to the red panda and snow leopard.
In this trek, you will not only be witnessing the grandeur of nature but learn about the true culture and traditions of the people living in this region where only everything is frozen in time, on the foothills of the Himalayas.
Overland Trek Nepal, brings you the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit trek, be a part of this adventure with us, and turn your dreams into reality.
The flight into Nepal is breathtaking, with rows of an endless mountain range and lush green woodlands. Once you land in Kathmandu head towards your hotel. In the afternoon attend a brief orientation about the trek. Later in the evening join in for a welcome dinner program with your guide and our representatives.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400m
Meals:- Welcome dinner
Accommodation:- Hotel
Today you will be heading on a guided tour of the city. Visit various ancient temples, monasteries, and other various attractions around the valley. Later in the evening take a stroll around Thamel the touristic hub of Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400m
Meals:- Breakfast
Accommodation:- Hotel
After breakfast head towards the domestic airport and catch a flight towards Bhadrapur. The flight takes around 45 minutes. Upon landing at Bhadrapur airport head towards Birtamod, a bustling city located in the southeastern part of the country.
Maximum Altitude:- 300m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Guest House
Today after breakfast head towards Taplejung, the drive takes you on an exciting journey to remotely located regions of the country. Witness views of rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, fast-flowing river systems, and several settlements along the way. Once you reach Taplejung head towards your settlement and rest, as tomorrow you will begin your trek.
Maximum Altitude:- 1820m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Guest House
Following the forest track covered with lush vegetation, farmlands, and agriculture belts crossing various settlements inhabited by Limbu, and Tamang ethnic groups and traversing across landslide-prone zones, following the path of the Thiwa Khola, you will eventually reach the village of Sinwa.
Maximum Altitude:- 980m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today’s trek is short. After breakfast head into the trail, traversing across lush dense woodlands following the banks of Tamor River. Upon reaching Taplethok head towards your accommodation and rest, later explore the village.
Maximum Altitude:- 1,380m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Following the Tamor River descend towards Simbu Khola, which emerges from the Yalung Glacier. Traversing along with the steep and narrow trails you will reach the Ghunsa Khola valley and finally towards Sukathum. Upon reaching Sukathum head towards your accommodation and rest, later head out to explore the area.
Maximum Altitude:- 1,585m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Following the banks of Ghunsa Khola and traversing across sections covered with lush deep wilderness head towards Amjilosa. As you come out of the dense woodland you will be trekking on steep uphill sections with exposed terrains. Upon reaching Amjilosa head towards your accommodation and later head out to explore the region.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,395m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today’s trail is filled with views of the amazing landscape. As you traverse along with the trail cross several bridges over Ghunsa Khola and trek through lush sections of woodland filled with rhododendrons and bamboo. After emerging from the woodland witnessed views of the huge waterfall on the opposite side of the river on our way to Gyabla. From the waterfall after a short ascent, you will reach the settlement of Gyabla.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,730m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After breakfast head into the trail. As you progress you will be traversing a wide meadow, pastureland for yaks. Crossing the meadow and after a short descent, you will settle Ghunsa. Ghunsa is a small Tibetan settlement, the village has small wooden houses, a micro hydropower plant, a school, and a health post. At the village head out to start friendly conversations with locals learning about their culture and way of life.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,427 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Ghunsa is the highest permanent settlement in the region and is a major checkpoint for trekkers heading toward Mt. Kangchenjunga. Wake up early and witness the views at dawn. Later head out for short hikes around the village, and various vantage points are providing scenic views of the region. After the hike head towards your accommodation and rest on the porch of your hotel.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,427m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today starts by traversing along the forested path following the watercourse of Ghunsa Khola. After a brief ascent, you will be trekking on high alpine grounds. As you reach Kambachen you will be greeted by rows of Mani walls and Chorthen. Along the way visit the chorthen and learn about the ancient culture of the region.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,050 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Head out from Kambachen after breakfast, following the left-side tracks of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. As you progress on this trail you will reach a high Himalayan plateau, a short walk and you will reach the campsite of Lhonak. From Lhonak witness panoramic views of mountain giants like Yougde Peak (6802m), Mera Peak (6364m), Nepal Peak (7177m), Twins (7350m), and many other snowcapped ranges.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,780 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today, you head towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp traversing along a glacier trail on the northern ridge. Upon reaching Pang Pema, witness grand views of the landscapes. The mesmerizing view of Mt Kanchenjunga at an elevation of 8586 meters along with endless snow-capped mountain ranges bordering Nepal-India and Nepal-Tibet. After exploring the base camp head towards Lhonak.
Maximum Altitude:- 5,143 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today’s trek takes you to descend sections. Retrace your steps back from Lhonak and Pang Pema while walking on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier and Kumbakarna Glacier. Traversing across high Himalayan glands to treelined regions you will arrive in Ghunsa.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,427 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After breakfast head towards Selele La Kharka. Today you will be traversing steep rocky trails, dense woodland of varieties of rhododendrons, pines, ciders, and lush underground vegetation. Along the way, witness grand views of the Kanchenjunga and Kumbakarna Himal ranges.
Selele La Kharka is just located above the High Camp, pastureland for yaks offers majestic views of the mountains of the backdrop, so explore the area, and start friendly conversations with the locals.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,990 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today you will be crossing two high mountain passes Selele La Pass at an elevation of 4480 meters and Sinion La Pass at 4645 meters. So, start early from the summit of the pass and witness spectacular views of the mighty views of Kanchenjunga at 8586 meters, Jannu at 7711 meters, Makalu at 8481 meters, and endless other snowcapped mountains and the Yalung Glacier with views up to the Sikkim border. Next head towards Sinion La pass, after crossing the pass you will be traversing on a descending route towards the settlement of Tseram.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,990 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
The trail heading a beautiful forest of pines and rhododendrons with a small clear stream climbs and crosses a large loose culvert, and climbs again into the seasonal Yak Kharka (pasture) at Yalung (wrong 3900m on the map, it might be 4,100m). There is an ancient monastery called Decherol Monastery; which was built by 6 monks, mentioned by Chandra Das in 1881, but no trace remains of it or the surrounding village although a shrine is rumored above.
However, The trail follows a beautiful series of open valleys, with juniper, cinnamon, rhododendrons, and moraines and lakes with the Kabrus, Rathong, and Kokthang. Be careful while crossing the many frozen streams and seeps hike to Ramche. You can see yaks; some are wild and for herds of blue sheep.
Also, The hidden stone lodge of Ramchaur / Ramche (4620m) is beautifully located and it will open during trekking peak season in March-May and September-November but before heading batter ask in Cheram first. Here you can buy dry food, snacks, and chocolate bars. As there is only one teahouse you cannot expect comfort accommodation and food varieties.
Even, Climb the nearby moraine wall for Yalung Glacier and mountain views and watch for snow pigeons. Sometimes the blue sheep came right to the kitchen that night for the salt found in urine from the ‘open toilet’ and the kitchen slops.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,580 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After an early breakfast head towards Yalung Base Camp, after exploring the base camp head towards Oktang traversing along with glaciers and moraines. Upon reaching Oktang head towards Oktang Monastery, nestled on the backdrops of panoramic mountain views. After visiting the monastery head back towards Cheram.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,730 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today head towards Lasiya Bhanjyang, most [of the section today is on downhill tracks so take it slow. The trail takes you towards Simbu Khola, traversing across woodlands and dense forest routes. Once you reach Tortong following the trail will lead you to Lasiya Bhanjyang.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,310 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Wake up early and witness the grand views of the sunrise over the Himalayan, the Kanchenjunga ranges basking in the sunrise. After witnessing the sunrise head towards, Lamite Bhanjyang and next to Dhupi Bhanjyang following the pine forests route. Most of the section is downhill today, after traversing through the dense woodland you will settle in Chitre and Amji Khola from where you will descend to Yamphudin.
Maximum Altitude:- 2080 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After breakfast head towards the trail, , today’s trail is covered with thick sub-tropical jungles, various streams, river networks, and majestic waterfalls. Following the descending trail, you will come out of the Kanchenjunga Conservational Area. From here head towards the settlement of khebang.
Maximum Altitude:- 1,915 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Traversing across the forest and crossing sections of agriculture belts and terrace farms head towards Hpau Khola a confluence of Tawa and Kabeli rivers. After a lunch stop at Hapu Khola, head on a drive towards Ilam. Upon reaching Ilam head out and explore the region.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,636 m
Meals:- B/ L /D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After breakfast head towards Bhadrapur to catch the flight to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and rest. Later head out for a stroll around the city.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400 m
Meals:- B/ D
Accommodation:- Hotel
Today you have a free day in the valley, have a guided tour, or stroll the city on your own. In the evening join in for a special dinner program to mark the end of your adventure.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400 m
Meals:- Breakfast
Accommodation:- Hotel
After breakfast head towards the domestic airport. A representative from Overland Trek Nepal will drop you off and assist you on your departure.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400 m
Meals:- Breakfast
During the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek, it’s crucial to maintain proper hydration and nutrition. Carry water purification methods to treat water from streams and rivers. Along the trail, teahouses and lodges offer meals like dal bhat, noodles, soups, and sometimes Western dishes. Opt for well-cooked food to prevent gastrointestinal issues.
The ideal times for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal precipitation, ensuring pleasant trekking conditions. Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall and leeches, making trekking challenging and hazardous.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek takes you through remote and pristine landscapes, offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga massif. The trek usually begins from Taplejung or Suketar and passes through villages like Chirwa, Lelep, Ghunsa, and Pangpema (North Base Camp) or Oktang (South Base Camp), before descending via a different route.
Good physical fitness and endurance are essential for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek due to its remote and challenging nature. Altitude sickness can be a concern, so acclimatization days should be included in the itinerary. Consult with a healthcare professional before the trek, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Accommodation along the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek primarily consists of teahouses and lodges offering basic amenities like beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Accommodation options may be limited in some remote areas, so it’s advisable to carry a sleeping bag and make bookings during peak trekking seasons.
Show respect to the local communities and their customs while trekking in the Kanchenjunga region. Seek permission before taking photographs of individuals or religious sites, and be mindful of local customs and etiquette. Dispose of waste responsibly and minimize environmental impact by carrying out any trash.
Obtain a tourist visa for Nepal before arriving, which can be obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport or at land borders. Travel insurance that covers trekking activities, including emergency medical evacuation, is strongly recommended.
Prepare thoroughly for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek, considering factors like weather conditions, altitude acclimatization, and necessary permits. Hiring a local guide or joining a guided trekking group can enhance your experience and ensure safety in the remote and rugged terrain of the Kanchenjunga region.
