Major highlights of the Kanchenjunga Trekking trail
- Exploring the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m) and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4730m), which are the base camps of the world's third-highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m).
- Stunning panoramic views of peaks including the world’s third highest Mt Kanchenjunga(8586m), Yalung Kang (8505m), Kumbakarna(7710m), Kambachen(7903m), Jongsong(7483m), and Kabru(7353m)
- Crossing the adventurous and scenic High Mountain Passes such as Sele La Pass(4290m) and Mirgin La Pass(4645m).
- Off the beaten trekking experience through the remote and untouched trail of eastern Nepal
- Authentic cultural exploration: the Kanchenjunga region is home to Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities.
- Experience the diverse wildlife of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
An Overview of the Kanchenjunga Region Trekking
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a spectacular journey to the base camp of the World’s third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m), through one of Nepal’s raw, untouched landscapes of eastern Nepal. Located in the Taplajung district, this off-the-beaten trekking path is a mixture of natural landscapes, ancient villages, lush forests, and high-mountain passes.
Unlike the crowded Everest Base Camp Trekand Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is less crowded, offering the pristine beauty of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Established in 1997, the Government of Nepal declared it as the “Gift to Earth” due to its extraordinary landscapes, biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural significance.
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is home to various species of flora and fauna, with altitudes ranging from 1200 meters to 8586 meters. It shelters endangered animals like the snow leopard and red panda, along with other wildlife such as black bears, musk deer, and blue sheep. Additionally, the area features around 30 species of rhododendron and other flowering plants. It also hosts over 250 bird species.
Trekking in the Kanchenjunga region provides an opportunity to visit the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m) and South Base Camp (4730m). The trek involves crossing high mountain passes like Sele La Pass (4290m) and Mirgin La Pass (4645m), which offer breathtaking views of peaks such as Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m),Yalung Kang (8505m), Kumbakarna (7710m), Kambachen (7903m), Jongsong (7483m), and Kabru (7353m). On clear days, you can also see Mount Everest (8848.86m), the tallest mountain in the world, along with Lhotse (8516m) and Makalu (8485m). The Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga Glacier enhance the scenic beauty of the journey.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is not only about natural scenery and biodiversity, but also about the cultural journey. The region is home to diverse ethnic communities, including the Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan settlers, where you can experience their unique culture, traditions, and way of life. While passing through villages like Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, and Yamphudin, don’t miss the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about the region’s culture and history in depth.
The 17-day Kanchenjunga Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures. Its rugged landscapes, high-altitude trails, and peaceful remoteness offer a unique chance to experience the raw beauty, cultural richness, and wilderness of the eastern Himalayas.
17-Day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary and Route Map
The 17-day Kanchenjunga Trek begins with a 45-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. After landing, take a 5-6 hour jeep ride on a scenic highway to Taplejung Bazaar (1840m), the district capital of Taplejung.
The next day involves a 5-6 hour off-road jeep journey to Sekathum (1650m), where the trek officially starts. The trail winds through dense forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines, passing settlements like Amjilosa (2500m), Gyabla (2725m), and Ghunsa (3415m). Ghunsa is the largest settlement, where permits are checked.
From here, the trek continues through alpine forests and pastures to Khangpachen (4145m) for altitude acclimatization. After resting, proceed via lateral moraines to Lhonak (4792m). The next day, hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m), or Pangpema, with breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m) and surrounding peaks.
Spend time at the base camp and return to Lhonak, then trek back to Ghunsa. From Ghunsa, the route diverges toward Sele La Base Camp (4240m) along an ascending trail. The following day, start early and cross several passes: Sele La (4290m), Sinion La (4440m), Mirgin La (4480m), and Sinelapche La (4840m) to reach Tseram.
Continue hiking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (4730m), or Oktang, which offers stunning views of the south face of Kanchenjunga, the Yalung Glacier, and nearby peaks. Return to Tseram the same day.
The next phase involves descending to Torton and Yamphudin(1692m), then enjoying a scenic jeep ride to Kanyam, Nepal's tea hub. After exploring Kanyam, drive to Bhadrapur to catch a domestic flight back to Kathmandu, ending your Kanchenjunga adventure.
Is the Kanchenjunga Trek difficult?
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is among Nepal's most demanding trekking routes. Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route has fewer facilities and limited teahouse options. Additionally, this trek involves routes that cross various high-altitude passes, such as Sinion La Pass (4440m),Mirgin La Pass (4480m), and Sinelapche La Pass (4840m).
We do not recommend this trek for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Trekking at high altitudes is difficult because the oxygen level drops significantly as you go higher, which can lead to altitude sickness. Even if you're an experienced trekker, proper preparation is crucial before starting such a trek. Get mentally and physically ready, eat nutritious foods, choose the best season, and select the right gear.
How much does the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek cost?
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek costs between $1900 and $2500, depending on group size, itinerary, and included services. Likewise, we offer a 17-day Kanchenjunga Trek that costs $1999 per person, which includes ground transportation, a 2-way Kathmandu to Bhadrapur flight, accommodations, and three meals a day during the trek, all required permits, guide and porter fees, and all government taxes.
Our Kanchenjunga Trek Package excludes personal expenses like drinks, hot water, showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging.
Benefits of doing the Kanchenjunga Trek with Overland Trek Nepal
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an overwhelming trekking journey delivering a wild, remote trekking experience in Nepal. Therefore, to enhance your trekking experience in Kanchenjunga, we have brought some of the benefits you will receive during the journey:
- Professional Trekking Experts and crew members who have been to Kanchenjungra multiple times.
- Complimentary Kanchenjuga Circuit Trek Route Map, T-shirt, and Cap of Overland Trek Nepal.
- Free luggage store access at Overland Trek Nepal Office.
- First Aid Kit carried by the guide.
- 24-hour communication with the trekking leader and crew members.
- Trip Achievement certificate after the trek, along with a farewell dinner.
- An hour trekking massage after the end of the trek.
For more information regarding this journey to the Kanchenjunga, feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779841920870. Our travel planner from Overland Trek Nepal is always on a hotline to answer your queries
