Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trip is an exciting trek to reach Mount Kanchenjunga's base camp (8,586 m; 28,169 ft) Mount Kanchenjunga, the third tallest mountain in the world, is surrounded by the Tamur River in the west, the Lhonak Chu and Jongsang La in the north, and the Teesta River in the east.
The Kanchenjunga trekking path is located in Taplejung, in the northeastern region of Nepal. It has preserved its natural beauty and is remote from the impact of modern society. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Jannu (also known as Kumbhakarna, 7710 m), Gimmigela (also known as The Twins, 7350 m), Kabru (7412 m), Rathong (66 m), and Kokthang encircle the Kanchenjunga Circuit (6148m). The vista around the trail is a visual pleasure for its travelers.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is loaded with encounters with the famous Simbua Khola, Ghunsa, and Tamur valleys, where you may observe the culture and customs of the local people. Observing their incredible culture, listening to their stories, observing their distinctive way of living, and staring at the snow-capped peaks provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. The hike is also renowned for sightings of the 'Demon of Kanchenjunga,' a sort of rakshasa or yeti. It is often claimed that a British geological expedition sighted a mystery creature on this Kanchenjunga circuit hike in 1925, which they believed to be the "Yeti."
The Kanchanjunga circuit route also visits the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP), which is home to numerous endangered mammalian species. Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, and Musk Deer are the most well-known. Some notable and endangered bird species, such as Impedance Pleasant, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, and Shy Dragon, are also found in the region. This protected region is also a recognized habitat for numerous globally important plant species, including rhododendrons and orchids.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is not only rich in biodiversity, but also a well-known attraction due to its beautiful surroundings. The breathtaking vistas of Kanchenjunga North Face and Kanchenjunga South Face are a highlight of the Circuit Trek. Due to its pure beauty and cultural significance, The Kanchenjunga is regarded by many travelers from around the world as one of the most significant sites on earth. To add to the reputation of the Circuit walk, it is reported that the Kanchenjunga massif contains "The Residence of Immortals."
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Highlights
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a longer and more comprehensive trek that takes you around the majestic Kanchenjunga massif, offering a complete immersion into the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and remote wilderness of eastern Nepal. Here are some highlights of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Panoramic Mountain Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the world's third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), as well as other prominent peaks like Mount Jannu, Mount Kabru, and Mount Yalung Kang.
Remote and Untouched Region: Trek through a less-traveled region, providing a sense of solitude and unspoiled landscapes that are rarely visited by tourists.
Cultural Diversity: Encounter diverse ethnic communities, including Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan groups, each with their own distinct traditions, languages, and customs.
Ancient Villages and Monasteries: Explore traditional villages, interact with locals, and visit ancient monasteries and gompas that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area: Trek through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a protected region that showcases diverse flora and fauna, including rhododendrons, orchids, red pandas, and more.
High Mountain Passes: Cross challenging high mountain passes like Sele La (4,290 meters) and Sinion La (4,660 meters), providing exhilarating ascents and stunning panoramic views.
Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps: Reach both the North Base Camp and the South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga, each offering unique perspectives of the mountain and its surroundings.
Wilderness and Pristine Landscapes: Trek through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged terrains, offering a diverse range of landscapes and natural beauty.
Glacial Rivers and Waterfalls: Trek alongside glacial rivers, cross suspension bridges, and pass by cascading waterfalls, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.
Local Cuisine and Hospitality: Experience the warm hospitality of local communities and savor traditional Nepali cuisine and local delicacies at teahouses along the trail.
Rich Flora and Fauna: Encounter a variety of plant and animal species, including rare birds, mammals, and the possibility of spotting the elusive snow leopard.
Cultural Interactions: Learn about the customs, rituals, and everyday life of the people living in remote villages, gaining a deeper appreciation for their way of life.
The Best time for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The best time for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience. Both of these seasons provide an excellent opportunity to experience the full beauty, cultural diversity, and remote wilderness of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Keep in mind that the trek covers a challenging and remote terrain, so being well-prepared with proper gear, clothing, acclimatization, and physical fitness is essential.
Duration : 20 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Kathmandu to Phidim (Illam) (Flight and Drive)
Day 3 - Phidim (Illam) to Taplejung 1820m (10 Hours drive)
Day 4 - From Taplejung to Taplethok, 1270m (3 to 4 Hours Drive)
Day 5 - Taplethok to Gyabla 2730m
Day 6 - Gyabla to Ghunsa 3595m
Day 7 - Ghunsa to Kambachen 4100m
Day 8 - Rest day in Kambachen for acclimatization at 4100 meters
Day 9 - Kambachen to Lhonak 4785m
Day 10 - Excursion to North Base Camp 5388m
Day 11 - Kambachen to Ghunsa 3595m
Day 12 - Ghunsa to Sele Le 4290m
Day 13 - From Sele Le to Tseram
Day 14 - Tseram to Ramche 4580m (Hike to South Base Camp)
Day 15 - Ramche to Torongding 2995m
Day 16 - Torongdin to Yamphudin 2080m
Day 17 - Yamphuding to Khamdime 1500m
Day 18 - Khamdime to Bhadrapur
Day 19 - Flight Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.
Day 20 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
A typical day on trek
Our teahouse lodge-style treks offer a comfortable experience for our guests. We strive to provide excellent support to ensure that you can fully enjoy your trekking experience in Nepal without any worries. Meals are provided in a communal dining room at the lodges. You will be accommodated in private rooms with a shared bathroom for your sleeping arrangements. The standards and services of teahouse lodges vary depending on their location. Lodges located at higher altitudes and in areas with fewer trekkers generally offer more basic facilities.
The day begins by waking up in the room that you share with another trekker in our group. Before heading to breakfast, make sure to pack your overnight gear into your main bag, which could be a duffel, kit bag, or rucksack. Last night, you would have provided your breakfast orders to the guide, who would then pass them on to the kitchen. The group will gather in the dining room at the specified time to have breakfast. For breakfast, you can choose from a variety of options such as cereal, porridge, or rice pudding. Additionally, you can have an egg dish with bread or toast. To accompany your meal, you can enjoy two cups of hot drinks such as tea, coffee, or lemon ginger honey.
As the group enjoys their breakfast, the porters organize their belongings and depart during the pleasant morning hours. We begin our walk between 7am and 8am, after having breakfast. The trek's pace is moderate, allowing for ample time in the itinerary to reach the lodge for the night. Take pleasure in the beautiful scenery, capture memorable photos, and venture out to discover the nearby villages. We will have lunch at a teahouse lodge located by the side of the trail around midday. The meal deal consists of a single dish, which could be fried rice, dal bhat, momos, or pasta, along with two cups of hot beverages.
Following our lunch, we proceed with our walk and typically reach the lodge by mid-afternoon. Upon your arrival, you will be provided with a hot beverage and a serving of biscuits. You will be served a two-course dinner consisting of a soup and a main meal. The menu offers a variety of dishes including the popular Sherpa stew, momos, and dal bhat. The options are fairly standard. Dal bhat is a traditional Nepalese dish that consists of rice and lentils served with a side of vegetable curry. You can also place an order for spaghetti, pasta, pizzas, vegetable burgers with chips, and fried rice. We offer a maximum of two servings of hot beverages per meal.
Following dinner, the leaders will convene to discuss the plan for the upcoming day. Afterwards, individuals may choose to remain in the dining room conversing about the day's happenings or engaging in a game of cards. After a long and exhausting day, it is common for most people to retire to their rooms early in the evening. It is highly probable that tomorrow will be very similar to today.
We accommodate various dietary needs. Vegetarian meals are always available. Prior to departure, we inquire about any dietary requirements you may have and establish meal plans accordingly during the booking process. If you have any inquiries regarding the food that has been provided, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can discuss it further.
Views during the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
You will have the opportunity to witness breathtaking views of the Yalung Glaciers. The serene Kanchenjunga region, with its heart-warming landscape, will make you feel like you've returned to a long-forgotten home. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a timeless experience that transports you to another era.
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area safeguards the entire Kanchenjunga region. The area in Nepal is restricted. In order to trek to Kanchenjunga, trekkers are required to obtain a special permit from the Nepal government. The trail boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna. If you are fortunate, you may have the opportunity to encounter rare wildlife such as Himalayan black bears, musk deer, snow leopards, red pandas, and more. Similarly, numerous species of endangered birds can be observed during the journey.
Next, one can witness the awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayan mountain range. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers breathtaking views of various mountains, such as Tent Peak (5,663 m/18,684 ft), Mt. Kambachen (7,902 m/25,925 ft), and Mt. Janu (7,710 m/25,300 ft). Additionally, trekkers can also witness the majestic eight-thousanders, including Mt. Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m/27,765 ft), and Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft).
The best time for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The ideal time to trek Kanchenjunga is either during the spring season from March to May or the autumn season from October to November. During this season, the weather is typically clear and dry, offering spectacular views of the mountains. Additionally, the temperature is moderate, which facilitates trekking and makes it easier to navigate the trails.
During the spring season, the trek presents a lively and colorful landscape, adorned with blooming rhododendrons and other flowers. On the other hand, in the autumn season, the clear skies offer breathtaking views of the mountains. It is important to note that the monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall to the region, making the trails difficult and dangerous to trek.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.