Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek - 21 Days

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a dedicated airport representative will warmly welcome you. You will then be comfortably transferred to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Feel free to relax at your hotel or visit our office, where we’ll be happy to provide detailed information about the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary.

After enjoying an early breakfast, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Kathmandu’s domestic airport terminal to board the earliest flight to Bhadrapur. The quick flight to Nepal’s easternmost area lasts about 45 minutes. Upon arrival in Bhadrapur, you will be escorted to your hotel, allowing you to relax and recharge in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Today, you’ll travel through Kanyam in a traditional jeep. As you follow the Mechi Highway toward Taplejung, the starting point for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, you’ll be greeted by vast tea gardens lining the route. The peaceful landscape, dotted with tea and cardamom plantations, adds charm to this scenic drive. Majestic peaks like Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Jannu occasionally peek out from behind hills and mountain passes, creating a captivating view. After passing through open grazing fields and small villages, you’ll arrive in Taplejung. There, you can rest comfortably in your hotel and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

After enjoying breakfast, you’ll hop into a nearby jeep and set off toward Sekathum, the destination for the day. While most trekkers begin their journey to Sekathum from Taplejung, your plan takes a shorter path, using local transport and services to reach there a full two days ahead of the usual schedule. The route follows the scenic banks of the Tamor Nadi, winding through charming villages such as Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, and Lelep, along with several other hamlets. At the Kanchenjunga National Park checkpoint situated right along the road, your permits will be verified before you’re cleared to proceed to Sekathum.

After a sumptuous breakfast at Sekathum, you will finally begin your trekking excursion after two days of driving. The exciting trek through the Himalayas starts with an ascent through the Ghunsa Khola and includes crossing several bridges, strolling through lush woods, and discovering the little communities of Jonggim and Ghaiyabari before arriving at Amjilosa.

After breakfast, you will continue from Amjilosa to Gyabla, also known as Kyapra. You will keep traveling in your direction through a wooded area and a track devoid of any human habitation. If you are lucky, you might be able to see Red Pandas today while hiking the Kanchenjunga Trail. After the ascent, you will be rewarded with stunning mountain views and a number of waterfalls along the way. Once you get to Gyabla village, you will have traveled slowly.

Your journey today begins in Gyabla, heading towards the charming village of Ghunsa. The trail will lead you through lush forests teeming with diverse plants and wildlife as you make your way to the quaint settlement of Phale. Continuing at a steady pace, you’ll eventually reach Ghunsa, where you’ll rest for the night.

Today plays a vital role in your altitude acclimatization, giving your body the necessary time to adapt and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. You may choose to trek on foot across the glacier at Ghunsa Ree or follow the path toward Chherpuk Kharka on the Selele La Pass. Another option is to hike up to a scenic viewpoint above the monastery while heading toward Lobsang La Pass. From the top of Lobsang La Pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Phale, Ghunsa, Selele La, Ghunsa Peak, and several other awe-inspiring yet unnamed mountain summits.

Following the eastern bank of the Ghunsa River, the trail rises gently through open meadows dotted with vibrant wildflowers and shaded by fragrant pine and rhododendron forests. A little farther along, you’ll arrive at Rampuk Kharka—a grassy clearing home to a single teahouse, perfect for taking a short break. From here, the path climbs again before leveling out after crossing a bridge near a cascading waterfall. Caution is essential as you navigate the active landslide zone that follows. Once across, the breathtaking sight of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) emerges in its full glory. The trail then curves around the hillside and begins a gentle descent, leading you to Khambachen—a peaceful Tibetan settlement set in a broad grassy plain, framed by towering, snow-draped peaks.

Today’s journey is especially challenging, as the trail demands careful navigation over towering rocky slopes and narrow, precarious ledges carved into the mountainside. After crossing a shimmering waterfall, the path leads to Ramtang, home to a seasonal yak herders’ camp. Along the way, the majestic peaks of Yalung Kang and Kangbachen Himal reveal themselves in stunning glimpses. A wooden bridge guides you toward the serene Ramtang Monastery, but soon after, you must cross a treacherous landslide zone where loose rocks pose a real hazard. From there, the route drops steeply toward the river, and you follow its flow until the remote settlement of Lhonak comes into view.

Exercise extra care when navigating the rugged, uneven trails, as the area is prone to occasional landslides. Along the way, you’ll traverse vast glacial landscapes and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of towering peaks, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pathivara, Mt. Yalung Kang, Nepal Peak, Twin Peak, Tent Peak, and many more. After roughly three hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Jorkin (5,021 meters), where encounters with wildlife—such as graceful blue sheep and a variety of bird species—add to the journey’s charm.

From here, the trail grows steeper and more demanding, eventually leading you to Pangpema, the famed North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga. Pushing a bit farther upward reveals even more awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga, Chang Himal, Jannu Himal, Nepal Peak, and the striking ranges of the Tibetan Himalayas. At Pangpema, a simple stone shelter doubles as a small tea shop, welcoming trekkers during the peak season. After soaking in the grandeur of the Base Camp, you’ll retrace your steps back to Lonak for an overnight stay.

Tracing the path alongside the Ghunsa River, you’ll retrace your journey through Khambachen and descend toward Ghunsa. Along the way, you’ll pass the serene Ramtang Monastery and a traditional herder’s camp, all while enjoying sweeping panoramas of the majestic Himalayan peaks. Gradually following the familiar valley trail, you’ll reach the charming Tibetan-inspired village of Ghunsa, where you can settle in for an overnight stay.

The track to Gyabla will be left behind as you reach Sele La. As you move through the deep forest, there is a possibility that you may spot snow leopards. There are sparsely populated, remote human communities that only have teahouses open during the peak hiking season. There is no alternative method to link the route to South Base Camp during periods of high snowfall until Sekathum. If the teahouses are closed but you can still get through the passes, you might even be able to go to Tseram in a single day, eliminating one day from your original schedule.

Today’s trek will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding, as you must cross three high passes before finally reaching Cheram. After breakfast, you set off from Sele La, making your way uphill while soaking in breathtaking southern vistas of Mt. Jannu and Mt. Makalu. The trail skirts along the mountainside, leading you through a short but demanding climb to the first pass, Sinion La, followed by the ascent to Mirgin La Pass.

From there, the path dips briefly before swinging around and rising sharply for the final push to the top of Sinelapche La Pass. Each summit rewards you with sweeping views of the towering Himalayan giants. Once across all three passes, the trail drops steeply past a small alpine lake, leading you into a tranquil yak pasture dotted with simple roof huts. Your day ends in the charming settlement of Cheram, perched above the Simbua River, where the serene mountain surroundings bring a peaceful close to your long journey.

Reaching the Yalung Glacier—also known as the Kanchenjunga South Glacier—requires about an hour and a half of steady uphill trekking. The journey’s latter section opens into rolling alpine meadows, leading you onward to the serene village of Ramche. Along the way, you’ll follow the flow of the Simbua River and pass through the small settlement of Lapsang. Ramche itself offers a peaceful scene: a shimmering lake, an open meadow, a pair of humble stone houses, and, if you’re lucky, the sight of yaks or blue sheep grazing on the slopes above. Throughout the trail, crystal-clear streams, a glistening frozen lake, and spectacular views of Mt. Kokthan, Mt. Rathong, and Mt. Kabru will keep your anticipation for the day’s adventure alive.

Today’s trek along the Kanchenjunga Circuit takes you past the breathtaking Oktang Base Camp. As you journey through the valley, you’ll be surrounded by untouched natural beauty. This section involves crossing several lateral moraines while tracking the path of the Yalung Glacier. After a challenging hike, you’ll reach Oktang Base Camp, where you can explore the surroundings and capture stunning photographs. Following your visit, you’ll head to Ramche for an overnight stay at a cozy teahouse.

The day’s trek begins with a gradual downhill walk beneath the cool canopy of juniper and rhododendron trees, all while soaking in breathtaking views of Jannu Himal. The path demands caution, as certain sections are rugged with loose stones and unstable soil. Along the way, you’ll encounter several Mani walls adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering gently among the forest. After following the course of the Simbua River through dense woodland, you’ll arrive at Tortong to rest and conclude the day’s journey.

After breakfast today, you will set off on your trip from Tortang toward Sekathum. Peaks like Semethulung Danda and Chanjalung Danda will keep you company as you follow Simbuwa Khola throughout your hiking path. After reaching Hellok, you will continue your journey by passing multiple suspension bridges as you descend toward Sekathum. Sekathum will be your overnight lodging.

The trekking portion of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek concludes at Sekathum. From here, you have the option to take a jeep to either Illam or Taplejung, based on your preferred destination and travel considerations. On the journey, you will pass through several charming towns such as Lelep, Temewa, Chiruwa, Sinwa, and Mitlung before reaching Taplejung. You can choose to spend the night in Taplejung or continue onward toward Illam after a brief stay.

Your thrilling journey around the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek concludes today. From Illam, you will board a domestic flight to Bhadrapur, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll have plenty of time to explore vibrant spots like the Ason and Thamel markets, along with some hidden gems. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up special souvenirs for your friends and family back home. To celebrate your remarkable achievement, the Adventure Himalaya Circuit team will host a farewell dinner with you in the evening.

Today marks the last day of your journey, and we will escort you to the airport for your departure flight. If you plan to extend your stay in Nepal beyond the trip, please inform us so we can assist you with your plans.