Rolling Adventure Holidays

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Experience the charm of mountain

Kanchenjunga
22 days
Hard

Overview

Trekking in Nepal’s Kanchenjunga is like going on a super cool adventure in the wild east. It’s tough but exciting! Imagine walking around huge mountains like Kanchenjunga and Everest. There are five icy rivers flowing to Sikkim, and Yalung glaciers add to the awesomeness by feeding the Tamor River.

This place is so special that it’s protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and you need a special ticket to explore it. Inside, there’s a national park full of unique plants and animals, like the rare and cool Red Pandas and Snow Leopards.

People started visiting this amazing place in 1980, and now trekking has become easier with comfy teahouses where you can sleep and eat warm food. The views are fantastic, and by walking here, you’re actually helping to keep this special place safe.

This trek isn’t just about walking; it’s like being a nature hero, taking care of the mountains and animals. So, when you trek in Kanchenjunga, it’s not just for fun – you’re also playing a big part in keeping the mountains happy and beautiful for everyone! It’s like a magical journey where you get to see amazing things and be a hero for nature at the same time.

Highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

  • Explore Untouched Eastern Wilderness: Venture into less-explored eastern Nepal for a unique trekking experience.
  • Admire Glacial Lakes: Walk past stunning glacial lakes, capturing the beauty of mirrored mountain reflections.
  • Discover Diverse Flora and Fauna: Experience the rich biodiversity of the region with encounters of rare plants and animals.
  • Meditate at Ancient Monasteries: Find inner peace at Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries, recharging after your trek.
  • Rest on Giant Peaks' Lap: Enjoy breathtaking views, resting amidst the grandeur of the towering peaks.
  • Engage with Local Communities: Immerse yourself in local cultures, interacting with communities along the way.
  • Experience Teahouse Hospitality: Relax in cozy teahouses, relishing warm meals for a comfortable trek.
  • Conquer Challenging Trails: Embrace the rewarding challenge of tough trails, showcasing your resilience.
  • Witness Sunrise and Sunset Magic: Marvel at stunning sunrise and sunset views, creating unforgettable moments.

Itinerary

On the first day, you'll land at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will greet you. A private vehicle is ready to take you to your hotel.

On the second day, meet your trek leader after breakfast for briefings about the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Bring your trip insurance, passport, and photos. You have free time for relaxation or shopping. Optionally, explore a Kathmandu heritage site like Swayambhu, Boudha, Pashupatinath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square.

On the third day, after an early breakfast, you'll be driven to Kathmandu's domestic airport for the earliest flight to Bhadrapur, which takes about 45 minutes. Once there, you'll be taken to your hotel to rest for the upcoming adventure.

On the fourth day, you'll travel in a local jeep from Bhadrapur to Taplejung. The journey on Mechi Highway reveals tea plantations and serene landscapes. Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Jannu make appearances along the way. After passing through pastures and hamlets, you'll reach Taplejung, rest in your hotel, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

On the fifth day, after breakfast, hop on a nearby jeep heading to Sekathum, your destination for the day. Unlike most trekkers, taking a shorter route with local services lets you reach Sekathum two days earlier. Passing through villages like Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, and Lelep along the Tamor Nadi, you'll have your permits checked at the Kanchenjunga National Park entry point before proceeding to Sekathum.

On the sixth day, following a delicious breakfast in Sekathum, your trek in the Himalayas kicks off after two days of traveling. The journey involves going up through Ghunsa Khola, crossing bridges, walking in lush forests, and passing through small villages like Jonggim and Ghaiyabari before reaching Amjilasa.

On the seventh day, after breakfast, you'll trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla, also known as Kyapra. The journey leads through wooded areas and uninhabited tracks, offering a chance to spot Red Pandas on the Kanchenjunga Trail. The ascent rewards you with breathtaking mountain views and numerous waterfalls along the way, reaching Gyabla village at a leisurely pace.

On the eighth day, your trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa begins. Passing through the Phale settlement, you'll walk in forests with diverse flora and wildlife. Maintaining a steady pace, you'll reach Ghunsa village, your overnight stay location.

On the ninth day, take a break in Ghunsa to acclimate to higher altitudes and prevent altitude sickness. You can choose to hike up Ghunsa Ree or Selele La Pass's Chherpuk Kharka. On the way to Lobsang La Pass, you might climb to a viewpoint above the monastery, offering incredible views of Phale, Ghunsa, Selele La, Ghunsa Peak, and other peaks.

On the tenth day, the trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen takes you on the eastern side of Ghunsa River, through meadows with wildflowers and charming pine and rhododendron forests. After passing Rampuk Kharka, a grassy area with a teahouse for a short break, you'll traverse an active landslide area with caution. Once past, you'll witness the splendid Mt. Jannu. Descending to Khambachen, a serene Tibetan town nestled in a grassy plain with breathtaking mountain views, completes the journey.

On the eleventh day, the trek from Kambachen to Lonak is challenging, navigating steep rocks and perilous mountainside paths. After crossing a waterfall and reaching Ramtang, a camp for temporary yak herders, you'll spot Yalung Kang and Kangbachen Himal. Passing Ramtang monastery, a bridge, and a landslide area, where caution is crucial, you descend to the river, continuing until you reach Lhonak.

On the twelfth day, trek with caution through rocky and hilly terrain, mindful of possible landslides. Along the way, witness enormous glaciers and stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pathivara, Mt. Yalung Kang, Nepal Peak, Twin Peak, Tent Peak, and more. After three hours, reach Jorkin at 5021 meters, spotting blue sheep and various bird species. Continue the challenging ascent to Pangpema, the North Base Camp, for magnificent views of Kanchenjunga, Chang Himal, Jannu Himal, Nepal Peak, and Tibet Himalayan ranges. A stone cabin tea store at Pangpema offers a resting spot. Spend some time at the Base Camp before returning to Lonak for the night.

On the thirteenth day, retrace your steps along the Ghunsa River, passing through Khambachen and descending to Ghunsa. Enjoy expansive views of the Himalayan ranges, passing by Ramtang monastery and the herder's camp. Finally, reach Ghunsa, a Tibetan-influenced settlement, where you'll spend the night, descending through the valley on the same path you ascended.

On the fourteenth day, leave the Gyabla track behind as you reach Sele La. While passing through dense forests, keep an eye out for snow leopards. There are remote teahouses in sparsely populated areas, active only during peak hiking season. In times of heavy snow, there's no other route to link to South Base Camp until Sekathum. If teahouses are closed but passes are accessible, you might reach Tseram in a single day, shortening your original schedule by one day.

On the fifteenth day, face a challenging and long journey, conquering three passes before reaching Cheram. Departing from Sele La after breakfast, hike uphill with stunning views of Mt. Jannu and Mt. Makalu. The route skirts the mountainside, includes a brief hard climb to Mirgin La Pass, and descends before the steep ascent to Sinelapche La Pass. The summit of these passes offers amazing views of Himalayan peaks. Descend to a region with yak kharka and roof huts, leading to the picturesque Cheram village above the Simbua River.

On the sixteenth day, it takes about one and a half hours of moderate ascent to reach Yalung Glacier, also known as Kanchenjunga South Glacier. The latter part of the journey passes through grassy meadows, taking you to Ramche village via Simbua River and Lapsang Village. Ramche is a settlement with a lake, meadow, two stone homes, and occasional sightings of yaks and blue sheep grazing on the grassy hills. As you pass pristine streams and a frozen lake, enjoy views of Mts. Kokthan, Rathong, and Kabru, adding excitement to your hike.

On the seventeenth day, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek takes you to the breathtaking Oktang Base Camp. You'll pass through natural landscapes across the valley, navigating lateral moraines along the Yalung Glacier. After a challenging journey, reach Oktang Base Camp where you can explore and capture amazing photos. Spend the night at the teahouse in Ramche after the visit.

On the eighteenth day, begin the journey with a steady descent through shady juniper and rhododendron trees, enjoying views of Jannu Himal. Be cautious as the path is rocky and has loose dirt. Pass Mani walls and vibrant prayer flags in the woods, reaching Tortong by traveling down the Simbua River through woodland regions. Rest for the day in Tortong.

On the nineteenth day, start your journey from Tortang to Sekathum after breakfast. Enjoy the company of peaks like Semethulung Dand and Chanjalung Danda along Simbuwa Khola. Passing through Hellok and multiple suspension bridges, descend towards Sekathum for your overnight stay.

On the twentieth day, your trek in the Kanchenjunga Circuit concludes at Sekathum. If you prefer, take a jeep to Illam or Taplejung based on distance or other factors. Pass through towns like Lelep, Temewa, Chiruwa, Sinwa, Mitlung, and finally, Taplejung, where you can choose to stop for the night or continue toward Illam after spending some time.

On the twenty-first day, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek concludes. Take a local flight from Illam to Bhadrapur and another from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. Spend ample time exploring Kathmandu, including the Ason and Thamel markets.

On the twenty-second day, three hours before your flight, a private car will take you from the hotel to the airport for your departure.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup: We'll pick you up from Kathmandu Airport when you arrive.
  • Hotel Stay: You'll stay in a nice hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights, and breakfast is included.
  • Trek Meals: You get three meals every day during the trek – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Accommodation: While trekking, you'll sleep in cozy places, sharing a room with a friend.
  • Guide Support: A friendly guide who speaks English will be with you.
  • Trek Permits: We take care of all the paperwork and costs for your trek.
  • Flights Included: Your flights from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and back from Biratnagar are covered.
  • Transportation: We arrange all the rides you need according to the plan.
  • Trek Gear: You can use a jacket, sleeping bag, and bag from us for the trek.
  • First Aid Kit: We have a basic first aid kit for the group during the trek.
  • Government Taxes: All the taxes and charges are included, so you don't have to worry about them.

The Trip cost Excludes

  • Meals and Extra Stay in Kathmandu: Lunch, dinner, and additional nights at the hotel in Kathmandu are not covered.
  • Travel Essentials: International airfare, Nepal visa fees, and travel insurance are not part of the cost.
  • Personal Items: Personal expenses like alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, and laundry are not included.
  • Tips and Additional Expenses: Tips for trekking staff and drivers, as well as any other expenses not mentioned in the "Includes" section, are not covered.

FAQs

How many days is the Kanchenjunga trek?

The Kanchenjunga trek is a fantastic 26-day adventure in eastern Nepal, with 21 days of actual trekking covering 220 km. It’s a less-traveled area with beautiful scenery, ranging from lush jungles to rhododendron and oak forests, leading up to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

How much does the Kanchenjunga circuit trek cost?

The cost for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek begins at $1900 and can go up to $2600 per person, depending on the group size and the facilities you choose. Your daily expenses during the trek will vary based on your preferences and plans.

Is Kanchenjunga trek difficult?

Yes, the Kanchenjunga Trek in North Eastern Nepal is a challenging yet incredible journey through remote and picturesque landscapes. As an off-the-beaten-path trek, it demands thorough preparation. Traversing diverse terrains, this trek offers breathtaking views, making it a rewarding adventure for those seeking a unique and challenging experience.

Why is it so hard to climb Kanchenjunga?

Climbing Kanchenjunga is challenging due to perilous risks like falling ice and avalanches, compounded by harsh weather conditions. The thin air at high altitudes poses additional challenges. Navigating such difficulties demands professional support to ensure safety and success in conquering this formidable peak.

Can a beginner climb Kanchenjunga?

Climbing Kanchenjunga is not recommended for beginners because it’s a tall mountain (8586 meters) and the expedition lasts 6-8 weeks. The climb involves tricky slopes, icy surfaces, crevasses, and tough ridges, requiring climbers to have advanced technical skills for a safe and successful ascent.

Can you see Everest from Kanchenjunga?

Yes, you can see Mount Everest from Kanchenjunga. During an unforgettable sunrise, a guide in the lounge pointed out the peaks. Mount Everest was clearly visible to the left of Kanchenjunga, appearing as a small triangular peak, adding to the breathtaking view.

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