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At 8,586m, Kanchenjunga is the world’s 3rd highest mountain. Located in the far north-eastern corner of Nepal bordering Sikkim, it is considered as one of the most beautiful mountain massifs in the world. Kanchenjunga circuit trekking is getting popular these days among nature enthusiasts as it is a long adventure to the most remote and beautiful area of Himalayas in Nepal’s eastern regions. The name Khanchenjunga means five treasures of the great snow which is in reference to the five summits that make up Kanchenjunga. Since, this trekking is less crowded you will be rewarded with a unique insight into Nepali rural lifestyle and its rich culture.
Today, we will fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur on a domestic flight of about 45 to 50 mins. We then take a jeep and drive via Mechi Highway viewing the tea cultivations on the way in Kanyam towards Taplejung from where the trek to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek begins.
Overnight at a hotel in Taplejung. Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Flight time: 50 mins; Drive time: 8-9 hrs; Drive distance: 240 kms/149 miles
After breakfast, we drive in our Jeep to Sekathum. Usually, trekkers prefer to walk up to Sekathum from Taplejung but by making our itinerary short and utilizing the available services in the region, we reach Sekathum two days before other trekkers. The drive will take us through Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, Lelep and several other villages along the Tamor Nadi. There is the Kanchenjunga National Park entry point on our way, where our permits are checked and allowed to move forward to Sekathum.
Overnight in a teahouse at Sekathum. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive time: 6-8 hrs; Drive distance: 39 kms/24 miles
After two days of drive, we begin our hike after breakfast. Our journey begins with an ascent along the Ghunsa Khola (river) walking over many bridges on the way, exploring through verdant trees, the little settlements of Jonggim and Ghaiyabari to reach Amjilosa.
Overnight in a teahouse at Amjilosa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 5-6 hrs; Trek distance: 9 kms/5.6 miles
We move forward to Gyabla also known as Kyapra, after breakfast. We continue to move through a dense forest and trail without any human settlements. Today, we can spot Red Pandas during our hike to Kanchenjunga, if we get lucky. After the uphill climb, we get to view the magnificent sceneries of the mountains and several waterfalls on the way. We slowly make our way and reach Gyabla village.
Overnight in a teahouse at Gyabla. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 4-5 hrs; Trek distance: 8 kms/4.97 miles
A walk through the woodlands with a wide range of flora and fauna leads us to Phale village. Continuing the trek at a pace, we will reach Ghunsa village. Many trekkers stop at Ghunsa for acclimatization, but we have our acclimation day at Khambache
Overnight in a teahouse at Ghunsa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 5 hrs; Trek distance: 11 kms/6.83 miles
After breakfast, we begin a gradual ascent through an open pine forest and also have a chance to spot Blue Sheep and Snow Leopards. The trail passes through landslide-prone areas. We see spectacular views of Mt. Jannu, encounter the green glacier valley and finally reach Khambachen village.
Overnight in a teahouse at Khambachen. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 5-6 hrs; Trek distance: 11 kms/6.83 miles
We rest at Khambachen after several days of walking. For the adjustment of the body to the altitude, we take a short hike to nearby glaciers, viewpoints and lakes. We can meet numerous trekkers in Khambachen returning from and traveling to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
We move ahead to the trail of Kanchenjunga glacier. We can meet trekkers in the main trekking season walking towards and returning from the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. We move through Ramdang and come across the Ramdang Monastery. The trail gets difficullt at the junction of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glaciers. Walking forward, we reach the tiny settlement of Lhonak with a few teahouses.
Overnight in a teahouse at Lhonak. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 4-5 hrs; Trek distance: 10 kms/6.2 miles
Today, we hike to the north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, also known as Pang Pema. We climb gradually following the moraines through the trail and reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The prayer flags around and the mesmerizing towering third-highest Mount Kanchenjunga is the reward after multiple days of trekking. We return to Lhonak.
Overnight in a teahouse at Lhonak. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 6-7 hrs; Trek distance: 9 kms/5.6 miles
Rejoicing the views of the Himalayas and leaving behind Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we retrace our steps back to Ghunsa. The trail provides memories of walking past stone huts, soaring mountain peaks, rocky fields, rock-falling zones etc..
Trek time: 7-8 hrs; Trek distance: 21 kms/13 miles
We head to Sele Le, instead of the trail to Gyabla. There is a chance to see the elusive Snow Leopards as we pass through the dense forest. There are isolated human settlements with few teahouses which are open only in the main trekking season. When there is heavy snowfall there is no way connecting to reach South Base Camp until Sekathum. If we can cross the pass then we can even reach Tseram today cutting a day off from our planned itinerary.
Trek time: 5-6 hrs; Trek distance: 6 kms/3.7 miles
Leaving Sele Le Pass, we will hike up to the high-altitude passes, Sinion La (4440m.|2758ft.), then Mirgin La (4480m.|2783ft.) and Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4645m.|2886ft.). We will see the spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Jannu, Everest, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga during our ascent. We descend to Tseram and stay overnight over there.
Overnight in a teahouse at Tseram. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 6-7 hrs; Trek distance: 9 kms/5.6 miles
Today, we head through the Yalung glacier, getting higher and close to the vistas. Passing by Yalung which provides views of Rathong (6682m) and Kabru (7412m), we stop for lunch at Ramche. We hike to Oktang/ Okhordung, the viewpoint of Yalung Base Camp or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Enjoying the closer view of three summits of Mt. Kanchenjunga 8420m, 8586m, 8474m and other towering peaks which are untouched and very rarely explored by trekkers, we return to Tseram.
Overnight in a teahouse at Tseram. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 7-8 hrs; Trek distance: 14 kms/8.6 miles
The elevated snow-capped mountains behind us and the walk through Rhododendron forests give us tranquility. Our trek starts downhill and ends at Tortong passing through Simbuwa Khola with enchanting views of the Himalayas en route.
Overnight in a teahouse at Tortong. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek time: 6-7 hrs; Trek distance: 13 kms/8 miles
We descend to Amji Khola (river) passing through Lasiya/Lamite Bhanjyang (3415m) and Dhupi Bhanjyang (2665m). Walking past the steep slope area, we reach Yamphudin village. There is the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area checkpost in Yamphudin, where our permits are checked.
Trek time: 6-7 hrs; Trek distance: 9 kms/5.6 miles
We explore the beautiful landscapes along the trails. Leaving the mountain villages, we take a drive to Kanyam, a beautiful place surrounded by tea gardens. Along the way to Kanyam, we can see the cardamom and tea cultivation. Keeping the bittersweet memories of the trek at the high altitudes, we are now at the lowlands.
Drive time: 8 hrs
After breakfast, we explore the green tea cultivation area for a while. Then, we drive to Bhadrapur, transfer to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu in the late afternoon. We escort you to your hotel and invite you to a farewell dinner program with folk songs and dance in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Special Dinner
Drive time: 2-3 hrs; Flight time: 50 mins
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