Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a 23 Days trip that hikes into one of the most remote and unbeaten trails of Nepal. Thus, a good level of fitness and some prior trekking experience is highly desirable. Additionally, for being a restricted area, the visitors to the region need a special permit to visit besides the regular trekking permits.

Moreover, the trip is a pretty challenging and rewarding trek in itself into the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal. Here the travelers are sure to get past some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including the third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga.

Duration and Difficulty

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek typically takes 23 days to complete. This includes a day of arrival in Kathmandu, one full day Kathmandu Tour and a day allocated for final departure as well. The Kathmandu Day Tour has been attached into the itinerary so as to apply for a restricted area permit that takes one full day in itself.

Regarding its difficulty, it is considered to be a strenuous trek, with high passes, steep climbs, and uneven terrain. Furthermore, altitude sickness here might be a risk, so it is very important to acclimatize properly. We therefore have allocated a day for acclimatization as well.

Mount Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga, as mentioned above, is the third-highest mountain in the world at 8586 m (28169 ft). Moreover, the mountain is bounded in the west by Tamur River, in the north by Lhonak River and Jongsang La, and in the east by the Teesta River. Furthermore, it lies in the border region between Nepal and Sikkim state of India. The three of the five peaks, namely Main, Central and South, fall directly on the border. While the peaks West and Kangbachen fall inside Nepal’s Taplejung District.

Until 1852, Kangchenjunga was assumed to be the highest mountain in the world, but calculations and measurements by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in 1849 showed that Mount Everest, known as Peak XV at the time, is actually higher. After allowing for further verification of all calculations, it was officially announced in 1856 that Kangchenjunga was the third-highest mountain.

Additionally, the Kanchenjunga is considered a sacred mountain in Sikkim, India. It was first climbed on 25 May 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band. Furthermore, they were part of the 1955 British Kanchenjunga expedition. They stopped just short of the true summit, keeping a promise given to Tashi Namgyal, the Chogyal of Sikkim, that the top of the mountain would remain untouched. The Indian side of the mountain is thus off-limits to climbers.

Flight to Bhadrapur

The trip begins with a 45 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Bhadrapur is a town and municipality in Jhapa District in the Koshi Province of southeastern Nepal. Moreover, it shares the borders with Bihar state, India on the south and West Bengal state on the north. Furthermore, there is also a border crossing available here with a customs office. The visitors then take a 2-3 hours drive to Illam.

Illam

Ilam is one of the 14 districts of Koshi Province of eastern Nepal. It is a hilly region and covers 1703 km2 (658 sq mi). There is also an option for a drive from Kathmandu to Illam. Moreover, Illam lies about 600 km (370 mi) east of Kathmandu. Ilam attracts many researchers and scientists for the study of medicinal and aromatic plants, orchids, rare birds and the red panda. Ilam stretches from the Terai belt to the upper hilly belt of this Himalayan nation.

Additionally, Ilam is also very famous for its tea plantation. The leafy tea grown here is considered to be one of the finest quality teas in the world. Moreover, it is exported to many parts of Europe, Australia and the USA. The main source of income in this district is thus all kinds of commercial agriculture (especially cash crops). It includes tea, cardamom, ginger, potato, broom grass (Thysanolaena latifolia) and dairy and dairy related products.

Taplejung

The journey then continues with a 4-5 hour drive towards Taplejung. Taplejung is one of the 77 districts of Nepal and one of the 14 districts of Koshi Province. It is remotely located in the Himalayas in Eastern Nepal with Tibet to the north across the Himalayas. Moreover, Taplejung is the third largest district (by area) of Nepal. Taplejung literally means ‘a fort of King Taple’ in Limbu language. Additionally, there was a fort situated in the region during medieval times which was built by King Taple.

Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

The actual trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp begins on day four of the trip. The hike then begins from Chirwa and marches towards Lelep, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, Lhonak, Sele La Pass and Cheram among others. Moreover, there are two Kanchenjunga Base Camps available in Nepal. One being the KBC North and KBC South. The visitors thus first visit the northern Base Camp and then return back to visit the south. The trip is thus known by its name Kanchenjunga Circuit trek.

On the way, the visitors pass via landscapes with beautiful rivers, waterfalls, green meadows, dense forests and the Yalung Glacier. However, the region was closed to trekkers until the mid-1980s. Today the region is protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and a special trekking permit is thus required for outside visitors.

Trek Map

Trip Video

Additional Information on Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek: 

Booking Your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area as well for 2024 and 2025. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 200 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 2498 per person upfront. If you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We accept all convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking Your International Flight:

For your 23 Days Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 23. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Packing for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival Information:

Once you’ve booked your flight tickets, please share the details with us. Our airport representatives will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation for extra nights and add-on tours as well for additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup.

Flight to Bhadrapur and Return:

Your trip package includes KTM-Bhadrapur-KTM two way return flight tickets as well. The main trip begins on Day 3 of your arrival with a 45 minutes early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Regarding your return, you will board the flight back to Kathmandu on Day 22 from Bhadrapur Airport (also known as Chandragadhi Airport).

Trek Starting and Ending Days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 5 to Day 20. You’ll first take a 2-3 hours drive from Bhadrapur Airport to Illam on Day 3 and 4-5 hours drive on Day 4 towards Taplejung to commence the trek on Day 5. The trekking days then ends on Day 20 with a night halt at Khamdime. Expect to spend 16 nights and 16 days completing the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The overnight stays in the mountains will be at villages including Chirwa, Lelep, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, Kambachen, Lhonak, Sele La, Cheram, Torongding, Yamphuding and Khamdime.

Moreover, each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in 3 Star Category Hotels with twin / double sharing beds.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are teahouses. Although basic, these tea houses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food during the trip:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style except on the day of your early morning flight to Bhadrapur, when you’ll receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trail.

Baggage and Weight Limit:

On your flight to Bhadrapur, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 5/4 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Drinking Water on the Trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to Kanchenjunga region and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for Extras and Tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 300 to 350 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 250-300 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek:

1. Trek to both north and south sides of Kanchenjunga Base Camp

2. Explore Kanchenjunga Massif that features three main summits all over 8000 meters high

3. Experience Yalung Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas

4. Visit to remote villages of Taplejung and Oktang with a glimpse into traditional Sherpa culture

5. A visit to restricted areas and hidden valleys of Nepal

6. A visit to Illam, the tea garden of Nepal

7. Trek inside Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

8. Trek via Sele La Pass

9. Experience a thrilling jeep ride in eastern Nepal