Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you'll have time to relax or explore the bustling streets of Thamel. In the evening, there will be a welcome briefing about the trek, covering logistics, gear checks, and safety protocols for your journey into the wild eastern Himalayas.
Today is dedicated to organizing the necessary trekking permits for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which requires special restricted area documentation. While the permits are being processed, you may opt to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and the historic Durbar Square. It’s a relaxing day to prepare before the remote trek begins.
A scenic 45–50-minute flight takes you to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal, followed by a long but picturesque drive through terraced hills and tea plantations to Taplejung, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region. After a 7–9 hour journey covering around 152 kilometers, you’ll arrive in Taplejung where you’ll spend the night in a cozy guesthouse.
Today’s journey continues by vehicle, driving through remote Himalayan terrain for approximately 6 to 9 hours. As you make your way to Sekathum, you’ll pass through charming rural villages, forested hills, and dramatic river valleys. This marks the starting point of the actual trekking route along the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
The trek begins in earnest with a relatively short but steep day of hiking. Following the Ghunsa Khola River, the trail ascends through dense forests and crosses several suspension bridges. The uphill sections are challenging but rewarding, eventually bringing you to the small settlement of Amjilosa, perched in a remote and tranquil setting.
Today’s walk leads you through rhododendron and bamboo forests as the trail gains elevation gradually. With fewer villages along the route, the peacefulness of the Kanchenjunga wilderness becomes even more prominent. After around 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you arrive at Gyabla, a quiet hamlet nestled amidst forested ridges.
The trail climbs steadily through a lush forest into more alpine terrain. As you approach Ghunsa, you’ll notice the increasing influence of Tibetan culture, with prayer flags, mani walls, and traditional wooden houses. Ghunsa is a beautiful village and a key rest point on the trail with basic teahouse facilities and a friendly local community.
Leaving behind the treeline, the trail follows the Ghunsa Khola valley through rocky terrain and past waterfalls and glacial moraines. This day’s walk offers breathtaking views of peaks like Jannu and Kumbhakarna. After 5–6 hours of trekking, you arrive at Khambachen, an open yak pasture area surrounded by towering mountains.
To prepare your body for higher altitudes, today is an acclimatization day. You may rest or take short hikes around the valley to nearby ridges for panoramic views of Jannu (7710m) and the glacier fields. Proper acclimatization is critical to a safe and successful trek ahead, especially with upcoming elevations over 5000 meters.
The trail continues across rocky and often snow-dusted terrain, passing through landslide zones and glacial valleys. Today’s 4 to 5 hour trek to Lhonak is scenic yet challenging, with the path narrowing as you ascend. Lhonak sits in a windswept glacial basin and serves as the final settlement before reaching the north base camp of Kanchenjunga.
An early morning hike takes you to Pang Pema, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. This is one of the trek’s most memorable days, offering jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga—the world’s third-highest mountain. After spending time taking in the scenery and snapping photos, you return to Lhonak for the night.
Retracing your steps, you make the long descent back to Ghunsa. The downhill route is easier on the lungs but can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are useful. The scenery remains spectacular, and returning to Ghunsa feels like coming back to a comfortable base after the wildness of the high mountains.
Leaving the familiar trail, you now head toward the southern section of the circuit. The trail climbs through pine and rhododendron forests, eventually reaching the isolated Sele Le Base Camp. This campsite sits in a remote alpine setting with few other trekkers, offering solitude and starlit skies.
Crossing several high passes today, including Sinion La and Mirgin La, the trail offers sweeping views of Mt. Makalu, Jannu, and even Everest on clear days. The descent into Tseram is long but scenic. After this 6–7 hour trek, you’ll reach Tseram, a small but picturesque resting spot near Yalung Glacier.
An early start takes you up to Ramche and onward to the Oktang viewpoint—the best vantage point to see the massive Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga South Face. The sense of remoteness here is profound, and the views are awe-inspiring. After spending time at the viewpoint, you return to Tseram for the night.
Descending gradually through forests and along the Simbuwa Khola, today’s trek is easier as you re-enter the lush, green valleys. The trail is peaceful and allows time to reflect on the incredible journey. You’ll reach Tortong after 6 to 7 hours of trekking.
Today’s trail involves several ascents and descents as you move from high alpine to sub-tropical forest. After a long descent and a few suspension bridge crossings, you reach Yamphudin, a culturally rich village inhabited by Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities.
Leaving the trail behind, you begin the long drive out of the mountains. The road winds through hills and tea gardens, eventually reaching the charming town of Kanyam, famous for its tea estates and rolling green hills.
After breakfast, you drive to Bhadrapur through more scenic countryside. In the late afternoon, you board a flight back to Kathmandu. Once back in the capital, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, Summit Nepal Adventure hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your journey.
Your incredible adventure in eastern Nepal concludes today. A representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will transfer you to the airport for your international departure, bidding you farewell with memories of majestic peaks, remote villages, and a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a remote and breathtakingly beautiful trekking route in eastern Nepal that circles the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), the third highest mountain in the world. Offered by Summit Nepal Adventure, this 20-day adventure combines both the north and south base camps, providing trekkers with dramatic high-altitude landscapes, rhododendron forests, remote villages, and close encounters with Tibetan-influenced cultures. The trek is a perfect choice for experienced adventurers seeking less-traveled trails and an authentic Himalayan wilderness experience.
This trek is classified as strenuous and is best suited for trekkers with prior high-altitude hiking experience. The terrain is rugged, the daily distances are long, and elevations reach above 5,000 meters. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary, such as at Khambachen (4,145m), to ensure safety and allow the body to adjust to the high altitude. Trekkers should be physically fit and mentally prepared for multi-day walks in remote conditions.
The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding Himalayan giants are spectacular. Winter brings heavy snow to high passes, and summer (monsoon) makes trails muddy and leech-prone.
The highest point reached is Pang Pema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) at 5,143 meters, followed closely by Oktang Viewpoint (Yalung South Base Camp) at 4,740 meters. These elevations require proper acclimatization, which is why Summit Nepal Adventure includes rest days and a gradual elevation profile in the itinerary.
Throughout the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, accommodation is in basic tea houses or homestays in local villages. These are simple but clean and comfortable, offering shared rooms and traditional Nepali meals. In more remote areas, facilities may be limited, but Summit Nepal Adventure ensures reliable and hospitable lodging partners to provide a safe and cozy trekking experience.
Trekkers are served three meals a day at the tea houses. Options include Nepali staples like dal bhat, noodles, soups, fried rice, and seasonal vegetables. In higher elevations, the menu becomes more limited due to remoteness. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures hygienic food preparation and encourages trekkers to maintain hydration and nutrition throughout the journey.
The journey begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a scenic but long jeep drive to Taplejung, the trek's starting point. At the end, trekkers are driven back from Yamphudin to Kanyam and then to Bhadrapur, where they take a return flight to Kathmandu. All transportation, including airport pickups and overland travel, is arranged by Summit Nepal Adventure using trusted local providers.
Absolutely. Summit Nepal Adventure provides licensed, experienced guides who are fluent in English and trained in first aid and high-altitude trekking. Porters are also provided to carry gear, allowing trekkers to hike comfortably with only a day pack. The guide and support team ensure safety, manage logistics, and offer insights into local culture and nature.
Due to its restricted nature, the Kanchenjunga region requires a special restricted area permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), and TIMS card. Summit Nepal Adventure handles all necessary paperwork and will guide trekkers through the process, including any documentation needed upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Physical preparation is crucial. Cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and hiking with a backpack are recommended. You should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day over uneven terrain. Summit Nepal Adventure offers pre-trip consultations, gear checklists, and can help you assess your readiness before departure.
Summit Nepal Adventure prioritizes safety through daily health monitoring, use of pulse oximeters, proper acclimatization days, and carrying first aid kits. Guides are trained in emergency response, and evacuation logistics (including helicopter rescue coordination) are pre-arranged in case of severe altitude sickness or other emergencies.
You can reserve your trek through Summit Nepal Adventure’s website or by contacting the team via email or phone. Our representatives are happy to assist with planning, customizations, and travel advice. Early booking is recommended due to permit processing and logistical planning in this remote area.
