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Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 22 Days
Description
Activities
- 17 days of trekking along the Kanchenjunga Circuit
- Explore remote villages and high alpine meadows
- Acclimatization hikes at Ghunsa and Ramche
- Visit Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and South Base Camp region
- Stunning views of Kanchenjunga’s peaks, glaciers, and Yalung Glacier
- Cultural immersion with Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa communities
Accommodation
- 3 nights in Kathmandu (3-star hotel)
- 4 nights in hotels or guesthouses in Taplejung, Bhadrapur, Sekathum, and Illam
- 14 nights in local teahouses/lodges during trekking
Meals
21 breakfasts
18 lunches
18 dinners included (mostly local Nepali and Tibetan cuisine)
Trek Difficulty
Challenging (Level 5) – Suitable for experienced trekkers accustomed to high altitude and long days of trekking with steep ascents and descents
🌄 Trip Overview
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a spectacular 22-day journey around the world’s third-highest mountain, offering one of Nepal’s most remote and breathtaking trekking experiences. This challenging route takes you through diverse landscapes—from subtropical forests and tea gardens to alpine pastures and rugged glaciers. Along the way, you’ll visit traditional villages inhabited by the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa ethnic groups, offering unique cultural insights. Highlights include visiting Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, hiking to the Oktang viewpoint, and crossing the Sele La Pass. The trek is ideal for adventurers seeking solitude, unspoiled nature, and dramatic Himalayan panoramas far from the crowded trails of Everest and Annapurna.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Nona Getaways representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Spend the day resting or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, attend a comprehensive trek briefing to prepare for the adventure ahead and enjoy the welcome dinner.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permit Preparation and Sightseeing
Complete necessary trekking permits and paperwork at the Nepal Tourism Board and visit local landmarks such as Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. This day allows you to acclimatize to Kathmandu’s altitude and culture before your flight to east.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu (1400m) to Bhadrapur (91m)
Enjoy a scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. The flight offers views of the lush Terai plains and surrounding hills. Upon arrival, meet your local ground crew and transfer to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the journey to Kanchenjunga’s gateway. Early rest tonight is recommended to adjust for the days of trekking ahead
Accommodation: Hotel in Bhadrapur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung (1820m)
A scenic and adventurous drive through winding mountain roads takes you to Taplejung, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region. Enjoy the lush scenery and small rural villages along the route.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Taplejung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1650m)
A shorter public transport journey brings you from Taplejung to Sekathum, a small village at the edge of the trekking region. The route offers close views of terraced farmland, forests, and the beginning of the Himalayan foothills. Sekathum is a calm place to rest before the trekking starts in earnest tomorrow. The day is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Sekathum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilasa (2498m) – 6 hours
Begin trekking through a mixed landscape of farmland, forest, and scattered villages. The trail climbs steadily, passing suspension bridges and small tea houses. The route offers beautiful views of terraced hills and distant Kanchenjunga peaks. Amjilasa is a small settlement nestled in a peaceful alpine environment, providing basic teahouse accommodations. This first trekking day sets the tone for your adventure with moderate altitude gain and immersion in rural Nepali culture.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Amjilasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trek from Amjilasa to Gyabla (2725m) – 6 hours
Continue ascending through lush rhododendron and oak forests. You cross streams and meadows dotted with yak pastures. Gyabla is a quiet village surrounded by panoramic mountain views. The trail is quieter here, offering a sense of solitude and wilderness. Enjoy interacting with local villagers and experiencing their traditional lifestyles. The air grows cooler and the terrain more alpine as you gain elevation steadily.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Gyabla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3415m) – 6 hours
Climb through thick forests, crossing mountain streams. Ghunsa is a large Sherpa village with Buddhist monasteries and stunning views of Kanchenjunga.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa – Hiking Ghunsa Ree
Take a rest day to acclimatize and explore Ghunsa Ree, a nearby ridge offering panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, and Jannu peaks. This helps prepare you for higher altitudes ahead.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4145m) – 6 hours
Continue your ascent, crossing streams and walking through alpine meadows. Kambachen is a serene campsite with views of glaciers and towering peaks.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Kambachen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4792m) – 6 hours
The trail becomes more rugged as you approach the high alpine zone. Lhonak is a remote settlement near the glacial moraine, serving as a base for summit attempts.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lhonak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Trek from Lhonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m) – 6 hours
Reach the spectacular Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Enjoy dramatic views of the icy peaks and glaciers. Spend time exploring before returning to Lhonak for overnight rest.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lhonak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3415m) – 7 hours
Begin your descent retracing the trail through alpine meadows and forest to Ghunsa. The descent offers breathtaking views and opportunities to spot mountain wildlife.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele La Camp (4240m) – 6 hours
Ascend to the base of Sele La Pass, a stunning campsite surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The climb is steep but rewarding with spectacular alpine views.
Accommodation: Camp at Sele La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Sele La Camp to Cheram (3868m) – 6 hours
Descend from Sele La Pass into a deep valley. Cheram is a small, isolated settlement nestled near the Yalung Glacier.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Cheram
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Trek from Cheram to Ramche (4580m) – 5 hours
Trek uphill to Ramche, a high-altitude pasture offering spectacular views of Kanchenjunga’s south face and surrounding glaciers.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ramche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Trek to Oktang Viewpoint (4730m) and back to Ramche – 5 hours
A short trek to Oktang Viewpoint, providing one of the best panoramic views of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp and the Yalung Glacier. Return to Ramche for the night.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ramche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Trek from Ramche to Tortong (2995m) – 6 hours
Begin the descent through forests and meadows, enjoying changing vegetation and increasing warmth as you approach Tortong.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tortong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Trek from Tortong to Sekathum (1576m) – 6 hours
Continue descending through dense forest and traditional villages back to Sekathum, completing the circuit’s lower section.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Sekathum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Drive from Sekathum to Illam– 4 to 5 hours
Travel by local bus or jeep through tea plantations and hills to Illam. Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel in Illam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21: Drive from Illam to Bhadrapur by public transportation then fly to Kathmandu
Return by road to Bhadrapur, then take a domestic flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and rest after the journey.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 22: Final Departure or Onward For Next Program
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight or continue your Nepal adventure with another program.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
Airport Transfers
- Pickup and drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport by a Nona Getaways representative in a private vehicle
Accommodation
- 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing, with breakfast)
- 14 nights in local teahouses or homestays during the trek (basic twin sharing)
Meals
- 21 breakfasts, 18 lunches, and 18 dinners during the trek
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepali restaurant
Transportation
- Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (one way)
- Private 4WD drive from Bhadrapur to Illam and Illam to Yamphudin
- Return drive from Yamphudin to Birtamod
- Return flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
Permits and Paperwork
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
- TIMS Card
- All government taxes and service charges
Guides and Porters
- Licensed and experienced trekking guide
- Necessary porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
• Staff insurance, wages, and equipment
Exclusions
Travel Documentation & Flights
- Nepal visa fees
- International airfare to/from Nepal
Additional Accommodation
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or domestic flight delays
Personal Expenses
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Meals in Kathmandu (excluding breakfast and welcome dinner)
- Bottled water, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages during the trek
- Hot showers, internet/Wi-Fi, and electronic charging at teahouses
Insurance and Emergency Costs
- Travel insurance (mandatory, must cover high altitude and evacuation)
- Emergency evacuation or helicopter rescue (if needed)
Tips and Gratitude
- Tips for guides, porters, and support staff (customary but not included)
Other
- Any services or items not explicitly mentioned in the “Inclusions” section
Belly Wave
20 Mar, 2023 . 4:00 Pm
5.0
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ReplyNicolas Shai
20 Mar, 2023 . 4:00 Pm
5.0
Nam vel lacus eu nisl bibendum accumsan vitae vitae nibh. Nam nec eros id magna hendrerit sagittis. Nullam sed mi non odio feugiat volutpat sit amet nec elit.
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