Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek revolves around Kanchenjunga Base Camp- the base of Mount Kanchenjunga which happens to the third highest peak/mountain in the world. The close-up view of Mount Kanchenjunga at 8586 meters is the major attraction of this trek besides countless others. This tour is also a chance for you to witness the lifestyle and culture of locals of regions like Rai and Limbu. Given the proximity to Tibet, you will witness Tibet influenced lifestyle and an incredible blend of Tibet and Buddhist culture.
This trek located in Eastern Nepal provides one with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Kanchenjunga Central (8,482 m), Kanchenjunga South (8,476m), Kumbhakarna/ Jannu (7,711 m), Kanbachen (7,802 m), Yalung Kang (8,505 m), Kabru I (7,412 m), Kabru II (7,339 m), Kabru III (7,338 m), Kabru IV (7,318m), Rathong (6,682 m), Kokthang (6,148 m) and Khangla Khang (5,582 m). Besides the close view of these mountains you get during Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking, you also get distant views of Mount Everest and Mount Makalu.
This trek is located on the border with Tibet and Sikkim thus you also get views of these places. As you trek to the base camp of royal Mount Kanchenjunga, wonderful snow-capped highland décor, glaciers, calm glacier lakes, alpine and pristine Sherpa culture away from the influence of modernization, tradition and rarely spacious Red Panda and elusive snow Leopard will reveal to you thus making your journey utterly memorable and satisfying.
The Kanchenjunga area was made open to exploration only after 1988. It is among off-the-beaten trekking routes and hence considered as the premier routes for those travelers looking for a rarely trekked and highly challenging adventure. This mountain was first climbed in 1955 but it was not until the late 1980’s that this region was opened for trekking and exploration uplifting the restrictions. This allowed trekkers (besides mountaineering expeditions) to approach Kanchenjunga from Nepal. Mount Kanchenjunga and its trekking routes fall under Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and one needs special restricted permits simply. In addition to that, solo hiking is still not allowed in Kanchenjunga, and to obtain permits you need to hire or employ local guides.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit trek
- Close up view of Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 meters)- the third highest mountain in the world.
- The beauty of verdant rhododendron and pine forest.
- Encounter rare faunas like snow leopards and other animals like blue sheep, musk deer, etc.
- Distant views of popular mountains like Mount Everest and Mount Makalu.
- Witness the lifestyle of local Rai and limbus.
- “off- the beaten” trek
- Beautiful glaciers like Yalung, Talung, and Rathong among many others.
- Scenic passes like Sinion La and Margin La
Outline Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trekking preparation day.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur flight (45 minutes) and Bhadrapur to Birtamode drive (45 minutes)
Day 04: Birtamod to Taplejung (1820 meters): 8-9 hours
Day 05: Trek from Taplejung to Chiruwa ( 1270 meters): 6 hours
Day 06: Trek from Chiruwa to Lelep (1750 meters); 6 hours
Day 07: Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa (2308 meters); 5-6 hours
Day 08: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730 meters); 5 hours
Day 09: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3595 meters); 5 hours
Day 10: Acclimatization day in Ghunsa.
Day 11: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4050 meters); 6 hours
Day 12: Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4780 meters); 4-5 hours
Day 13: Hike to Kanchenjunga Base camp (5143 meters) and trek back to Lhonak
Day 14: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa; 7 hours
Day 15: Trek from Ghunsa to Selele Base Camp (4480 meters); 5 hours
Day 16:Trek from Selele Base Camp to Cheram ( 3870 meters); 8 hours
Day 17: Trek from Cheram to Ramche (4580 meters): About 5 hours
Day 18: Trek from Ramche to Tortong (2995 meters); 6-7 hours
Day 19: Trek from Tortong to Yamphuding. (2080 meters); 7 hours
Day 20: Trek from Yamphuding to Khebang. (1915 meters); 5-6 hours
Day 21: Trek from Khebang to Hapu Khola; 5-6 hours
Day 22: Drive from Hapu Khola to Birtamod; 9-10 hours
Day 23: Drive to Bhadrapur (45 minutes) and Kathmandu0 Bhadrapur flight
Day 24: Departure from Kathmandu