Adventure activities
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking (28 Days)
The Kanchenjunga region is one of the unspoiled trekking trails in eastern Nepal opened in 1988 to trekkers.
The sight of Kanchenjunga, seen from Pangpema, the north base camp is unforgettable, a worthy destination itself. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain on the Earth. Habitation consists of only a few scattered villages. Musk deer and blue sheep are found here and for the believers, the Yeti.
Panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Makalu (8463m) and Kanchenjunga (8598m) massif will make the trip worthwhile. A special trekking permit is necessary to trek in this region.
Here’s recent picture gallery from Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
Trip Facts, Itinerary and booking form:
Itinerary Details:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from our company. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a cpmpany display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel 4Star or a similar category hotel. After check in, you will visit our office; meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a "Welcome Dinner" at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with a fine meal.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek:
Today After breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Kanchanjanga Himalayas site.
Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur Jhapa & Drive to Ilam: 5 to 6 hrs
Today we fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Jhapa of Easternmost Nepal, about 650 kilometers from Kathmandu. The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur takes for about 50 minutes. From Bhadrapur Airport, it's about 75 kilometers to Ilam, a 3:30 hour's drive into the mountains. For the Westerners living in the megacities, the landscape of the Nepal Terai might looks like coming straight out of The Jungle Book. Within a journey of 75 kilometers, we drive from flatland of Bhadrapur to the hills of Ilam. Ilam is also
known as the Queen of Hills for it is fully covered by hills with temperate climate, low green hills and fertile lands. Overnight at Ilam. (B)
Day 04: Drive to Taplejung: 6 to 7 hrs
Today, we drive to Taplejung via Phidim. In case the Suketar Airport of Taplejung is operational, and if you wish to avoid driving journey to Taplejung, you can also opt for flying from Biratnagar to Suketar. However, because of the construction works going on at the Suketar Airport and due to its remoteness & weather conditions, flights to Suketar are closed this day. Therefore, we drive up to Suketar, our trek start point from Suketar.
Day 05: Trek Mitlung: 4 hrs
We start our trek with a downhill walk to Mitlung. Our route will pass through scenic pastures and small villages. On the way, we cross the Hungdewa Khola and the raging Tamur River.
Day 06: Trek to Chirwa: 5 to 6 hrs
Trek uphill for some time then descend to the village of Sinwa. Continue to Tawa and then another climb. Cross the suspension bridge at Thiwa. Thus, going uphill and downhill at the same time enjoying the great unfolding vistas. Thus we arrive at Chirwa, a small Limbu village with a few lodges, shops, and camping sites.
Day 07: Trek to Sekathum: 5 hrs
Trek uphill for some time then descend to the lush green vegetation below. Continue along the Tamur River until arrive at the Olangchung Gola, the entry point of the Kanchenjugha National Park. Thus we go uphill and downhill again before crossing the Ghunsa Khola. Ater crossing the suspension bridge, and another half an hour's walk we arrive at our campsite of Sekathum.
Day 08: Trek to Amjilosa: 7 to 8 hrs
Today is going to be a rather tough day. Cross the river and ascend the steep trail. Then descend again and cross the river again. Another climb from the gorge bottom. Pass by Solima. Desend again to the river level. The trail passes along the gorge, hence be careful while walking. Then following the uphill and downhill tricky trial, we conclude our today's hectic journey at Amjilosa.
Day 09: Trek to Gyabla: 5 hrs
We hike upward river bank. Pass through the densely forest of mainly bamboo, fir and rhododendrons. Eventually reach a small stone house by the river. Then climb up again crossing a few small bridges. You will find that the river drops steeply with many waterfalls and pools. Enjoy the stunning company of the waterfalls. Another short uphill walk takes us to the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla.
Day 10: Trek to Ghunsa: 4-6 hrs
We descend again down the river. The valley slowly opens up before we arrive at Phole. Another couple of hours take us to the famous Sherpa village of Ghunsa with hydroelectric plant. It's also the place where more than 20 prominent conservationists met their tragic end in a Helicopter crash.
Day 11: Acclimatisation day at Ghunsa
We spend this day for acclimatization. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We make a short hike towards the Lapsan La through lush green forest. Get by to Ghunsa by afternoon and relax.
Day 12: Trek to Kambachen: 7 hrs
From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank. Walk through the high land trees and vegetation. Cross the bridge at Rampuk Kharka. Continue past the waterfall. Cross the tricky and hazardous section of the landslide. After crossing the landslide, we start getting the views of Jannu. Thus, exploring the tackling the tricky mountain trail, we finally arrive at Kambachen.
Day 13: Acclimatisation day at Kambachen
Today we make another acclimatization day of the trek at Kangbachen. This is to accommodate all the members of the group in case if anyone is getting the high altitude symptoms. Relax, take a bath or explore the area. Explore the region to Nuphchu Khola Valley.
Day 14: Trek to Lhonak: 3-1/2 hrs to 4-1/2 hrs
Climb through the rocky fields and boulders on the hillside along the river bank. Arrive at a waterfall. Cross the bridge to Ramtang. Cross some small landslides, before dropping down to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak.
Day 15: Trek to Pangpema - Kangchenjunga North Base Camp: 4 hrs
Today, we trek along the edge of the glacier which is mostly gradual path on grassy trails. Be careful on some rockier sections and areas prone to landslides. Enjoy the views of the Chang Himal on your right. Arrive at Pangpema a flat grassy base camp. Climb higher a little to get the magnifiscent views of the Kangchenjuna North Face.
Day 16: Trek back to Khambachen: 7 hrs
We retrace our path to Lhonak and continue down the valley to Ramtang. Enjoy the views of Kanchenjungha, Taple Shikhar,Gimmigela Chuli, Kirat Chuli among others. Since, we are descending; we can get to Kambachen by evening, which would also help to make a short trek tomorrow.
Day 17: Return to Ghunsa: 5 hrs
It's essentially the reverse of our Day 12 trek. We descend to Ghunsa from Khambchen.
Day 18: Trek to Sele Le: 6 hrs
Today a steep trek upward from Ghunsa to Sele- Le. After getting the Ghunsa village, climb through the dense forest of moss, rhodedendron and juniper. Lunch at a suitable place.
Day 19: Tseram: 6 to 7 hrs
Thisday uphill trek on a hill. Enjoy the mesmerizing views Jannu Himal. It's a strenuous day today, as we cross several passes. The passes we cross are: the Sinion La, the Mirgin La and the Sinelapche La. Enjoy the memerising views of the east Himalayas from these passes. Finally, make a steep descent to Tseram.
Day 20: Trek to Ramche: 4 hrs
We ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier. After lunch explore the area by walking further up the valley or ascending a ridge above camp for even more tremendous views.
Day 21: Day trip to Yalung Glacier
We follow the stream before climging on to the moraine top. Hold your breath as the magnifiscent south face of Kanchenjungha appears before you. Walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. In interested, you may also consider continuing to Oktang. Return back to Ramche.
Day 22: Trek to Torontan: 7 to 8 hrs
If we stayed at Ramche yesterday, we get back to Tseram today. From Tseram, we descend mostly downhill to Torontan. Follow the trail along the Simbua Khola.
Day 23: Trek to Yamphudin: 9 to 10 hrs
Today descend further down to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is a village inhabited by different ethnic groups including Sherpas, Limbus, Rais and Gurungs.
Day 24: Trek to Anpan: 6 to 7 hrs
We follow the Kabeli Khola. Cross the bridge over Kasshawa Khola beyond Mamankhe. Ascend through the cardamom forest, pass by a few villages. Descend further down to Anpan.
Day 25: Trek to Thorpu: 6 hrs
Instead of going back to Taplejung, we descend down to Thorpu. By doing this we save our time, and at the same time we enjoy a more exotic journey. Arrive at Thorpu village, enjoy the hospitality of the villagers, discover and relax.
Day 26: Thorpu to Birtamod: 5 to 6 hrs
Today, we drive to Birtamod from Thorpu. Birtamod is a lively Terai town of Eastern Nepal. Birtamod is just half an hour's distance from Bhadrapur Airport from where we will fly to Kathmandu tomorrow. Since, there are a number good accommodation here, we stay overnight at Birtamod.
Day 27: Drive to Bhadrapur, Fly to Kathmandu:
Early morning half an hour's drive to Bhadrapur. From Bhadrapur we fly back to Kathmandu. Arriving Kathmandu, you can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel or if interested, visit to some nearby shops and venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking!
Day 28: Farewell Friend:
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Our Company will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Service Includes
- All hotel/airport transfer\
- 4 star hotel Hotel or similar) in Kathmandu with B&B
- Airport pick up drop and sightseeing by private vehicles in kathmandu
- Bhadrapur-Kathmandu-Bhadrapur flight Ticket
- Transportation Bhadrapur-Ilam-Bhadrapur by normal bus cost
- All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks
- Down jacket, 4 seasonal sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
- Welcome & farewell dinner
- All porterages costs
- All cost for a our company leader (First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking guide) and sherpa, a sherpa assistance leader(s) and assistance Trek leader help each individuals while on trek
- All necessary paper works and trekking permits
- Travel & Rescue arrangements
- Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
- Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures (if on group less than 3 people we will provide on request and extra fee)
- All government and local taxes if necessary
Service Excludes:
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)/ International airfare to & from home city
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
- Tips for guides and porters
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extend
Travel Insurances
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medial issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.
A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. We strongly recommend that you be careful while choosing a policy as some makes special exceptions for adventure travel. Before buying your insurance make sure your insurer is aware of the HGT adventure itinerary that you are going to undertake and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken in the trip. Such as if you are planning trekking or climbing/expedition in Himalayas your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medial expenses. For a group tours in urban areas, your insurance coverage of ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory, however better to have with them too. Again, in Tibet trips there is no possibility of helicopter rescue, so no need to buy the air ambulance coverage in Tibet trips. Also, check your insurance policy firmly to even include trip cancellation, as all deposits paid are non-refundable.
You need send us your copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come on the trip

