Tour Overview

Trip Code
1111
Starting Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
5,143m / 16,873ft
Duration
26 Days
Country
Nepal
Trip Grade
Challenging
Activities
Trekking
Best Season
Spring and Summer

The third-highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga, rises majestically to 8,586 meters above sea level in Nepal’s far eastern corner. It’s a wild and remote area of the country, with long trails, tough terrain, and, quite simply, breathtaking views. This trek goes to both the North and South base camps of Kanchenjunga for a full circuit experience of this incredible Himalayan giant. It’s a challenging trek, ideal for experienced trekkers who are keen to get out there and into the heart of the high mountains.

Details

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an age-old 26-day journey which includes 22 days of trekking, taking you right inside Nepal’s most off-the-beaten-path and most remote region. Braving the third-highest point of the world, the trek brings you to both North Base Camp and South Base Camps of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,170 ft), for an exclusive full circuit trekking adventure. It’s a tough and challenging experience for seasoned trekkers who are looking for raw wilderness, solitude, and Himalayan scenery to leave them breathless.

The journey begins with a flight to Bhadrapur followed by a scenic drive to Taplejung, where trekking actually begins. The trail then snakes through shifting scenery, starting with lush valleys and fields and then climbing steadily into alpine forests and glacier zones. Along the way, you shalll stay in local tea houses that are simple but welcoming, serving hot meals and offering a warm place to rest each night. While comfort is basic, the hospitality and the mountain charm make every stop feel special.

One of the best parts of this trek is how peaceful and uncrowded it is. You shalll often find yourself walking for hours without seeing another group of trekkers. The region is protected under the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is home to rare wildlife like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and snow leopard. Spring brings bursts of colour with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, while autumn skies offer the clearest mountain views.

And when you ultimately make it to base camp, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, it’s indescribable. It’s not the view so much as what it took to get there.

Tour Highlights

  • Trek through beautiful, remote villages and diverse landscapes
  • Navigate one of Nepal's less-travelled and more remote trekking routes
  • Experience pure, unspoiled alpine beauty
  • View Kanchenjunga - the world's third-highest mountain - from both north and south perspectives
  • Enjoy panoramic vistas of lofty Himalayan ranges
  • Spot elusive wildlife including snow leopards, musk deer, red pandas, and blue sheep within the protected conservation area

Points of Attraction

Kathmandu Valley Heritage and Culture

  • Pashupatinath Temple: Sacred Hindu temple complex with deep spiritual significance and centuries-old rituals.
  • Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, encircled by monasteries and prayer wheels.
  • Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Ancient stupa perched on a hill offering sweeping views of Kathmandu Valley.
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: Historic royal square featuring intricate Newari architecture and temples.
  • Traditional Welcome Dinner: Authentic Nepali feast with live cultural performances.

Eastern Nepal Scenic Journey

  • Scenic Flight to Bhadrapur: Short flight with aerial views of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
  • Ilam Tea Gardens: Rolling green tea estates with a tranquil atmosphere and panoramic hill views.
  • Taplejung Bazaar: Bustling market town with cultural handicrafts and traditional eastern Nepali lifestyle.
  • Phidim Town: Hill town with charming streets and glimpses of local trading culture.

Remote Village Life and Cultural Immersion

  • Sekathum & Itahari Villages: Riverside hamlets showcasing Rai and Limbu traditions.
  • Amjilosa Sherpa Village: Serene hillside village with traditional Sherpa homes and hospitality.
  • Gyabla Historical Village: Ancient settlement with palace ruins and communal peace puja gatherings.
  • Phale Tibetan Refugee Settlement: Experience Tibetan heritage with monasteries, prayer wheels, and handicrafts.
  • Ghunsa Sherpa Community: Largest village of the Kanchenjunga region with monasteries, schools, and rich mountain culture.

Sacred Monasteries and Spiritual Sites

  • Monasteries of Phale: Visit Tibetan monasteries observing daily rituals of Buddhist monks.
  • Ghunsa Monastery: Spiritual center with colorful prayer flags and Himalayan Buddhist traditions.
  • High-Altitude Chortens & Mani Walls: Sacred stone structures and prayer carvings along alpine trails.

Alpine Landscapes and Panoramic Viewpoints

  • Ghunsa Ri (4,100m): Trekking viewpoint with sweeping vistas of surrounding Himalayan peaks.
  • Jannu Viewpoint (4,450m): Sacred site with dramatic close-up views of Mt. Jannu and neighboring summits.
  • Pangpema – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m): Breathtaking vantage point beneath the world’s third-highest peak.
  • Oktang Viewpoint – Kanchenjunga South Face (4,580m): Iconic viewpoint revealing Kanchenjunga’s southern glaciers and towering summits.

High Pass Adventures and Alpine Wilderness

  • Selele La High Camp (4,290m): Remote high-altitude camp surrounded by pristine wilderness.
  • Three High Passes (Sinion La, Mirgin La, Sinelapchi La): Challenging alpine crossing with panoramic Himalayan views.
  • Ramche Meadows: Serene alpine pastures with glacial streams and grazing blue sheep.
  • Alpine Moraines and Yak Pastures: Rugged highland trails leading through remote Himalayan terrain.

Flora, Fauna, and Natural Wonders

  • Cardamom Plantations: Fragrant terraced fields dotting lower hillsides.
  • Rhododendron Forests: Colorful blooms along mid-hill trekking paths.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see red pandas, blue sheep, and high-altitude birds.
  • Glacial Streams and Waterfalls: Cascading waters along alpine river valleys.

Cultural and Leisure Experiences

  • Tea Tasting in Ilam: Savor freshly brewed local teas amidst rolling plantations.
  • Traditional Souvenirs in Taplejung: Handmade Tongba pots and cultural crafts.
  • Souvenir Shopping in Thamel: Authentic handicrafts, prayer flags, and trekking mementos.
  • Spa and Massage in Kathmandu (Optional): Post-trek relaxation with traditional Nepali massage therapies.

Itinerary

Elevation: 1,342m / 4,401ft

Welcome to Kathmandu, the lively city of Nepal with green hills and the Himalaya panorama all around. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative of Destiny Excursion greets you and transfers you to your hotel. The drive familiarises you with the lively roads of Kathmandu, lined with prayer flags, street stalls, and old temples hidden in lanes. Upon arrival, you can relax and rest. Alternatively, roam around the busy streets of Thamel with trekking equipment shops and coffee shops that sell Nepali tea. Dinner can be done in the evening at a traditional Nepali welcome dinner with your trek crew. This is a good time to socialise with your guides and fellow travellers, show initial enthusiasm, and ask about the upcoming trek.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Elevation: 1,400m

The second day is all about preparing for the trek. On this day, you begin with a hearty breakfast and then head for a trek briefing. You meet up with the guide and tour experts for a trek briefing. This session covers various aspects such as itinerary, safety measures, expected weather, and necessary permit arrangements. You also need to check for the gears, purchase any last-minute necessities, and discuss the condition of the trails and local facilities. Following the trek briefing, you head towards the Nepal Tourism Board for the permits. Once you get the permit, you have the rest of the day to visit the city at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation: 1,200m

We begin early with a 45-minute scenic flight to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. Depending on the weather, from the plane, you may have a glimpse of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Upon arrival, a private jeep takes us on a 3-hour drive to Ilam, the country’s famous tea-producing region. The journey takes us through green rolling hills, fields, and villages. Lunch is served during the journey at Charali in Jhapa, where we are served authentic local cuisine. Upon reaching Ilam, we check into the hotel and stroll through the town’s lush tea gardens. A short nighttime trek to a viewpoint tower provides stunning sunsets over tea plantations for acres and acres, a prelude to the peacefulness of distant trekking days ahead.

Overnight: Hotel in Ilam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1,780m

We drive from Ilam by private car on a 5-6-hour journey to Taplejung. The road climbs steadily up a terraced hillside, rhododendron forest, and tiny villages with occasional glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks. Lunch is at Phidim Bazaar, a busy market town where the locals swap goods and traditional handicrafts. The road winds on up winding mountain roads to Taplejung, the main entry point into the Kanchenjunga region. Once checked into a lodge, one may visit Taplejung Bazaar, shop at stores with Tongba pots handmade as souvenirs, and soak up eastern Nepalese culture. It is the final respectable-sized town prior to crossing over into remote trekking country and thus an ideal place to stock up on any supplies needed.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1,660m

We switch to a sturdy 4WD vehicle for an adventurous off-road journey along the banks of the Tamor Khola River. The 4-5 hour drive offers glimpses of terraced hillsides, cardamom plantations, and scattered Rai and Limbu settlements. We pause for lunch at Chiruwa, a small riverside village with a traditional charm. Afterward, we continue the bumpy drive to Sekathum, the starting point of our trek. From here, it’s a short 45-minute to 1-hour hike through vibrant cardamom fields and remote hamlets to reach Itahari Village. The gentle trail offers a relaxed introduction to trekking while helping your body ease into the rhythm of the journey.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2,510m

The trek to Amjilosa begins by walking gently through a cardamom plantation before climbing gradually along a forest path. We bridge over Ghunsa Khola on a suspension bridge, and waterfalls cascade nearby. Lunch is taken halfway at Lamatar, where you rest and enjoy mountain views. The track then steepens for about 2 hours, climbing through the forest cover of mixed pine and oak. You might see local porters carrying provisions along narrow paths. Finally, we reach Amjilosa, a village of Sherpas nestled among hills clad in forest. The serene village and crisp mountain air induce a sense of tranquility as you unwind after the 5-6 hours of trekking in the day.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2,730m

We begin with an easy trail, which descends a little before we trek through villages and wooden bridges. The trek is peaceful, with chirping birds and the occasional glimpse of distant snow-capped peaks. Lunch is taken at Thanyam following a 3-hour walk. The afternoon session is another 3 hours’ walk on varied terrain, gentle slopes, flat plains, and some steep ones. We reach Gyabla and relax in our lodge. Late risers may choose a short 40-minute trek to the historic Gyabla village, where you can discover remnants of a palace structure from ancient times in the jungle and a community centre for monthly World Peace Puja functions.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,140m

Today’s 5-6 hour trek brings us deeper into Tibetan-held territory. The trail follows the Ghunsa River, past small tea houses and sporadic yak grazing pastures. Lunch is taken within Phale village, a culturally rich Tibetan refugee village. You will observe prayer flags, mani walls, and revolving prayer wheels along the way. There are two monasteries at Phale, which we shall visit in the afternoon. You can observe monks performing rituals and learn about the past of the village, as a refugee camp. The night is calm, with dinner at a local tea house and beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,595m

Today is a half-day trek, around 2.5 hours, because we acclimatise as we reach Ghunsa, the largest village of the Kanchenjunga region. We pass through mani walls and chortens and have nice views of the river and pine woods. Ghunsa is a thriving Sherpa village with a school, clinic, and monasteries. After arriving at the lodge, you can wash your clothes, explore the village, and socialise with villagers. Prayer wheels rotate slowly in the wind, and brightly coloured houses in the Himalayan style tell you something. This relaxed day acclimatises your body to altitudes higher than that of Ghunsa before tough climbs to come.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,100m

We have an acclimatization rest day, starting with a 2-hour hike to Ghunsa Ri. The ascent presents you with stunning views of Ghunsadhar Peak (6,027m) and Khabur Peak (6,332m). The hike hardens your body while your body acclimatises to thinner air. After descending, we return to Ghunsa for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. You get to see surrounding monasteries, observe Sherpa daily life, and witness the peaceful mountain vista. Ghunsa nights are peaceful, with a clear night sky displaying a canopy of stars. This is an important day in acclimatising to trekking at higher altitudes.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,050m

We leave Ghunsa after breakfast and ascend gradually along the river upstream. The trek passes through alpine woodland and landslides with views of imposing peaks. We take a lunch break after about 3.5 hours at Rampuk Kharka, a scenic spot along the river. The post-lunch hike in the afternoon is another 2.5-3 hours, walking steadily to the location where we reach Kambachen. The village is surrounded by rocky outcrops and massive glaciers, with Mera Peak and Jannu Peak looming large on the horizon. If you have time, do a short hike to an old monastery near the village.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,450m

This day is used for acclimatization with a productive trek to Jannu Viewpoint, a sacred site for the Limbu. The 3-hour climb and 2-hour descent give you spectacles of Kumbhakarna (Jannu Peak, 7,710m), Kambachen Peak (7,903m), Sobithongie (6,670m), and others. Prayer flags flail in the wind as you relish the picturesque Himalayan terrain. After lunch, return to Kambachen for rest, equipment checks, and short walks within the village. Today helps you acclimatise to higher elevations while experiencing the cultural and spiritual setting of the region.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,785m

Today, we penetrate further into the alpine wilderness. The hike, which lasts about 6-7 hours, covers glacial moraines and tougher ground with fewer traces of vegetation. We stop for lunch after 3 hours of hiking at Ramtang Kharka, where yak meadows course beneath colossal peaks. Another 3-3.5 hours brings us to Lhonak, an ancient Sherpa village surrounded by snow peaks. The landscape includes Chang Himal (6,750m), Ramtang Peak (6,700m), and Dango Peak (6,250m). This small isolated village gives a special glimpse into Sherpa existence at high altitude, with yak herders and stone buildings encountering tourists.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 5,143m

Today is one of the trek tour highlights, a challenging 8-9-hour round trip to Pangpema, Kanchenjunga’s remote North Base Camp. We take packed lunches as there are no tea houses on the route. The route goes over rocky moraines and exposed ridges, bringing unmatchable views of Kanchenjunga’s awe-inspiring north face. From Pangpema, Ten Peak, Kirati Chuli, Drohma Peak, and the ranges that border Tibet and Nepal are visible. It’s a time of wonder standing beneath the third-highest mountain in the world. After getting our fill of the panoramic scenery and photographs, we make a cautious return to Lhonak.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,595m

We return via the same route from Lhonak to Ghunsa, descending through alpine terrain with views familiar but no less breathtaking. Lunch is at Kambachen so that you can view this lovely village once more. The trek today involves 8-9 hours of walking, gradually descending from high rocky terrain to green forests near Ghunsa. Returning to the Sherpa village is a welcome relief after a few days of exposure to remote high-altitude country. In the evening, stay by the river, eat a hot dinner, and mingle with villagers and other trekkers.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,595m

There is a hard-earned rest day at Ghunsa after a couple of tough trekking days. This free day is utilised to do laundry, enjoy warm showers if available, and stroll around the village at leisure. Visit monasteries, observe the daily life of Sherpas, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Time to relax, re-arrange equipment, and psychologically prepare yourself for the subsequent phase of trekking involving a high pass crossing to the southern base camp.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,290m

We leave Ghunsa and ascend steeply on rock paths and rhododendron forests to Selele Camp. The 4-5 hour trek provides breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Nangapunsa Peak, and Jannu Peak. The trek is arduous yet rewarding, with fewer villages and increasing isolated wilderness. We ascend to Selele Camp and acclimatise in our isolated high-altitude camp. From here, you have the option to watch an unforgettable sunset that casts golden light upon nearby peaks. This is the turning point in the direction of Kanchenjunga’s south face.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3,880m

This is one of the most challenging but rewarding days of the trek. The trek ascends gradually on scree slopes of highlands, with sight of Kothang Peak (6,147m), Ratong Peak (6,679m), and glaciated ridges of Kabru Himal. Prayer flags flutter atop each pass, marking victories. We come down gradually and reach Tseram after an 8-9 hour trek. The day is tiring but exhilarating, leading you to the edge of the southern glaciers of Kanchenjunga.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4,580m

After a challenging day yesterday, we have a comparably short 3-4-hour hike to Ramche. The trek takes us through alpine meadows and glacial streams running along massive Himalayan peaks. Lunch is taken right at the Ramche tea house. Afternoon is for rest or short excursions to the south glaciers of Kanchenjunga. Blue sheep graze on upper ridges. This serene day allows you to recharge energy without being detached from the dramatic scenery of snow, rock, and ice.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2,995m

We start early for a 2-hour trek to Oktang viewpoint, with breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga’s south and central faces, Kabru, Talung Himal, and Yalung Kang (8,505m). It is akin to being on the precipice of the world when we are standing here at this sacred lookout point. We make our way down to Tseram after enjoying the peaks and lunch before continuing on to Torangden. The trek includes long days (7-8 in total) but treats trekkers with beautiful scenery shifting from a glacial landscape to green forests.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1,800m

Going down to lower elevations, the 5-6-hour walk of the day takes us through dense bamboo and pine forests. The serene walk goes over three suspension bridges spanning rushing rivers, with sporadic sightings of wildlife, including red pandas if one is lucky. As there are no tea houses on the route, we carry packed lunches. The hike is rejuvenating, with oxygen levels increasing and air getting warmer. We reach Phedi and relax in a peaceful lodge surrounded by green hills.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1,260m

An early morning 3-hour trek brings us to Ranipul, from which we take a local off-road jeep to Taplejung. We take a private jeep for the long 7-8-hour scenic drive over eastern Nepal’s hillside terrain to Phidim. The drive gives you the luxury of seeing rural landscapes, rolling hills, and off-the-beaten-path villages seldom seen by foreigners. Upon arrival at the lodge, you can get in some exercise and have dinner in comfort.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1,630m

After breakfast, we travel 3-4 hours to Ilam, Nepal’s tea capital. We will stay in a hotel and have time at leisure to enjoy the sprawling tea gardens. You can sample some of the local teas, do some souvenir shopping, and enjoy the serene hill-town atmosphere. It’s a relaxed day to enjoy the trekking experience and celebrate completing almost half of the tour.

Overnight: Tea house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 1,400m

We say goodbye to eastern Nepal with a 3-hour private transfer to Bhadrapur. There is a 45-minute flight back to Kathmandu from there. We transfer you to your hotel upon arrival, and you have some time to relax and rest. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the shops, cafes, and rooftop restaurants of Thamel. This is a good opportunity to buy last-minute souvenirs and taste the city nightlife.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation: 1,400m

A full day of leisure in Kathmandu gives you the chance to explore cultural and historical sites. You can visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or stroll around old palaces in Durbar Square. Or else, you can simply relax at a cafe, take a spa, or return to your favourite spots in Thamel. Your evening meal can be at a Nepali traditional place or an international bistro to celebrate successful trek completion.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation: 1,400m

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some hours at leisure to stroll around the city or shop for souvenirs. Our staff will drive and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport with sufficient time for departure formalities. With your heart full of memories and legs full of miles, you set off homeward, knowing you have completed one of the most remote and rewarding treks in Nepal.

Overnight:

Meals: Breakfast

Trek Route

What's included

  • Welcome and cultural dinner upon arrival
  • City accommodation in standard hotels with breakfast
  • Authentic tea house/lodge stays along the trekking route
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trekking days
  • Domestic flights and airport transfers for clients and crew
  • Private ground transportation throughout
  • Fully trained guide and porters with meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment
  • Entry permits, local taxes, and national park fees
  • Group first aid kit
  • Single room supplement arrangement when needed

What's excluded

  • International flight tickets, Nepal visa, and related taxes
  • Insurance policy covering accidents and medical emergencies
  • Services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal trekking gear or equipment rentals
  • Personal expenditures (snacks, alcohol, bottled water, laundry)
  • Optional lodge upgrades (bathrooms, Wi-Fi, charging ports)
  • Tips or service charges for staff
  • Additional expenses from weather delays or flight cancellations

Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is said to be a demanding high-altitude trek that demands good health and previous experience in trekking. The trek has steep climbs, isolated trails, and extended days of walking through rough terrain.

Layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a four-season sleeping bag, and essential equipment like trekking poles and waterproof shells are recommended. Considering the unstable weather and extended duration, quality and comfort must be the primary consideration in every article that one carries.

While an option for self-guided visitors, this trek goes into extremely isolated areas where guided service is highly recommended for safety and navigation. Treks with a certified guide also offer richer cultural experiences and better logistics in the process.

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Starting From:

US$3147

No. of peoplePrice per person
1 Pax$ 4816
2-3 Pax$ 3147
4-5 Pax$ 2794
6-7 Pax$ 2812
8-9 Pax$ 2677
10 Pax$ 2632

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