Kanchanjunga Circuits Trek - 23 DaysKanchanjunga Circuits Trek - 23 Days

Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek - 22 Days

  • Duration22 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 5,350m
  • Activity Trekking and excursion
  • Group Size 2
  • Accommodation Comfort hotel in KTM and Tea houses on trekking
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Transportation Domestic flights and private vehicle
  • Starts KTM-Bhadrapur flight, jeep drive to Sekathum
  • Ends Yamphudin
  • Best Season Sep- Nov, March- May
Overview
Trip Highlights
  • Flight from KTM to Bhadrapur and overnight at Pauwa Bhanjyang Phidim
  • Of-the-beaten trek in the remote eastern location of Nepal
  • Deserving views, landscapes, glaciers, and waterfalls
  • Mixture of culture, traditions, and unique harmonized ethnical groups
  • Abundant wildlife species such as blue sheep, musk deer, snow leopard, and black bear
  • Challenging adventure experiences in the deep Himalayas
  • Lush green forest, cold and hot climatic diversities
  • Massive views of the world’s 3rd highest peak, including enormous glacier
  • Nomadic highlander yak pastures and huts

 

Pangpema
Kanchanjunga North Base Camp ( Pangpema)

Mt. Kanchanjunga 8,586m, is the second tallest mountain in Nepal and 3rd Mountain in the world. The Kanchanjanga region trek is in the eastern part of Nepal, This region was opened only in 1988 for trekking. It is the sprout source of the Arun River, which is one of the most popular and beautiful valleys for trekking through lush, low-lying valleys and up through incredible forests and into the high alpine pastures and glaciers landscape at the bottom of Kanchenjunga. Around this region, we enjoy an opportunity to experience the traditional culture of Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tibetan, and so many other types of ethnic groups in perfect harmonization. Trekking in this area is an adventure that is full of enthusiasm, excitement, and above all, an unforgettable life experience. You will have the amazing opportunity to view/ explore the mountains, wonderful rocky landscape and sloping hills.

The Kanchenjunga area is protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP), which is spread over an area of 2,035 sq. km. The Kanchenjunga area project is protecting varieties of flora, Fauna, and endangered animals.

Despite its stunning natural beauty, the Kanchenjunga region has remained off the radar of most trekkers, given its remote location and lack of infrastructure. In recent years, teahouses have been opened up in the villages and other convenient locations along the trail. This means that small groups can now trek here more affordably and payment for accommodation and meals goes directly to the local economy.

Note that the trail is narrow and the teahouses are still simple; relatively few trekkers visit this remote area. Kanchanjunga region trek is still in primitive stage, so that the food and accomodation are very normal.  but you will experience real Nepal in all its diversity of cultures and landscapes.

ghunsa

 

There is essentially one main trail to trek from the northern to southern Kanchanjunga base camp. That is called Kanchanjunga Circuits trekking. The route goes via North Kanchanjunga Base Camp first and returns to Ghunsa along the same way back, then climbs up to the beautiful pass. This route might be more comfortable for the trekkers due to the appropriate acclimatization at high altitude and moderate climbing. The trek from Southern Base Camp to Northern Base Camp is comparatively tough and strenuous. Thus, our recommendation is to go via a clockwise route.

The treks return to Ghunsa from Northern Base Camp, then cross five impressive passes, including the famous Se-Le-Le pass (4290m) and descend to Cheram. The trail crosses numerous ridgelines, landscapes with incredible views of the Himalayas, lush forests, hot temperatures, and farmland ascending and descending to the ending point of your trek.

Itinerary

arrival

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel after greeting with a flower garland

Kanchenjunga is another restricted area in Nepal. There are certain legal procedures to obtain permits for trekking and expeditions in the Kanchanjunga area. The permit will be issued from the immigration office of Nepal. The offices in Nepal are open from 10: Am to 5: PM. But the offices in Nepal will be closed at 1: PM on Friday and a full day off on Saturday. Thus we recommend doing a sightseeing during the permit process in Kathmandu.

Morning flight from KTM to Bhadrapur and 4 hours drive by Private jeep to Pauwa Bhanjyang in Phidim. There are some good hotels at Pauwa Bhanjyang, they have beautiful views of Mt. Kanchanjunga and Mt. Janu Himal and mind-blowing surrounding nature.

Breakfast with a beautiful sunrise and then driving a Jeep to Tapethok or Sekathum. Jeep from Bhadrapur airport will drive to Taplejung then we must change another off-road drive to Tapethok through many picturesque and cultural places. Overnight at Sekathum or Tapethok.

khambachen

The trek starts today, it mostly passes through lush green forests, waterfalls, and suspension bridges. It has long ascended and descended along an inclined cliff. Amjilhasa is an ancient pasture field for the Sherpa people of surrounding villages. Nowadays, this place is more targeted for touristic activities rather than animal pastureland.

After breakfast, a short ascent through oak, bamboo, and rhododendron forests offers a great view of the southwestern side of Kanchenjunga. The route makes numerous steep climbs and descents then passes a beautiful large waterfall before the final steep climb up to Gybala.

phole

The trail from Gyabla goes via Kyapra village and climbs slightly up to the right bank of the River. It crosses a large meadow, passes a few villages, ascends a gentle hill, and descends to the River. From the River, it is an interesting and easy path to Ghunsa village. Ghunsa is an old Tibetan village dominated by Buddhist culture and traditions. There are several tea houses, lodges, and Gombas at Ghunsa.

ghunsa1

We recommend an extra day at Ghunsa for acclimatization. We must follow and respect the rules of nature otherwise it is very dangerous. We must adapt our physical condition according to the surrounding climates and environmental characteristics. So, we have to follow the rules of Nature. Hike up to the viewpoint at 4200 Meters, spend at least 15 minutes at the highest level then descend to the lodge for lunch. After lunch: go for village exploration or do your laundry and or take a good rest.

The route climbs gradually along the south bank of the Ghunsa Khola, through beautiful rhododendrons and pine forests, passing many mani walls, and colorful prayer flags, and shortens along the way. The trail climbs steeply up scree slopes to reach the Tibetan settlement of Khambachen, providing wonderful views of the huge north face of Jannu.

 

amjilhasaAltitude-wise Lhonak is the best place for taking another acclimatization day however it has very narrow places for day hiking. If you take an acclimatization day at Khambachen then you can go to the beautiful Janu Himal viewpoint and glacier visit. From the higher, you can see the nice views of Mt. Kanchanjunga and several other mountains as well. Spend some hours higher up in the mountain and get down to the hotel for overnight.

lhonak

The trail from Khambachen is moderate climbing through exposed rocky fields to the village of Ramtang then crosses North West of the Kanchenjunga Glacier and enters into the large stone huts pastoral place called Lhonak. This place was big pastureland in ancient times, nowadays it is mostly focused on tourist business. It is situated between the two big glaciers' corners so drinking water always relies on the glacier's sources. The views of the Himalayas such as Wedge Peak (6750m), Mera Peak (6344m), Nepal Peak (6910m), and Twins (7351m) are mind-blowing from here

Trekking from Lhonak to Pangpema Base Camp is a gradual climb. It does not climb strongly, it often goes flat over the high lander plateau. The views of mountains, glaciers, and several arousing peaks make your walk very romantic and joyful. The trail passes through several glacier streams and moraines so that there is frequent rock falling. Every time we must become very attentive when we arrive close to the moraines or rock rolling sites. We must keep some distance from each other during this areal walk. We arrive at Pangpema by Noon time and go for site excursions. There are several monuments built at Pangpema in the name of those people who had lost their lives in the mountains. Overnight will be on the tent today.

Wake up very early in the morning and climb up to the Dromo Ri for the best views. It is almost 2.5 hours to climb from Pangpema. The views from Dromo Ri are really beyond our expectations, with several mountains including the world’s 3rd Mt. Kanchanjunga, and gloomy glaciers making the excursion very rewarding. Descend to the hotel for breakfast and scale down to Lhonak for overnight.

pangpemabc

Start your trekking after breakfast, walking downwards is easier than climbing up. The views of the mountains spread around every direction, the sounds of River streams, yaks pastoral passage, ancient Buddhist shrines and symbols, bridges and waterfalls, alpine forests and wildlife glimpses make your descending to Ghunsa valuable. Overnight at the hotel

Today the trail takes us through a beautiful alpine forest, a grassy ridge. In the backdrop: we can see Ghunsa and Phole villages, several peaks and Mt. Makalu in the distance. Overnight at the local Alpine Lodge

selelepass

The trail goes over via five impressive passes such as Tamo La (3900m), an unnamed pass (4115m), Mirgin La (4663m), Sinion La (4660m), and another unnamed pass at 4724m. The thrilling panoramic views will be granted from every pass. The trail descends from the last pass which is about 1000m to the small settlement of Tseram above the Simbua Khola. Overnight at the local Alpine lodge.

We recommend a day excursion to South Base Camp (Oktang viewpoint) from Tseram and return to Ramche for an overnight. The route from Tseram to Ramche is mostly upwards climbing along the nose of the glacier into an ablation valley. Tseiram to Ramche is about a couple of hours' walk. Stop at a lodge, eat your lunch, or manage a picnic for the excursion to Oktang Viewpoint about 4 hours of up-and-down walking.

miringla

After the Ramche, it is gradually flat till the Oktang viewpoint. It has magnificent scenic views, meadows, the glaciers, and several peaks are visible along the Nepal-India Himalayan range. Return to the Ramche and stay overnight at the lodge.

Today the trail is mostly downhill through the River gorge. The final section is steep uphill through the prone landslides and forests. There are no settlements until we reach Torongden. Overnight at a local lodge

ramche

After breakfast, we head off downhill and then it turns to a steep and long uphill hike. We pass over a landslide-prone area leading to Lasiya Bhanjyang. There is a small teashop, a simple or normal lunch is possible in this place. Then the trail takes a steep downhill through the forests until we reach the big village of Yamphudin. Overnight at a lodge

A rough road has arrived at Yamphudin. The road is rough tough and bumpy until Taplejunung then it is in better condition. Driving through several villages, beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, and forests till you arrive at tea Garden Kannyam.

Enjoy the Sunrise and breakfast at Kannyam then drive to Badrapur airport for about four hours. Check into the airport and make 35 minutes of flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Free time in Kathmandu or fly back home

Route Map
Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek - 22 Days map
Cost Details

1, Full package trip plan: U.S. $ 2855 per person

The full package trip plan is inclusive of accommodation, whatever food and hot drinks are consumed on the trek, necessary ground transportation, KTM - Bhadrapur- KTM filights , necessary staff, permits and documents.

This price is quoted for individuals or small groups. We provide special discounts for bigger group sizes, family groups, travel agencies, or regular tour organizing agents.

2, Service trip plan: U.S. $ 1990 per person

The service trip plan excludes food and drinks on the trek by the company. Travelers should pay for their own food and drinks. The company will provide only accommodation, necessary ground transportation, KTM - Bhadrapur- KTM filights, necessary permits, legal documents and necessary staff. The above service trip plan price is for a minimal group size. The Service trip plan prices will be reduced by the size of the groups and number of trekkers as well.

What's included
  • Airport pick up & drop by private /car/van/bus
  • 2 nights Hotel accommodation (Twin bedroom) in Kathmandu before the trekking on B & B planning.
  • 2-night Hotel accommodation (Twin bedroom) in Kathmandu after the trekking on B & B Planning.
  • 1-day city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with a cultural tour guide
  • Private vehicle for sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • 1-night Hotel accommodation (Twin bedroom) in Pauwa Bhanjyang on MAP planning
  • Restricted trekking permit for Kanchenjunga  area & Conservations permits
  • 3 times meals (breakfast, Lunch, dinner) and hot drinks.
  • Necessary trekking staff, and porters with their wages and insurance.
  • Domestic air ticket from Kathmandu- Bhadrapur-Kathmandu as well as domestic airport tax
  • Private transport from Bharatpur airport – Pauwa Bhanjyang- Sekathum
  • Private transport from Yamphudin to Kanyam- Bhadrapur airport
  • Private transport for airport pick up
  • Private transport for airport dropping
  • A private waterman in a group more than 4 pax
  • Hot water bag at a higher altitude
  • First aid medical kid
  • All ground transportation for your trekking staff
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
What's not included
  • Lunch & dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
  • Personal medical expenses
  • Rescue helicopter price in case of necessary
  • Personal expenses and equipment
  •  Food and hot drinks if you choose Service trip plan
  • Bottle and can beverages
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for your staff ( at the end of the trekking)
  • Extra room in Kathmandu in case you need more than our agreement
  • Food and the rooms in case you return before the trip plan
  • No hot waterman if the group size is less than 4 People
Useful Info

How to go to Kanchanjunga?

Kanchanjung is a very remote Himalayan region in the eastern part of Nepal. It is connected by rough roads and flights with urban Cities such as Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Dharan, Ilam etc. Overland transportation to this trekking departs from different parts of eastern Nepal but flight operates only from Kathmandu to Suketar at Taplejung. Nepal Airlines schedules 3 days of flights per week but it is always unsure. The other flight companies do not operate their flight schedule to Suketar airport. So, most travel companies offer it by driving from Kathmandu to Taplejung or flying in and out from KTM to Bhadrapur and then driving Jeeps to Sekathum. Comfortable transportation access is more difficult in remote parts of the Himalayas in Nepal.

You must have an overnight at Ilam Kanyam or Phiddim while you fly for Trekking. Direct driving from Bhadrapur to Sekathum is impossible in a day. After the trekking driving directly from Yamphudin to Bhadrapur is possible. You must overnight somewhere at Birtamode and drive away to Bhadrapur about 35 minutes for the flight to Kathmandu.

Accommodation & Meals

Kanchanjunga region is also updating a lot for basic accommodations. The dining room is heated by burning yak dung. In some parts, they provide very nice rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers. In a few places, there are still very normal accommodation facilities.

We will provide 3-time meals in a day on the trekking (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as well as hot drinks like tea, coffee, and boiled water for drinking or filling water bottles….. Etc. But we won’t provide lunch and dinner during your stay in the city.

Drinking Water:

Travelers should be very aware of drinking water in Nepal. Travelers are not completely adapted to digesting direct normal spring water due to bacteria. So, we recommend drinking mineral water or boiled water. Also, you can use some purifier tablets such as chlorine tablets for purifying water on the trekking. We strongly recommend mineral water in the city area and purified or boiled water in the trekking.

Difficulty

Trekking in Kanchanjunga is considered a part of an adventure trip. There are steep ascends and descends and many passes, lots of ups and downs, high mountains, Glaciers, Rivers, and waterfalls. We have to sleep several nights above 3500m, and some days trekking will be more than 9 hours long in a dried and highlander landscape. Kanchenjunga trekking is fully mixed with nature, Culture, and adventures.

Permits & Regulations

You need to have a special permit or (restricted permit) for the Kanchenjunga Trekking. There should be a minimum of 2 trekkers in a group. Permit won’t be issued for single person or individual trekkers.

Kanchanjunga Restricted Permit: USD 10 per week

There is also Rs. 3000 entry fee for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area project

Personal equipment list:

Good walking boots, a pair of track shoes and slippers to wear in the camp in the evening or when the boot is wet.

Warm jacket (Fibers fill or down should be adequate.)

A Rainproof jacket with a hood or poncho.

Woolen shirts and thick sweaters or fleece jackets.

Thin and thick trousers.

Trousers for higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night. Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary during treks going above 3000mtr.

Thermal underwear (These are excellent for sleeping at night)

A tracksuit for wearing in camp. 2 pairs of loose-fitting long shorts/ skirts. 1 lightweight long-sleeved –shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.

A woolen or warm hat to wear in the morning and at night. Sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.

A pair of gloves and good sun/snow glasses (warm and normal ones)

A Pair of thin and 2 pairs of thick warm socks, Underwear, buff, and hankies as you need.

Necessary personal items if you are a woman.

Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gear while trekking, sleeping bag. Small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet paper, camera, film towel, soap, etc. Water bottle. Snow glasses and sunglasses, 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. Headlamp with spare batteries, Snow gaiters, sun cream, personal medicine, lip guard, toothbrush, towel, reading materials, camera, game items (optional), notebook, rubber band, pen and pencil, a diary, a pocket knife, trekking map, passport copies.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, etc. It affects mountain climbers, hikers, and skiers because of lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. It occurs as the result of failure to adapt to a higher altitude. It happens most often in the brains or the longs after the fluid begins to leak from the blood vessels.

When the fluid collects in the brain, you initially get headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, want to lie down and do nothing, and a decrease of consciousness, and the problem with balance coordination is called high–altitude cerebral edema (HACE). If the fluid is collected in the lungs, you become breathless and dry, and an irritative cough begins, coughing up blood, discoloration of the skin, and chest tightness is called high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

Prevention

To prevent acute mountain sickness; we have to follow fundamental gravity habits such as patience, consistency, and discipline in the mountain. Avoid rapid altitude gaining, drink enough water or fluid, acclimatize to adjust the body at a higher altitude, avoid alcohol, eat regular meals, get higher and sleep at lower altitudes, and avoid high altitudes if you have heart and lung disease. The main treatment for acute mountain sickness is to stop climbing and descend to a lower altitude if the symptoms occur. If the person is seriously sick, or cannot bring him/her lower altitude by walking and carrying then we need a helicopter charter for quick evacuations.