Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Strong trekkers who want a great circuit far from everything, at the foot of the world's third highest mountain.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an exceptional trek in Nepal, leading to the foot of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third highest mountain in the world, on the border with Sikkim and Tibet.
This loop links the north base camp (Pangpema, 5,143 m) and the south base camp (Oktang, 4,730 m) via the Sele La pass (4,290 m).
This trek combines adventure, cultural immersion and the exploration of wild nature, for an unforgettable experience for mountain lovers.
Trek level: Difficult +
Accommodation: In lodges / tea houses
Duration: 17 days, 5 to 8 hours of walking per day
Maximum altitude: 5,143 m
Highlights of this trek
- Remote and authentic: a preserved, little-visited region far from mass tourism, with traditional villages (Limbu, Rai, Sherpa and Tibetan peoples)
- Grand landscapes: spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu and Kabru, glacial valleys (Lhonak, Pangpema), bamboo and rhododendron forests, deep river gorges
- Unique biodiversity: rare wildlife (red panda, snow leopard, blue sheep) and rich flora (rhododendrons, primary forests)
- Cultural richness: Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, strong Tibetan influence, encounters with local communities
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 01 : Flight to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam (1,627 m) or Taplejung (1,820 m). Flight Kathmandu – Bhadrapur: 45 minutes. Drive Bhadrapur – Ilam: 100 km – about 5 hours. Drive Bhadrapur – Taplejung: 240 km – about 9 hours. Start your adventure with a scenic flight, followed by a drive through lush green tea gardens
Day 02 : Drive to Sekathum (1,650 m). Taplejung – Sekathum: 40 km – about 5 hours by jeep (sometimes rough track). The adventure really begins with a jeep ride to the start of the trek
Day 03 : Trek to Amjilosa (2,498 m). 6 hours of walking. Start hiking along the Ghunsa river, through dense, lush forests
Day 04 : Trek to Gyabla (2,725 m). Walk: about 5 hours. A beautiful trail with waterfalls and rhododendrons in bloom
Day 05 : Trek to Ghunsa (3,415 m). Walk: about 7 to 8 hours. Arrival in the charming Sherpa village of Ghunsa, an important stage of the Kanchenjunga Circuit
Day 06 : Trek to Kambachen (4,145 m). Walk: 5 to 6 hours across high terrain as you approach the glacier zone
Day 07 : Acclimatisation day in Kambachen. Optional walk: 2 to 4 hours for a short excursion (e.g. towards the Jannu glacier). An essential step to adapt to the altitude before going higher
Day 08: Trek to Lhonak (4,792 m). Walk: 4 to 5 hours. Follow rocky trails to the alpine settlement of Lhonak
Day 09: Hike to Kanchenjunga north base camp (5,143 m) and back to Lhonak. Walk: 6 to 7 hours round trip.
Highlight of the route: spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks
Day 10: Back to Ghunsa. Walk: about 7 to 8 hours. Retrace your steps with a new view of the landscapes. Rest in Ghunsa
Day 11: Trek to Sele Le base camp (4,240 m). Walk: 5 to 6 hours. Climb through forests to reach the Sele Le pass
Day 12: Crossing of the Sele La pass to Tseram (3,868 m). Walk: about 6 to 7 hours. A high mountain crossing with panoramas over the Himalayan range
Day 13: Hike to the Oktang viewpoint and back. Walk: 6 hours. This viewpoint offers a majestic panorama of Kanchenjunga south base camp
Day 14: Trek to Tortong (2,980 m). Walk: 5 hours. Descent through rhododendron forests along the Simbuwa river
Day 15: Trek to Yamphudin (1,692 m). Walk: 7 to 8 hours. A cultural stage of the circuit, through several traditional villages
Day 16 : Drive to Kanyam (1,210 m). Yamphudin – Kanyam: about 100 km – 5 to 6 hours by 4×4. Rest and relaxation in this beautiful region of hills and tea plantations
Day 17 : Drive to Bhadrapur, flight to Kathmandu. Kanyam – Bhadrapur: about 55 km – 2 hours. Flight Bhadrapur – Kathmandu: 45 minutes
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Best time to go
October–November and April–May: passes above 5,000 m can be closed by snow from December to March.
Who is it for?
Strong trekkers who want a great circuit far from everything, at the foot of the world's third highest mountain. For trained walkers only: long stages, passes above 5,000 m, sometimes harsh conditions.
What the price includes
- Return domestic flights Kathmandu – Bhadrapur for you and your guide
- Private airport transfers and all journeys by private vehicle or 4x4 (Kathmandu – Sekathum return and during the trek)
- Government-licensed French- or English-speaking Nepali guide and porters (1 for 2 participants, max. 12.5 kg per person): wages, meals, accommodation and insurance included
- TIMS card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit and restricted area permit
- Nights in lodges or tea houses for the whole trek
- Full board during the trek: 3 meals a day with tea or coffee
- Hot shower (subject to availability)
What the price does not include
- International flight, Nepal visa and mandatory assistance and repatriation insurance
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (can be booked on request), sightseeing and entrance fees
- Drinks, mineral or filtered water, Wi-Fi and battery charging
- Tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| Kanchenjunga restricted area permit guide required | $20 per week |
| Kanchenjunga Conservation Area | NPR 2,000 |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Ghunsa (3,430 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek take?
Allow 17 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Demanding. For trained walkers only: long stages, passes above 5,000 m, sometimes harsh conditions. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
October–November and April–May: passes above 5,000 m can be closed by snow from December to March. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: Kanchenjunga restricted area permit ($20 per week), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (NPR 2,000). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 5,143 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek cost?
From €2,350 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.