Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Adventure Metro Everest Travel & Treks will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, we will have a pre-trek briefing where you will meet your trek leader and fellow trekkers. A traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be hosted in the evening, where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine and cultural performances.
After breakfast, we begin a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, the massive Boudhanath Stupa, and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, we will check our trekking gear and ensure all necessary permits (Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit) are arranged. The rest of the day is free for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
We take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, a gateway to eastern Nepal. Upon arrival, we embark on a long but scenic drive to Taplejung, passing through Ilam, Nepal’s famous tea-growing region. The lush green hills and rolling tea estates make for a beautiful drive. After 8-9 hours, we reach Taplejung, where we settle into our lodge for the night, preparing for the trek ahead.
Our trekking adventure begins! We leave Taplejung and follow a gentle uphill trail, passing through small villages and terraced farmland. The trail weaves through rhododendron forests and traditional settlements, where we encounter the Limbu ethnic community. After a gradual ascent, we reach Lalikharka, a beautiful village with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
We start the day with a gradual descent through lush forests before crossing small streams. The trail then ascends again, offering mesmerizing views of the Himalayan foothills. As we approach Tembewa village, we descend towards the Kabeli Khola River and make a final uphill climb to Khesewa, a picturesque settlement with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga’s south face.
The trek continues with gentle ascents and descents, crossing ridges that provide panoramic views of Jannu and Kanchenjunga peaks. We pass through dense forests and terraced fields before reaching Phungphung Danda. After descending towards the Kabeli Khola and crossing a suspension bridge, we arrive at Mamankhe, a culturally rich Limbu village where we spend the night.
Today's trek is relatively short but involves steep ascents. We traverse hillside trails with bamboo forests, waterfalls, and small wooden bridges. The path takes us to Yamphudin, the last permanent settlement before we enter the remote high-altitude regions. This village is home to a mix of Limbu, Sherpa, and Rai communities, giving it a unique cultural atmosphere.
One of the longest trekking days, today's journey takes us into dense rhododendron and bamboo forests. We ascend steeply towards Lasiya Bhanjyang (3,310m/10,860ft), where we enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains. After crossing the pass, we descend steeply through pine forests to reach the Simbuwa Khola, following its banks to Tortong, a peaceful stop nestled in the forest.
A short but challenging day, the trail climbs steadily through lush forests and follows the Simbuwa Khola. As we ascend higher, the vegetation starts thinning, and we get our first close-up views of Yalung Glacier and Kabru Peak. Upon reaching Cheram, we settle in for the night, surrounded by stunning glacial landscapes.
Today is a rest and acclimatization day to allow our bodies to adjust to the altitude. We take a short hike to a viewpoint near Cheram, where we get panoramic views of Kanchenjunga South, Yalung Glacier, and surrounding peaks. Proper acclimatization is crucial before ascending further, so we take it easy and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery.
The trek continues along the moraine of Yalung Glacier, climbing gradually towards Ramchaur (Ramche). As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes more barren and dramatic, with glacial lakes and towering ice-covered peaks surrounding us. We pass through a series of prayer flags and stone cairns before reaching Ramche, where we settle for the night at a high-altitude lodge.
A major highlight of the trek, today we hike to Yalung Base Camp (4,500m/14,764ft), the southern face of Kanchenjunga. The trail follows the glacier, leading to an expansive ice field with incredible views of Kanchenjunga’s towering southern wall, Kabru, and Rathong peaks. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, we return to Cheram, retracing our steps along the stunning glacial valley.
Leaving Cheram, we ascend steadily through dense rhododendron forests, eventually reaching an open, rocky trail with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. The path gradually steepens as we approach Mirgin La Pass (4,480m/14,698ft), one of the many high passes we cross today. The trek is physically demanding, but the stunning panoramas of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Jannu make the effort worthwhile. After crossing Sinion La and Sinelapche La passes, we descend slightly to reach Sele La, a windswept ridge offering incredible Himalayan views. We rest at a basic tea house for the night, surrounded by rugged mountain beauty.
Today’s trek is relatively short but requires caution as we descend steep trails covered with loose rocks and occasional icy patches. We gradually make our way down through pine and rhododendron forests, eventually reaching the Tibetan-influenced village of Ghunsa. This charming settlement, nestled in a river valley, offers prayer flags, Buddhist monasteries, and cozy tea houses where we can rest. The lower altitude provides a sense of relief as we prepare for the next leg of our journey.
Leaving Ghunsa, we follow the Ghundha Khola river, traversing a rugged trail along the glacial valley. The path takes us through landslide-prone areas and high ridges, offering breathtaking views of Jannu (Kumbhakarna) and Phole Peak. The trail becomes more remote and barren as we approach Kambachen, a high-altitude village surrounded by towering Himalayan giants. This is a great place to acclimatize as we push higher into the alpine zone.
Today’s trek takes us further into the remote wilderness of the Kanchenjunga region. We gradually ascend through rocky terrain, crossing glacial moraines and high plateaus. Along the way, we get closer views of Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, and Tent Peak. As we near Lhonak, the landscape becomes more barren, with icy winds sweeping across the valley. We stay overnight in this isolated but scenic settlement, resting for the big adventure ahead.
This is the most awaited day of the trek as we journey towards Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema). The trail follows the glacier, winding through rocky ridges and moraines. As we reach Pangpema, the views of Kanchenjunga’s massive north face are simply awe-inspiring. We take time to explore the base camp, capturing breathtaking moments before settling in for an overnight stay at Pangpema, the highest point of our trek.
After a mesmerizing sunrise over Kanchenjunga, we retrace our steps back to Lhonak. The descent feels easier, but we still tread carefully over the rocky paths. The return journey allows us to soak in the beauty of the towering peaks, glacial valleys, and vast Himalayan landscapes once more.
We continue our descent, passing through Kambachen before reaching Ghunsa. The change in altitude brings relief as we move back into greener landscapes. This section of the trek is demanding but rewarding, with another opportunity to enjoy stunning mountain vistas. We spend the night in the familiar warmth of Ghunsa’s cozy tea houses.
Today’s trail leads us through dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and wooden bridges over glacial rivers. As we descend further, the vegetation changes from alpine to lush subtropical forests. We pass Phale and Gyabla villages, where we may encounter local yak herders. Arriving at Amjilosa, we enjoy a comfortable evening in a lower-altitude setting.
The trail gradually winds down through vibrant rhododendron and bamboo forests. We follow the Tama Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges and small Limbu villages along the way. By the time we reach Chirwa, we are officially out of the high mountain zone and back into Nepal’s lush mid-hills. The warmer climate and abundant greenery provide a refreshing contrast to the past few days of rugged trekking.
Our final trekking day takes us through terraced fields, charming rural villages, and rolling hills as we make our way to Taplejung. Passing through Mitlung, we enjoy the last glimpses of the Kanchenjunga region. Upon reaching Taplejung, we celebrate the completion of our incredible journey with our trekking team, reflecting on the unforgettable adventure.
We bid farewell to the mountains as we embark on a long scenic drive back to Bhadrapur. The journey takes us through Ilam, Nepal’s famous tea-producing region, where we can stop for a tea break while enjoying the rolling green hills. Upon arrival in Bhadrapur, we check into a comfortable hotel and rest after the long drive.
After breakfast, we take a short but scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Once in the capital, you have the rest of the day free to explore, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a relaxing spa session. In the evening, Adventure Metro Everest Travel & Treks hosts a farewell dinner, where we celebrate our successful Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with authentic Nepali cuisine.
Our journey concludes as we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. With unforgettable memories of the Kanchenjunga region, we bid you farewell, hoping to see you again for another adventure in Nepal!
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is located in the far eastern region of Nepal, near the border of India (Sikkim) and Tibet. The trek takes you through both the north and south base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft), the third-highest mountain in the world. The trail passes through Taplejung, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and remote Himalayan villages, offering one of the most adventurous trekking experiences in Nepal.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal due to its long duration, remote trails, high altitudes, and rugged terrain. Trekkers need to be physically fit and prepared for daily hikes of 5-8 hours over steep ascents, rocky ridges, glacial moraines, and high-altitude passes like Sele La Pass (4,290m/14,075ft). Previous experience with high-altitude trekking is recommended.
Yes, since the Kanchenjunga region is a restricted area, trekkers require two permits:
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Issued by the Nepal Immigration Office.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) – Managed by the Nepal Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
Additionally, trekkers must be in a group of at least two people and accompanied by a licensed trekking guide from a registered trekking agency.
The best seasons for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring (March-May): The trails are filled with rhododendron blooms, lush greenery, and moderate temperatures. Visibility is excellent, and wildlife sightings are common.
Autumn (September-November): This season offers clear skies, dry trails, and stunning mountain views. The weather is stable, making it the most popular time for trekking.
Winter (December-February): Extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall make high passes and base camps inaccessible. Only experienced trekkers attempt this trek in winter.
Monsoon (June-August): Frequent rainfall, landslides, and leeches make trekking difficult, but the region becomes very lush and beautiful.
Accommodation on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is mainly in basic teahouses and lodges. The lower-altitude villages have simple teahouses with private rooms, while higher elevations have rudimentary lodges with shared rooms and common dining areas. Some remote sections may require camping, especially in harsh weather conditions. Facilities like Wi-Fi, hot showers, and electricity are very limited and may come with an extra charge.
Teahouses along the trail serve a variety of basic Nepali and Tibetan dishes. The most common meal is Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles), which is nutritious and provides unlimited refills. Other options include noodles, soups, momos (dumplings), pasta, pancakes, and Tibetan bread. As you ascend higher, food variety becomes more limited, and prices increase due to transportation challenges.
Yes, drinking water is available at teahouses, natural streams, and water stations, but it must be purified. It is recommended to carry a water filter, purification tablets, or a SteriPEN to treat water before drinking. Bottled water is available at some teahouses but becomes expensive at higher altitudes due to difficult transportation.
Since this trek is strenuous, trekkers should start training at least 2-3 months in advance. A good preparation plan includes:
Cardiovascular training – Running, hiking, cycling, and swimming to improve stamina.
Strength training – Leg and core exercises to prepare for steep ascents.
Endurance training – Multi-day hikes with a weighted backpack to simulate trekking conditions.
Altitude training – If possible, practice trekking at high altitudes to adjust to lower oxygen levels.
Yes, altitude sickness is a risk on this trek, as we reach elevations above 5,000m. To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
Acclimatize properly with rest days at Cheram and Ghunsa.
Hydrate well – Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily.
Ascend gradually – Follow the itinerary and avoid rapid altitude gain.
Eat enough calories – High-altitude trekking requires more energy.
Avoid alcohol and smoking – These can increase dehydration and AMS symptoms.
Carry medication – Diamox (Acetazolamide) can help with acclimatization if recommended by your doctor.
Packing for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek requires preparing for cold temperatures, changing weather, and high-altitude conditions. Essential items include:
Hiking boots – Waterproof and broken-in.
Layered clothing – Base layers, fleece, down jacket, and waterproof shell.
Sleeping bag – Rated for at least -10°C to -20°C.
Backpack – 40-50L for personal items.
Trekking poles – Useful for steep ascents and descents.
Water purification – Tablets, filter, or SteriPEN.
First aid kit – Includes altitude sickness medication, painkillers, bandages, and blister care.
Headlamp – Essential for early morning or late-night treks.
Wi-Fi is available in some lower-altitude villages like Taplejung, Ghunsa, and Yamphudin, but the connection is slow and expensive. Mobile networks such as NCELL and NTC work in some areas, but the signal is unreliable at higher altitudes. It’s best to inform family and friends beforehand about limited communication options.
In case of a medical emergency or altitude sickness, the trek leader will assess the situation and decide whether to continue or descend. If necessary, helicopter evacuation can be arranged, but trekkers must have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter rescues. The guide carries a first aid kit and communication equipment for emergencies.
Yes, hiring a licensed guide is mandatory as Kanchenjunga is a restricted area. A guide enhances safety, navigates difficult trails, and provides cultural insights. Porters are highly recommended to help carry heavy loads, allowing you to trek comfortably.
At Adventure Metro Everest Travel & Treks, we specialize in off-the-beaten-path adventures with expert guides, personalized services, and high safety standards. Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is designed for trekkers seeking a remote, challenging, and breathtaking Himalayan experience. We ensure a well-organized trek with proper acclimatization, high-quality services, and an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Himalayas!
