Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

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  • Trip Duration 22 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Difficult
  • Trip Cost Contact Us
  • Trip Style Trekking
  • Transportation Aeroplane / Tourist Bus
  • Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
  • Accommodation Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and lodge/teahouses during the trek
  • Group-Size 1-10 people
  • Max-Altitude 5,388 m/17,673 ft.
  • Arrival on Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal
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Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

The third highest mountain in the world Kanchenjunga (8586m) is located in the far northeastern part of Nepal. The name Kanchenjunga means ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snow’ which is in reference to the five summits that make up Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga Trek is the real meaning of trekking which is a very remote area and only natural. This trek is still very salient and also rewards us to enjoy the real Himalayas and beautiful nature. We can observe the real lifestyle of mountain people, these people are unique culture and life from the rest of the world.

We begin the trek to Kanchenjunga with a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar then we take the Bus/jeep to Taplejung. This part has a rich biodiversity with many species of flora, fauna, and animal. The long trek gives us peace in our minds, fitness in our bodies, and happiness in our life. It is the best trekking destination in the world.

Trip Highlights

  • Historical, cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • A complete eco system in the Himalayas
  • Explore Kanchenjunga Base Camp
  • Spectacular Mountain View
  • Spectacular view of 3rd highest mountain in the world Kanchenjunga (8586m.)

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft).
  • Day 02:Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
  • Day 03:Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (69 m/ 226 ft.) and drive to Phale or Taplejung (1820m/6,971ft.)
  • Day 04:Drive from Phale to Taplejung (4 hours) and trek to Sinwa (980 m/3,215ft.); 5 hours.
  • Day 05:Trek from Sinwa to Lelep (1,750m/5,741ft.); 8 hours.
  • Day 06:Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa (2, 308m/7,572ft.); 6 hours.
  • Day 07:Trek from Amjilosa to Gyable (2730 m/7,775ft.); 7 hours
  • Day 08:Trek from Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m/11,377ft.); 6 hours.
  • Day 09:Rest day at Ghunsa (3468m/11,377ft.)/ Acclimatization
  • Day 10:Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m/13,530ft.); 6-7 hours.
  • Day 11:Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m/15,682ft.); 7 hours.
  • Day 12:Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema back to Lonak (5152m/16,902ft.); 4 hours.
  • Day 13:Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3468m/11,377ft.); 8 hours.
  • Day 14:Ghuns to Sele La Pass (4210m/13,812ft.); 5 hours.
  • Day 15:Sele La Pass (4210 m.) to Tseram (3750m/12,303ft.); 7-8 hours.
  • Day 16:Tseram to Oktang (4700m/15,419ft) and back to Tseram (3750m/12,303ft.); 9 hours
  • Day 17:Tseram to Yamphudin (2,080m/6,824ft); 9 hours
  • Day 18:Yamphudin to Khebang (1950m/6,397ft); 6 hours
  • Day 19:Khebang to HappuKhola (about 1500m/4921ft) or Tharpu; 6-7 hours
  • Day 20:HappuKhola to Bhadrapur (91m/2,98ft); by Jeep/Bus
  • Day 21:Fly back to Kathmandu.
  • Day 22:Final Departure

Cost Includes:

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
  • Meals:  Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All meals during the trek     
  • 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Teahouses during the trek.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Local licensed export English-speaking guide.  
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
  • Food, accommodation, salary, transportation, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
  • Kathmandu- Biratnagar-Kathmandu plane ticket
  • Entrance permit for trekking.
  • Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Tourist Saga Tourism (which need to be returned after the trek).
  • Supplementary snacks (cookies, fresh fruits) on the Trek.
  • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.

Cost Excludes:

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara  (Requires approximately USD or equivalent currency 15 to 25 per person per day)
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation (compulsory).
  • Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Multiple entry 15 days US $25 or equivalent convertible currency, for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
  • Mineral water, Alcoholic, and cold drinks.
  • Personal trekking Equipment’s.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porter (Tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section.
  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft).

    Heartily welcome in Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital and cultural hub. We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel by private tourist car and early evening overall briefing about your trek (introduction with guide).

    • Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

      Today after breakfast we start a cultural tour some of the most historical and architectural attractions of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley which are listed by UNESCO. We visit The famous Temple in the town 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and Hindu divine temple of Pashupatinath. In the evening introduced to fellow participants, and briefly discuss our trip.

      • Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (69 m/ 226 ft.) and drive to Phale or Taplejung (1820m/6,971ft.)

        Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and go by bus or jeep to Phale or Taplejung. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.

        • Day 04: Drive from Phale to Taplejung (4 hours) and trek to Sinwa (980 m/3,215ft.); 5 hours.

          Drive from Phale to Taplejung (4 hours) and after lunch trek to Sinwa. The way goes all the time down. It takes 5 hours.

          • Day 05: Trek from Sinwa to Lelep (1,750m/5,741ft.); 8 hours.

            Trek from Sinwa to Lelep takes about 8 hours. The rout is flat and only before Lelep goes up. You cross beautiful fields of cardamom and small villages. Stay for lunch in Chirawa. In Taplethok you cross the river. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.

            • Day 06: Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa (2, 308m/7,572ft.); 6 hours.

              Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa takes about 6 hour. At the beginning you go down to the river and for some time continue the way along it. Later you cross the river a few times and at the end go steep to a tee house where you will have lunch. From that point is only 1.5 hour to Amjiliosa.

              • Day 07: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyable (2730 m/7,775ft.); 7 hours

                Trek from Amjilosa to Gyable takes about 7 hours. At the beginning you will go down to the river. After more than 1 hour you will see Sherpa Hotel. From that moment you will go up through the jungle. This area is quite empty so does not be surprise when you meet a black himalaya bear. Better go in a group. Before Gyabla the way is steeper. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.

                • Day 08: Trek from Gyable to Ghunsa (3468m/11,377ft.); 6 hours.

                  Trek from Gyable to Ghunsa takes about 6 hours and it is an easy day. Again you will go through a green jungle and along Gunsa River. The main village on your way where you will have lunch is Phale. This is a nice Buddhist village where you can visit a Gompa. From that place to Ghunsa is only 2 hours. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.

                  • Day 09: Rest day at Ghunsa (3468m/11,377ft.)/ Acclimatization

                    This can be a rest day for acclimatization. Ghunsa is the biggest village on your trek with some shops where you can buy souvenirs and visit old Gompa. It is the last place where you can take hot shower. You can leave part of your equipment here in a hotel. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.

                    • Day 10: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4124m/13,530ft.); 6-7 hours.

                      Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen takes about 6-7 hours. First you go through the wood, later cross the river and go steep up. Crossing the hills is careful of falling stones. Later you cross a wooden gate and go down to the village. Kambachen is the best place to see Janu in sunset and sunrise. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.

                      • Day 11: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m/15,682ft.); 7 hours.

                        Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak takes about 7 hours. The trail climbs gradually through open rocky fields. On your way you can see Mera peak and from one place one of the tops of Kanchenjunga. Lhonak is not a village but a place with few stows buildings on the moraines of Kanchenjunga Glacier. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house.

                        • Day 12: Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema back to Lonak (5152m/16,902ft.); 4 hours.

                          One day trip from Lhonak to Pangpema takes about 4 hours up and 3 hours back. You can see Kanchenjunga only near Pangpema but the view of other mountains is spectacular all the time. That day you have to start your trek at 6 o’clock because the weather is better in the morning.

                          • Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3468m/11,377ft.); 8 hours.

                            Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa takes about 8 hours. You have your lunch in Kambachen. Stay overnight in lodge/tea house

                            • Day 14: Ghuns to Sele La Pass (4210m/13,812ft.); 5 hours.

                              Early in the morning, because at 6:30 we have gone out. We eat breakfast in Ghuns (3510 m) and we take provisions for the road as the passage of the three Sele La Pass, Sinion La, Mirgin La will take us 2 days. The trail from the village passes by the hydroelectric power station, and then climbs to the forest, full of moss, rhododendrons and juniper. After 45 minutes it becomes very steep, and for the next hour, we have a heavy approach on the stone stairs until we finally emerge from the trees on the back of the pass. The path now turns south on the granite toward the small stream, and then a short effort to climb up and reach the saddle at 4210 m. Another 20 minutes and reach the Sele La Pass. So far we have been around for 4 hours. But the longer road still ahead of us. But it will reward us with great views. Overnight in Kharce tents at Selele Pass.Cooking on gas burners.

                              • Day 15: Sele La Pass (4210 m.) to Tseram (3750m/12,303ft.); 7-8 hours.

                                We put the tents and after breakfast in the morning to march. After a while we go further and enter the Sinion La pass (4480 m.n.p.m.). We can see the south wall of Jannu (7710 m.) and the eastern wall of Makalu (8463 m.). Sometimes in good weather even Cho Oyu (8201 m.n.p.m.) can be noticed. The trail now descends again before it goes down the rocky uphill path towards Mirgin La (4724 m). In the cloudless day, the views from here go back to Sikkim in India and the direction of Ratong (6675 m.). We continue our descent down to Tseram and just before dark we should reach theTseram settlement (3750 m.) where there is only one cottage. Overnight in Tseram lodge, dinner during the march as a packed lunch on the road, dinner at Tseram.Length of walk about 7 hours.

                                • Day 16: Tseram to Oktang (4700m/15,419ft) and back to Tseram (3750m/12,303ft.); 9 hours

                                  Today is not going to be idyllic today either. Wake up at 6am, eat breakfast only. Leave your stuff in Tseram (3750 m.) and head south towards Kanchenjungi. We bring with us provisions (chapati, energy bars) and water on the road. We emerge above the line of trees, walking down the left bank of the Simbua River, towards the pasture of the moths and the glacier of the glacier. The scenery starts to get more beautiful as we get to the Yalung Glacier. We walk through the narrow entrance of the Yalung glacier and we reach Ramche (4360 m.). Quiet, grassy place where there is a small lodge for porters. Going further down the slopes of the Yalung Glacier closer to the Kanchenjungi slope (8586 m). Due to the fact that we should be well acclimated now, traveling to Oktang (4700 m.) should not be a problem for us. March takes us to the open valley, we enter the glacier moraine peaks until we reach the Chortenu in Oktang (4700 m.). The Himalayan base is a day's journey through the glacier, on the other side, so Oktang is the last closest point to reach without the use of climbing equipment. Around us we have an incredible overview of the mighty mountains. TheKanchenjungi peak (8586 m.) is well visible. After a short rest and eye-catching these views we set off on the return path not short either. After about 9 hours we should get back to Tseram (3750 m.). There is a hot meal for dinner and overnight in the lodge.

                                  • Day 17: Tseram to Yamphudin (2,080m/6,824ft); 9 hours

                                    Today we begin our return journey back to Suketar (2490 m.). Today we have another long day of marching. We leave Tseram (3750 m.) early in the morning at 6:30. We ate breakfast earlier and took extra provisions for the road as we will not have anywhere to stop for a warm meal. We go to the nearest village of Yamphudin (2027 m.), which is actually 9 hours walk from Tseram. It will take us 2 hours back down the valley. From there we follow the Simbua River, protected by a forest from the sun to the Torontan settlement (2995 m.n.m.), which consists of three small hotels. We stop here for tea and move on. From Torontan (2995 m.) we cross the bridge over Simbua River. At the beginning we follow the left side of the ravine before the trail begins to climb up through the forest. Huge rock landslide in this area, destroyed part of the trail and now runs almost to the ridge itself and to the saddle calledLasiyaBhanjyang (3500 m.). The last section of the trail also goes through the forest, requiring us to climb up the muddy terrain in many moments to overcome the often muddy terrain. At the top of the pass is a cottage - LassiThan, we stop there for a rest and to eat our food. Now we have a great descent down to the other side of the mountain. In the end we reach the river, cross it with one of the bridges and go further. Another hour of walking will take us to the upper Yamphudin (2080 m.), the beautiful village of Sherpa with tourist resorts. Congratulations to everyone for completing one of the heaviest days on the expedition. We are staying at one of the hotels. We sleep in dorm rooms. We eat at Yamphudin in the hotel. The length of the walk today is about 9 hours.

                                    • Day 18: Yamphudin to Khebang (1950m/6,397ft); 6 hours

                                      Morning after breakfast in Yamphudin (2080 m.) we leave our lodge and go on a further hike. The trail drops down to the lower part of the Yamphudin village, then the river. We will cross countless small streams on our way to the Khebang settlement. Here we stay overnight, ever closer civilization. Walking time 6 hours. Overnight in at a lodge.

                                      • Day 19: Khebang to HappuKhola (about 1500m/4921ft) or Tharpu; 6-7 hours

                                        We leave Khebnag (1915 m.) and have the last day of trekking. Today our goal is to start the road in the vicinity of HappuKhola (about 1500 m.) or Tharpu. In each of these towns is a very simple lodge for overnight stay. There we finish our trek. On the way we pass through Pedang, which in the near future will be the destination of the road where we will finish the trek.

                                        • Day 20: HappuKhola to Bhadrapur (91m/2,98ft); by Jeep/Bus

                                          Today we spend about 200 km from HappuKhola jeep to Ganesh Chowk, and then by bus to Bhadrapur where our departure airport to Kathmandu is located. We are in terai, today we sleep at 91 m. Overnight in lodge.

                                          • Day 21: Fly back to Kathmandu.

                                            Today early in the morning at about 8 am, we are ready to pack, after breakfast we are waiting at the airport for our plane to Kathmandu. We make sure our luggage is in the 15 kilograms per person limit. The flight takes about 1 hour. We land in Kathmandu in the morning; we take a bus to the hotel in Thamel. Today's half day, we have free time for shopping, self-exploring.

                                            • Day 22: Final Departure

                                              Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! Wish you all the best!! Hence, exchange emails with your travel companions (ZamZam Trekking P. LTD) and organize your photos. A representative from ZamZam Trekking will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

                                              Departure Detail

                                              Trip Note

                                              Please note that the above itinerary can be changed to suit your needs.  If you want, you can always design your own itinerary, as we are very flexible and open to your suggestions. Adding one or two extra days to your trip, if possible you want to spend more time in the mountains, can be wonderful. You can treat above itinerary us a guideline, so even during the trek if you want to introduce changes, we are totally flexible.