22-Day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in Nepal to Visit the North and South Base Camps

Kanchenjunga Trek

Highlights

Trek to both Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps

Explore vibrant rhododendron forests and alpine meadows

Cross high mountain passes with panoramic Himalayan views

Discover traditional Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa villages

Kathmandu

nature, rural, trekking

Group Tour

22 Days

Hard

English, Russian

Description

Discover the remote beauty of eastern Nepal on this 22-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Explore diverse landscapes from lush rhododendron forests to high Himalayan glaciers, visiting both Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps. Experience breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, encounter local Limbu and Rai communities, and cross dramatic mountain passes. Perfect for seasoned trekkers seeking authentic adventure, pristine wilderness, and deep cultural immersion in one of Nepal’s most untouched and awe-inspiring regions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Meet and greet by your representative and transfer to your hotel.
- Rest and recover from your flight.
- Evening briefing about the trek with your guide.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath.
- Check trekking gear and obtain necessary permits.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m)
- Morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (about 45 minutes).
- Scenic drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung (approx. 8–9 hours).
- Enjoy views of terraced fields and the eastern hills of Nepal.
Overnight in Taplejung.
Day 4: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung (921 m)
- Begin your trek through lush forests and traditional Limbu villages.
- Cross suspension bridges and enjoy the views of the Tamor River.
Overnight in Mitlung.
Day 5: Mitlung to Chiruwa (1,270 m)
- Trek through cardamom fields and mixed forests.
- Pass small settlements like Sinwa and Tawa.
- Cross suspension bridges over the Tamor River before reaching Chiruwa.
Overnight in Chiruwa.
Day 6: Chiruwa to Sukathum (1,576 m)
- Enter the restricted area of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Region.
- Walk through dense forests of oak and rhododendron.
- Follow the Ghunsa Khola River to Sukathum.
Overnight in Sukathum.
Day 7: Sukathum to Amjilosa (2,308 m)
- Steep climb along narrow gorges and forested trails.
- Spot monkeys and colourful birds along the route.
Overnight stay in the small village of Amjilosa.
Day 8: Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m)
- Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests.
- Gradual ascent with occasional views of snowcapped peaks.
- Reach Gyabla, a Tibetan-style village surrounded by alpine scenery.
Overnight in Gyabla.
Day 9: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 m)
- Trek through lush pine forests and yak pastures.
- Arrive at Ghunsa, the largest Sherpa village in the region.
- Explore the local monastery and interact with villagers.
Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 10: Acclimatisation Day in Ghunsa
- Spend the day acclimatising to the altitude.
- Take a short hike to a nearby ridge or monastery.
- Learn about local Sherpa culture and traditions.
Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 11: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050 m)
- Follow the trail along the Ghunsa Khola with stunning mountain views.
- Pass through rhododendron and juniper forests.
- Arrive in Kambachen, surrounded by high Himalayan peaks.
Overnight in Kambachen.
Day 12: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780 m)
- Trek through rugged moraine landscapes and glacial valleys.
- Cross streams and enjoy panoramic views of Kanchenjunga North Face.
Overnight in Lhonak.
Day 13: Day Trip to Pangpema (5,143 m) – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
- Early morning trek to Pangpema, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks.
- Spend time for photography and exploration.
- Return to Lhonak for overnight stay.
Day 14: Lhonak to Ghunsa
- Retrace your steps along the Ghunsa Khola.
- Enjoy a gradual descent through familiar landscapes.
Overnight stay in Ghunsa.
Day 15: Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290 m)
- Steep uphill climb through dense rhododendron forests.
- Reach Sele Le Pass with beautiful mountain panoramas.
Overnight in a mountain lodge at Sele Le.
Day 16: Cross Sele Le Pass to Cheram (3,870 m)
- Cross several high passes, including Mirgin La (4,480 m) and Sinion La (4,660 m).
- Enjoy stunning views of Makalu, Everest, and Kanchenjunga ranges.
- Descend to Cheram for overnight stay.
Day 17: Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m)
- Trek through alpine meadows and glacial moraines.
- Pass Yalung Glacier and reach Ramche, the base for the southern face of Kanchenjunga.
Overnight in Ramche.
Day 18: Visit Yalung Base Camp and Return to Cheram
- Morning hike to Yalung Base Camp (4,800 m) with striking views of Kanchenjunga’s south face.
- Return to Cheram for overnight stay.
Day 19: Cheram to Tortong (2,995 m)
- Descend through rhododendron forests and small settlements.
- Follow the Simbuwa Khola to Tortong.
Overnight in Tortong.
Day 20: Tortong to Yamphuding (2,080 m)
- Descend through forests and terraced fields.
- Pass villages inhabited by Limbu and Rai communities.
Overnight in Yamphuding.
Day 21: Rest and Relax in Kathmandu
- Trek a short distance before joining the road.
- Drive through the lowlands of eastern Nepal to Birtamod.
- Celebrate the completion of your trek.
Overnight in Birtamod.
Day 22: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu
- Morning drive to Bhadrapur for your flight to Kathmandu.
- Alternatively, take a full-day drive back to the capital.
- Free evening in Kathmandu for shopping or relaxation.
Overnight in Kathmandu or departure transfer to the airport.

What's Included

All airport to hotel transfers by private vehicle

3 nights 3-star hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast

Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Kathmandu to Bhadrapur flight tickets

Bhadrapur to Kathmandu flight tickets

Bhadrapur to Phidim by public sharing jeep

Phidim to Suketar by public sharing jeep

Tapethok to Suketar by public sharing jeep

Suketar to Illam by public sharing jeep

All twin-sharing accommodations during the trek

All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with seasonal fruits

All necessary paperwork and permits

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit

Kanchenjunga Conservation Restricted Area Permits

TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card

All government and local taxes

Experienced English-speaking trekking guide

Assistant trekking guide (1 assistant guide for every 10 trekkers)

Support staff/Sherpa porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers), including salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging

Online pre-trip briefing after booking confirmation

Free excess luggage storage at our office store

Down jacket and seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after the trip)

Duffle bag (to be returned after the trip)

T-shirt

Trekking map

Trekking poles (to be returned after the trip)

Self-sufficient medical first aid kit with essential medications

Oximeter to monitor pulse oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (useful for checking AMS symptoms)

What's Excluded

Nepal visa fee (the lowest available is for a 15-day visa costing $30 per person)

International airfare to and from Kathmandu

Excess luggage charges

Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu (if returning early from the mountains)

Travel and rescue insurance

All lunch and dinners during your stay in Kathmandu

Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charging, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, Wi-Fi or internet, etc.)

Tips for guides and porters

Know Before You Go

Trek difficulty: Moderate to very challenging; includes long days, steep ascents/descents, high passes (~4,400–5,140 m), and remote camps.

Suitable for trekkers with prior multi-day trekking experience and good endurance.

Fitness target: walk 4–6 hours/day on hilly terrain with a 10–12 kg daypack; include cardio, stair/hill work, and one long hike (12–20 km) before trek.

Preparation: 3–6 months of aerobic fitness, leg strengthening, weighted hikes, practice on varied terrain, and gear testing.

Vaccinations & meds: Check routine vaccines and consult a doctor about altitude medications.

High points: Pang Pema (~5,140 m), Lhonak (~4,780 m).

Acclimatization: rest days included; follow “climb high, sleep low,” hydrate, eat well, and avoid alcohol.

AMS symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep; descend immediately if severe.

Emergency support: guides trained in high-altitude first aid; evacuation may require hours or helicopter, depending on weather.

Travel insurance: must cover high-altitude trekking >5,500 m, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation.

Permits: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and regional permits; TIMS or local registration required.

Cultural etiquette: respect Limbu, Rai, Sherpa communities; modest dress; follow customs near monasteries and religious sites.

Visa: tourist visa available on arrival or online; passport must be valid for ≥6 months.

Flights: international via Tribhuvan Airport, domestic flights weather-dependent; road travel can be long and bumpy.

SIM cards & coverage: Ncell/NTC in towns; remote areas may have no signal; guides carry radios/satellite phones.

Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR); carry cash for tips, snacks, and small purchases; cards accepted mainly in Kathmandu.

Food & water: local meals include dal-bhat, noodles, momos; drink boiled or treated water; carry purification tablets.

Accommodation: basic tea houses; hot showers limited at higher altitudes; bring warm sleeping bag.

Packing essentials: down jacket, insulated sleeping bag, waterproof shell, trekking boots, poles, fleece layers, thermal base layers, sun protection, personal first-aid, water treatment, power bank, passport/permit copies, cash.

Luggage: porter carries up to 20 kg; daypack ~10 kg.

Safety & wildlife: sightings of blue sheep, red panda possible; never feed animals; follow Leave No Trace principles.

Tipping: customary for guides and porters; lead guide ~10–15% of trek cost, assistants and porters proportionally less.

Contingencies: domestic flights and road transfers are weather-dependent; schedule buffer days and contact your operator for emergencies.

What To Bring

Sun hat or scarf

Warm fleece hat

Sunglasses with UV protection

Warm beanie

Buff or neck gaiter

T-shirts

Fleece jacket or pullover

Optional fleece wind-stopper jacket

Waterproof shell jacket (breathable fabric preferred)

Down jacket or synthetic insulated jacket

Lightweight gloves

Heavyweight gloves

Hiking shorts

Lightweight cotton long pants

Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)

Waterproof pants

Lightweight trekking pants

Thermal pants (for higher and colder regions)

Thin, lightweight inner socks

Thick, warm wool hiking socks

Hiking boots with spare laces

Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Sleeping bag and liner

Map and compass/GPS

Headlamp with extra batteries

Daypack (20–30 liters)

Duffle bag

Basic first aid kit and regular medicines

Trekking poles

Water bottles or hydration system (at least 2 liters)

Water purification tablets or filter

Solar charger or power bank

Multi-tool or knife

Medium-sized quick-drying towel

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Multipurpose soap

Deodorant and nail clippers

Face and body moisturizer

Wet wipes (baby wipes)

Tissue/toilet roll

Antibacterial hand wash

Reading book or lightweight journal with pen

Trail map or guidebook

IPod or smartphone

Pencils and small notebooks

Camera and spare batteries

Snacks and energy bars

Gaiters (for snow or muddy trails)

Lightweight binoculars

Portable trekking pillow

Traveling games (Uno, playing cards, dice, etc.)

Copies of passport, visa, and insurance

Cash for tea houses, tips, and small purchases

Travel insurance details

Emergency contact information

Dress in layers to manage temperature changes

Ensure boots and gear are broken in before the trek

Keep your backpack as light as possible without sacrificing essentials

Build endurance with hikes, cardio, and strength exercises before departure

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
11 to 20	/person
Child
1 to 10	/person
11 to 20	/person
This is a group tour

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22-Day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in Nepal to Visit the North and South Base Camps

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m)

Day 4: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung (921 m)

Day 5: Mitlung to Chiruwa (1,270 m)

Day 6: Chiruwa to Sukathum (1,576 m)

Day 7: Sukathum to Amjilosa (2,308 m)

Day 8: Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m)

Day 9: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 m)

Day 10: Acclimatisation Day in Ghunsa

Day 11: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050 m)

Day 12: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780 m)

Day 13: Day Trip to Pangpema (5,143 m) – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

Day 14: Lhonak to Ghunsa

Day 15: Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290 m)

Day 16: Cross Sele Le Pass to Cheram (3,870 m)

Day 17: Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m)

Day 18: Visit Yalung Base Camp and Return to Cheram

Day 19: Cheram to Tortong (2,995 m)

Day 20: Tortong to Yamphuding (2,080 m)

Day 21: Rest and Relax in Kathmandu

Day 22: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

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22-Day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in Nepal to Visit the North and South Base Camps

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m)

Day 4: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung (921 m)

Day 5: Mitlung to Chiruwa (1,270 m)

Day 6: Chiruwa to Sukathum (1,576 m)

Day 7: Sukathum to Amjilosa (2,308 m)

Day 8: Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m)

Day 9: Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 m)

Day 10: Acclimatisation Day in Ghunsa

Day 11: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050 m)

Day 12: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780 m)

Day 13: Day Trip to Pangpema (5,143 m) – Kanchenjunga North Base Camp

Day 14: Lhonak to Ghunsa

Day 15: Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290 m)

Day 16: Cross Sele Le Pass to Cheram (3,870 m)

Day 17: Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m)

Day 18: Visit Yalung Base Camp and Return to Cheram

Day 19: Cheram to Tortong (2,995 m)

Day 20: Tortong to Yamphuding (2,080 m)

Day 21: Rest and Relax in Kathmandu

Day 22: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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