Nepal · Trekking

22-Day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in Nepal with North and South Base Camps

20 Days Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Reach Kanchenjunga North Base Camp beneath Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain
  • 02 Take in sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga massif, Mt. Jannu, Makalu, and surrounding Himalayan peaks
  • 03 Trek through the remote Kanchenjunga Conservation Area with chances to spot wildlife such as red pandas
  • 04 Experience traditional Sherpa, Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan-influenced villages along the trail
  • 05 Cross high mountain passes including Mirgin La with breathtaking glacier and valley views
  • 06 Walk through rhododendron, pine, and oak forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glacial terrain
  • 07 Enjoy one of Nepal's least crowded long treks with solitude and raw wilderness
  • 08 Visit both the northern and southern sides of the Kanchenjunga region on a full circuit route

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a remote and challenging adventure in far eastern Nepal, taking you through lush forests, deep river valleys, alpine terrain, glaciers, and traditional mountain villages to the base of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga massif as well as peaks such as Mount Jannu, Makalu, and surrounding Himalayan ranges. The trek also offers a rich cultural experience through Sherpa and Tibetan-influenced settlements, monasteries, prayer flags, and warm local hospitality. Best suited to trekkers with good fitness and prior high-altitude experience, this rewarding journey is ideal in spring and autumn, when weather conditions are stable and mountain views are at their best.

Hike across glacial terrain to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp), offering jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga, Chang Himal, Nepal Peak, and surrounding ranges.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 20 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Ilam
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

22-Day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Marvel Treks will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. You may relax after your journey or visit our office for a briefing about the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel

Day 2: Permit Preparation & Kathmandu Sightseeing

After breakfast, meet your trek leader for a detailed pre-trek briefing. We will complete all trekking permit formalities. Please bring your passport, travel insurance copy, and passport-sized photos.

Optional sightseeing to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square can be arranged.

Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (91 m)

Early morning transfer to the domestic airport for a scenic flight to Bhadrapur (approx. 45 minutes). After arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest for the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Flight Duration: 40-45 minutes

Day 4: Drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung (1,820 m)

Drive through the lush tea gardens of Ilam and Kanyam along the Mechi Highway. Enjoy views of cardamom plantations, rolling hills, and distant Himalayan peaks including Kanchenjunga and Jannu.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours

Day 5: Drive from Taplejung to Sekathum (1,650 m)

Travel by local jeep along the Tamor River, passing villages such as Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, and Lelep. Permits are checked at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry point before continuing to Sekathum.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours

Day 6: Trek from Sekathum to Amjilasa (2,498 m)

Begin trekking through lush forests and across suspension bridges along the Ghunsa Khola. Pass small settlements like Jonggim and Ghaiyabari before reaching Amjilasa.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours

Day 7: Trek from Amjilasa to Gyabla (2,725 m)

Trek through dense forested terrain with minimal settlements. With luck, you may spot wildlife such as red pandas. Enjoy waterfalls and mountain scenery along the way.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours

Day 8: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,415 m)

Continue trekking through beautiful alpine forests and reach the traditional Sherpa village of Ghunsa, a cultural and logistical hub of the trek.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5 hours

Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa

A vital rest day for altitude adjustment. Optional hikes to Ghunsa Ri, Chherpuk Kharka, or viewpoints near Lobsang La offer panoramic views of Ghunsa Peak, Selele La, and surrounding mountains.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,145 m)

Ascend gradually through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests. Cross landslide areas carefully and enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) before reaching Kambachen.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 4 hours

Day 11: Trek from Kambachen to Lonak (4,792 m)

A challenging day traversing rocky terrain, yak pastures, and landslide zones. Enjoy views of Yalung Kang and Kangbachen Himal before reaching Lonak.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5 hours

Day 12: Trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 m) and Return to Lonak

Hike across glacial terrain to Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp), offering jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga, Chang Himal, Nepal Peak, and surrounding ranges. Return to Lonak for the overnight stay.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours

Day 13: Trek from Lonak to Ghunsa

Descend following the Ghunsa River via Kambachen, enjoying sweeping mountain vistas and peaceful alpine landscapes.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6 hours

Day 14: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele La Camp (4,240 m)

Leave the northern route and head toward the southern section of the circuit. The trail passes through remote forest areas with limited seasonal teahouses.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5 hours

Day 15: Trek from Sele La Camp to Cheram (3,868 m) via High Passes

Cross Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sinelapche La, enjoying incredible views of Mt. Jannu and Mt. Makalu. Descend to Cheram near the Simbua River.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours

Day 16: Trek from Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m)

Trek past the Yalung Glacier (Kanchenjunga South Glacier) through grassy meadows. Enjoy views of Kokthan, Rathong, and Kabru peaks.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 4 hours

Day 17: Hike to Oktang Viewpoint (4,730 m) and Return to Ramche

Visit Oktang Base Camp, walking along the Yalung Glacier moraines. Enjoy dramatic glacier and mountain scenery before returning to Ramche.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5 hours

Day 18: Trek from Ramche to Tortong (2,995 m)

Descend through juniper and rhododendron forests, passing prayer flags and mani walls along the Simbua River.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6 hours

Day 19: Trek from Tortong to Sekathum (1,576 m)

Follow the Simbua Khola, crossing suspension bridges and descending steadily back to Sekathum.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7 hours

Day 20: Drive from Sekathum to Illam

Travel by local jeep through Taplejung and surrounding villages toward Illam, concluding the trekking portion of the journey.

Accommodation: Tea House / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours

Day 21: Drive Illam to Bhadrapur & Fly to Kathmandu

Drive to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoy free time for shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the Marvel Treks team.

Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Final Departure

Private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey or an optional trip extension with Marvel Treks.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
2 cities · 20 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • 3★ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (3 nights, twin-sharing)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Twin-sharing tea house or homestay accommodation during the trek
  • Professional, English-speaking licensed trekking guide
  • All required trekking permits and conservation area fees
  • Domestic flights: Kathmandu-Bhadrapur & Bhadrapur-Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation as per itinerary (shared vehicles)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Comprehensive group first-aid kit
  • All government taxes, VAT, and service charges

What's Not Included

  • Lunch, dinner, and extra nights in Kathmandu
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, phone calls, hot showers, etc.)
  • Tips for trekking staff and drivers
  • Any services not mentioned in the Cost Includes section

What to bring

  • Trekking boots (well broken-in)
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Trekking pants and shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle / purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, permits, and some cash

Know before you go

  • Please bring your passport, a copy of your travel insurance, and passport-sized photos for permit formalities.
  • This trek is physically demanding and best suited for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience and good fitness levels.
  • Proper preparation and acclimatization are important for completing this trek successfully.
  • The best seasons for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when weather conditions are stable and mountain views are at their best.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal
End of the journey

Your 20 days finish where they began.

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