Kanchenjunga Circuit trek will lead you into the pristine Kanchenjunga Conservation Area of Nepal. This park is named after its massive snow treasure Mount Kanchenjunga with an elevation of 8,586m. Mount Kanchenjunga is 3rd highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest and Mount K2. Kanchenjunga trek gives you a very rare taste of an unexploited wilderness, experienced by very few tourists. Mount Kanchenjunga is considered to be one of the most beautiful snow massifs in the world. Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is an ideal trekking trail for trekkers who enjoy solitude. This is a 21 days trek starting from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We can do this trek by camping throughout the trail or by staying in a tea house. We will fly to Suketar airport located in the far north-east part of Nepal from where our trek starts. We will trek through the beautiful villages, forests, and landscapes observing different ethnic groups far from the modern world still practicing their traditional culture. On our trek, we can see the traces of Kirat civilization throughout the inhabited areas. On this trek, we can see the central, south, and north face of Kanchenjunga. Also, we can see mount Yalungkang, Jannu, Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest on the way to Selena Pass.
We might also see the snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, and several species of birds and butterflies preserved in the country’s most pristine Oak and Rhododendron forest. After trekking through the forested area of Kanchenjunga the trail passes through high altitude with less vegetation and more rocky terrain. We will cross the Mirgin La Pass of 4725 meters and enjoy the panoramic views of mount Makalu, Chamlang and Everest. After then we trek through the massive glacier of Kanchenjunga from where we will get to see the most incredible close-up view of mount Kanchenjunga. Finally, we will reach the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga at Pang Pema. After then we will start trekking back to Suketar collecting many unforgettable moments of the trek. Kanchenjunga Circuit trek will certainly fill you with new energy and inspiration in your life. You can learn more about Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Suketar (2,420m), trek to Lalikharka
From Kathmandu, we board an early morning flight to Suketar which is located in the eastern region of Nepal. We walk on an ascent and descent on a trail that mostly passes through lush green forests all the way to Lalikharkha.
Day 2: Lalikharka to Khesewa (2120m/6,955ft)
We begin our trek to Khesewa after breakfast. It is mostly an easy descent until Phundrawa. From here we begin our ascent. It is a steep climb until Yangpang from where we climb steadily up until Phumphe Danda followed by another ascent to Khesewa. Our trek will be through forests and small villages. Overnight in Khesewa.
Day 3: Khesewa to Mamankhe (1785m/5,856ft)
After breakfast, we begin our trek towards the Kabeli Khola. Next, we walk on a trail that passes through forests before crossing a small stream. On the way, we enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan peaks while also passing through several beautiful small villages. Overnight in Mamankhe.
Day 4: Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2080m/6824ft)
Today’s trek will be mostly uphill on an easy trail whereby we mostly walk alongside the Kabeli Khola. During the walk, we also admire the beautiful ridge behind the stream. We continue our walk and admire a beautiful waterfall nearby. After walking for some time, we cross a small suspension bridge. We pass through small settlements before reaching Yamphudin to spend the night.
Day 5: Yamphudin to Tortong (2,995m/9,826ft)
We begin our walk on a path commonly used by the villagers and pass through terraced farms and green meadows. Along the way, we have the constant company of the Himalayas to enjoy. Our walk will be on a trail along the Amji Khola. We also cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong. Overnight in Tortong.
Day 6: Tortong to Cheram (3,870m/12,696ft)
We begin our steady climb to Cheram after breakfast. Our trail is right at the side of the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy walking on the beautiful Lalung valley and have Tuplung peak for the company for the most part of today’s journey. We pass through the thick rhododendron forest and enjoy the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier. Overnight in Cheram.
Day 7: Cheram: Acclimatization and rest
We spend a day in Cheram which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude. We can spend the rest of the day resting and taking part in small hikes. We can explore the areas around the Yalung Glacier. There is also a viewpoint for Kabaru and Rathong peaks. Overnight in Cheram.
Day 8: Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) (4,580m/15,026ft)
We begin our short trek after breakfast. From Cheram, we ascend for some time before reaching the snout of the Yalung Glacier. It is a beautiful walk on a valley trail. We also cherish the views of several Himalayan peaks. We pass through a small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche. Overnight in Ramche.
Day 9: Ramche to Yalung Base Camp (4500m) to Cheram
From Ramche, we walk further up the valley. We then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We continue our trek further towards the Oktang Monastery. From here, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks are close by. We descend and spend the night at Cheram.
Day 10: Cheram to Sele La (4290m/ 14,074ft)
We begin our trek after breakfast. We cross four passes today beginning with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass we continue to Mirgin La pass. We continue trekking and reach the Sinion La pass which is not very far. From here, we ascend to Sele La pass. There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass. We cross the pass. Overnight in Sele La.
Day 11: Sele La to Ghunsa (3,595/11,794)
We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. We reach a Chhorten marked by prayer flags which marks the start of a steep trail. We descend through rhododendron, birch, and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village of houses with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 12: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m/13,287ft)
From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We pass through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers, then cross rhododendron and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past a waterfall, and cross the tricky section of a landslide. After crossing the landslide area we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.
Day 13: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780m/15,682ft)
Today will be another challenging day and an early start is needed. We trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. We then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. We then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.
Day 14: Kanchenjunga base camp, overnight at Pang Pema (5,143m)
From Lhonak, we trek towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Our trail is alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. After passing Pangpema we descend towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The view from the base camp is extraordinary. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal, and other Himalayan peaks are ours to admire. We descend back to Pangpema to spend the night.
Day 15: Pangpema to Lhonak
From Pangpema we trace back our steps to Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.
Day 16: Lhonak to Ghunsa (3475m/11,400ft)
From Lhonak, we descend all the way to Ghunsa via Kambache. It is the same route we took when we were climbing up.
Day 17: Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m/7,572ft)
From Ghunsa, we descend towards Phale. We pass through several Manes and a monastery nearby. We walk through Juniper forests and reach Phale. From here, it is a steady descent to Gyabla. We cross a bridge over Chhundatangka Khola to reach Gyabla. As we continue our trek, we see a waterfall nearby. We also cross a suspension bridge over Sumbung Khola before reaching Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.
Day 18: Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m/4,166ft)
After walking for a while we see a beautiful waterfall nearby. We continue our trek and pass a small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. We cross another suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola and reach Sukathum. Our trail passes through several villages and is beside Thunsa Khola at first followed by Tamor Nadi before reaching Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa.
Day 19: Chirwa to Phurumbu (1,549/5,082ft)
We notice that the settlement starts to get thicker as we are descending. Our trail is alongside lush vegetation. We pass through several villages before reaching Sinwa. From here we continue our descent and cross a bridge over the Sisne Khola. Now we are on the Pathibhara Trek trail. We pass through another village and cross another suspension bridge this time over the Yaphre Khola to reach Phurumbu. Overnight.
Day 20: Phurumbu to Suketar
Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek ends today. We can take a much-needed break after reaching Suketar. We continue our walk on the Pathibhara Trek trail.
Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu
Spend the whole day resting, packing, sightseeing, or souvenir shopping for loved ones in Kathmandu. There will be a farewell dinner hosted by our company in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Congratulation!