Kanchenjunga Trekking - 22 Days

Kanchenjunga Trekking - 22 Days
Kanchenjunga Trekking - 22 Days
Kanchenjunga Trekking - 22 Days
At a Glance
Duration22 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5,143m at North Base Camp
Group Size2-10
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Travel StyleTrekking
Best TimeSpring & Autumn

Kanchenjunga Trekking is one of the most adventurous off-the-beaten Himalayan journeys to the far eastern part of Nepal, around the outskirts of the third highest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,563m). Serving as the border to Tibet and the Indian state of Sikkim, this one of the eight-thousanders of the world explores the diverse landscapes of the region while the trekking route to here encircles around Mt. Kanchenjunga.

As the 22-day Kanchenjunga trek visits both the south and north base camps of the peak and the jaunting is throughout the encompassment, it is widely popular among adventurers as the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking, the dream destination of true expeditor seeking the raw Himalayan wilderness and authentic Himalayan lifestyle to observe, rooting mostly in Tibet.

Lying far away from the major tourist cities of Nepal, Kathmandu and Pokhara, the trip to Kanchenjunga, no wonder, is a golden opportunity to admire the pollutant-untouched natural beauty, making a way through the rich biodiversity, including verdant woodland, alpine meadows, and high-altitude plateaus, which are home to the region’s wide array of flora and fauna, along with the indigenous tribe people of the country: Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa, and others deeply appreciated for their warm and welcoming nature beside their genuine hospitality.

Throughout the journey, you will be in the presence of skyline-dominating mountain ranges such as Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Kabru, and Rathong, including the third tallest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), while walking through the several typical mountain villages dotted beautifully in between the vibrant forests of birch, pine, and rhododendron that further feature thrilling rivers, waterfalls, green meadows, and of course glaciers, among which Yalung alone makes worth an effort.

Being a recent addition to the great Himalayan trekking map of Nepal, along with the exclusive tourism promotion in the country, the journey to Kanchenjunga also has a well-versed route with well-established teahouses and lodges. Hence, now is the time to get your backpack ready for an amazing traverse to one of the secret gems of the Nepalese Himalayas, Kanchenjunga.

Highlights

  • Board a thrilling flight to and from Bhadrapur.
  • Immerse yourself in the warming Himalayan culture and tradition of the Kanchenjunga region.
  • Venture deep into one of the less-frequented great Himalayan trekking trails in Nepal.
  • Summit not only one but two of the base camps of the third largest peak on the earth, Mt. Kanchenjunga.
  • A golden chance to come across some of the common to rarest Himalayan flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, tahr, and red panda.
  • Walk through the stunning Himalayan glacial lakes, dense woods, cascading waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.
  • Traverse one of the major, highly restricted areas of the Nepalese Himalayas, etc.

What makes trekking to the Kanchenjunga Circuit special?

The adventurous rambling to the Kanchenjunga Circuit is a special and memorable experience of a lifetime, offering a not-to-miss opportunity to immerse oneself in the raw beauty and spiritual grandeur of the Kanchenjunga Trekking region, which once did not allow visitors at all until 1980, when the third highest peak in the earth, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), was thought to be the tallest mountain range in the world up until mid 1800.

Today, the adventurous land of the Kanchenjunga comes under the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. It requires a special permit card to venture around the realm, owning several highly restricted valleys and traditional villages sharing borders with Tibet and India, which all come together to make the trekking trail extremely special, promising you:

The awe-inspiring mountain views

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers unmatchable views of several majestic peaks, including Jannu Himal (7,710 m), locally known as Kumbhakarna, Kabru (7,412 m), Rathong, and others, while the third highest mountain in the globe, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), dominates the horizon.

These snow-capped summits piercing the clouds look more graceful from several vantage points in the Kanchenjunga Trekking region, including Pangpema (the North Base Camp) and Ramche (the South Base Camp), raising dramatic sights to come across, especially during sunrise and sunset, which also offer incredible glimpses of various glacial lakes and valleys amidst the glorifying peaks reflecting in the turquoise water.

Trekkers are bound to be captivated by these alpine landscapes, creating unforgettable memories of moments of tranquility, reflection, and photography opportunities amidst the rugged beauty of the Himalayas during the journey to the Kanchenjunga Circuit.

The precious village of Kanchenjunga: Yamphuding

Yamhuding is the largest Tamang village where you spend overnight on the way to the Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking. It is noted for its traditional Tibetan stone houses, terraced farms, and vibrant Tibetan Buddhism culture. On the way to this specific vil,lage you can visit numerous centuries-old monasteries, Mani Walls, and Chortens at a higher altitude of 1,980 m (6,496 ft) above sea level.

Further, the village of Yamphuding is set in the natural awe of the Kanchenjunga Himalayas amidst the serene surroundings with panoramic views of snow-clad peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and dense forests in closer proximity to the Tibetan border, which is one of the leading causes of the whole Kanchenjunga being designated as the restricted zone of Nepal.

From the village, trekkers can embark on day hikes to nearby viewpoints or the village itself, which has a unique cultural and traditional charm and is one of the most popular stopovers for trekkers and travelers journeying to the Kanchenjunga Himalayas.

Unwind yourself in the flawless rich cultural heritage of the Kanchenjunga Trekking region

Along the trekking route leading to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area to circumnavigate the circuit of Mount Kanchenjunga, numerous indigenous communities of Nepal exist, such as Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan people possessing distinctive ways of life, culture, traditions, and costumes who love celebrating every small to big event of life as a festival, such as Lhosar (the Tibetan Lunar New Year), Dashain, Tihar, Budha Jyanati, and many others, providing insight into the simpler yet enriching life of the mountainous locals.

These celebrations are held at a specific time of the year that you can also get to be part of if your trekking to Kanchenjunga coincides with one of the local festivals and ceremonies celebrated with great fervor when the region’s ancient monasteries, gompas, and chhortens are decorated with vibrant prayer flags, sometimes with flowers as well, creating an otherworldly ambiance fantastic for a spiritual awakening in the aromatic Himalayan town.

Spare some time to visit these cultural and religious monuments of the Kanchenjunga. To marvel at the intricate artwork, murals, and statues of Buddhist deities and symbols, along with a sampling of some of the special festively dedicated local cuisines, Kanchejunge is worth a visit.

The True Himalayan Expedition

The trekking Himalayan journey to Kanchenjunga is to one of the most remote and least tourist-frequented zones of Nepal, which further belongs to the restricted area of the country to preserve the regional true beauty of culture, heritage, and nature that you will get to explore in the 22-day trip to the Kanchenjunga Circuit, which might have long lost some of the widely popular trekking trails of Nepal such as the Everest Base Camp Voyage, Annapurna Circuit Odyssey, and others.

In addition, the Kanchenjunga region holds significant spiritual importance for the local communities, who consider the mountains and whole nature to be sacred and imbued with mystical energy, giving 100% effort to conserve its tranquility, and hence has retained its sense of solitude, providing its trekkers with a profound sense of awe, which has named it the real Himalayan expedition for having combined remote wilderness, jaw-dropping mountain scenery, and challenging terrain.

Demanding and thrilling terrain to the north and south base camp of Kanchenjunga

Yes, what makes the Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking route stand out among thousands of Nepalese Himalayan Trails is the visit to not only one but both of the base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga, called the North Base Camp (Pangpema) at an altitude of 5,413 m/16,870 ft above sea level, and the South Base Camp, locally named Yalung Base Camp at 4,700 m/15,420 ft, offering intimate exposure to the northern and southern faces of the Kanchenjunga Peaks, respectively.

Hiking to these base camps of Kanchenjunga involves traversing through varying terrains through alpine meadows and lush forests, which might be covered in snow during winter, alongside the rocky moraines passing by rural and inhabited areas, granting a great sense of isolation and adventure while you will have to make your way through steep ascents and descents.

Therefore, trekkers and travelers are expected to acquire some advanced physical and mental preparedness to meet the requirements for this part of the Kanchenjunga trekking, which is an exceptionally rewarding track on making it to the lap of the majestic Kanchenjunga Peak, providing everlasting views of the towering mountain summits in the pristine natural beauty surrounding you from everywhere.

The best 22 days Itinerary and route for trekking to Kanchenjunga

The trip to Kanchenjunga begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and a drive to Ilam, where you will spend the first night and head to Taplejung, serving as the gateway to the Kanchenjunga Trekking region of Nepal the very next day.

The official hike starts from Taplejung onwards, usually ascending through Chirwa, Lelep, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, Kambachen, Lhonak, the North Base Camp, which then descends to Ghunsa and again ascends to Sele Le, Cheram, and finally to the South Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Thereafter, the 22-day itinerary to trek the Kanchenjunga Circuit includes a downhill walk to Torongding, Yamphuding, Khebang, and Khamdime, to lastly catch a local bus, private jeep, or car to Bhadrapur, and the following-day flight back to Kathmandu.

This route to traverse the Kanchenjunga allows ample acclimatization days; being said, three separate rest days at Gumsa, Kambachan, and Cheram which much required before hoping for higher altitude, along with adequate exploration of the traditional valleys and several other cultural and historical landmarks of the region.

Furthermore, our top-level mountain experts carefully created the 22-day trekking itinerary to Kanchenjunga, providing a comprehensive experience that lets you enjoy walking through the classic Himalayan landscape, rich cultural heritage, and high-altitude wilderness. Much to your delight, this route can be adjusted as per the specific requirements of trekkers and travelers. Contact Ammonite Adventures and Treks for your personalized journey to the Kanchenjunga Himalayas.

The Kanchenjunga Expedition Cost

The cost of an adventurous trek to the Kanchenjunga can exhibit a notable variation based on several factors, such as the length of the trek, the route taken, the level of services you wish to relish, and the time of year you have chosen for your journey.

It can get very complicated to get the best suitable budget planning trekkers and trekkers by themselves and hence it is advisable to buy one of the packages from any of the trustworthy travel, tour, and treks operators in Nepal such, as Ammonite Adventures and Treks Pvt. Ltd.

We are offering a special group discounted price on the 22-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, which can range anywhere from USD 2,000 to USD 5,000 per person, which is reasonably customized to cover expenses of all the trekking necessities to the Kanchenjunga, including the trekking permits and their fees, meals, accommodation, means of transportation domestically used during trek days, and mandatory guides and porter fees.

Itinerary

On grabbing the hearty breakfast at the hotel, our airport representative will drive you to the airport to fly over the Kathmandu Valley to reach Bhadrapur, which is going to be an iconic flight viewing the scenic valleys, surrounding hills, and some of the top-notch peaks of the country.

The airlift will be quick to board a local bus, private jeep, or car to the beautiful city of Ilam, famed for its tea gardens and fresh air, in about 2–3 hours.

Max. Altitude: 1,627mMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Three-Star-Hotel

The driveaway continues through the hills and terraced fields on the bank of the Tamor River to finally arrive at the destination of the day, Taplejung, which is also the trekking starting point for the Kanchenjunga, in around 4-5 hours to relish the lunch and later on, spend the night in one of the three-star hotels amidst the picturesque setting.

In the afternoon, you will be left with ample time to explore the town and nearby Buddhist gompas lightened with butter lamps by locals, one of which is believed to have been burning for more than 400 years and adorned by vibrant prayer flags carved with the divine mantra of Om Mane Padme Hum.

Max. Altitude: 1,820 m / 5971 ftMeal: Breakfast-DinnerAccommodation: Three-Star-Hotel

The third day marks the official beginning of hiking, savoring the early morning breakfast in Taplejung followed by a refreshing lunch at Sinwa on the river shore of the Tamor River.

The trekking trail experiences a slight fluctuation in between but is mostly a downhill walk to call it a day at the mountainous lodge of Chirwa.

Max. Altitude: 1,820 m / 5971 ftMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Lodge or Tea-House

Comparatively, a longer rambling day is here when you will hike a significant elevation to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and hence will register your visit at Tapethok, from where you will cross one of the thrilling suspension bridges, and lastly make your way to Lelep for the mountain lodging.

Max. Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ftMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Lodge or Tea-House

It is one of the majorly highlighted trek days of the journey to Kanchenjunga when you will make your way through several hanging bridges, cascading waterfalls, and typical Himalayan settlements, including the first-ever Sherpa dwelling of the region, to spend the night.

Since Amjilosa primarily functions as the yak pastureland, the ambiance will be serene to come across alongside the few sparse households.

Max. Altitude: 2,510 m / 8,234 ftMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Lodge or Tea-House

This particular hiking day will be pleasing as you head forward to Gyabla in a much shorter trek distance than the previous day through the dense and lovely woodland of pine, bamboo, rhododendron, and oak in between the villages with the Tibetan-style houses.

Encountering yak, sheep, and Himalayan goats at this section of the trek is high along with the wide array of avians, so make sure to watch out for them to cross the wooden bridge onto Gyabla at last to speed the night.

Max. Altitude: 2,730 m / 8.956 ftMeal: All-Three-MealsAccommodation: Tea-House

The trekking route of the day passes by Phale village, which has a history of sheltering Tibetan refugees during times of war and famine and is now used by local communities as a winter habitation, selling nice handicrafts to carry as souvenirs.

You will trek past Phale to arrive at the destination of the day, Ghunsa, which is also the largest village in the entire Kanchenjunga trekking region. It has a Kanchenjunga Conservation Office, a police station, a health post, and good internet connectivity, unlike other traditional regional villages that you had left behind.

Max. Altitude: 3,595 m / 11,794 ftMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Tea-House

By now, you would have gained a remarkable altitude, and hence it is necessary to let your body adapt to the mountainous surroundings well before aiming for a more highly elevated destination.

So, you will utilize this day to acclimate by visiting some of the nearby notable monuments, including the monastery on climbing the ridge, giving an expansive view of Jannu Peak to enjoy gazing at while you take the hearty lunch packed just for you.

Max. Altitude: 3,595 m / 11,794 ftMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Tea-House

Today, you will reach the verdant valley of glaciers through gentle ascending, watching the skyline dominated by Jannu Himal, which has chances of spotting Himalayan Blue Sheep and Snow Leopards.

On the way, it is extremely crucial to be cautious, as you will be hiking through a landslide-prone area as the trekking route continues beyond the waterfalls on the trail.

Max. Altitude: 4,100 m / 13,451 ftMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Tea-House

The acclimatization day once again hits off to let your body adjust to the higher altitude and prepare yourself for the North Base Camp; hence, you may ascend to a further ridge offering breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and others on this day or simply stroll around the Kambachen village.

Max. Altitude: 4,100 m / 13,451 ftMeal: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Tea-House

On this day, you will mostly cross the mountains via the Kanchenjunga Glacier, walking over the rugged paths in an uphill manner with amazing vistas everywhere you put your eyes.

As the area is mostly uninhabited, look out for a rare species of snow leopard as you walk through the summer yak pasture lands to finally reach Lhonak.

Max. Altitude: 4,785 m / 15,698 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

It is one of the prime days of your journey to trek the Kanchenjunga as you make your way to the North Base Camp of the respective mountain, following the filling breakfast early in the morning along the moraine separating the glaciers of the Himalayas.

After spending adequate time at the north base camp viewing the 360-degree heavenly sights of the surrounding mountains festooned by the Buddhist prayer flags usually dancing in the pristine breeze, adding much to the spiritual ambiance, and sipping some hot beverages, you will return to Lhonak for the night.

Max. Altitude: 5,143mMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

Although the trekking trail of this day tends to be comparatively less strenuous than the previous day, the trek is across moraines, making a way through pebbles along the east side of the Tamor River that takes a lunch break at Kambachen village.

On your way back to Ghunsa, the greenery of the landscape is noticeable to later on spend the night appreciating the scenery at the local tea house.

Max. Altitude: 4,785 m / 15,698 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

The trek to Sele Le from Ghunsa typically involves hiking through the verdant forests predominated by the wood of the national flower tree of Neparhododendrons, alpine meadows, and crossing shimmering water bodies.

On the way, you are likely to get a glimpse of yaks and their herders, while the region seems to be watched over by Mt. Makalu from afar, while the traditional villages of Ghunsa and Phale are still visible.

Max. Altitude: 4,390 m / 14,402 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

The trail of the day is towards the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp that crosses the chilling Sinelapche La Pass after Sinion La Pass with an extended vista of Mt. Kanchenjunga on making to the trackway through some of the remote villages and unspoiled landscapes in the Himalayas.

The lush river valleys add much to the scenery, making it one of the most memorable journeys to adore following you all the way to Cheram.

Max. Altitude: 4,390 m / 14,402 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

Today is the day when you will finally make it to the second-highest altitude, Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, encircled by the Tibetan prayer flags located at the edge of the glaciers, which takes around an hour or less from the lunch stopping place called Ramche.

Upon reaching the incredible base camp, relishing a once-in-a-lifetime sight, the descent back to Cheram is going to be pleasing to rest for the night and backpack for the next day's trip.

Max. Altitude: 4,610mMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

From Cheram, the downhill trek begins through a gorge that is mostly descending except for the last stretch with a sharp ascent through the dense forests and a few sections with land slide-risk areas of the region during the rainy season.

En route, you will hardly see human habitations until you arrive at Torongding to spend an overnight that features only a few teahouses on its outskirts.

Max. Altitude: 3,870 m / 12,696 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

The journey to Yamphuding is normally downward, starting after breakfast, which is enjoyable as you descend more and more. On the way to Lasiya Bhanjyang, it is advisable to be cautious while passing through a region vulnerable to landslides, where you will stop for a short lunch break at one of the tea shops.

Here onward is a steeply downhill walk via thicket woodlands to one of the larger town areas of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Yamphuding.

Max. Altitude: 2,080 m / 6,824 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

Now that you are back at a lower altitude, the trekking gets easier along the charming typical mountain villages with terraced fields farmed with seasonal vegetables until you arrive at Khebang to spend the night there in a local lodge or teahouse watching the starry night.

Max. Altitude: 1,980 m / 6,496 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

The trekking section to the Kanchenjunga ends this day as you descend to Khamdime from Khebang to take a vehicle back to the airport in Bhadrapur the next day.

Max. Altitude: 1,910 m / 6,266 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

There is a long drive day ahead of you; hence, it will be good to start at dawn, sparing smomentsment to savor the amazing views for the last time to later on share with your teammates over supper or maybe a beer in Bhadrapur.

It will be amazing to unwind yourself in a cozy hotel for the night after a long expedition providing insider insight into the third tallest mountain globally, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).

Max. Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,921 ftMeal: All -Three-MealsAccommodation: Local-Tea-House

The overall Kanchenjunga Trek package finalizes this day as you fly over Kathmandu from Bhadrapur.

It is bound to be a short and sweet flight, leaving you with ample afternoon time to explore the UNESCO world heritage sites in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, discover some amazing alleyways, and get some souvenirs to take home.

Customize Trip
Dates & Availability
Starts:January 05, 2025Ends:January 26, 2025
PriceUS$2475
AvailabilityGuaranteed
Additional Info

When is the best time to the do Kanchenjunga Trek?

The post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons, i.e., the autumn and spring seasons, are unrivaled times of the year to visit the Kanchenjunga trekking region of Nepal for either reason, including hiking, mountaineering, or taking yourself on a cultural odyssey.

While undoubtedly venturing into the Kanchenjunga region is ideal throughout the year, even during the summer/monsoon season spanning from June to August and winter from December to February, it might require extra preparations, gear, and equipment to overcome the obvious hindrances such as slippery trails due to frequent rainfall or snowfall and extremely cold or hot temperatures.

What are the permits required for the Kanchenjunga trekking?

Along with the mandatory Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), to enter the Kanchenjunga Himalayan region for any purpose, including trekking, you will need to obtain the special restricted area permit (SRAP) as the expedition to this specific area makes its way to the highly constricted districts such as Thapethok and Yamphuding.

You can get both of these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), or through any other government-authorized travel and trek organizers or operators.

What is the difficulty level for the 22-day Trip to Kanchenjunga?

The 22-day rambling to the Kanchenjunga, often referred to as the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, is regarded as a physically challenging Himalayan journey that rewards you with the ultimate satisfaction of being able to push and pull through the trekking route where you might have to pass through varying or rugged terrain in a remote location involving several steep ascents and descents.

Further, as the 22-day-long expedition takes place relatively at a high altitude exceeding 5,000m above sea level, it can present you with severe altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can be fatal if shown any negligence; hence, it is essential to hire knowledgeable guides and porters to accompany you during the traversing of the Kanchenjunga Circuit who can provide you aid right at the moment in the event of any unforeseen emergency.

Why hire guides and porters for the Kanchenjunga Voyage?

While solo trekking in Nepal is banned from April 1st, 2023 hiring guides and porters are still the choices of the expeditors for an enhanced trekking experience in the Nepalese Himalayas, whose local terrains, routes, cultural and natural gems, and other fascinations are still a hidden mystery to newcomers or anyone who is visiting the country for the first time, including the Kanchenjunga Himalayas, hiring government-licensed guides and porters is a must.

Guides and porters for the adventurous journey to the Kanchenjunga contribute to the travelers and trekkers safety and overall enjoyment as they bridge the cultural and communication gap between you and the Himalayan locals, along with awesome navigation to the Himalayan terrains that might include several steep ascents and descents that you might not be familiar with, granting you the full hassle-free cultural and natural immersion of the Kanchenjunga Himalayas.

Who can go trekking to Kanchenjunga?

The mountainous pilgrimage to Kanchenjunga is preferred by most adventurers, as it can be achieved successfully by any healthy individual with a good level of fitness, with or without experience.

The trekking expedition to Kanchenjunga, in fact, is one of the few long journeys to the Himalayas that is suitable for a wide range of travelers and trekkers, catering to the interests of every individual with a moderate to high level of physical fitness.

You might even involve family members from each age group who are ready for the experience after having maintained themselves for the trek to Kanchenjunga, where Ammonite Adventures and Treks guarantees a fixed departure trip for 2024 and 2025, which is guaranteed to be conquered by following the footsteps of the professional guides and porters.