Trip Introduction
Overview of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
A certain amount of awareness in you is reflected by your desire to be in the existence of Kanchenjunga. In addition, there is a strong potential that interest in the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will increase significantly. Its realization and transformation allow for recreation, joyness, enjoyment, and pleasure.
In local terms, Kanchenjunga denotes “basic awareness.” Interest as a whole awareness realizes joyful wholeness, a high state of recreation qualitatively. The notion of Himalayan wisdom (awareness) is flexibly applied to transform interest in you to be in Kanchenjunga’s existence toward joyful wholeness.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you through the landscapes and from a low loop of the Kanchenjunga massif to pine forests at higher elevations, showing a magnificent mountain range in the Kanchenjunga region. Consider the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga panoramic views and their astonishing existence. As you pass through the remote villages, your level of awareness assists you in discovering the inner strength of the surroundings.
Kanchenjunga is also popularly known as the “Sleeping Buddha“. Kan, Chen, and Jungha denote the head, belly, and knee. So you may see Buddha sleeping peacefully if you can simultaneously see all three of these peaks. This hill is sometimes referred to as the Sleeping Buddha because of this.
By following your inner, transcendent need to be in the Himalayas, we guide you to the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Our recommendations are meant to help you pursue joy, bliss, and excitement.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Route Map
Are you wondering about the map of the Kanchenjunga trek? If you click on the infographic image below, you will see the route map of Kanchenjunga. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek distance is 18 days, starting with the adventurous flight to Bhadrapur and driving to Taplejung. The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek distance from Kathmandu is about 220 kilometers. Then your trek starts to Chhiruwa, Japantar, Ghunsa, Khambachen, and finally to Pangpepa, and then back to Ghunsa, Steam, Yamphudin, and Illam to Kathmandu. You will also see the extension route in the Kanchenjunga region on the map. Upon your interest, we can also use other branch routes for a more exciting view.
Is Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek difficult?
Kanchenjunga in Nepal is classified as a challenging trekking location. By challenging, we mean that there are numerous mountain passes to cross while experiencing challenging ascents and descents. Also, this trek is difficult because of the duration you have to invest in it. For more than two weeks, you will be traveling through small communities in rural areas.
You have had enough time to acclimate during the trek, but we still ask that you start getting in shape three months before the trek. The harsh, unpredictable weather and AMS (acute mountain sickness) are the major problems with this climb. Stay hydrated, and don’t worry much, as your guide is well-qualified to manage all emergencies and extreme circumstances.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permit
You will need two permits to enter the Kanchenjunga Area. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) and a Restricted Area Entry Permit for the trail in Tapethok and Yamphuding VDCs.
The procedure for a restricted area entry permit could take longer than two hours. Additionally, it can only be used once the group has arrived. There is no process for advanced reservations, and each group must consist of at least two trekkers. A guide certified by the government must lead the group.
Note: In most cases, while preparing official paperwork, you will be required to submit passport-size photos and a copy of your passport. So, be sure to bring at least 8–10 passport-size photos. We will complete all legal requirements and acquire all required permits for your trip.
Itinerary of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
After our early morning breakfast, enjoy the short flight to Bhadrapur. After that, you will take a Jeep to reach Illam. If you get fast, then enjoy the beautiful tea garden and landscape of Illam.
Today you will have another adventurous drive from Illam to Taplejung for six to seven hours. You will pass through several rice fields, tea farms, and green hills along the drive. You will be sitting in Taplejung after the tiring drive.
Today you will start to trek from Taplejung to Chiruwa. The initial part of the trail begins to descend to the farms and walk along the Tamor river. After five to six hours of trek from Taplejung, you will finally reach Chhiruwa.
Today we will have our permit checked at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area office. Along the way, we will cross through a bridge, scenic sub-tropical landscape, and cardamon farms. After some hours of trek, we will reach Lelep and then Jalantar.
Today we will experience quite more challenging trials than before. The initial part of the trial starts with the dense forest until you reach Solima. After then, the trial will ascend into the rocky trail and rugged trial. After further climbing, you will reach Amjilosa and Gyabala.
Before reaching the Gyabala, you will pass through a dense forest of rhododendron and other species of trees. These forests will be decorated with rhododendron during the spring and summer. After descending for some moments, you will notice the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla.
We start our early morning walk heading downhill until reaching to open valley. After some hours, we will reach Phale and head towards the forest. After then, we will again ascend higher before we reach Ghunsa, the Sherpa town. This beautiful village offers the lifestyle of local people and green hills in your surrounding.
After early morning breakfast, we will start the walk from Ghunsa to Khanbachen. As we ascend higher, the landscape starts to be harsh. During the walk, you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful view of Kumbhakarna (7710m), Phone Peak (6645m), Sobithongie (6670m), and Khabur Peak (6332m).
We will slowly climb into the high land following the rugged trails. After some hours of walking, we finally reach Rampuk Kharka. On the way, you will also see mesmerizing waterfalls while walking. After then, we will cross Janny and finally to Khambachen.
After 8 days, you need to adapt your body to this altitude. So we news to rest and acclimatize to the changing altitude. But we will have an easy hike while you are sleeping in Khambachen.
Today the trial will be somehow more tricky than before. We will climb higher to reach the Lhonak. We will pass the rugged and narrow path and come across a rocky trail. We will descend for some minutes, then again climb the steep trail to reach Lhonak.
Be ready to step into the trek’s highest point and enjoy the beautiful view. Today we will step above the 5000-meter mark through a tricky route. As you reach Pangpema, spectacular peaks like Kanchenjunga, Jannu, and Mt. Chang will welcome you. After spending a beautiful moment there, we will be back in Lonak.
We will return to Ghunsa after we descend the rocky and narrow path on the hillside. You can also visit Ramtnag monastery for a while. After then, we will continue our journey to Kambachen. We will be blessed with Mt. Kanchenjunga, Table Shikhar, Mt. Gimmigela, and Mera Peak during the walk. After seven to eight hours of trek, we will reach Ghunsa.
Today the trail led us to the dense forest and the striking peaks. You will also witness the mysterious Mt. Makalu sitting in isolation on the far horizon. The trial will be a little tricky for today.
After some hours of walking, we will undulate the passage over 2 passes, including Sinon La (4646m) and Mirgin La (4470m). Your trek will be more exciting because of the extraordinary view of Everest and Makalu. After going ahead, the walk passes through the region until the path gradually leads down to Tseram.
We will pass through the woodland and ascend to a higher altitude. We will then clear the treeline and reach the moraine field of Yarlung Glacier. We will also see the beautiful view of Jannu, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks soaring high in the sky.
Today the path will be easier than on previous days. You will be passing through wide varieties of rhododendrons and pine forests. We will then descend following the Simbua River towards Dorongdin. As we walk further, we pass along tree-lined slopes and green pastures. After some hours of walking from Dorongdin, we will reach Yamphudin. Our arrival at Yamphuding brings us back to the main road running through the region.
After spending some days in high lands, you will descend into the lower region’s farming fields, villages, and different colors. We will walk through friendly Limbu towns and farmlands.
You will notice the smiling faces and curious local people greeting us using the term “Namaste,” which means hello. After some hours, we will reach Kebang, where we will relax.
Finally, our trek ends here, and we return to Illam, passing through a bumpy road.
We will take a short drive from Illam to Bhadrapur. After then, we will catch the flight to return the Kathmandu. It will take 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu from Bhadrapur.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Bus Fare during the trek
- Domestic Flights
- Permit Cards Expenses
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for 17 days
- One porter for two of you for trekking for 13 days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable accommodation for 16 nights on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking as per itinerary.
- Staff insurance
- 16 x set breakfast, 16 x set lunch and 16 x set dinner while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffle bag during the trek
What's Excluded?
- International Flight Fare
- Accommodation in Kathmandu since there are many possibilities available.
- Personnel expenses of any kind
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above
Essential Information - Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Accommodation on Kanchenjunga Trek
The Kanchenjunga Trek accommodation is located in a remote area of the Himalayas. Basic facilities are available, such as toilets, bathrooms, and lodgings. While the other locations offer very basic amenities, Gunsa offers decent hotels with all the conveniences.
You will be given a typical twin-bedding room with minimal utilities, a blanket, a cozy mattress, and a sleeping bag if necessary.
Food on Kanchenjunga Trek
The most popular foods are Thukpa and Dal Bhat. Momo, macaroni, and spaghetti are also available in a few places. They might also have fresh goat meat. The most crucial component while trekking is food. Your health depends on the type of food you eat because there are many possibilities for sickness at high altitudes.
Eating high-calorie food that keeps you energized during the day would be best. Avoid alcohol and foods that lead to dehydration. Here on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek route, there is a limited selection of food options, and not every item on the menu will be fresh. To be active and prepared to walk, it is necessary to choose what you should and should not eat.
The best season to trek Kanchenjunga
Early March to mid-May and late October to early November are the ideal times to go trekking in the Kanchenjunga region. This region’s main hiking routes are in and out of numerous valleys. And in the lower reaches of these valleys, at the beginning and end of the trekking season, it may get rather hot.
The monsoon season, which lasts from around late May to mid/late September, is something we advise avoiding. The only choice in the bitterly cold winter months will be to camp because locals will go to lower altitudes and teahouses will be closed.
Related Article: Best Time to Trek in Nepal
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization of Kanchenjunga Trek
Altitude sickness is one such problem in the high-altitude region. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude trek and reaches above altitude of 5200m. Significant issues arise because of this during the trek.
With elevations ranging from 1,270 to 5,300 meters above sea level, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers unique scenery. Acclimatization is, therefore, essential and must not be skipped. There will be fewer air particles pushing downward pressure as you rise higher. As you ascend, the distances between air particles begin to increase.
It would help if you were also physically fit, so we ask you to engage in physical activities for three months before the trek.
Kanchenjunga Trek Packing Suggestions
Please properly pack your luggage for the porter (each of you weighs 15kg; for two of you, a porter is arranged). You will leave the rest of your luggage behind at your hotel until the end of this holiday. Below is a loosely advised Kanchenjunga Trek packing list that might help you on your trek:
- Appropriate clothing (3 sets)
- Woolen sweater or jacket
- Thermal inner wear
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Woolen cap and scarf
- Thick woolen gloves
- Water-proof gloves
- Sport Sandals
- Woolen socks (2 pairs)
- Water-proof (not water-resistant) shoes with a good tread or grip
- Rain-proof pants and jacket with hood
- A lock for the duffle bag
- Backpack with water-proof cover
- Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures around 0°C (optional)
- Down jacket with hood
- Camera (optional) (video camera is not permitted by authority)
Other essential items:
- Personal clothing
- Toiletries
- Small thermos for hot beverages
- Water bottle (1 liter)
- Sunscreen lotion (50 SPF or more)
- Castor oil (50 ml) to lubricate the nostrils at high altitude
- Ziplock bags for clothing
- Quick-dry Towel (not a regular one)
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Sunglasses
- Snacks – chocolates, biscuits, nuts, etc.
- Hand sanitizer
- Powerful flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Medical Kit
Though we arrange basic medical kits for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking, they are very general and may not be adequate based on conditional necessity. Personal medical equipment with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, band-aids, knee caps, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and any other personal medication is necessary from your side.
Communication in Kanchenjunga Trek
Kanchenjunga Circuit itinerary encounters different landscapes. Even in this age of highly modern information and communication technologies (ICT), the landscapes are challenging to approach development in remote areas. One cause of this is still not correctly developing the technologies. As communication is significant in such an area, a guide has a mobile that may help connect you with a networked site. The lodges also have telephones you can call for a specific price. Wi-Fi may be available in very few places on this route.
Most asked questions
FAQs about Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
It has been known for decades that living in the Himalayas, like Kanchenjunga or others, enables one to realize a joyful wholeness within oneself. Your existence in the mountains, forests, or any other natural existence is associated with the attainment of completeness within you.
Himalayan or mountain ranges and hermits in the forest are topics of Zen to Jesus. Himalayas have the ability to bring together unnecessary divides and facilitate joyous recreation. Never undervalue the special interests you hold; they may be so intense that they might help you reach your potential and convert you into a complete person.
We sincerely believe that the Kanchenjunga Treks is more than just a holiday in consideration of this; nonetheless, your level of interest and awareness will determine how you will experience it.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, 5,143 meters above sea level, marks the highest point of the Kanchenjunga Trek.
As previously said, Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a challenging journey, although it is highly achievable for those in decent physical shape. This walk may very well be for you if you are physically fit, have considerable stamina, and have a strong desire to accomplish something remarkable.
It is among the hardest high-altitude hikes in Nepal. Trekkers must travel over remote high-altitude paths for many days and traverse passes between 4,000 and 5,000 meters high.
The trek is yet not suggested if this is your first time in high altitude. This hike is challenging. Challenging means you have to navigate a variety of mountain passes while enduring challenging ascents and descents. Also, this walk is challenging due to the required length of time.
For various reasons, permit cards have been mandatory in most Nepal trekking destinations. First, it is directly connected to your safety while walking in the protected areas. The trekkers’ security and safety are maintained due to this authorization. The information can enable the authorities to assist you in any crises, such as earthquakes, landslides, etc. Additionally, it aids in maintaining the national park’s laws and regulations.
You must issue two permits for the trek Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) and a Restricted Area Entry Permit. Our team will help you by giving the permit for you.
Is it possible to extend or reduce the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary?
The package we have designed can be changed, increased, decreased, or otherwise modified. For the change, we request you to make a direct inquiry. Our team is happy to turn your ideal package into a reality.
The schedule we provide is also one of the shortened itineraries of the region that we have created, taking health and other considerations into account. High altitude sickness and other problems may result from insufficient time to adjust to changing temperature, humidity, or pH. If you are highly new to high elevations, cutting your journey days short could be unhelpful for your body.
But, if you wish to extend your time in the Kanchenjunga Region, we provide the best alternative options for developing the days and tailoring your itinerary to suit your demands. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us; we will put together your ideal package with the help of our team and you.
It would be best if you went with a Kanchenjunga Trek guide to buy the package from us. We are sorry to inform you that booking from us, taking a guide with you, is mandatory. When you book a local company like us, we are concerned about your security. Throughout your journey, you will always have someone experienced to provide the greatest recommendations.
We highly suggest you go along with a trekking agency to hire a guide on any trekking route, especially if you are traveling to high elevations for the first time.
You will have trained experts at your side to keep an eye on your symptoms right away. They will help you learn at every step because they are experienced with such high elevations and fauna. If you are traveling with a guide, the group will always provide you with a greater selection of lodging, food, and other necessities to make your walk easier overall.
There are severe electrical issues in these remote locations, and power outages are frequent. If you wish to use electricity, you must pay additional rupees. However, we suggest you carry a power bank and an extra battery.
Nowadays, travelers like you also carry smaller, foldable solar chargers that let them charge their devices while walking. It is essential to have these things on hand in case of power outages or low voltage.
It is essential to check health and fitness when traveling through high-altitude regions. It helps to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all the trekkers.
As previously said, Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a challenging journey. However, it is highly achievable for those with considerable stamina and a strong desire to accomplish something remarkable.
We are pleased to have you visit the Kanchenjunga Himal trek with kids and family since we think nature benefits children in various ways. The journey may be completed without incident with a qualified guide.
For at least two months, get your kids in shape for this walk by having them practice easy exercises and breathing techniques. Please let us know during the inquiry if you require a kid carry service. We provide it for the extra safety of the kid in case s/he cannot walk these few days.
We want to inform you that before starting your journey to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, we already pay on several things on your behalf: permit, taxes, and others. Please also be aware that we must compensate our porters and guides even if you cancel or choose not to finish the trip because of their commitment to serving you.
Specific fees apply if you desire to cancel your reserved trips. Behind that, we welcome you to shift your trip days to Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking or the package itself. We may charge a specific amount of money if you wish to reschedule/cancel the booking date. Both parties will benefit if you inform us as soon as possible. Please go through our terms and conditions to clarify the refund process.
In case of hikers finish their journey sooner than expected or decide to terminate it early for any reason, kindly be aware that we do not grant refunds for any portion of the trek that is not used. This also totally depends on the circumstances, but we request that you not expect a refund for the above-mentioned reasons.
Starting three months of your vacation, we strongly advise you to get active to mentally and physically prepare yourself. Additionally, we offer the Soldhunga Hike as part of our quick acclimation training trip. You can utilize this hike as a very tiny preview of what to expect on your main journey in the existence of the central Himalayas.
We highly welcome you to the Soldhunga hike if you reach Nepal a few days before your main trip.
We request that you ask our ground team in Kathmandu for assistance in arranging day tours around the city. If you still have an extra few days or a week after the trek, we can also arrange one of the following quick relaxation trips. Feel free to pick the one you think will best suit your interests.
- Pokhara
- Lumbini
- Ghandruk
- Chitwan Safari
These additional vacation days were planned to relax after a long trek rather than hiking again. Please let us know if there are any other destinations you would like to visit over these.
Reviews on Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Based on 2
Reviews
Jenifer D.S
New Zealand
An adventure of a lifetime! Eco-friendly Treks made it all possible.
The team are very helpful and experienced the porters were great and helpful but good if they could speaks little better english. Some lodge are very basic but the experience is good. We love the nature and for trekking, we can recommend Nepal to everyone.
We are impressed, especially with the people in the village because they all are friendly.
The service and organisation were perfect and worth the money. Krishna was always there for us + organised everything. It was our first organised trek and thanks to Eco-friendly Treks a perfect and good experience.
Bartholomew Cronin
Oxford, UK
From start to finish, Nepal Holiday ensured our safety and enjoyment
The airport pickup was satisfactory and there is no delay in transferring to the hotel. The hotel in Katmaneus is not soo good and has no hot water. The trip guide and other crew members are very helpful and great on the trail. The scenery during the trip and experience with nature were top-notch.
The local people and cultural experience were very good. I have a big hotel. I can send you many clients. I will do Makalu and Chitwan next.
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