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The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a challenging and rewarding 25 day journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and pristine trekking regions. This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga (8,586m)—the world’s third-highest peak—and deep cultural immersion in the traditional communities of eastern Nepal.
Unlike more commercial routes, the Kanchenjunga Circuit winds through untouched alpine landscapes, dense forests, and glacial valleys, with far fewer trekkers on the trail. Highlights include remote villages like Ghunsa, Sele Le Pass (4,290m), the sacred Oktang viewpoint, and base camps on both the north and south sides of Kanchenjunga.
The trek begins with a scenic flight to Bhadrapur and a drive to Sekathum, from where the journey unfolds along rugged trails, suspension bridges, and high mountain passes. Trekking through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to snow leopards, red pandas, and rare Himalayan flora, is a true wilderness experience.
With proper acclimatization, experienced guides, and physical preparedness, this trek is ideal for seasoned hikers seeking solitude, challenge, and raw natural beauty. It’s a rare opportunity to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature in one of Nepal’s last great trekking frontiers.
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Take time to rest or explore the city before your trek briefing in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
While your Kanchenjunga trek permits are being prepared, you can enjoy optional sightseeing in Kathmandu. Explore Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Flight Time: 1 hour | Drive Duration: 3–4 hours
Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From there, drive through the scenic tea-covered hills of Ilam, Nepal’s premier tea region. Enjoy the cooler mountain air and serene views of tea gardens and forested slopes.
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Ilam
Drive Duration: 5–6 hours
Depart Ilam and drive north to Suketar, a remote hilltop village that serves as a trailhead for treks in the Kanchenjunga region. The route winds through terraced farmlands, forested ridges, and traditional settlements with panoramic views of the Himalayan foothills.
Overnight: Lodge in Suketar
Drive Duration: 4–5 hours
Begin the scenic but rugged drive from Suketar to Sekathum. The route passes through alpine forests, riverside trails, and isolated hamlets as you descend toward the Ghunsa Khola. Sekathum marks the end of the road and the start of the trekking trail.
Overnight: Lodge in Sekathum
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Follow the Ghunsa Khola through dense forest and cross several bridges en route to the remote village of Amjilosa.
Overnight: Teahouse in Amjilosa
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Continue through oak and rhododendron forests to reach Gyabla, a Tibetan-style village nestled in the hills.
Overnight: Teahouse in Gyabla
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Enter the alpine zone as you hike to Ghunsa, the largest Sherpa settlement in the region with prayer flags and welcoming lodges.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Take a short hike to Lpasan Kharka or visit the local monastery. This rest day helps you adjust to the higher altitude.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Hike through rugged trails with panoramic views of Jannu Himal and reach the high mountain village of Kambachen.
Overnight: Teahouse in Kambachen
Optional hike to Jannu Base Camp (4,400m) or rest. This acclimatization day prepares you for further elevation gain.
Overnight: Teahouse in Kambachen
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Ascend gradually over glacial moraines with dramatic mountain views to reach the windswept settlement of Lhonak.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lhonak
Hike Duration: 7–8 hours round trip
Early start for the highlight of the trek—views of Kanchenjunga from Pangpema. Return to Lhonak the same day.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lhonak
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Retrace your steps through Kambachen to return to the comforts of Ghunsa.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Climb steadily through forest and rocky paths to reach the base of the Sele La Pass.
Overnight: Teahouse or basic shelter
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Cross high mountain passes with stunning Himalayan views before descending to Tseram.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tseram
Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
Easy walk to Ramche and optional afternoon hike to the South Base Camp viewpoint with views of Yalung Glacier.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ramche
Trek Duration: 5–7 hours (trail distance ~13 km)
Descend from Tseram, winding downhill through rhododendron and pine forests. Cross Simbuwa Khola via sturdy wooden bridges, enjoying scenic viewpoints. Some trek planners estimate as little as 5 hours; others extend up to 7–8 hours to factor in rest, photo stops, and varying trail conditions. Adjust your pace based on weather and energy levels.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tortong
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Pass through villages and farmlands to reach Yamphudin, one of the larger communities in the region.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yamphudin
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Leave Tortong and continue your descent through thick forests and scattered settlements. You'll cross several suspension bridges and follow terraced hillsides before ascending to Phumpe Danda, a ridge village with excellent views of the valley below.
Overnight: Teahouse in Phumpe Danda
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
The trail winds through subtropical forests and peaceful rural landscapes. You’ll pass through small villages and farmland en route to Kande Bhanjyang, a hilltop pass with stunning mountain panoramas and glimpses of both valleys.
Overnight: Teahouse in Kande Bhanjyang
Drive Duration: 4-5 hours
From Kande Bhanjyang, begin the off-road journey by jeep back toward Suketar. The drive is long and bumpy but passes through beautiful hillside scenery and remote communities. Arriving in Suketar marks the end of the trekking route.
Overnight: Lodge in Suketar
Drive Duration: 8–9 hours
Complete the journey by bus driving from Suketar back to Bhadrapur. The road winds through Ilam and the lowlands, offering a final glimpse of eastern Nepal’s diverse geography—from Himalayan hills to flat Terai landscapes.
Overnight: Hotel in Bhadrapur
Flight Duration: 1 hour
Take a morning flight from Bhadrapur back to Kathmandu, with scenic views of the Himalayas along the way. After arriving, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest or explore the capital at your leisure.
In the evening, attend a traditional Nepali cultural show featuring folk music and dances from different ethnic groups. Enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the memorable journey through the Kanchenjunga region.
An informal feedback session will be held, giving trekkers a chance to share thoughts, highlights, and suggestions with the guide and group.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the international airport for your departure. If you’re extending your stay in Nepal, your guide can help with additional travel arrangements or sightseeing plans.
End of Trek.
