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The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek—often called the KBC trek—is a challenging and rewarding 22-day journey through one of Nepal’s most remote restricted trekking areas. This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and provides deep cultural immersion into the Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities of eastern Nepal. Following a comprehensive KBC trek route, this circuit is the premier alternative for hikers seeking an authentic Himalayan experience away from crowded trails.
Unlike more commercial routes, the Kanchenjunga trek winds through untouched alpine landscapes, dense rhododendron forests, and glacial valleys. A major highlight of the KBC itinerary is the day hike to Jannu Base Camp (Kumbhakarna Base Camp) from Khambachen, offering a close-up view of one of the world's most technical peaks. Other key landmarks include the remote village of Ghunsa, crossing the Sele Le Pass (4,290m), and reaching the sacred Oktang viewpoint. This complete Kanchenjunga route uniquely visits both North Base Camp (Pangpema) and South Base Camp.
The trek begins with a scenic flight to Bhadrapur followed by a drive toward Taplejung and Sekathum, the gateway to the high-altitude trails. You will trek through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a sanctuary for snow leopards and red pandas, offering a true wilderness trekking experience. Our 2026 KBC trek itinerary is designed with essential acclimatization days to ensure safety while crossing high mountain passes like Sinion La and Mirgin La.
With professional licensed guides and proper physical preparedness, this trek is ideal for seasoned hikers looking for a high-altitude challenge. Because it is a restricted area, you must obtain a Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit. This trek is 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, you will drive north through the scenic, tea-covered hills of Nepal's premier tea region. Staying in Fikkal or Kanyam provides a more direct route for the following day's long drive to the trek's starting point.
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Fikkal or Kanyam
Drive Duration: 4-5 hours
Depart from the tea gardens of Kanyam or Fikkal and drive north towards the Himalayas. The route winds along the Mechi Highway, passing through mid-hill towns like Phidim before reaching Taplejung Bazaar (Phungling), the bustling district headquarters. The drive offers changing landscapes from terraced farmlands to forested ridges.
Overnight: Lodge in Taplejung Bazaar
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: 6–7 hours (trail distance ~13 km)
Continue your descent on the Kanchenjunga trek with this scenic route from Ramche to Tortong. This section of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek trail winds downhill through vibrant rhododendron and dense pine forests.
Enjoy spectacular Himalayan viewpoints and cross the notable Simbuwa Khola (river) via sturdy wooden bridges. The trek duration is manageable, typically taking 6 to 7 hours, offering a good balance of descent and rest stops. This section is a key part of the return journey on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trail.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tortong
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
This section of the Kanchenjunga trek itinerary takes you from the forested area of Tortong down to the vibrant village of Yamphudin. As one of the larger settlements in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Yamphudin is a cultural hub where diverse ethnic groups, particularly the Limbu people, reside.
The trail passes through traditional farmlands and small scattered settlements. This day’s trek is relatively moderate, taking around 6 to 7 hours, allowing trekkers to soak in the local atmosphere and prepare for the final stages of the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp trek descent.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yamphudin
Drive Duration: 7–8 hours
After breakfast in Yamphudin, you will start your long 4WD journey out of the remote Kanchenjunga region. Yamphudin is the current road-head for the southern part of the circuit during the dry seasons. You will board a private jeep for an approximate 7-hour drive back toward civilization, passing through beautiful landscape changes from high mountain valleys to the lush, lower elevation tea gardens of Kanyam/Fikkal.
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Kanyam
Drive Duration: 3 hours
Flight Duration: 1 hour
After a relaxed breakfast in the Kanyam/Fikkal tea region, take a short drive to Bhadrapur airport. Flying in the afternoon gives you buffer time for potential travel delays from the remote mountain roads the day before. The flight back to Kathmandu offers final scenic views of the Himalayas.
After arriving and transferring to your hotel, the evening can still be dedicated to a well-deserved farewell dinner and cultural show to celebrate the completion of your Kanchenjunga adventure.
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.
