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| 2–3 trekkers | $2,225 |
| 4–6 trekkers | $2,200 |
| 7–9 trekkers | $2,175 |
| 10+ trekkers | $2,150 |
Price includes round-trip flights, Jeep tranports, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouse lodging.
This trip is fully customizable
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek—often called the KBC trek—is a challenging and rewarding 19-day journey through one of Nepal’s most remote restricted 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 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, ensuring this complete Kanchenjunga route visits both North and South Base Camps. The journey 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 experience. Our 2026 programs are 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 journey 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 adventure is a rare opportunity to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature in one of Nepal’s last great trekking frontiers.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the ultimate wilderness journey; it offers a world-famous path into the heart of Nepal’s eastern Himalayas. This journey is a challenging, off-the-beaten-path adventure that directly supports the local Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities; also, we exclusively use local porters and help with their economy by providing sustainable employment opportunities. Reaching the remote North and South Base Camps and experiencing the alpine sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) rewards you with a breathtaking view, placing you face-to-face with the world’s third-highest peak and the towering Jannu Himal. Throughout the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, you will encounter rare wildlife like the red panda and snow leopard, alongside plant species found nowhere else on earth. This KBC trek is best in the spring to see the blooming rhododendrons or in the autumn for the clearest, most crisp Himalayan panoramas.
Yes! The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is flexible, and we encourage you to customize your itinerary to make it yours. You don’t need to handle the complex logistics alone—we are here to help you design the perfect package. Whether you want North Base Camp, South Base Camp, to spend more time in the Himalayas, a village stay, or a return by Kyangsra to Rani Pul instead of trekking to Yamphudin, the choice is yours. We can also arrange private 4WD transportation to the road-heads in Taplejung or Yamphudin to suit your travel needs and comfortable. Simply contact us with your ideas, and we will tailor the plan to match your pace and interests.
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 rolling tea gardens of Kanyam or Fikkal and drive north toward the high Himalayas. The route winds along the Mechi Highway, passing through mid-hill towns like Phidim (1,195m / 3,921ft) before reaching Taplejung Bazaar (Phungling), the bustling district headquarters. The drive offers changing landscapes from terraced farmlands to forested ridges with glimpses of the eastern Himalayan peaks.
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 official end of the road and the exciting start of your trekking trail into the Kanchenjunga wilderness.
Overnight: Lodge in Sekathum
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Follow the turbulent Ghunsa Khola through a deep, narrow gorge. The trail leads through dense forests of bamboo and oak, crossing several suspension bridges before a steep final ascent to the remote, ridge-top village of Amjilosa.
Overnight: Teahouse in Amjilosa
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Continue through a lush landscape of oak and rhododendron forests. You'll pass several waterfalls along the river before reaching Gyabla, a charming Tibetan-style village nestled in the hills, where the culture begins to shift toward Buddhist traditions.
Overnight: Teahouse in Gyabla
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Enter the alpine zone as the valley widens. Hike through larch and pine forests to reach Ghunsa, the largest Sherpa settlement in the region. This village is famous for its wooden houses, colorful prayer flags, and welcoming lodges.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa
To ensure a safe KBC trek, take a short acclimatization hike to Lpasan Kharka (4,100m / 13,451ft) or visit the local monastery. This rest day is essential for adjusting to the higher altitude before heading into the glacial terrain.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Hike through rugged, rocky trails with increasingly dramatic scenery. As you approach Kambachen, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the massive Jannu Himal (7,711m / 25,299ft), also known as Kumbhakarna.
Overnight: Teahouse in Kambachen
Take an optional but highly recommended hike to Jannu Base Camp (4,400m / 14,436ft). This provides a stunning close-up of the "Peak of Terror" and prepares your body for the trek to Lhonak.
Overnight: Teahouse in Kambachen
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Ascend gradually over glacial moraines along the Kanchenjunga Glacier. The landscape becomes more desolate and windswept as you reach the high-altitude settlement of Lhonak, surrounded by towering peaks like Wedge Peak (6,750m / 22,146ft).
Overnight: Teahouse in Lhonak
Hike Duration: 7–8 hours round trip
An early start leads you to the ultimate highlight of the KBC trek—Pangpema. From here, enjoy the awe-inspiring north face of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m / 28,169ft). After soaking in the views, return to Lhonak for the night.
Overnight: Teahouse in Lhonak
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Retrace your steps down the valley through Kambachen. As you descend, you’ll notice the air becoming richer, leading you back to the comforts of the larger settlement in Ghunsa.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghunsa
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Leave the main trail and climb steadily through moss-covered forests of rhododendron and juniper. The trail becomes rocky as you reach the high-altitude Sele La Camp, situated at the base of the mountain passes.
Overnight: Teahouse in Sele La
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
A challenging but spectacular day crossing three high passes: Sele La, Sinion La, and Mirgin La. You’ll enjoy views extending to Makalu and Everest before a steep descent into the Simbuwa Khola valley to reach Tseram.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tseram
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
A steady climb through the Yalung Glacier moraine brings you to Ramche. We take an afternoon hike to the Oktang Viewpoint (4,730m / 15,518ft) for a magnificent view of the south face of Kanchenjunga and the Yalung Kang (8,505m / 27,903ft).
Overnight: Teahouse in Ramche
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Begin the long descent from the alpine heights back into the tree line. The trail winds downhill through vibrant rhododendron and dense pine forests, crossing the Simbuwa Khola via sturdy wooden bridges before reaching Tortong.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tortong
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Today, the trail starts by crossing the river below the teahouse and a gradual climb to the top of the hill for about 1.5 hours, then descends to Yamphudin, the most important cultural hub of the region. This village is home to a mix of Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities. You’ll pass through traditional farmlands and lush terraces as you return to lower elevations.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yamphudin
Drive Duration: 7–8 hours
Board a private 4WD jeep for the long journey out of the Kanchenjunga region. The drive takes you through the beautiful mid-hills of eastern Nepal, ending in the refreshing tea gardens of Kanyam, where you can celebrate the completion of your trek.
Overnight: Hotel in Kanyam
Drive Duration: 3 hours
Flight Duration: 1 hour
After 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 trek.
October 10, 2025
““Jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter” We have had the absolute pleasure to trek with “above and beyond” on 2 occasions (3 passes trek 2019 and manaslu circuit 2025). I would recommend Sam and his company to anyone as the ONLY way to trek in Nepal. For the 3 passes we trekked with the absolute gentleman Gopal and we had an incredible experience doing the very challenging passes. Gopal was always kind, encouraging and knowledgeable with his information. For Manaslu we trekked with the legend that is Sam himself - not only was the trek beautiful, we had epic company in Sam! He was fantastic at telling us about the local area, ensuring we had great places to stay, pacing us on the walk, providing great encouragement and brilliant entertainment. He even helped us learn some more Nepali and compose some trekking songs, most notably “jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter!!””
November 2, 2025
“Having sampled trekking in Nepal last year on a section of the Everest trail one view of our son and daughter-in-law’s pictures of their Manaslu trek was enough to make us want to give it a go. Sam at Above and Beyond had been their guide and so on their strong recommendation we contacted him to help us on this trip. From the very start it was clear our kids had given us very good advice. Keeping in touch with Sam during the booking process was easy and he took care of all the necessary permits and advised on equipment for the trek so that all we had to do was turn up in Kathmandu at the right time. From there he had all transport, accommodation and portering sorted. The trek itself is amazing, walking along side thundering rivers through a changing landscape as you climb from 900 metres to over 5000 metres during the course of this adventure. It is a true experience on so many levels. The scenery is breathtaking; you gain an insight into Nepali life; you face a testing physical challenge. Throughout this Sam is there as much as a friend as a guide, helping us to get the most out of our journey. So if you would like to do something that is truly special email Sam and ask him to take around the Manaslu circuit.”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”
