Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – Epic Journey in Nepal

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the ultimate Himalayan adventure, taking trekkers through Nepal’s wild eastern region to the majestic North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. Experience lifetime adventure with Mountain King Treks, as you journey through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and remote villages, immersing yourself in the rich culture of Kirat, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung communities along the way.

This extraordinary trek begins in Kathmandu with a full day of guided sightseeing, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. From there, a morning flight to Bhadrapur sets the stage for a scenic drive to Ilam, Nepal’s famous tea state, where lush gardens and rolling hills introduce you to eastern Nepal’s charm.

The trek then heads north through Sekathum and Amjilosa to Ghunsa, before reaching Kambachen, the perfect acclimatization hub. Here, trekkers enjoy a day hike to the secret Kirat pilgrimage site, Phaktanglung / Jannu View Point, offering panoramic vistas of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks. Continuing through Lhonak, the journey leads to the North Base Camp (Pangpema), before retracing steps to Ghunsa.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit then traverses the high passes of Sele La, Mirgling La, and Seni Lapcha, leading to Ramche and the South Base Camp (Oktang). Along the way, trekkers encounter dramatic landscapes, pristine rivers, and traditional villages that provide a deep cultural immersion. The return journey descends through Tortong, Yamphudin, and Khebang, before concluding in Bhadrapur and flying back to Kathmandu for a farewell celebration.

This trek is ideal for adventure seekers, high-altitude enthusiasts, and culture lovers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in one of Nepal’s most remote and spectacular regions. With expert Mountain King Treks guides, well-trained lodge staff, and full logistical support, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey combining breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventure memories.

Why Choose Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the ultimate Himalayan adventure for trekkers seeking a wild, remote, and off-the-beaten-path journey. This trek uniquely combines both the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga in a single expedition, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the world’s third-highest peak. Starting from Kathmandu and flying to Bhadrapur, the journey winds through lush tea gardens in Ilam, pristine forests, and alpine meadows before reaching the traditional village of Ghunsa, a cultural hub of the Kirat, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities.

Acclimatization at Kambachen and scenic day hikes to Jannu View Point or Phaktanglung provide breathtaking vistas and insight into local traditions. Adventurers traverse high passes like Sele La, Mirgling La, and Seni Lapcha, experiencing the untouched wilderness of eastern Nepal and encountering vibrant, remote villages rarely visited by trekkers.

Highlights of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek include:

• Spectacular views of Kanchenjunga from multiple angles
• Crossing challenging high passes with pristine alpine scenery
• Immersive cultural experiences in Kirat, Limbu, Sherpa, and Tibetan villages
• Expert Mountain King Treks guides with fully supported lodge accommodations
• An unforgettable adventure combining Himalayan grandeur and local heritage

Short Itinerary – Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel – 1,400 m

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) – 1,400 m | 5–6 hrs

Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam – 1,200 m | 4–5 hrs

Day 4: Drive from Ilam to Sekathum – 1,300 m | 5–6 hrs

Day 5: Trek Sekathum to Amjilosa – 1,800 m | 9 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 6: Trek Amjilosa to Gyabla – 2,200 m | 10 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 7: Trek Gyabla to Ghunsa – 3,400 m | 12 km | 6–7 hrs

Day 8: Trek Ghunsa to Kambachen – 4,000 m | 10 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 9: Day hike from Kambachen to Jannu View Point / Phaktanglung, return – 4,000 m | 8 km | 4–5 hrs

Day 10: Trek Kambachen to Lhonak – 4,700 m | 12 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 11: Hike to Pangpema (North Base Camp, 5,100 m) & return to Lhonak – 5,100 m | 10 km | 6–7 hrs

Day 12: Trek Lhonak to Ghunsa – 3,400 m | 12 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 13: Trek Ghunsa to Sele La Camp – 3,800 m | 10 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 14: Cross Sele La Pass & trek to Tseram – 3,200 m | 12 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 15: Trek Tseram to Ramche / Oktang (South Base Camp) – 4,300 m | 10 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 16: Explore Oktang & return to Tseram – 3,200 m | 8 km | 4–5 hrs

Day 17: Trek Tseram to Tortong – 2,800 m | 12 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 18: Trek Tortong to Yamphudin – 2,000 m | 10 km | 5–6 hrs

Day 19: Trek Yamphudin to Khebang – 1,700 m | 10 km | 4–5 hrs

Day 20: Drive Khebang to Bhadrapur, fly to Kathmandu – 1,400 m | 4–5 hrs

Day 21: Leisure day in Kathmandu, farewell dinner – 1,400 m

Day 22: Departure from Kathmandu