TICINO TREKS

Kanchanjunga & Lungbasamba Circuit Trek
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Kanchanjunga & Lungbasamba Circuit Trek

Kanchanjunga & Lungbasamba Circuit Trek

Country

Nepal

Duration

18 days

Max Altitude

5177

Group Size

2 - 15 Person

Difficulty

moderate

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Description

The Kanchanjunga & Lungbasamba Circuit Trek is an adventurous and rarely traveled high-altitude journey through the remote northeastern region of Nepal. This circuit combines the pristine beauty of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area with the seldom-crossed Lungbasamba Pass (5,177 m), linking the isolated village of Olangchung Gola with the mystical Arun and Barun Valleys.

This wilderness trek offers dramatic alpine scenery, rich cultural encounters with ethnic Rai, Limbu, and Tibetan-influenced communities, and a traverse through ancient forests, river gorges, yak pastures, and glacial valleys. Trekkers will visit villages such as Lelep, Olangchung Gola, and Thudam, cross multiple eco-zones from lush subtropical valleys to high alpine terrain, and witness grand views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal, and the surrounding peaks.

The trail leads through completely off-the-beaten-path areas requiring full camping support, expert guides, and logistical backup. This trek is ideal for seasoned trekkers looking for deep solitude, Himalayan exploration, and an unforgettable high-altitude experience in one of Nepal’s least-visited regions.

Travel Notes

Best Seasons:

  • Spring (March–May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and moderate temperatures.

  • Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, best visibility, and dry weather ideal for high passes.

Trek Style & Accommodation:

  • Camping trek with all nights in tents (sleeping tents, dining, kitchen, toilet tents provided).

Permits Required:

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Olangchung Gola sector

  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)

  • Makalu-Barun Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Physical Requirements:

  • Good physical condition and previous trekking experience in high altitudes are highly recommended due to remote terrain and demanding pass crossings.

Transport Modes:

  • Domestic flight (Kathmandu–Bhadrapur–Kathmandu)

  • Local/private Jeep transport as per itinerary

Itineraries

An early morning flight takes you from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (approx. 45 min). From Bhadrapur, you'll begin a scenic 7–8 hour jeep journey through tea plantations and lush hills to reach the hill town of Phidim, gateway to the far east.

 

After a bumpy 5–6 hour drive to Taplejung, the trek begins with a short 2-hour descent through terraced fields and traditional villages to reach Mitlung, your first night in camp.

The trail follows the Tamor River upstream, ascending gently through cardamom forests and Limbu villages. After 6–7 hours of trekking, arrive at the village of Chirwa, set in a lush gorge.

You continue for 7–8 hours on a gradually rising trail through bamboo groves and cross several suspension bridges before reaching the remote settlement of Lelep, the entry point into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

 

The trail climbs steadily for 6 hours through mixed forests and along the Tamor Nadi. You will camp in a forest clearing at Iladanda, a peaceful spot ideal for acclimatization.

 

A 6–7 hour trek through ancient rhododendron and pine forests brings you to Jogin, a small yak grazing meadow used seasonally by herders.

 

Continue ascending along narrow trails and alpine terrain for 6–7 hours to reach the traditional village of Olangchung Gola, an old trading hub with Tibetan culture and a centuries-old monastery.

 

A 6–7 hour trek through yak pastures and glacial terrain leads to the beautiful meadow of Langdale, surrounded by towering rock faces and high ridges.

 

As the altitude rises, you’ll trek for 5–6 hours to a high camp just below the Lungbasamba Pass. The environment is stark and windswept, ideal for a night of acclimatization and preparation.

 

An early start takes you up to the Lungbasamba Pass (5,177m), a challenging 7-hour trek. After soaking in views of Kanchenjunga and Makalu ranges, descend to Yak Kharka, a grazing area used by Thudam villagers.

 

Today’s 6-hour descent brings you to the little-known Sherpa village of Thudam, nestled in the high Barun valley. Explore the stone houses and meet locals living an isolated Himalayan life.

 

The trail continues for 6–7 hours through thick bamboo forests, waterfalls, and rocky ridges to another yak pasture with the same name, Yak Kharka, used by Chamtang herders.

 

After about 6–7 hours of descent, you reach the beautiful Rai village of Chamtang, perched above the Arun River and surrounded by terraced fields.

 

Today is a shorter trek of 4–5 hours across lush hills and forested ridges to Hongung, a quiet settlement near the Arun Valley.

 

Descend for 6–7 hours along steep trails to Barun Bazar, a lively trading village at the lower reaches of the Barun River valley.

 

Follow a well-worn trail for about 5–6 hours through terraced fields and village footpaths to Simma, the final trekking point.

 

Early morning jeep ride (6 hours) on rugged roads to Khandbari, a busy town in eastern Nepal, where you’ll rest and reflect on your journey.

 

A short jeep drive (1 hour) takes you to Tumlingtar, followed by a scenic 40-minute flight back to Kathmandu, ending your unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

 

Cost Includes

Accommodation & Permits

  • All required restricted area permits (Kanchenjunga & Makalu-Barun)

  • Conservation entry permits (KCAP & MCAP)

  • All nights in fully serviced camping (sleeping tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, dining tent)

Transportation

  • Domestic flight: Kathmandu–Bhadrapur & Tumlingtar–Kathmandu

  • Ground transport by private/local jeep as per itinerary

  • Airport pick-up/drop in Kathmandu

Logistics & Staff

  • Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide

  • Assistant guides and kitchen staff

  • Porters (1 per 25 kg load per 2 clients)

  • Staff salary, insurance, transport, and food

  • Cook and helpers for full camping service

  • High-quality kitchen utensils and fuel

Meals & Supplies

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek

  • Tea/coffee with meals

  • Boiled water during the trek

  • Dining tent with table and chairs

  • Sleeping mattress & personal tent

Safety & Equipment

  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen (on request)

  • Communication equipment (satellite phone available on request – pay basis)

 

Cost Excludes

Kathmandu Stay & Meals

  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

Personal Gear

  • Trekking equipment and clothing (sleeping bag, boots, etc.)

  • Personal first aid and toiletries

Insurance & Rescue

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Emergency evacuation costs (helicopter rescue, etc.)

International Travel

  • International flights

  • Nepal visa fee on arrival

Personal Expenses

  • Snacks, drinks, alcohol

  • Souvenirs, donations, and hot showers (if any)

Tips

  • Gratuities for guide, cook, porters (recommended)

Optional Services

  • Extra activities, hotel nights, or deviations from the itinerary

 

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