The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and wild Himalayan adventures, designed for seasoned trekkers seeking solitude, rich cultural exposure, and dramatic alpine landscapes. Stretching across the far eastern reaches of Nepal, the trek traces a vast circuit through terraced middle hills, dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, high alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and stark mountain passes.
The trek explores both the southern and northern base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters, offering close-up views of peaks like Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Yalung Kang, Tent Peak, and Wedge Peak. Along the way, trekkers will pass through authentic Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan-influenced villages, visit Buddhist monasteries and chortens, and traverse challenging terrain including the Lapsang La Pass (5,110m), one of the high points of the journey.
This trek offers a rare and immersive Himalayan experience, far from the crowded routes of Annapurna and Everest. From lush lowland valleys to glacial moraines, and from remote yak pastures to the icy grandeur of Kangchenjunga’s North and South Base Camps, this 27-day journey is one of Nepal’s last true wilderness treks.
Travel Notes:
Best Time to Trek
-
Autumn (Sept–Nov): Stable weather, excellent visibility, and drier trails
-
Spring (Mar–May): Blossoming forests and clearer mornings
Permits Required
-
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
-
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
-
TIMS Card
Trek Difficulty & Requirements
-
Trek is graded strenuous, ideal for experienced trekkers
-
Good fitness and previous multi-day trek experience needed
-
Some days involve steep ascents/descents and camping at high altitudes
-
Crossing of Lapsang La requires confidence in snow and scree conditions
Support Team & Accommodation
-
Full camping trek with porters, tents, cooks, and guides
-
All group gear including mess tent, kitchen, sleeping tents provided
-
Meals prepared fresh on the trail by trekking kitchen staff