TICINO TREKS

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek
Mountain Vector

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit Trek

Country

Nepal

Duration

23 days

Max Altitude

5,150 m

Group Size

5 Person

Difficulty

very_hard

Best Seasons

Autumn

Description

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

Itineraries

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our team representatives and transfer you to the luxurious hotel for you to rest.

Take a short morning flight to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Birtamod where you’ll rest in a hotel.

Travel by private jeep for 9–10 hours through tea plantations and winding hills to reach Suketar, the trek’s starting point. Overnight in camp.

Begin the trek with a gradual descent and traverse forested trails and village footpaths for about 5–6 hours to reach the terraced fields of Tembewa.

We will start trekking descending towards Phundrawa village then continue walking through steep climb till Phumpe Danda. We will cross some beautiful forests to reach Khesewa.

With the stunning view of high massif in front of us, we start our journey crossing small stream and villages to reach Manmankhe.

Today, we will walk mostly through the bank of Kabeli Khola enjoying beautiful scenery of waterfalls on the way. After 4 hours of steady walk, we will reach the beautiful village of Yamphudin.

We will follow traditional path through terraced farming to reach Amji Khola. Then continue walking along the bank of river until we reach Tortong Village.

We will walk along the side of Simbuwa Khola to enter into the Lalung Valley. We will cross some beautiful forests of Rhododendron and walk through Yalung Galcier to reach Cheram Village.

We will hike around the Cheram village and grab the beautiful vistas of Yalung Glacier and snowcapped peaks seen from the Cheram.

Ascend slowly along the moraine ridge for 4–5 hours. Oktang offers an exceptional panoramic view of Kanchenjunga South, Yalung Kang, Kabru, and Rathong.

After visiting Yalung Base Camp (4,580m), descend for about 6 hours to Ramche, crossing icy trails and glacier debris.

Climb through rocky and snowy terrain for 6–7 hours to reach the high camp below Lapsang La Pass. Camp in an isolated location with early sunsets and high winds.

Start early for a steep 3–4 hour ascent to the high pass, then descend carefully for another 4 hours into the Tibetan village of Ghunsa, nestled in a glacial valley.

Take a rest day to adjust to the altitude. Optional walks around the village or short hikes to view the surrounding peaks.

We will walk along the bank of river then cross suspension bridge at Rampuk Kharka to enter into the region of Kambachen.

We will walk through the riverbank crossing waterfalls and river bridge on our way to Lhonak.

Hike for 3–4 hours to Pangpema, the North Base Camp, for breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga’s north face. Return to Lhonak in the afternoon.

Retrace your steps downhill for 4–5 hours, enjoying new perspectives on the glacial landscape.

Continue the descent back to Ghunsa over 4–5 hours. Rest and recharge in this picturesque village.

A second rest day is included to recover from back-to-back high altitude days. Time to enjoy warm food and hot drinks.

Descend steeply for 6–7 hours along a trail of rock steps and rhododendron forest. Cross several suspension bridges before reaching Amjilosa.

Final trekking day involves a 5–6 hour climb and ridge walk to return to Suketar. Celebrate the completion of the full Kanchenjunga circuit.

A long jeep journey of 9–10 hours takes you back to the Terai plains and the city of Birtamod for overnight hotel rest.

We will take early flight to return back to Kathmandu.

Cost Includes

Permits & Entry

  • Restricted Area Permit for Kanchenjunga

  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)

  • TIMS Card

Transportation

  • Kathmandu–Bhadrapur roundtrip flight

  • All ground transport (Birtamod–Suketar roundtrip)

  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu

Camping & Logistics

  • All camping equipment: tents, mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent

  • Professional guide, cook, kitchen crew, and porters

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

  • Porters for luggage and gear

  • Staff wages, insurance, meals, and accommodation

Accommodation

  • 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (before and after trek)

  • All nights in tented camps during the trek

Cost Excludes

Meals & Drinks

  • Lunches & dinners in Kathmandu

  • Bottled drinks, alcohol, and snacks not included during trek

Personal Equipment

  • Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, down jacket, etc.)

  • Daypack and personal first aid kit

Insurance & Emergency

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • Rescue or evacuation costs by helicopter (if required)

  • Emergency hospitalization or repatriation

Other Costs

  • Nepal visa fee on arrival

  • Tips for guides, porters, and crew

  • International airfare

  • Personal expenses (laundry, internet, gifts, etc.)

  • Costs for changes to the itinerary or early return from trek

 

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