
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the most spectacular mountain adventures in Nepal. This 21-day adventure takes you around the world’s third-highest peak, off the beaten path. We have set up this package to allow you to get maximum usage out of your adventure in this isolated yet magnificent part of the world.
What makes this trek special is that not many people complete it annually. Even though thousands of trekkers go to Everest and Annapurna, there are only 1,000 individuals each year who finish the Kanchenjunga Circuit. This implies that you will have unspoiled hiking tracks, a unique cultural experience and panoramic mountain views without the crowds.
In our 21-day package, we offer all the parts you need in this difficult but worthwhile adventure. You will experience spectacular scenery of the five peaks of Kanchenjunga, encounter warm people belonging to other ethnicities and trek through pristine forests and snow-capped passes. It is a rough trek, but it is forever memorable.
The Kanchenjunga base camp trek begins with a scenic flight to the Terai city of Bhadrapur, from where you drive to follow the Mechi Highway to reach the trailhead located at Taplejung. Through the lush green forests, you follow the hilly trail to the Limbu hamlet of Mamankhe, crossing Lalikharka and Khesewa en route.
Alongside the stunning river, you continue your ascending journey to Tortona and Cheram before taking a day off at Cheram for acclimatisation. Make sure you are well prepared for the next stretch of the journey, and you then navigate through the rocky Himalayan trail to reach Ramchaur, beyond which lies the Yalung Base Camp (4500m).
Heading to Sele La (4290m) next, you traverse through dramatic mountain passes enjoying the stunning Himalayan views comprising Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Jannu (7710m) before dropping down to Ghunsa. You then head up to Kambachen and Lhonak, respectively, which brings you to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5143m) at the foot of the gigantic Kanchenjunga (8586m).
Surrounded by ice, snow, and snowy mountains, the challenging trek proves to be worth the effort when you look around and take in your tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, you retrace your steps back to Taplejung, Bhadrapur, and Kathmandu, reliving the unforgettable moments of the trek.
We are here at High Route Adventure and have been accompanying trekkers and thrill-seekers for over a decade, making sure we are best equipped to meet the needs of our diverse clientele. We provide the very best of services from accommodation to transport, enabling you to enjoy your Himalayan adventure to the fullest.
Spectacular Views of Mount Kanchenjunga
During the hike, you are going to see amazing panoramas of Mount Kanchenjunga, one of the highest mountains in the world. The five peaks of the massif pop out of the north and south base camps like an ice and rock wall, and provide still and people-free sunrise and sunset magic.
Rich Cultural Heritage and Local Communities
The trail will allow you to visit the traditional Limbu and Sherpa villages where centuries-old culture, farming traditions, and simple hospitality make authentic cultural experiences that are still not spoiled by mass tourism.
Pristine Wilderness and Biodiversity
During the trek through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, you will visit pristine forests, alpine meadows, and conservation areas filled with pretty rare animals such as red panda and Himalayan monal and blue sheep in their natural habitat.
Ancient Monasteries and Spiritual Sites
The monks praying in sacred Buddhist monasteries and located meditation caves such as Ghunsa Monastery provide the peaceful spiritual moments and fluttering prayer flags, and their beliefs about Kanchenjunga create an atmosphere of deep respect and mysticism.
Challenging High-Altitude Passes
Crossing high passes like Lapsang La and Sinion La pushes your physical limits and rewards you with stunning 360-degree views of remote Himalayan landscapes, marking spiritual and physical milestones of the journey.
Unique Flora at Different Elevations
The trek showcases rich botanical diversity, from subtropical banana groves and cardamom farms to colourful rhododendron forests and rare high-altitude flowers like Himalayan blue poppies and edelweiss.
Remote Adventure and Solitude
Far from the crowds of popular treks, this trail offers true solitude and immersion in untouched nature, where you’ll hike for hours without seeing another soul, allowing for reflection, connection, and a deep sense of adventure.
Duration: All the participants who want to participate in this Kanchenjunga trek with Highroute adventure must have at least 21 days of vacation.
Physical Fitness: This Kanchenjunga trek is not suitable for first-time trekkers. Due to the remote location, altitude, and long trekking days, participants must have previous trekking experience and good physical stamina.
Health Condition: Participants should be in good overall health with no serious medical conditions. It’s recommended to consult your doctor before booking the trip if you have any underlying health issues.
Age Requirements: There is no age restriction for the trek. As long as you are fit for the trek, you can join this trek.
Daily Walking Hours: Expect to walk 6 to 8 hours daily. Some days may be shorter or longer depending on weather, altitude, and trail conditions.
Passport: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your entry date into Nepal. A Nepal visa is required and can be obtained on arrival or in advance.
Health and Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking (up to 5,200 meters), emergency evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellations. A copy of your insurance policy must be submitted before the trek begins.
The best time to do the Kanchenjunga Trek is during the peak trekking seasons — spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This season offers the best trekking conditions due to comfortable weather and moderate temperatures. Also, with the clear view of the sky, you can enjoy the view of magnificent mountains and beautiful landscapes without any obstacles. The excellent visibility also makes it a perfect time for photography, letting you capture the natural beauty of the Himalayas at its best.
Winter Kanchenjunga treks are possible but will be very tough due to cold and freezing temperatures at high altitude. Also, the trail conditions at high altitude become inaccessible due to snow. Additionally, the tea house and mountain lodge might be closed due to harsh weather conditions and off-season, so we usually don’t recommend undertaking the Kanchenjunga trek in the winter season.
Another off-season for the Kanchenjunga Trek is during the monsoon season (June to August). This time of year brings heavy rainfall, making the trails slippery and muddy, especially in the lower altitude regions. The unpredictable weather, along with the risk of floods and landslides, makes trekking dangerous and less enjoyable. Additionally, cloudy skies often block mountain views, reducing the overall trekking experience.
Read more: Best Time For Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Below is the average weather and temperature conditions for different seasons that you can expect around the Kanchenjunga circuit.
Season | Weather Conditions | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature |
Spring (Mar-May) | Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and mild weather. Occasional snow at higher altitudes. | 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) | -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) |
Summer/Monsoon (Jun-Aug) | Warm and humid with frequent heavy rain, especially at lower altitudes. Trails may be muddy. | 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) | 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Stable weather, clear skies, and the best mountain views. Ideal trekking season. | 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) | -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) |
Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cold and dry with heavy snow at higher altitudes. Trekking routes may be challenging. | -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) | -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F) |
Permit Type | Cost for Foreigners | Cost for SAARC Citizens | Cost for Nepali Citizens | Notes |
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD 20 per person/week (first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person/week (beyond 4 weeks) | Not applicable | Not applicable | Must be processed through a registered trekking agency. |
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) | NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 20) | NPR 500 (approx. USD 5) | NPR 100 | Can be obtained at Kathmandu or during the trek. |
Note: When you book the Kanchenjunga circuit trek with Highroute Adventure, we will arrange all the required permits for you. Also, you don’t have to worry about the permit cost as it will be included in the trek package.
Check out: How To Obtain Kanchenjunga Trek Permits?
On this 21-day Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, you will start your trek from Kathmandu and end in Kathmandu. For this 21-day package trek, it will cost you USD 2,660 per person if you are a solo traveller. If you are travelling in a group, we provide a special discount for you.
Number of People | Price Per Person (USD) |
1 – 1 | $ 2,660 |
2 – 6 | $ 1,978 |
7 – 12 | $ 1,868 |
Travellers note: Don’t do heavy exercise on the rest day. Take enough rest to relax your body, hydrate yourself and monitor your health conditions.
For the majority of the journey today, we are accompanied by the icy face of Kanchenjunga Glacier as we slowly make way through the lateral moraines of the glacier. Upon reaching Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5143m), also known as Pangpema, we get to soak in the mesmerizing Himalayan panorama comprising of the majestic Kanchenjunga (88486m), Jannu (7710m), and Kangbachen (7902m) amongst others. Overnight at Pangpema.
Nepal is not just famous for its mountains and cultural sites; the country also boasts varieties of delicious cuisines.
The most popular food in Nepal is the Khana set which consists of dal (lentils), Bhat (rice), Tarkari (vegetables), and chutney (picked curry). Another famous dish that you can try out is Momo (meat-filled dumpling). In the cities, you can also choose from a wide range of cuisines.
While trekking, there are ample of teahouses along the way where you can savor the local delicacies. The teahouses have a local and western food menu which includes Khana set (Dal Bhat), porridge, soup, instant noodles, oatmeal, bread, eggs, and many more options.
If you are staying in the capital or any other major cities like Pokhara and Chitwan, there are tons of choices for your accommodation. From luxury 5-star hotels to basic lodges and hostels, there are a variety of options you can choose from.
During your trekking journey, you will mostly be staying at teahouses that offer a warm and comfortable bed. The trekking trails are filled with a significant number of teahouses where trekkers can lodge for the night. The teahouse accommodations are typical Nepali houses made by wood, stone, or tin roofs. The teahouses have basic facilities such as toilet and bathroom with or without hot water shower. Some trekking trails also offer homestay lodges such as the Chepang Trail Trek and Tamang Heritage Trek.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is considered among the most difficult treks in the Himalayas, which is why it is also the first choice of adventurers who want to experience an off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal. This wild trek in the eastern Nepal circuit is the journey through the wilderness, barren valley, and high passes in Kanchenjunga, such as Lapsang La (5,160m) in Kanchenjunga. The trek is a physically challenging trail where the day hikes span up to 6-8 hours and a few teahouse facilities. It is even more of an endurance experience because of the erratic weather in the mountains.
Preparation is the way to go around beating the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek difficulty. Begin to train at least 8-12 weeks prior to the trip: cardio, strength-building, and backpack hiking should be in the training regimen. The high-altitude Himalayan trek also requires suitable gear: thermal wear, properly worn-in hiking shoes and trekking poles, and a four-season sleeping bag. But it is very safe and can be negotiated with a guide or on one of the groups organized by a reputable operator such as Highroute Adventure, who will provide good local knowledge in addition to a smooth run of logistics.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an altitude sickness nightmare because the trail ascends to altitudes above 5,000 meters. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can be experienced by anybody, no matter how fit they are, and the most common signs are nausea, headache, or tiredness. Remaining safe is a combination of walking slowly and at a continuous rate, being hydrated, and taking time to acclimatize.
A Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary with rest days like this one provided by Highroute Adventure is designed to remain healthy on the trail. It is important not to drink alcohol or take caffeine at high altitude, and also to seek medical advice on whether taking Diamox as a precautionary medication is possible. At this point, your guide is also an important factor: trekking in Kanchenjunga with a guide can be helpful in tracking your symptoms and making responsible decisions in case of changes in its course. This wilderness trek in Nepal can be fully enjoyed when prepared.
The right choice of a trekking company will either make or break your trip in the Himalayas. The Highroute Adventure staff have years of experience in Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking Nepal and can arrange well-trained guides with a good knowledge of the area and the terrain, as well as the weather and culture of the region. We are committed to ensuring your security, comfort, and pleasure during the journey.
Our crew, including porters and senior guides, is also respectful of the local culture and the local environment as they adhere to ethical trekking principles. Using Highroute, you will get access to a team of supportive and reliable people who make a difficult trek an enriching experience. Whether you are trekking Nepal wilderness in the Nepal wilderness (or again), it is your first or fifth experience, our quality of service will live up to your expectations with memorable experiences in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Trek.
Contact Highroute Adventure when you are prepared to start one of the most remote routes in Nepal, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek: a controlled, protected, and experiential journey. In order to make your Kanchenjunga circuit trekking as enjoyable as possible, we have put together all the necessary items such as permits, accommodations, meals, and the local experienced staff in our trekking packages.
Our flexible plans will fit in with your fitness level and your schedule, and you will find it easy to prepare before the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Be it a solo vs group trekking journey in Kanchenjunga, we guarantee expert acclimatization, local knowledge, and cultural experience. Highroute Adventure takes care of making your remote tea house trek not only safe and comfortable, but life-changing.
Here is how to book the Kanchenjunga trek with us:
Advance payment: Participants must pay an advance of 20% to make a booking. The rest of the payment you can make after you land here in Nepal.
Payment method: To make a payment, you can use Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card, or Online Payment Platforms.
Trip Cancellation policy: The advance payment is non-refundable. However, it can be used as a lifetime deposit for future treks in Nepal. This means the advance payment you make will remain valid indefinitely and can be applied to any future trek.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a challenging and remote journey through high mountain terrain, so packing smart is key. Your gear should keep you warm, safe, and comfortable while carrying as little as possible.