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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kanchenjunga treks in Winter( 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 TrekBelow 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 |
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD 20 per person/week (first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person/week (beyond 4 weeks) |
| Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) | NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 20) |
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.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to customize the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with High Route Adventure. We can tailor the itinerary to match your time frame, fitness level, interests, and travel preferences.
If you have limited time or prefer a shorter route, you can also choose to do only the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek or only the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. These options still offer incredible mountain views and cultural experiences while being less demanding than the full circuit.
Feel free to contact High Route Adventure to design a trek that best suits your needs.
For those who are solo trekkers from different countries like the UK, USA and Europe, they can join the group for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. For this first, you have to contact the tour operator as a very limited number of trekkers visit the Kanchenjunga each year. Group departures depend on matching your trekking dates, preferred season, fitness level, and itinerary, as well as permit availability.
The main advantage of joining the group for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is that it will reduce the cost for you and you will comply with the restricted-area regulations policy, which is minimum 2 trekkers. It will add safety in this remote and challenging region.
Kanchenjunga Circuit takes you to the remote region of eastern Nepal. So don't expect the wide variety of menu like in city restaurants. Here you will find a limited food menu in the tea house, which is prepared using local ingredients. Here is the food that you can expect in the tea house menu during the trek:
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek has fundamental accommodation. You will find a limited number of tea houses on the trekking trails. This tea house provides you with rooms that are often shared among the travelers. Inside the room, you will find twin sharing beds, a warm blanket, a pillow cover, a mattress and sharing toilets. There will be no AC or heating system, so to make yourself warm, we suggest you carry a sleeping bag.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is graded as one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas, due to the remote region and lack of advance facilites in the trekking trails. To complete this Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, it takes a minimum of 3 weeks. Everyday on the trek, you will be walking for around 6-8 hours, which can be physically and mentally exhausting.
This trek demands a moderate level of fitness from trekkers, so this trek is not for the first time trekkers and beginner trekkers. This trek is suitable only for experienced trekkers who want to enjoy complete wilderness.
This wild circuit trek in eastern Nepal takes you through the wilderness, barren valleys, and high passes such as Lapsang La (5,160m). The chances of having altitude sickness are high due to the high altitude trek. The modern facilities, such as a hotel, restaurant, ATM, Bank, hospital, and medical service are lacking here.
Additionally, due to the unpredictable nature of the weather, trekkers should be prepared for occasional changes in itinerary or trekking strategy. You need to be prepared for heavy snowfall, extremely low temperatures, and sudden weather changes, especially at higher altitudes.
To make the trek easier, comfortable and successful, we suggest you plan and prepare before you make a booking. Below are some essential factors that will help you prepare thoroughly for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek:
Build Fitness level: Do exercise that builds endurance, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. To add strength, you can do exercises such as squats, planks, push-ups, etc.
Practise high altitude hike: Gain some experience by spending some days at high altitude, like above 5,000m. With this, you will understand how your body works at high altitude. You will learn about acclimatisation and how to prevent altitude sickness.
Pack everything that you need: From important documents to warm clothes, gear and other essentials you need to pack for this trek. You need to be self-sufficient for this trek. Make sure to invest in high-quality trekking boots and gear. If you want to rent, you can do it from the rental shop in Kathmandu as well.
Choose the right itinerary: If you are confused about whether the itinerary suits you or not, make sure to contact the tour operator. They will help you by giving you advice as they are experts in this field.
Mental preparation: Travelling in a remote region where people speak a different language from you is not a joke. Be serious about the trek and be mentally prepared. Hard days will be waiting for you, and you need to beat them with your body and mind.
Follow safety guidelines: You need to follow all the rules and regulations inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Respect the local culture and traditions, and if you have any confusion, make sure to ask your trekking guide.
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 High Route 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 High Route Adventure, 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.
To reach the eastern part of Nepal for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek High Route Adventure will book the ticket for you. From the hotel we will transfer you to the domestic terminal for the flight. From Kathmandu to Bhadrapur the flight duration is around 40 minutes. From the window seat you will enjoy the breathtaking aerial view of himalayan ranges such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga include rolling green hills, dense forests, terraced landscapes, various rivers, and tea gardens.
Once you reach the Bhadrapur Airport, we will arrange a shared Jeep to take you to Sekathum. The road condition from Bhadrapur to Sekathum is mixed of paved and off-road.
Contact High Route 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. High Route 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.
