Kanchenjunga region · Strenuous
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Three weeks in Nepal's far east, through villages that see a handful of trekkers a season. Small groups, government-licensed guides, and porters paid and insured to IPPG standards.
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. Travellers must carry insurance covering their route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Duration
14 Days
Max altitude
5,143 m
Grade
Strenuous
Best season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group size
2–10 travellers
Accommodation
Teahouse
Day by day
Day 01
Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drive to Ilam
Tea-garden country in Nepal's far east.
1,200 m
Day 02
Drive Ilam to Taplejung
A long day on mountain roads.
1,820 m
Day 03
Taplejung to Chiruwa
Down to the Tamor river.
1,270 m
Day 04
Chiruwa to Sekathum
Into the Ghunsa valley.
1,660 m
Day 05
Sekathum to Amjilosa
A steep day on exposed trail.
2,510 m
Day 06
Amjilosa to Gyabla
Through waterfalls and bamboo.
2,730 m
Day 07
Gyabla to Ghunsa
The main Tibetan village of the valley.
3,595 m
Day 08
Acclimatisation day in Ghunsa
Rest, or a day hike above the village.
3,595 m
Day 09
Ghunsa to Khambachen
Under the Jannu north face.
4,050 m
Day 10
Khambachen to Lhonak
Onto the glacier moraine.
4,780 m
Day 11
Pangpema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
The full north face of the world's third-highest mountain.
5,143 m
Day 12
Lhonak to Ghunsa
Begin the long return.
3,595 m
Day 13
Ghunsa to Sekathum
Retrace the valley.
1,660 m
Day 14
Sekathum to Taplejung, drive out
Road head, then the long drive to the airstrip.
1,820 m
What is included
Included
- Airport transfers and two nights in Kathmandu
- All permits, TIMS card and national park fees
- Licensed English-speaking guide and one porter per two trekkers
- Teahouse accommodation on trek, twin share
- Three meals a day while trekking
- Guide and porter insurance, wages and equipment
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Personal travel and evacuation insurance
- Hot showers, wifi and charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
Why trek this with us
Two full acclimatisation days
Built into the schedule, not sold as an extra. It is the single biggest factor in reaching the top.
Guides from the region
Your guide grew up in the valley you are walking through and holds a government licence.
One porter per two trekkers
Insured, weight-limited to 25 kg and equipped by us for altitude.
No hidden costs
Permits, park fees, domestic flights and all meals on trek are in the price you see.
Reviews from this trek
★★★★★
The pacing was the thing. Two acclimatisation days felt slow at the time and meant nobody in our group turned back.
★★★★★
Our guide rerouted a day around a landslide before we even knew about it. Quoted price never moved.
★★★★★
Everything on the included list was genuinely included. No permit surprises at the trailhead.
Frequently asked
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on consecutive days, carrying only a daypack. No technical skill is needed on this route. Most trekkers train by hill walking for two to three months beforehand.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. You must carry travel insurance covering trekking to your route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. It must cover trekking to the maximum altitude of your route and include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. We ask for the policy number before departure.
Can I do this trip privately or on my own dates?
Every itinerary can run as a private departure on the dates you choose, usually at a small premium for solo travellers and no premium from two people upwards.
What is the payment schedule?
A 20% deposit confirms your place. The balance is due 30 days before departure, payable by card, bank transfer or in cash in Kathmandu.
