Adventure Friendship
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Trek to the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga.
- Explore the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to red pandas, snow leopards, and diverse Himalayan wildlife.
- Witness spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Jannu.
- Cross multiple high-altitude passes: Sinion La, Mirgin La, Sinelapche Bhanjyang.
- Immerse in local Limbu, Sherpa, and Rai cultures in remote villages like Ghunsa, Khambachen, and Lhonak.
- Experience pristine alpine landscapes, glacial valleys, and high-altitude lakes.
- Off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in a less crowded Himalayan region.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and meet your Adventure Friendship representative. Transfer to your hotel and rest. Depending on your arrival time, explore nearby areas or enjoy dinner at the hotel.
- Day 2 : Preparation & Optional Sightseeing
Meet the trekking team for a pre-briefing, check your gear, and complete remaining payments. Optional sightseeing of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is available in the afternoon.
- Day 3 : Flight to Bhadrapur & Drive to Taplejung (1,820 m)
Fly to Bhadrapur (50 minutes) and drive to Taplejung (~6 hours) through lush tea gardens and scenic landscapes. Taplejung marks the starting point of your Kanchenjunga adventure.
- Day 4 : Drive to Sekathum
Drive 6–9 hours via picturesque villages like Mitlung, Chirwa, Thapethok, and Lelep. Pass the Kanchenjunga National Park entrance, where permits are checked.
- Day 5 : Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa (2,498 m)
Begin trekking along the Ghunsa Khola, crossing several suspension bridges. Pass through small villages such as Jonggim and Ghaiyabari. Trekking duration: 5–6 hours.
- Day 6 : Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,725 m)
Journey through thick forests and enjoy waterfall views. Keep an eye out for red pandas. Trekking distance: 8 km (4.97 miles), 4–5 hours.
- Day 7 : Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,430 m)
Trek 11 km (6.8 miles) over 5 hours, passing Phale village before reaching Ghunsa. Most trekkers acclimatize here before heading to higher altitudes.
- Day 8 : Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,145 m)
Ascend through pine forests and landslide-prone paths. Marvel at views of Mt. Jannu and green glacier valleys. Trekking duration: 5–6 hours.
- Day 9 : Acclimatization at Khambachen
Take a short hike to nearby glaciers and lakes to aid acclimatization. Meet other trekkers heading to the North Base Camp.
- Day 10 : Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4,780 m)
Trek through Ramdang and visit Ramdang Monastery before reaching Lhonak, a small high-altitude village near the Kanchenjunga Glacier.
- Day 11 : Hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 m)
Enjoy an exhilarating hike to Pang Pema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Return to Lhonak for overnight stay. Trek distance: 9 km (5.6 miles), 6–7 hours.
- Day 12 : Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa
Retrace your steps to Ghunsa, passing scenic landscapes, rocky trails, and ancient stone huts.
- Day 13 : Trek to Sele Le Base Camp
Trek via Gyabla trail and dense forests. Keep an eye out for rare wildlife. This route may adjust due to snow conditions.
- Day 14 : Trek from Sele Le Base Camp to Tseram (4,645 m)
Cross high passes Sinion La (4,440 m), Mirgin La (4,480 m), and Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4,645 m). Enjoy panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Makalu, and Baruntse.
- Day 15 : Trek from Tseram to Ramche & Hike to Oktang (4,740 m)
Pass Yalung Glacier and enjoy close-up views of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Return to Tseram for overnight stay.
- Day 16 : Trek from Tseram to Tortong (2,980 m)
Descend through rhododendron forests and along Simbuwa Khola, enjoying lush scenery and Himalayan views. Trek distance: 13 km (8 miles), 6–7 hours.
- Day 17 : Trek from Tortong to Yamphudin (3,415 m)
Descend along Amji Khola through Lasiya/Lamite Bhanjyang and Dhupi Bhanjyang to reach Yamphudin. Trekking permits are checked at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area post.
- Day 18 : Drive from Yamphudin to Kanyam
Drive through Kabeli Khola and scenic villages to Kanyam, famous for its tea gardens and horticulture.
- Day 19 : Drive from Kanyam to Bhadrapur & Flight to Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to Bhadrapur for a 45–50 minute flight back to Kathmandu. End the day with a farewell dinner celebrating your trek.
Trip Cost Inclusion
- International and domestic airport transfers
- Flights: Kathmandu ↔ Bhadrapur
- Local bus transport: Bhadrapur ↔ Taplejung, Taplejung ↔ Sekathum
- 1 night in Kathmandu (3-star hotel, BB Plan)
- 16 nights in tea houses (twin-sharing)
- All necessary permits: Trekking, Kanchenjunga Restricted Area, Conservation Area, TIMS
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner during trek
- English-speaking licensed guide & 1 porter on 2 trekkers (20 kg per 2 trekkers)
- First aid kit and guide/porter insurance
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Trip Cost Exclusion
- Nepal visa fees
- Meals in Kathmandu (except specified)
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, Wi-Fi, gear rentals, hot showers)
- Tips for staff, guides, porters
- Travel insurance (mandatory: minimum USD 100,000 coverage)
- Extra days not mentioned in the itinerary
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