Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 01:Fly to Biratnagar We take a flight to Biratnagar from Kathmandu. It is around 40-45 minutes of flight. On reaching Biratnagar, you make preparations for a new experience.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,410m
  Minimum altitude: 1,400m
  Total flight time: 40 minutes
• Day 02:Fly Suketar and trek to Lali Kharka Suketar is our next destination from Biratnagar. It is a 30 minutes flight. From Suketar we begin our trail towards Lali Kharka where we put off for a night.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,220m
  Minimum altitude: 2,410m
  Total walking hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Day 03:Lali Kharka to Keswa Pokora village is our next immediate destination from Lali Kharka. It is an interesting walk on foot where we pass through the suspension bridge above Phewa Khola (River). Our trail goes further through dense forest and villages. Finally, after walking for 5-6 hours we reach Keswa where we will spend our night.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,220m
  Minimum altitude: 2,100m
  Total walking hours: around 6 hours
• Day 04:Keswa to Mamankhe We begin our trip after breakfast. Trip to Nandeva Khola is a bit hard. We cross the river and trek along mountain passes and forests to be at Loppoding. Our walk further continues till we reach Ponpe Dhara via Anpan village. After crossing Khangwa Khola and following descend path we reach Mamankhe where we will spend our night.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,000m
  Minimum altitude: 2,100m
  Total walking hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Day 05:Mamankhe to Yamphudin Mamankhe to Yamphudin is an easy trail, our first destination of today. We walk by the side of Kabeli Khola. If interested, we can take rest and bath in this river. Yamphudin is the most remote area of the eastern part of Nepal where there are small settlements. We will stroll into the woods of Pines and Rhododendrons. We will cross an edge and reach Yamphudin. Yamphudin is a blended community of Sherpas, Limbus, Rais, and Gurungs. It is a wonderful town. Overnight stay in Yamphudin.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,080m
  Minimum altitude: 2,000m
  Total walking hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Day 06:Yamphudin to Lamite Jungle Camp It is an uphill climb followed by downhill before crossing Omje Khola. We will capture mesmerizing views of the valley away from Yamphudin to the south and of the Omje Khola Valley and Deurali Danda to the north. A steep decline during the trekking will finally bring you at Lamite Jungle Camp where we will stay overnight.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,920m
  Minimum altitude: 1,650m
  Total walking hours: 4 to 5 hours
• Day 07:Lamite Jungle Camp to Torontan We walk towards Deurali Dada for around three hours. From the top of this point Mt. Jannu is clearly and closely visible. We further follow the jungle course to reach Simbu Khola. Throughout the trail, we will pass via dense forest full of rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Crossing the bridge over Simbu Khola will join us at Torontan where we will spend our night. Torontan with an altitude difference of around 1,585m. Overnight Tea House/Lodge
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 3,080m
  Minimum altitude: 2,920m
  Total walking hours: 6 to 7 hours
• Day 08:Torontan to Tseram Today we will follow a course through pine and rhododendron forests. If the weather is clear then we will be lucky to get a chance to see Yalung glacier clearly. We spend our night at Tseram.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 3,870m
  Minimum altitude: 3,080m
  Total walking hours: 5 to 6 hours
• Day 09:Tseram to Ramche Tseram to Ramche is a short trail. The vista here is so beautiful at Yalung glacier. Freezing lake, streams, and views of Kokthan, Rathong and Kabru are the major attractions of Ramche. Today follow the stream before climbing on to the moraine top. Hold your breath as the magnificent south face of Kanchenjungha appears before you. Walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. Overnight Tea House/Lodge.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 4,580m
  Minimum altitude: 3,870m
  Total walking hours: 6 to 7 hours
• Day 10:Ramche Exploration Today we explore Ramche. Here, for the first time, we come close to Kanchangunja. Next, to the valley around its extensive curve, we come across the vast southern wall of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The ridge forms a cirque which is over 15 km long and not less than 7500 m high. Along this ridge lie the three main peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga at 8420m, 8586m, and 8474m. The sight is truly breathtaking. Proceeding further towards Oktang [4630m], we descend onto the glacier and cross it to a point below Talu from where we can see the panoramic view of the mountains in the area. Particularly inspiring is the eastern part of Kumbhakarna Glacier, flowing from the east face of Jannu (Kumbhakarna being the local name for Jannu). We then return to Ramche.
• Day 11:Ramche to Mirgin La Today, we trek down the valley passing through the small village of Lapsang. Then we turn towards Mirgin La, a pass we have to cross to reach the north side of Kanchenjunga. We will spend the night at Mirgin La.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 4,600m
  Minimum altitude: 4,580m
  Total walking hours: 7 hours
• Day 12:Mirgin La to Gunsa Today, we will cross the 3000m height edge. The day starts with a lofty drop into a chasm. After the plummet, we will stroll through the timberlands of Rhododendrons and Firs. The walk ends up simpler at this point. Following the riverbank, we trek to the lovely Yak pastures in Pholey, 3210m. Pholey is a Tibetan town with lovely potato developments. We will stop at Phole for a loosening up mid-day break. At Pholey, we can observe the impacts of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Additionally, there is an excellent religious community in Pholey. Above Pholey, the valley enlarges up. The trail presently goes through the green fields and larch woodlands. On following the trail, we will drop down to the riverbed of Ghunsa Khola. In the wake of traverse the Ghunsa Khola, we will enter Ghunsa town. Medium-Term remain at Ghunsa.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 3,595m
  Minimum altitude: 4,480m
  Total walking hours: 7 hours
• Day 13:Gunsa to Khambachen The trail from Ghunsa right to Kambachen is inclined to avalanche. The trail goes through the off-beaten trails of Kanchenjunga North. Traveling north from Ghunsa, we will trek through the staggering territory. The trail makes a continuous climb through woods of larch and juniper. We will stroll along the east bank of the waterway. We will likewise experience some excellent glades along the trail. We will stroll over the sandy, the stone strewed riverbank way. We will cross a wood and stone extension over a waterway to reach Rambuk Kharka, 3720m. Directly after Rampuk Kharka, the trail goes through a cascade and avalanche segment. Be cautious! After the hard walk is a captivating perspective on the north substance of Mt. Jannu, 7710m. We glimpse the Jannu Glacier too. Celebrating the awesome encompassing vistas, we slip through the mountainside. At long last, we will land at Kambachen. Kambachen is a transitory settlement with little stone teahouses. These spots fill in as cabins for Kanchenjunga trekkers. In summer, it is the shepherd's settlement. While remaining in tea houses.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 4,050m
  Minimum altitude: 3,595m
  Total walking hours: 6 hours
• Day 14:Khambachen to Lhonak The trail now enters a desolate landscape. We will make our way above the terrains carved with icy blades of the high altitude glaciers. There are no villages or houses on the trail. The trail climbs gradually through moraine debris. Be careful! Your feet may slip over the iced stones. Walk slowly! The path climbs across the slopes of landslides. We will reach the beautiful pasture area in Ramtang, 4350m. The Kanchenjunga glacier starts around Ramtangat. We will come across the beautiful Ramtang Monastery. The Monastery sits next to the bridge after a waterfall. The vista is amazing. The trail continues along the north bank of the river. We will cross over the Lhonak glacier. The junction of Lhonak and Kanchenjunga glacier is a remarkable place. Maintain a speedy and steady pace. The trek is difficult. After the difficult section, we will see stunning mountains surrounding us in all directions. Towards the east is the mesmerizing Mera Peak, 6344m. Enjoying the majestic Himalayan panorama, we will follow a short downhill trail. We will arrive at Riverside now. After a while, we will see the settlement of Lhonak. Lhonak is a tiny settlement with only three or four small stone teahouses. After walking further, we will arrive at our campsite at Lhonak. Lhonak sits beside a wide and open sandy plain. The campsite in Lhonak is a big grassy plain. Lhonak offers excellent campsites. There are possibilities that we may see some wildlife. We may see the blue sheep, mountain goat or smaller animals in the rocks like hyrax and marmots. We will also see the eagle, kites, and falcons. We will stay in our tents for an overnight stay.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 4,780m
  Minimum altitude: 4,050m
  Total walking hours: 6 to 7 hours
• Day 15:Lhonak to Pang Pema Pang Pema is the local name of the Kanchenjunga north base camp. Today, we will visit the north base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Hiking to the base camp is the best experience. We will climb gradually through the trail. We will follow the line of the moraine. There are some portions of the trail that are prone to landslide. Be careful while walking. Using the trekking poles will make the walk easier. After all the rocky sections are the flat grassy plain basin of Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Enjoy the views of the towering peak of Kanchenjunga. Overnight in Pang Pema.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 5,388m
  Minimum altitude: 4,780m
  Total walking hours: 8 hours
• Day 16:Pang Pema Exploration/Rest Today, we will explore the Kanchenjunga base camp area. We will hike to the nearby ridge to see the beautiful Himalayan views. We will see the best of Mt. Jannu, the North Face of Kanchenjunga and the Chang Himal. The area is less visited. So, you can enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere. Explore the jaw-dropping vista of the glaciers. We may meet with some climbers who are there to attempt the Peak climbing. The climb requires an extra four days after reaching the base camp. Also, there is no need for any other climbing permits to climb Mt. Kanchenjunga. Overnight in Pang Pema.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Altitude: 5,388m
• Day 17:Trek to Gunsa It’s now time to say goodbye to the north Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Retracing our previous days, we will trek to Ghunsa. On the way; we will rejoice the splendid Himalayan vistas. Also, trekking from the previous route with a different perspective is a beautiful experience. Enjoy the marvelous sceneries around, we will trek back. Leaving behind the splendid views of Mt. Jannu, we will trek back. Be careful walking around the landslides, and over the glaciers. From Pang Pema, we will trek down to Lhonak, Kambachen, and to Ghunsa. Overnight in Ghunsa.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 5,388m
  Minimum altitude: 3,595m
  Total walking hours: 7 hours
• Day 18:Gunsa to Kyapra Today, from Gunsa, we take the way out of the peaks that follow the eye-catching Gunsa and Tamur Khola (rivers). The track passes through unbelievable forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch, and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. We pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and an hour or so further on, we reach a spot called Tang.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 3,595m
  Minimum altitude: 2,720m
  Total walking hours: 6 hours
• Day 19:Kyapra to Sakathum Moving ahead to arrive at the village of Sakathum, our way follows a heaving track for the first couple of hours until we reach Amjilasa. From here, there is a long steep descent from which we can see the Gunsa Khola Valley stretched out before you. You then arrive at Sakathum. Trek uphill for some time then descend to the lush green vegetation below. Continue along the Tamur River until arrive at the Olangchung Gola, the entry point of the Kanchenjunga National Park. Thus we go uphill and downhill again before crossing the Ghunsa Khola. After crossing the suspension bridge and another half an hour's walk we arrive at Sekathum. Overnight Tea House.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,720m
  Minimum altitude: 1,650m
  Total walking hours: 7 hours
• Day 20:Sakathum to Chirwa From Sakathum, we head to Chirwa. En route, we see the union of two rivers, Simbua Khola and Gunsa Khola. At this point, we get to see the most magnificent view of the two rivers uniting into Tamur Koshi. On following the trail along Tamur Khola, many other small tributary streams come our way. After trekking for about 4-5 hours we enter into the wonderful village of Chirwa a small Limbu village with a few lodges, shops, and camping sites. Overnight at Tea House/Lodge.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 1,650m
  Minimum altitude: 1,185m
  Total walking hours: 6 hours
• Day 21:Trek to Phurumba The road additionally leads to cultivated land and loaded pastures from Chirma. On reaching Mitlung, we stop for a healthy lunch. Then the trail zigzags throughout the path of steep stones. After climbing for about 4 hours, we reach the valley of Phurumba.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 1,900m
  Minimum altitude: 1,185m
  Total walking hours: 7 hours
• Day 22:Trek to Taplejung and to Suketar As we go away from the valley, we keep on climbing along the ridge for about 3 hours to Taplejung village. We can roam around the village viewing the villagers getting along with their daily routine. As Nepalese folks are generally friendly, chances are we may get invited to a few village homes. From then on, easy climb for about 2 hours, we finally reach the airstrip at Suketar where we conclude the trip of the day.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,420m (Suketar)
  Minimum altitude: 1,900m
  Total walking hours: 7 to 8 hours
• Day 23:Flight to Kathmandu via Biratnagar We fly back to Biratnagar and then take a flight to Kathmandu. The flight is a scenic flight. In clear weather, we will see the aerial views of some snowy peaks. The views are impressive. There will be transferred to the hotel upon arrival.
  
  Accommodation: Tea houses, lodges, and hotels
  Maximum altitude: 2,420m
  Minimum altitude: 1,400m
  Total flight time: 40 minutes