Kanchenjunga is undoubtedly a hidden gem in Nepal's far eastern region, near the border with Eastern Indian Sikkim, a small Himalayan state. Until the mid-18th century, this mountain was considered the tallest peak on the globe.
The area remained closed to hikers until the mid-1980s. Currently, it is protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and requires special trekking permits. Due to these restrictions, this area still has a lot of rare plants and animals that haven't been changed in any way.
This trekking route is not as popular as in Everest and Annapurna due to its difficult trekking trials and the requirement of a special permit.
The Kanchenjuga Circuit Trek is one of the most difficult treks that takes you to the base camp of the third-tallest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga, at an altitude of 8,586 m. During your trekking, you will witness rivers, waterfalls, green meadows, rhododendron, birch, and pine forests, the Yalung Glacier, and great mountains standing beside you.
The mountain’s summit was first conquered in 1955, when Joe Brown and George Band made their way to the top along with some other members of a British expedition that included climbers like Sandy Allen or Sir Chris Bonington. In 1977, an Indian Army team climbed it for the second time from its northeast ridge bordering Sikkim on the Indian side.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is similr as the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. This circuit trip includes Kanchenjunga's north and south base camps. It is not an easy trek, and it does require previous trekking experience. One cannot complete this trek alone.
Apart from Kanchenjunga itself, you will see other Kanchenjunga Massif including four other subsidiary summits above 8,000 m high in the mountains themselves; the most notable is Kanchenjunga West, also referred to as Yalung Kang . About twenty more peaks stand above 7,000 m in this area, including Kambachen, the highest among all 7 thousanders, followed by Janu, Jongsong, Kabru , Tent Peak , and Twins.
Besides that, you will also see a lot of six-thousanders. There are five important glacial systems inside these hills. Two of them, Zumu Talung and Rathong, flow into Sikkim. The waters of the Kanchenjunga and Yalung glaciers move westward to the powerful Tamor River, which is in the middle of Nepal.
Nepal Trek Adventure provides a comprehensive guide for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, ensuring that your time exploring this area will be filled with maximum satisfaction. Contact us for reservations for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek 2025/2026. We are also announcing the opening of our bookings for the early spring and autumn seasons in 2025 for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Attractions
- Awe-inspiring scenes of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Tent Peak, and Mt. Everest are surrounded by white-cold mountain-ice peaks.
- Crossing the steep Mirgin La Pass at 4,480 meters
- Trekking through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a habitat for rare animals such as red pandas and snow leopards
- Living the Himalayan reality and the Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle.
- Escaping out on less trodden paths through dense rainforests, waterfalls, and post-cart-perfect trails.
- Visiting the tranquil mountain enclaves of Ramtang and Oktang Monasteries in meditation.
- Feeling the warm welcome from the local community overlooking village areas.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Route
Kathmandu (night stay at Taplejung) -> Taplethok -> Gyabla -> Ghunsa -> Kambachen -> Rest (Acclimatization Day at Kambachen) -> Lhonak -> Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (night stay at Kambachen) -> Ghunsa -> Sele Le -> Tseram -> Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (night stay at Tseram) -> Torongding -> Yamphuding -> Khamdime -> illam -> Kathmandu
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek route progressively scrambles from 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) to 5,180 meters (17,094 feet) above sea level. The atmosphere, in this trek to Kanchenjunga, differs from the subtropical rainstorm and sticky summer at the lower rises to cold and wet winter in the snow-capped district. In the circuit trek route, you will move along trails utilized by local people and yaks (and yak herders), while the fundamental Kanchenjunga trekking has still been portrayed as 'untracked'. Along with this beautiful trekking experience, we will likewise traverse a few passes including Mirgin La Pass, which offers magnificent perspectives on Kanchenjunga Massif.
Visual Odyssey During Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek gives you heavenly sights for your soul; the Yalung Glaciers appear as pearl-white jewels surrounded by tranquil surroundings that seem as if the years have stopped still. Here, time catches its breath as we go back into serenity because of the preserved Kanchenjunga—forget all the busy roads and cities.
The whole region belongs to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is regarded as a protected and restricted territory within Nepal. This path, filled with diverse flora and fauna, demands trekkers’ permits from the Nepalese government. If, by any chance, you are fortunate enough, you may end up meeting rare animals like Himalayan black bears, musk deer, snow leopards, or even red pandas.
On this trek through the remote areas, there are fascinating stories about Yeti related to these mountains. Regardless of whether it’s true or not about Yeti, there is still an element of mystery that surrounds it, thereby attracting adventurers along the way.
The mountains themselves are really something else. This trek includes some of the most mesmerizing mountain views that one could ever witness, incorporating peaks such as Tent Peak, Mt. Kambachen, and Mt. Janu. Additionally, you will have mesmerizing panoramas of this high-altitude region featuring the world’s tallest mountains: Mt. Everest Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse.
This trek is not only an exploration through spectacular landscapes; it is also an unforgettable experience in one of the most isolated and unspoiled parts of the Himalayas.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Cost
The cost for the Kanjenjungc Circuit Trek is $1850 per person on a group sharing basis. for the years 2025 and 2026. The trek price includes airport transfer, flight, transportation, accommodation, food, permits, and guides to make your whole trekking journey smooth and enjoyable. The cost of trekking to Kanchenjunga varies based on the type of package you choose. We have different price ranges for group-joining treks, private treks, and solo treks.
Best Season for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
Trekking Kanchenjunga Circuit is best in the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons. While the spring season provides blooming rhododendrons and clear mountain views, the autumn season offers crisp air and unobstructed panoramas after monsoons.
However, winter (December–February), on the other hand, tends to be quieter but needs preparation for cold and snow, as it provides marvelous landscapes covered with flawless snow.
The months of June until August are rainy; therefore, monsoons should not be recommended because of heavy rainfall resulting in slippery paths and obscured vision, although this time brings lush greenery for those hungry for adventure. Each season caters to one's taste.
