How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is challenging to strenuous and is best suited for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness

What is the maximum altitude of the trek?

The highest point is Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp) at approximately 5,143 m.

What is the best time for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

The best seasons are March to May and September to November, when weather conditions and mountain visibility are generally favorable.

Do I need a special permit for Kanchenjunga?

Yes. Trekkers need a Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), and the trek requires a licensed guide.

What type of accommodation is available during the trek?

Accommodation is mainly in teahouses, lodges and homestays, depending on the location along the remote trekking route.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Maximum Altitude
Approx. 5,143 m
Best season
March–May & September–December
Tour type
Teahouse / Camping
Language
Nepali and English

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote Himalayan adventures. Located in eastern Nepal, the trek takes you deep into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, following a spectacular route around Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain at 8,586 meters.

This challenging circuit combines the dramatic landscapes of the North and South Kanchenjunga Base Camp regions, remote Himalayan villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, rhododendron forests, glaciers, high mountain passes and extraordinary views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks.

The route gradually changes from subtropical forests and terraced hills to alpine valleys, glacial landscapes and high Himalayan terrain. It is an ideal adventure for experienced trekkers looking for a genuine off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.

Highlights

World’s Third-Highest Mountain — Stand beneath Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world’s third-highest mountain
Two Base Camp Experiences — Visit Pangpema North Base Camp and Oktang Viewpoint
High Mountain Passes — Cross the challenging Sele La Pass system
Remote Himalayan Villages — Explore Ghunsa, Khangpachen, Lhonak, Tseram and Yamphudin
Spectacular Mountain Views — Enjoy breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Chang Himal and surrounding peaks
Rhododendron Forests — Trek through beautiful rhododendron, pine and alpine forests
Himalayan Wildlife — Chance to encounter red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer and blue sheep
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area — Experience the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Authentic Himalayan Culture — Experience Limbu, Rai, Sherpa and Tibetan-influenced communities
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure — Enjoy one of Nepal’s most remote and less-crowded trekking routes

Day 01 :

Kathmandu to Bhadrapur – Drive to Taplejung

Flight: Approx. 45–50 minutes
Drive: Approx. 7–9 hours
Altitude: Approx. 1,820 m

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal.

From Bhadrapur, drive through the beautiful eastern hills toward Taplejung. The journey passes through tea-growing areas, terraced hills and traditional villages.

Overnight: Taplejung

Day 02 :

Taplejung to Sekathum

Altitude: Approx. 1,650 m
Drive: Approx. 6–8 hours

Continue by jeep toward Sekathum, the starting area for the northern section of the trek.

The road follows dramatic mountain valleys and rivers before reaching the remote trailhead.

Overnight: Sekathum

Day 03 :

Sekathum to Amjilosa

Altitude: Approx. 2,510 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Begin your Kanchenjunga adventure.

The trail follows the Ghunsa River through dense forests, suspension bridges and waterfalls.

The gradual ascent offers your first real taste of the remote Himalayan environment.

Overnight: Amjilosa

Day 04 :

Amjilosa to Gyabla

Altitude: Approx. 2,730 m
Trek: 4–5 hours

Continue through beautiful rhododendron, bamboo and pine forests.

The trail becomes increasingly mountainous as you approach the Tibetan-influenced villages of the upper Kanchenjunga region.

Overnight: Gyabla

Day 05 :

Gyabla to Ghunsa

Altitude: Approx. 3,595 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Today you enter the high Himalayan zone.

Walk through forests and traditional settlements before reaching Ghunsa, one of the most important villages in the Kanchenjunga region.

Ghunsa is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist settlement with a monastery, prayer flags and mani walls.

Overnight: Ghunsa

Day 06 :

Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa

Altitude: Approx. 3,595 m

Take a rest and acclimatization day in Ghunsa.

A short hike above the village helps your body adapt to the increasing altitude.

You can explore:

Ghunsa village
Local monastery
Buddhist prayer flags
Traditional houses
Mountain viewpoints

Overnight: Ghunsa

Day 07 :

Ghunsa to Khangpachen

Altitude: Approx. 4,050 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Continue north along the Ghunsa River.

The landscape becomes increasingly rugged, with dramatic cliffs, glaciers and high mountain peaks.

Overnight: Khangpachen

Day 08 :

Khangpachen to Lhonak

Altitude: Approx. 4,780 m
Trek: 5–7 hours

Today's trail enters a spectacular high-altitude landscape.

Follow the Kanchenjunga Glacier valley toward Lhonak, surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the region.

Overnight: Lhonak

Day 09 :

Lhonak to Pangpema – North Base Camp – Lhonak

Highest Point: Approx. 5,143 m
Trek: 7–9 hours round trip

This is one of the most important days of the entire trek.

Start early for Pangpema, the North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga.

From Pangpema, enjoy breathtaking views of:

Mount Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga Glacier
Jannu/Kumbhakarna
Chang Himal
Pyramid Peak
Surrounding Himalayan peaks

After spending time at the viewpoint, return to Lhonak.

Overnight: Lhonak

Day 10 :

Lhonak to Khangpachen

Trek: 5–6 hours

Retrace the trail south through the dramatic Kanchenjunga Valley.

Enjoy a different perspective of the glaciers and mountain walls as you descend.

Overnight: Khangpachen

Day 11 :

Khangpachen to Ghunsa

Altitude: Approx. 3,595 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Continue descending through the beautiful alpine forest toward Ghunsa.

Enjoy another evening in this traditional mountain village.

Overnight: Ghunsa

Day 12 :

Ghunsa to Sele La Base Camp

Altitude: Approx. 4,200–4,300 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Leave Ghunsa and begin the challenging climb toward the Sele La Pass system.

The landscape changes from forest to high alpine terrain.

Overnight: Sele La Base Camp

Day 13 :

Cross Sele La Passes – Trek to Tseram

Highest Point: Approx. 4,600 m+ depending on pass/route
Trek: 7–9 hours

Today is one of the most challenging sections of the circuit.

Cross the high passes of the Sele La system and descend toward the southern Kanchenjunga region.

The route provides spectacular mountain views.

Overnight: Tseram

Day 14 :

Tseram to Ramche

Altitude: Approx. 4,580 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Follow the Yalung Valley toward Ramche.

The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as glaciers and high Himalayan peaks appear around the trail.

Overnight: Ramche

Day 15 :

Ramche to Oktang Viewpoint – Return to Ramche

Highest Point: Approx. 4,730 m
Trek: 6–8 hours round trip

Today explore the southern side of Kanchenjunga.

Walk toward the Oktang viewpoint, offering magnificent views toward the southern face of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks.

After enjoying the mountain scenery, return to Ramche.

Overnight: Ramche

Day 16 :

Ramche to Tseram

Altitude: Approx. 3,870 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Descend through the Yalung Valley.

The trail gradually returns to greener vegetation as you lose altitude.

Overnight: Tseram

Day 17 :

Tseram to Tortong

Altitude: Approx. 2,995 m
Trek: 5–6 hours

Continue descending through dense rhododendron and pine forests.

The changing landscape provides a beautiful contrast to the high-altitude terrain experienced earlier in the trek.

Overnight: Tortong

Day 18 :

Tortong to Yamphudin

Altitude: Approx. 2,080 m
Trek: 6–7 hours

Continue through forests and remote settlements toward Yamphudin.

Yamphudin is culturally diverse and home to different communities of eastern Nepal.

Overnight: Yamphudin

Day 19 :

Yamphudin to Khebang

Altitude: Approx. 1,740 m
Trek/Drive: 5–7 hours

The trail gradually descends toward the lower hills.

Enjoy the warmer climate, green landscapes and traditional villages.

Overnight: Khebang

Day 20 :

Khebang to Taplejung

Drive: Approx. 5–7 hours

Drive back toward Taplejung.

After the long journey around Kanchenjunga, enjoy a comfortable evening and celebrate the completion of the circuit.

Overnight: Taplejung

Day 21 :

Taplejung to Bhadrapur

Drive: Approx. 7–9 hours

Drive back through the scenic eastern hills toward Bhadrapur.

Overnight: Bhadrapur

Day 22 :

Bhadrapur to Kathmandu

Flight: Approx. 45–50 minutes

Fly back to Kathmandu.

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax, explore the city or shop for souvenirs.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 23 :

Departure

Your unforgettable Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with Molai Trekking comes to an end.

Our team will assist you with your departure according to your flight schedule.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinnerary

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions

General

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Trip Info