Ultimate Guide To Choose Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

However, even with its breathtaking mountain backdrops, scenic landscapes, and diverse culture, is this journey worthwhile to be on your next bucket list? And what should you expect from it?

Here, let me tell you something first. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is not made for everyone as it is one of the most challenging higher-altitude treks. But even if its strong demands captivate you, then you are up for a ride!

Having said that, with this remote trek comes careful planning and considerate preparation for the journey. Hence, we have created a detailed guide covering everything from the very basic points such as the details on the trek, what you will require, and tips to make this an unforgettable experience of your life. 

Altogether, we hope this guide will help you effectively prepare for the adventure!

Why Choose The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

For every experienced trekker as well as adventure enthusiast, we can not recommend the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek enough! This particular adventure will take you past the least-trodden paths where you will witness mind-blowing scenery of the Himalayas - all in while experiencing the warmest hospitality from the locals. 

Brief History And Significance of Kanchenjunga

As you move towards the Eastern part of Nepal near the Indian border, you will witness the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga (aka the world’s third-highest peak) towering at the height of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). Well, a fun fact, Kanchenjunga is a Tibetan word; where Kanchen means five treasures and Junga means snow. 

This particular peak is a sacred place and holds religious and spiritual importance to the locals. Often the locals consider its five massifs (Kangchenjunga Main, Kangchenjunga West, Kangchenjunga Central, Kangchenjunga South, and Kanchenjunga North) to be the abode of Gods.

Additionally, locals of the region believe that the Kanchenjunga is home to a mountain deity named Dzö-nga or "Kangchenjunga Demon” and there is a valley of immortality hidden between the slopes of this particular mountain. 

Geography And Landscapes

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is renowned for its unspoiled natural outlook with its varied landscapes. This particular trek takes you to the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga and covers mesmerizing ranges of environment. 

During the journey, you will walk past the lush subtropical forests, alpine valleys, terraced lands, vibrant rhododendron blooms, rugged trails, glacial rivers, and high-altitude grasslands. Hence, the dynamic shift in the terrain keeps the trekker in deep curiosity providing unparalleled experience. 

After a scenic flight to Bhadrapur, you will get to witness the Ilam tea garden and explore the bustling city. Here, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek begins in the lush subtropical region of Taplejung, where you will initially trek through the dense forests of oak, pine, and vibrant rhododendrons. During this period, you will also come across various wildflowers and carpeted jungle paths. 

As you ascend higher, the terrain shifts and you will find several terraced farmlands and agricultural areas in Chiruwa. From Chiruwa, you will cross a few traditional villages such as Lelep, Amjilosa, and Gyabla. These expansive valleys have suspension bridges, waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers, and yak pasturelands.

It is indeed a thrilling experience to walk over the suspension bridges with the spectacular views of the gushing river down below. Following it, as you steep in Ghunsa, the landscape transitions into alpine meadows and high-altitude surroundings. Although the flora in this point gets sparse, the views are no less enchanting. 

Here, the Ghunsa marks the first acclimatization day and you will get to explore this city and its cultural side - all while being surrounded by the scenic beauty of the alpine landscapes. From here onwards, the trails get rugged and dramatic due to the increase in altitude level. 

Therefore, with further ascent, you will enter the glacial valley Khambachen which provides you the sight of the massive icy peaks up-close. The trek through this scenic landscape will be both awe-spiring as well as a humbling experience. 

After reaching the Khambachen, it marks the second acclimatization day and as a side quest, you will hike to the Janu Base Camp. It will be one of the most surreal days during the trek as you will get to witness the glaciers glimmering in sunlight on the ground while the towering icy peaks will look as if they are breathing fire.

Following this, you will have a quick ascent to Lhonak and then move towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp which is followed by a steady climb to a few high-altitude passes. This section of the trek gets more challenging with the demand of rugged, rocky, and snowy terrain. 

However, these difficult paths reward you with panoramic mountain views. Through each of the paths either filled with meadows, rocks, fluttering prayer flags, stupas, or glacial valleys - all these steps bring you closer to the clouds!

Cultural Significance To The Local Communities

Indeed, the region of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek gives home to several ethnic groups, each of them holding on to their cultural values. Hence, this trek is more than just an adventure - it is a soulful journey that provides you with an opportunity to dive deeper into the local lifestyle and values.

Many villages on the trail of this trek are untouched by modernity hence, preserving its traditional way of life. Here, the villages are largely inhabited by Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa people. Interacting closely with the community will draw you towards their unique agricultural method, local craftsmanship, and vibrant festivities. 

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Overview

Are you searching for an adventure? Solitude in the Himalayas? Or a wild journey to the remote area of Nepal? Then, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a perfect getaway to understand the sense of life in the Himalayas.

Here’s a quick overview of facts on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. 

• Trekking Region: Kanchenjunga, Nepal
• Trekking Duration: 24 days
• Starting and Ending Point: Bhadrapur
• Trekking Distance: 220 kilometers
• Nature of trek: Tea houses
• Maximum altitude: 5,143 meters (16,873 feet) at Kanchenjunga Base Camp
• Difficulty Level: Strenuous

Likewise, below are the major highlights of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. 

• Explore the foothills of the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters / 28,169 feet). 
• Reach the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 meters / 16,873 feet).
• Witness Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,610 meters / 15,125 feet)
• Hike through the off-beaten trails in the eastern part of Nepal. 
• Walk on Yalung glacier. 
• Close-up experience of the traditional culture of the local community. 
• Walk past the vibrant forests of pine, oak, bamboo, and rhododendron. 
• Opportunity to witness animals such as blue sheep, snow leopard, black beer, and musk deer. 
• A scenic 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. 

Best Time For Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

To truly appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, the timing of the trek is crucial. That is because the season of the year you are traveling in can either make or break your trip’s outcome. 

As Nepal experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, the trails, scenery, experience, and cultural encounters - all change depending upon the time of the year. In general, we recommend trekkers embark on this trek during the peak seasons; which are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). 

After a long and icy winter sleep, the Spring awakens the Himalayas and its surrounding environment with fresh breeze and clear blue skies. It is a magical season to travel as you can expect stable weather conditions, unobstructed views of the majestic Himalayas, and vibrant rhododendron forests.

Furthermore, as the winter chills fade, you can expect an average daytime temperature between 6 to 18°C and an average nighttime temperature of 5 to -5°C. If you are lucky, you may get to encounter animals and birds like musk deer, Himalayan monal, Himalayan black bear, red panda, blue sheep, and many more. 

Likewise, the peak season of Autumn starts after the end of heavy rainfall in Summer. During this period, the weather is more stable with the average daytime temperature during this season ranges between 9 to 19 °C, while the average nighttime temperature is between 10 to -5 °C. 

Similar to Spring, this season also brims to life with vibrant hues of yellow, gray, and crimson. It indicates the falling leaves in the forests and prepares for the break in nature, often creating a mesmerizing display of scenery that attracts trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

Moving on to the Winter, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek transforms itself into a snowy wonderland surrounded by starry nights and pristine white landscapes. As beautiful as the route gets, it is more demanding due to plummeting temperatures which can drop as low as -20°C.

Here, the entire region is covered with snow creating breathtaking scenery. However, these snow patches make the trail much more riskier with loads of accidental slips. Moreover, scaling the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek during the Winter is not for everyone. 

Additionally, the Summer brings continuous heavy rainfall and occasional thunder, making the trail muddy and slippery. 

On the bigger side of the problem, it brings landslides with a higher risk of blocking your trail. Furthermore, you will have obstructed views of the Himalayas which will limit your experience as well as your picture. On average, the daytime temperature during this season is between 12 to 20°C while the nighttime temperature ranges between 10 to -5°C. 

However, having said that, if you manage to stick through this season, it will reward you with lush greenery and a fresh breeze on the trail. Yet again, you will have little to no visibility to enjoy the surrounding views of the Himalayas due to the heavy rain clouds. 

Permits And Regulations

To ensure a smooth and lawful journey to the restricted area of Kanchenjunga, you will need to obtain permits from the Nepal government.

Here, the two major permits to enter the Kanchenjunga region are the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) and the Restricted Area Entry Permit (RAP). 

KCAP is required for you to enter the protected zone of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area which is established to safeguard the region’s flora and fauna. It will cost you NRs 2000 (1 USD = NRs 133.65) with no time restrictions.

Likewise, the RAP is a special permit for you to trek inside the restricted area of the region. The prohibited areas of the region are Yamphuding, Lelep, Paping, and Olangchung Gola. Here, the RAP will cost you USD 20 per person per week. 

How to Obtain The Permits?

It is essential to understand that these permits are not just for the formalities but it helps the government to maintain an ecological balance between tourism and conservation. Well, it is a simple process to obtain these permits as you can get them from the Nepal Tourism Board or an authorized trekking agency like Nepal Trekking Experts. 

Typically, we recommend you apply for these permits in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. If you are lost and do not know where and how to process, you can always contact Nepal Trekking Experts. 

Now, while applying for the permits, you will require several documents which are mentioned below. 

• Valid passport with a valid Nepal visa (Make sure that your visa validity is past the expiry date of RAP). 
• Passport size photo and its copy. 
• A detailed itinerary of your trek. 

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek lasts for a total of 24 days. It starts as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu and includes the rest period as well.  

Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Rest day with preparation for the trekking. 

Day 3: Take a 45-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive 3 hours to Ilam tea garden (Phikkal Bazaar). 

Day 4: 8-9 hours drive from Phikkal Bazaar to Taplejung. 

Day 5: 6-7 hours trek from Taplejung to Chiruawa (1,270 meters / 4,167 feet). 

Day 6: 5-6 hours trek from Chiruwa to Lelep (1,750 meters / 5,741 feet). 

Day 7: 5-6 hours trek from Lelep to Amjilosa (2,308 meters / 7,572 feet). 

Day 8: 5-hour trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 meters / 8,957 feet). 

Day 9: 5-hour trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 meters / 11,795 feet). 

Day 10: First Acclimatization Day to explore Ghunsa. 

Day 11: 5-6 hours trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,050 meters / 13,287 feet). 

Day 12: Second Acclimatization Day.

Day 13: 4-5 hours trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4,780 meters / 15,682 feet). 

Day 14: Hike to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and return to Lhonak. 

Day 15: 6-hour trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa. 

Day 16: 5-hour trek from Ghunsa to Selele Base Camp (4,480 meters / 14,698 feet). 

Day 17: 8-hour trek from Selele Base Camp to Cheram (3,870 meters / 12,697 feet). 

Day 18: 5-hour trek from Cheram to Ramche and explore the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. 

Day 19: 6-7 hours trek from Ramche to Tortang (2,995 meters / 9,826 feet).

Day 20: 7-8 hours trek from Tortang to Yamphuding (2,080 meters / 6,824 feet).

Day 21: 5-6 hours trek from Yamphuding to Khebang (1,915 meters / 6,283 feet).

Day 22: 12-hour drive from Khebang to Birtamode (300 meters / 984 feet).

Day 23: 45-minute drive from Birtamode to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu. 

Day 24: Farewell and drop-off to the airport. 

Accommodation and Food During the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

For the most part of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, the accommodation and meal plans will be quite basic. As for the accommodation plan, there are multiple options among which tea houses and camping are the most popular. 

The tea houses are usually run by local families and you will have to share a room with a twin bed. However, at times, the room is dormitory style as well and you will have to share with 4 to 5 other trekkers. 

Additionally, you will not find any heating system in the room but there will be one in the common dining area. Hence, it is advisable to dress in layers and even carry your own sleeping bags. As for the washroom, it is typically located outside the room and has an Asian-style squatting toilet. 

Moving on, you can also opt for camping. It is perfect for trekkers who want privacy and who prefer to explore the region’s natural beauty. Having said that, carrying camping items will surely add extra weight to your journey. 

Advancing forward to the meals, nothing beats freshly homemade food options. During this journey, you will eat traditional Nepalese cuisines which are locally sourced and made with fresh ingredients from their own garden. 

There will be extensive food items on the menu to choose from however, it will be difficult to find a Western taste. Having said that, all dishes provided are locally sourced and fill you with great energy. 

During the trek, you can expect the classic Nepali dish, Dal Bhat Tarkari (Rice, Lentils, and Curry). Some of the other dishes you will find are Momo, Noodle Soups, Chapati, eggs, Thukpa, Thenduk, pasta, and several potato items. 

Well, you should also bring snacks of your own. Packing light snacks such as dry fruits and energy bars will help you boost your energy.  

Packing List For Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Bodywear

• Sun hat
• Woolen or fleece hat (for Winter)
• Sunglasses
• Neck warmer
• Thermal layers
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Trekking shirt
• Gloves or mittens
• Fleece pants
• Inner wears
• Hiking shorts

Footwear

• Trekking boots
• Gaiters
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Camp shoes and slippers

Trekking Gears

• Height-adjustable and shock-absorbing trekking poles
• Sleeping bag (-15/20°C)
• Medium rucksack (50–70 liters (3000–4500 cubic inches))
• Waterproof rucksack cover
• Reusable water bottle
• Torch with extra batteries
• Binoculars

First-Aid & Emergency Kits

• Prescripted personal medicines
• Aspirin
• Band-aid
• Eye and ear drops
• Skin blister repair kit
• Antibiotics and painkillers
• Sun protection cream
• Lip balm
• Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Female hygiene products

Physical Preparation for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Given the trek’s length, duration, and difficulty, a good level of physical conditioning and experience is crucial. It is indeed true that your physical fitness and stamina directly impact your overall trekking experience.

Therefore, we recommend you take time and engage yourself in physical training before the trek. Well, you can try home workouts or even go on technical hikes to maintain your physicality. 

For home workouts, we strongly recommend cardiovascular exercises such as swimming and jogging to improve your breath. Likewise, since you will be ascending and descending a lot at a high altitude, you should also prepare your leg with core exercises such as squats, crunches, leg curls, and so on. 

However, having said that nothing beats a real experience. So, if it is possible and within your reach, you should embark on outside hiking as frequently as possible. While you are on it, go to various locations with varied terrains to imitate your real trek. One of the major strategies during this preparation is to carry your backpack. Gradually start with a light backpack and make it heavier over time to test your endurance and stamina level. 

Acclimatization Strategies

While the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an exhilarating adventure that summits to a life-long memory, it takes you to an elevation of 5,143 meters (16,873 feet), which may become life-threatening. Hence, you should follow the acclimatization strategies to let your body adapt to the changing surroundings.

The first and foremost strategy of acclimatization is to ascend gradually to let your body produce needed red blood cells. Here, the major rule of thumb is not to ascend more than 300 to 500 meters in a day. 

Similarly, while talking about Kanchenjunga Trek Difficulty, always climb high and sleep low. You should ascend to a higher altitude during the daytime and then return to the lower elevation to rest for the night. Doing so, you will be able to entice the acclimatization process and hence your body will create more RBC. However, you will be able to recover at a lower altitude without overburdening your body during the night. 

Last but not least, you should put your sleep and rest period at an utmost priority. When you need rest or a break, your body will be brutally honest and you should listen to it. It is advisable to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day. 

Guided vs. Self-Guided Trekking

If you are an adventurous soul and are already thinking of embarking on the Kanchenjunga Trek but are confused on whether you should trek in a group or not, let us stop you there in your thoughts. 

Is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek doable alone? Yes, it is!

But can you go on this journey alone even without a guide? No, you can not!

And what do we recommend for the trek? We advise you to go on this journey in a group with a guide. 

Now, in 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board implemented a new law that states that every trekker who wishes to embark on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek must compulsorily trek with a guide. In other words, it is prohibited to trek on this route solo. 

Well, this new law came into effect to reduce the number of accidents in the area while also promoting employment among the locals. However, having said that, you can still trek solo with a guide through a ghost trekker permit.

Here, the ghost trekker permit will cost you an extra amount than usual. 

Safety Considerations

During this 24-day trek to Kanchenjunga, you will gain elevation from 1,000 meters to 5,143 meters while spending most of the days above 2,000 meters. At such elevations, the air starts getting thinner with depleting oxygen levels and drier due to which altitude sickness becomes a real concern. 

The common symptoms of altitude sickness are headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If you ignore these symptoms and continue to ascend, your condition will get worse with time which later can be life-threatening. Therefore, you must react quickly. 

If you ever find yourself in this situation, do not push your limit, instead, you should sit down, relax, and drink water. Stop ascending any further and you can also try a slow breathing process. If your health worsens, immediately ask your leader or guide to help you descend. 

Herewith, the high-altitude trek can get unpredictable fast. Whether it be with a minor inconvenience or unforeseen circumstances, buying an insurance plan will cover the expenses of your losses either theft or even medical emergencies. While you are at it, always check its policy. Look if the insurance covers the altitude level you are traveling to or not and understand if the policy will pay for loss up front in the case of emergency. 

Cultural Etiquette

As a trekker, you should respect the local culture and minimize your impact on nature. It is much better if you only leave your footprints. Furthermore, you should understand that your journey not only provides a thrill to you but also is one of the major income sources for the locals. 

Therefore, as a visiting guest, you should not do anything that creates uneasiness among the locals or disrespects them. 

Below are a few tips to follow as a responsible trekker and implement them on your Kanchenjunga Trek. 

• Ask permission before taking pictures of the locals or the religious sites.
• Always greet with two hands folded to form” Namaste.”
• Take off your shoes before entering any houses, temples, or monasteries.
• Dress appropriately without showing too much skin. 
• Do not indulge yourself in PDA (Public Display of Affection).
• Do not litter; no matter how small the trash is, make sure to dispose of it properly. 
• Stay on the designated path and do not wander off. 
• Observe the wildlife from a distance without disturbing them. 
• After making a campfire, always ensure that they are extinguished completely.  

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Cost

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek can cost you anywhere between USD 1500 to 2500 depending upon the duration of the trek, the comfort level you desire, the trekking agency you choose, and various other factors. 

Therefore, to understand it better, below is a brief breakdown of the cost during the trek. 

Transportation

Before embarking on the Kanchenjunga Trek itself, you will need to reach the starting point in Taplejung. To get there, you will initially need to catch a 45-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur which is followed by a 3 hours drive to Illam and then an additional 8-9 hours drive to Taplejung. 

Here, the drive from Bhadrapur to Ilam to Taplejung can be accomplished via two options. You can either take this journey on a private jeep or a local sharing jeep. Generally, the private jeep will cost USD 200 per person while the local sharing jeep is USD 15 per person. 

Below are some major tips to ensure a smooth journey during the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. 

• Always book your flights and road travel in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Try to book your tickets via a reputable trekking company like Nepal Trekking Experts to avoid hassles. 
• Be prepared with extra days on your schedule in case a flight or travel plan is canceled or delayed due to the weather conditions. 

Photography Tips During Kanchenjunga Trek

One of the major highlights of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is its breathtaking views of the Himalayas and wildlife, which should be documented for lifelong memory. During your trek through this remote trail, you will encounter several photography spots providing you with grandeur views of the surroundings, as mentioned below.  

• Khambachen (4,100 meters / 13,451 feet)
• Dromore
• Sele Le Pass (4,290 meters / 14,407 feet)
• Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,610 meters / 15,124 feet)
• Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 meters / 16,873 feet)

How to Capture The Beauty of Kanchenjunga?

Given the region’s landscapes and mesmerizing views, the Kanchenjunga trail is a heaven for photographers. With dramatic routes leading to the destination of serene beauty, no trekkers or nature enthusiasts can pass by it. 

Therefore, below are a few tips and tricks to capture the pure essence of this region. 

• Always aim to shoot during the golden hours as the warm yellow light will enhance the texture of the white snowy background. 
• Do not be discouraged by clouds or mist on your way. It can have a dramatic effect on your picture. 
• With permission, capture the portraits of the locals and the cultural areas of the region. 
• Play with the photo angles. High-angle shots are perfect to capture the landscapes while the low-angle shot is for the Himalayas. 

Moving on, below are some gears that you can use for the shoot. 

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with a good dynamic range and low-light performance. 
• Wide-angle lens with a focal length between 14mm and 24mm.
• Standard zoom lens with a focal length of 24-70mm.  
• Lightweight, durable tripod. 
• High-capacity and high-speed memory cards. 
• Spare batteries. 
• Camera rain cover.

Conclusion

As you set foot on the remote trails of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, be prepared for a profound adventure that takes you to the base of the majestic Himalayas. From lush greenery, snow-capped peaks, rugged routes, and ancient valleys, each step will leave you curious and wanting more from nature. 

The success of this trek will not only honor your physicality but also leave you with stories for life. Hence, embrace the adventure and pack for your next trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. If you have not booked this journey yet, contact Nepal Trekking Experts now!