The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a spectacular journey through the remote eastern Himalayas of Nepal, offering an unrivaled adventure for trekkers and photographers alike. Circling the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), this trek takes you through untouched alpine landscapes, dense rhododendron forests, glacial valleys, and traditional Sherpa, Limbu, and Rai villages.
Unlike more popular trekking routes, Kanchenjunga Circuit is off the beaten path, combining high-altitude challenges with serene isolation, making it perfect for those seeking both adventure and cultural immersion. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Kanchenjunga’s North and South peaks, glaciers, snowfields, and cascading waterfalls, as well as unique opportunities to capture the daily lives of Himalayan communities through photography.
This trek is strenuous and remote, requiring good fitness, trekking experience, and a spirit of adventure—but the reward is an unforgettable journey into one of the most pristine and majestic corners of the Himalayas.
Kanyam Elevation: 1,500m
Our first day of trip starts with a short flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur airport once our guide will collect you from your hotel and accompany you to the airport. A mountain flight will roughly take 45 minutes to arrive at Bhardapur. After reaching Bhadrapur, we will take a jeep towards Kanyam. It is a popular place for tea farming in Nepal.
Taplejung Elevation: 1,820m
Next day, we drive north east to Taplejung, the district headquarters and official starting point of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The road is a mix of paved and gravel surface, often narrow and prone to landslides during monsoon. The drive passes through rolling hills, terraced farmlands and cardamom growing villages. Although long and tiring, it gives you an idea of how remote trekking in eastern Nepal is. Taplejung has more developed infrastructure than previous stops. Hotels, shops, hospital and even a bank with ATM are available. If you need to buy snacks or trekking gears that you couldn’t buy in Kathmandu this is the best place for you
Sekathum Elevation: 1,650m
Our official start of the trek is from Day 3. The trail descends from Taplejung to Tamor River Valley and then follows Ghunsa river upstream. The path has steep downhill sections, stone steps and some minor ascents. It goes through subtropical forests and rural settlements with cultivated terraces of millet and maize. Limbu and Rai villagers are seen farming or carrying loads in bamboo baskets. This day also marks your entry into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, a protected zone that requires trekking permits. Trekkers cross several suspension bridges and walk along rivers and cliffs, making this section moderately challenging but scenic. Sekathum is a small riverside village with 2–3 teahouses with basic facilities: twin-sharing rooms with thin mattresses, simple Nepali meals (dal bhat, noodles), and boiled water. Electricity may be limited and mobile signal is weak or non-existent.
Amjilosa Elevation: 2,510m
This day is one of the steepest ascents in the early part of the trek. The trail follows Ghunsa Khola and climbs through thick bamboo and rhododendron forests. The path has several suspension bridges and narrow cliffside sections that require careful foot placement. This is one of the more physically demanding days, especially for first-time trekkers or those carrying heavier packs. Wildlife such as langurs, red pandas and Himalayan monals inhabit this forest zone but sightings are rare. Human settlements are few but you may see Tibetan yak herders or temporary shelters used during grazing seasons. Amjilosa is a very small village with just a couple of teahouses. Rooms are basic – often wooden cabins with no insulation. Evening temperatures can drop significantly even though it’s still below 3,000 meters.
Gyabla Elevation: 2,730m
After breakfast, we head off through different forests of pine, bamboo, rhododendron and oak. We notice the villages and people are more influenced by the Tibetan Buddhism culture. We also see yaks, sheep and goats on the trail, not to mention a good variety of birdlife. After lunch the trail takes us up through dense forest cover and over a wooden bridge on to Gyabla where we spend the night.
Ghunsa Elevation: 3,595m
The trail continues on through forests and passed Phale Village which was a Tibetan refugee camp started decades ago when Tibetans started fleeing from the communist regime in China.We have time to visit the village where there are some handicrafts for sale. We head to Ghunsa, the largest village in the area and one with a police station, health post and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Office. Telephone and internet services are available here.
Today we will do small hike to acclimatise our body. The walk is really beautiful and relaxing
Kambachen Elevation: 4,100m
Views of the Jannu Himal dominate the skyline today. Following a gentle upwards path we come to a green glacier valley. Here we may be lucky to spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail continues on past a waterfall to a landslide-prone area where we take particular care.
We will walk for panoramic mountain view of Kanchenjunga and other mountains like
Mount Jannu (Kumbhakarna) – 7,710 m
Pathibhara and Mera Peaks (smaller peaks around 6,000 m)
Ramtang Peak (6,700 m)
Sharphu (6,690 m) and Nepal Peak (7,177 m)
Pathibhara and Mera Peaks (smaller peaks around 6,000 m)
Lhonak Elevation: 4,785m
Today the trail takes us mainly over moraine from the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Walking uphill over large boulders there are wonderful views on both sides of us. And as we are deep in Snow Leopard territory we keep our eyes open for this rare animal too! This is also an area of summer yak pastures but there are no settlements on the route.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, also known as Pangpema, is the final point of the Kanchenjunga North Trek, sitting at an altitude of approximately 5,143 meters (16,873 feet). It offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), the world’s third-highest mountain, along with other towering peaks like Tent Peak and Chang Himal. The route to the base camp passes through remote villages, dense forests, high-altitude meadows, and glacial moraines, making it one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal.
Due to its rugged and isolated location, there are no tea houses at Pangpema, so trekkers usually stay at Lhonak and hike to the base camp as a day trip. The landscape is stark yet awe-inspiring, with dramatic ice walls and glaciers surrounding the area. Since this trek reaches extreme altitudes, proper acclimatization and physical fitness are essential. Reaching Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering some of the most pristine and untouched mountain scenery in Nepal.
We descend from Lhonak (5,065 meters / 16,617 feet) to Ghunsa (3,475 meters / 11,401 feet), retracing our steps through stunning alpine terrain. The trail passes Ramtang and Kambachen, with continued views of Kanchenjunga’s north face. Though the descent eases the strain on your lungs, sections remain rocky and require careful footing. Wildlife such as blue sheep and signs of snow leopards are often spotted in this remote valley, adding to the experience.
As we drop nearly 1,600 meters (over 5,200 feet) in altitude, the landscape softens into lush forest. By late afternoon, we arrive in Ghunsa
Cheram Elevation: 3,870m
We will start out early this morning towards the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Crossing the Sinion La pass (4,450m) the trail takes us along a ridge to Sinelapche La pass (4,830m).From here the views of Mt Kanchenjunga and its valley are fantastic. We descend along a small trail to Cheram, the only settlement we find on this route.
Cheram Elevation: 3,870m
We will start out early this morning towards the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. Crossing the Sinion La pass (4,450m) the trail takes us along a ridge to Sinelapche La pass (4,830m).From here the views of Mt Kanchenjunga and its valley are fantastic. We descend along a small trail to Cheram, the only settlement we find on this route.
Ramche Elevation: 4,580m
We trek to Ramche where we stop for lunch before walking on for around 40 minutes to reach Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. The Base Camp is right on the edge of the glacier and surrounded by Tibetan prayer flags. We return the way we came to overnight at Ramche.
Torongding Elevation: 2,080m
The trail descends steeply from the alpine zone to temperate forest. You retrace part of the trail past Cheram and then turn west into dense rhododendron and pine forests. This area is within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and wildlife sightings are possible – look for Himalayan monals, barking deer or even red pandas. The trail has steep steps, slippery switchbacks and occasional landslides. Use trekking poles to reduce impact on your knees. Torongding is a quiet settlement with 2 teahouses and minimal amenities. There is no internet and charging devices may cost extra (Rs. 300-500 per device). Water is available from natural springs but must be purified or boiled.
Rani Pul Elevation: 1,430m
This day is continuous downhill walking through a lush and humid environment. The trail goes through bamboo groves, cardamom plantations and subtropical forests. We will pass through Chhetri and Limbu settlements where traditional mud houses and terrace farming dominate the landscape. Language spoken is mostly Limbu but basic Nepali is understood. Livestock like buffalo, goats and chickens are common. We’ll reach Rani Pul by afternoon – a small settlement with jeep access and a few roadside guesthouses.
From Rani Pul a local 4WD jeep (usually a Mahindra Bolero or Tata Sumo) takes us back to Taplejung. The drive follows the Kabeli River and ascends through green ridges and farmland. This region is famous for cardamom cultivation which is the main source of income for local communities. In Taplejung you’ll find hotels with private rooms, electricity, Wi-Fi and hot showers – not available in previous trekking villages. Facilities such as ATMs, pharmacies and local shops are also available in Taplejung. This was also our beginning point of the trek
The last day of our route passes by a jeep drive through Phidim, Ilam and Fikkal – towns famous for tea estates and commercial markets. You’ll see a change in landscape from Himalayan foothills to flat plains. The road is mostly black-topped after Phidim though some stretches are rough. You’ll reach Bhadrapur in the late afternoon and then catch a domestic flight back to Kathmandu city. After checking our baggage at a hotel in Kathmandu, we will enjoy a farewell dinner along with all the team members and share the experiences and insights from the trek.
