Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 21 Days

Kanchenjunga Himal, bounded on the west by the Tamur River, on the north by the Lhonak Chu and Jongsang La, and on the east by the Teesta River is the third highest mountain in the world. A secret territory called the abode of the Gods. One of the least visited areas of the country. Taking you through mysterious woodlands and the big peaks of the Himalayas.  

Kanchenjunga the “Five Treasures of Snow”. A realm lost to the world, except perhaps to the monks and the Gods. A land of few people and many legends. Be a part of this mystical trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Overview:

The Kanchenjunga Base camp Trek takes you traversing across small hillside villages, wild rain forests, remote alpine grounds, chasing river networks, glaciers, and moraines, and finally to the base of the 3rd highest mountain in the world. Where destinations come to life and the trekking experience is honest as it gets. In this trek, you will not be struck by the splendid views of the landscapes, but by the people you meet.

A scenic flight will take you to Bhadrapur from where you will head on a long drive to Suketar. Suketar is the starting point of your trek. Traversing across the lush deep wilderness of sub-tropical woodlands reach the village of Lali Kharka, a pasture land of the region. Next, walk through the old-growth forest and reach Kande Bhanjyang Village. Then move towards Phumphe Danda Village following various river networks and traversing across sub-tropical woodlands. From Phumphe Danda Village witness the ravishing beauty of the region and move to the settlement of Yamphudin.

Following the rapids of Amji Khola upstream cross, the Lassiya Bhanjyang Pass reach the tiny village of Tortong. Then following the tracks of Lalung Valley move to Cheram. From Cheram traversing across mountain country reach Ramche. Along the way witness grandeur views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru peaks, alpine lakes, and crystal clear rivers.

Following the tracks of mountain country traversing across moraines, loose rocks and arid landscape reach the South Base Camp. From the base camp witness astonishing views of the landscapes. Grand views of the Yalung Glacier and several Lakes. Mountain peaks of Rathong at 6682 meters, Kabru range at 7412 meters, the south face of Kanchenjunga at 8598 meters, and Jannu at 7710 meters. After exploring the base camp head to the tiny hamlet of Cheram.

The following day crossing several passes reach Selele Kharka a high alpine grassland. Then the trail takes you across the old-growth forest with grand views of the landscape to the last village in the valley Ghunsa. From Ghunsa crossing several slopes and glacier moraines reach the tiny Tibetan village of Kambachen. Next, traverse the northern side of the Kanchenjunga Glacier following uneven trails and crossing a flat terrain past the Lhonak Glacier, reach to the village of Lhonak. The village witness grand views of Wedge peak, Mera peak, Nepal peak, and Twins peak. Next head towards the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. From the base camp witness grand panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Janu Himal, Everest, Makalu, Tharpu Chuli, Kabru, and endless other mountain ranges.

The following day proceeds towards Ghunsa. A tiny Tibetan village perched in the heart of the wilderness. From Ghunsa following the deep rich wilderness move to Amjilosa. Next head towards the tiny village of Chirwa and eventually to Taplejung. Then head on a long drive to Bhadrapur and finally catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

The Kanchenjunga North Base camp Trek takes you to horizons one can never forget. A region with unparalleled beauty where you will sense the entirety of the landscape and then complement that with the people living there. Be a part of this adventure with the Alpine Club of Himalaya capturing your imagination.

Accommodation:

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses providing basic facilities. At some locations, you will be staying in makeshift camps.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Kanchenjunga Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali and Tibetan ethnic cuisines. The region has several tea-house along the trail run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities.

However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail that are untreated. So direct use of the water is not recommended. You may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Kanchenjunga Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region. The clear weather brings great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures. The nights are clear and are a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season. Manaslu Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue. Any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Important note: 

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.