Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
A remote circuit around the world's third-highest mountain
Duration
22 Days
Max Altitude
5,143 m / 16,873 ft (Sele La)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
Minimum 2 trekkers (restricted area regulation)
Overview
Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, sits in Nepal's remote far-eastern corner near the Sikkim and Tibet borders — a region that sees only a fraction of the trekkers found in the Everest or Annapurna areas. The full circuit visits both the north and south base camp areas, crossing high passes and passing through Limbu and Rai villages, pristine rhododendron forest, and glacial valleys that feel genuinely undiscovered. This is a serious wilderness undertaking best suited to experienced trekkers with time for a long, remote itinerary.
Trip Highlights
- Both north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) on one trek
- One of Nepal's most remote and least-visited restricted areas
- Limbu and Rai villages found nowhere else in Nepal
- Genuine wilderness camping through pristine forest and glacial valleys
- Views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu and the eastern Himalayan skyline
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1–2
Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drive to Taplejung
Fly to the eastern lowlands, then drive up into the hills to the trailhead.
Day 3–5
Trek to Sekathum and Amjilosa
Follow the Tamor river through Limbu villages into the lower valley.
Day 6–8
Trek to Ghunsa
Continue up-valley through forest to the Tibetan-influenced village of Ghunsa (3,595 m).
Day 9–10
Trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
Reach Pangpema for close-up views of Kanchenjunga's north face.
Day 11–13
Cross Sele La to the south side
Cross the high pass (5,143 m) linking the north and south base camp valleys.
Day 14–16
Trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
Reach Oktang for views of the south face and Yalung Glacier.
Day 17–20
Trek back to Taplejung
Long descent back through the lower valley villages.
Day 21–22
Drive to Bhadrapur, fly to Kathmandu
Return flights back to Kathmandu.
Cost Includes
- All flights and ground transport
- Licensed trekking guide & camping crew
- Full camping equipment and meals during the trek
- All permits (RAP, KCAP)
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance (incl. helicopter evacuation)
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek — FAQs
No — we can run a shorter itinerary to just the north or south base camp if 22 days isn't feasible, though the full circuit over Sele La is the classic, most complete version of this trek.
