Nepal's Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek - 23 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Evening Trek Briefing & Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu. In the evening, a briefing introduces you to your trek guide and gives you an overview of the adventure to come. Then it's on to a local Nepali restaurant for a welcome dinner and cultural program.  

Depending upon your arrival time, you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing or head out and start exploring the city on your own (an English-speaking guide is also available as an option). Suggested activities include:

• Explore Thamel, Nepal's colorful tourist hub. You'll find lots of hotels, currency exchanges, shops to buy souvenirs and trekking gear, and countless restaurants to choose from.
• Visit Durbar Square, the perfect place to start any exploration of Kathmandu. Walk 10-15 minutes through narrow alleyways teeming with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants. 
  
  
• If you want to stretch your legs, Swayambhunath, the white stupa (shrine) rising above the valley, is the perfect spot to catch a spectacular sunset. You can also take a cab (it's about a 15-minute drive from Thamel) if you are too tired to walk. 
  
  
• Visit the Garden of Dreams, a classical historic garden located in Thamel (about a 5-10 minute walk from your hotel) with an exquisite ensemble of pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture, and beautiful flowers and trees. 

Day 2: Permit Preparation Day, Visit Pashupatinath Temple & Boudhanath Stupa

Today your special permit to trek Kanchenjunga will be prepared by the immigration department. While your representative looks after the necessary paperwork, you can enjoy a guided tour of two of Kathmandu's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Discover interesting facts and stories about Hindu and Buddhist culture, history, and the people of Nepal from your private local tour guide as you take your time to explore each temple.

Start at Boudhanath Stupa, located 7 miles (11 km) from the center and northeastern outskirts of the city. Set at the center of a vast mandala and rich with Buddhist symbolism, it's one of the largest stupas in the world and is considered the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu.

Continue to Pashupatinath Temple to explore the sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set on the banks of the Bagmati River, approximately 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Kathmandu, you'll see many Sadh monks and cremations taking place across the holy river of this temple. 

Day 3: Fly to Bhadrapur, Drive to Taplejung

The next phase of your adventure starts this morning, as your trekking guide picks you up and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Bhadrapur. The trip will offer breathtaking mountain scenery, including views across Mount Everest. After landing, you'll spend the remainder of the day driving to Taplejung, following a narrow and rough road through rural countryside. Get settled into your hotel upon arrival, and rest up for your first day of trekking tomorrow.

Day 4: Trek from Taplejung to Chirwa 

Your first day of trekking starts sets out from Taplejung with an easy walk along the Tamur River, crossing the small farming village of Mitlung. The trail continues to climb towards the beautiful village of Sinwa, passing the suspension bridge at Tawa to reach Chiruwa. Get settled into your accommodations and spend the remainder of your afternoon exploring this beautiful spot. 

Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Elevation: 4,166 feet (1,270 m)

Day 5: Trek from Chirwa to Lelep

Today’s trek takes you toward the small mountain village of Lelep, passing through the Tapethok Checkpoint en route. 

Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Elevation: 6,102 feet (1,860 m)

Day 6: Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa 

The trail today can be challenging and slippery, so you'll take your time along the route. As you make your way toward Amjilosa, you'll pass beautiful monasteries and observe the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa and Tibetan people living in this area.

Trekking time: About 9 hours

Elevation: 7,874 feet (2,400 m)

Day 7: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla 

Today takes you on an easy route through dense forests filled with oak, bamboo, and rhododendron. With no villages along the way, the entire walk offers a remote and peaceful experience as you trek towards your accommodations for the night in Gyabla.

Trekking time: 4 hours

Elevation: 8,858 feet (2,700 m)

Day 8: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa

After breakfast, you'll set out on today's half-day walk towards Ghunsa. The beautiful Tibetan village of Phole marks the halfway point of the trek, and you can stop to explore and enjoy lunch here before continuing towards Ghunsa for the afternoon.

Trekking time: 4 hours

Elevation: 11,220 feet (3,430 m)

Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Ghunsa

Spend today acclimatizing to the altitude as you rest and allow your body to adjust to the dramatic elevations of the Kanchenjunga region. Considered the capital of the area, Ghunsa has good telecommunication links and plentiful meal options, making it the perfect spot to rest and explore at a relaxed pace. Stretch your legs in the afternoon with an easy walk to a nearby ridge for spectacular views over Jannu Peak. 

Day 10: Trek from Gunsa to Kambachen 

After leaving Ghunsa this morning, follow the trail that goes along the east bank of the river. After crossing the bridge at Rumpak Kharka, the trek continues past a sacred waterfall as you make your way towards Kambachen for the evening. Today's trail can be a bit challenging due to the increasing altitude, but the day is short and you'll be rewarded with magical views of the high peaks.

Trekking time: 4 hours

Elevation: 13,287 feet (4,050 m)

Day 11: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak

Today’s trail hugs the north of the river, crossing cross through Ramtang to reach the village of Lhonak and your final destination for the day. 

Trekking time: 5 hours

Elevation: 15,583 feet (4,750 m)

Day 12: Day Trip to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp & Back to Lhonak

Today is one of the longest and most challenging days of your adventure, as well as one of the most memorable. Hit the trail early this morning to reach Pangpema, the highest point of Kanchenjunga North Basecamp. From here, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the valley and the surrounding peaks of Chang Himal, Kirat Chuli, and Kanchenjunga's north side. Since there are no lodges or teahouses available in this remote spot, you'll hike back to Lhonak for the evening.

Trekking time: 11 hours

Elevation: 16,863 feet (5,140 m)

Day 13: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa

This morning takes you mostly downhill (which is not as easy as it sounds!) as you cross Ramtang towards your base for the evening in Ghunsa. Along the way, you'll have the chance to see the Himalaya's native bharal (blue sheep) as they graze peacefully on the high slopes.  

Trekking time: 6 hours

Elevation: 11,794 feet (3,595 m)

Day 14: Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le 

Today's route takes you along a trail used daily by the local people of this region, which passes through thick forests of pine and rhododendron (and is sometimes covered by snow). You'll follow a path that hugs the slope's south side to reach your base for the night in Sele Le. 

Trekking time: 4 hours

Elevation: 14,074 feet (4,290 m)

Day 15: Trek from Selele to Cheram

This morning starts with a climb up towards Mirgin La Pass at 14,698 feet (4,480 m), which offers magnificent views of Mount Makalu, Jannu, Baruntse, Kanchenjunga, and the Himalaya range along India's Sikkim border. Continue trekking towards Sinelpche La to reach the village of Cheram for the evening. 

Trekking time: 9 hours

Elevation: 12,696 feet (3,870 m) 

Day 16: Trek from Cheram to Ramche, Visit Kanchenjunga South Base Camp

Trek your way through alpine meadows and follow the lateral moraine of the Yalung Glacier this morning. After a few hours, you'll reach Ramche, where you'll be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and watch the unforgettable sight of the evening sunlight spreading across the snow-capped peaks. From Ramche, the trek continues toward the Kanchenjunga South Basecamp, where you'll take a short excursion to the camp before hiking back to Ramche. 

Trekking time: 7 hours

Elevation: 15,026 feet (4,580 m)

Day 17: Trek from Ramche to Torongding

Pass through more stunning rhododendron and pine forests on today's route to reach your base for the night at Torongding. 

Trekking time: 7 hours

Elevation: 9,858 feet (3,005 m) 

Day 18: Trek from Thorongdin to Yamphuding

Today's trek starts after crossing the bridge over Simbhua Khola, where you'll follow the trail towards Lasiya Bhanjyang. Cross the river and continue trekking to reach the beautiful Sherpa village of Yamphuding and your accommodations for the night. 

Trekking time: 8 hours

Elevation: 6,824 feet (2,080 m)

Day 19: Trek from Yamphuding to Khebang

The penultimate day of your epic trek takes you through some of the area's most pristine natural landscapes. Pass through the idyllic villages of Brahmin and Chettries to reach Khebang for the night. 

Trekking time: 6 hours

Elevation: 6,266 feet (1,910 m) 

Day 20: Trek from Khebang to Khamdime

Today marks the final day of your Kanchenjunga trekking adventure. After a memorable glimpse of the Kanchenjunga range and an unforgettable sunrise over the mountains, you'll trek downhill to reach Khamdime from Khebang.

Trekking time: 6 hours

Elevation: 4,954 feet (1,510 m)

Day 21: Drive from Khamdime to Bhadrapur

Bid the mountains farewell this morning as you take a bus from Khamdime to Bhadrapur. The nine-hour drive will allow you plenty of time to reflect on your adventures as you travel south across the rugged landscapes.

Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu. Evening Farewell Dinner

Return to the capital this morning with a quick flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After some downtime to rest or relax, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore Kathmandu on your own or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and gifts. As evening falls, you'll celebrate your trekking success with a farewell dinner in one of Kathmandu's most authentic restaurants. 

Day 23: Depart Kathmandu

It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a final stroll through the narrow alleys and temples, or some souvenir shopping. A driver will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your return flight home. Safe travels!

More Nepal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Nepal? Check out these other Nepal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.