Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking

After your international flight lands in Kathmandu, a friendly representative from Eco Himalaya will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Take some time to settle in, freshen up, and get your first look at this vibrant city. In the evening, we’ll meet for a welcome dinner where you'll be introduced to your guide and learn what lies ahead.

Today, we are going to see the cultural highlights of Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the biggest stupas in Asia, and you will see sacred places like Pashupatinath Temple, which is Nepal's holiest Hindu shrine, and Boudhanath Stupa. Later, we get ready for the hike by finalising our permits, gear, and plans. It's fun getting ready for the big trip!

We fly over beautiful scenery to Bhadrapur in the east of Nepal. The airport is surrounded by tea fields and hills. From there, it takes us about 8–9 hours to drive to Taplejung, which is where our trip begins, through winding roads, green hills, and small towns that are far away.

Our first day walking! The path goes down into a green river valley and then winds through woods and terraced fields. You'll go by small towns where kids are waving and people are working in the fields. We reach Chirwa, a friendly town next to the Tamor River, after a calm walk.

We keep going through thick woods and over a number of long suspension bridges. We can hear the sound of birds singing and water running over rocks the whole time. We finally get to Sekathum, which is where three rivers meet and are surrounded by high rocks.

Today’s trail is steep and challenging but scenic. We hike up through bamboo and pine forests, sometimes climbing stair-like paths built on the hillside. Amjilosa is a quiet Tibetan village, where life is simple and serene.

We trek through rhododendron forests that feel like walking through a magical green tunnel. You’ll hear the sound of cascading waterfalls and may even spot Himalayan langurs (monkeys). Gyabla, also called Kyapra, is a peaceful stop surrounded by pine trees.

The trail opens into a wide river valley as we move closer to Ghunsa, the main Sherpa village in the region. The prayer flags, wooden houses, and yak pastures signal we’ve reached a culturally rich area. Ghunsa is a beautiful settlement with a monastery and a hydroelectric station.

Today we rest to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. But it’s not a lazy day—we take a short hike up to the surrounding ridges or the local gompa (monastery). You’ll learn about Sherpa traditions and enjoy amazing views of Jannu Peak.

Hike to Oktang, near the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, with close views of the mountain.

The trail gets higher and colder. We walk through alpine landscapes, pass landslide areas, and cross wooden bridges. Kambachen is a dramatic high-altitude village surrounded by snow-covered peaks and massive glaciers.

Another important rest day at high altitude. You can take a short hike to a ridge or visit the nearby Jannu Base Camp for jaw-dropping mountain views. We also use this day to recover energy for the base camp day coming soon.

Today we cross rocky terrain and narrow trails carved out of cliffs. The landscape feels otherworldly—wind-swept, silent, and vast. We reach Lhonak, a barren plateau with a few stone shelters. Prepare for a cold night and a big day ahead.

This is a highlight day! We hike up to Pangpema, the North Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The view of the massive mountain walls and hanging glaciers will leave you speechless. After taking photos and soaking in the moment, we hike back to Lhonak.

We go back down the same path we came up on to get to Ghunsa, going through glacier valleys. It gets easier to breathe, and plants start to grow again. As we move back down to lower elevations, it's a good day.

We begin our crossing to the south side of Kanchenjunga. The climb through pine and birch forests feels mystical. Sele Le is a high camp on a narrow ridge, offering phenomenal sunset views of the surrounding Himalayas.

Today we cross two dramatic mountain passes—Sele La and Sinion La. It’s challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views of Mt. Makalu, Jannu, and Kanchenjunga’s south face. After the pass, we descend steeply into the wide valley of Tseram.

We trek beside the Yalung Glacier, surrounded by snowy peaks. A short hike brings us to Oktang, the viewpoint for Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. You’ll stand face-to-face with massive glaciers and sheer cliffs. Then return to Ramche.

After a fulfilling day at South Base Camp, we retrace our path and enjoy a relaxed walk back to Tseram through colorful alpine meadows and glacial valleys.

We descend through magical rhododendron forests, alive with birds and rich with earthy smells. Tortong is a forested village near the Simbuwa River. The warmer air feels refreshing.

A long and varied day as we hike through terraced hillsides, river crossings, and dense jungle. Yamphudin is a vibrant village home to the Rai and Limbu communities, where you can experience authentic eastern Nepali culture.

We continue downhill through subtropical forests and cross suspension bridges over rivers. Khebang is a lively village where you'll see schools, small shops, and rice paddies.

Our final trekking day! We walk a few more hours before meeting our vehicle at Happu Khola. Then drive to Ilam, Nepal’s tea capital, surrounded by rolling green hills and tea gardens.

Drive through scenic hill roads back to Bhadrapur. From there, we take a short flight back to Kathmandu. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a cozy evening in the city.

This extra day is useful in case of weather-related delays. If all goes as planned, you can explore Thamel for shopping, visit Bhaktapur or enjoy a relaxing spa day.

Time to say goodbye! Our team will drop you at the airport for your international flight. You leave with beautiful memories of the remote Kanchenjunga Himalayas.