Kanchenjunga Circuit trek -28 Days

Kanchenjunga Circuit trek with Ilam Tea Garden Trekking -28 days, a long and awesome journey with an adventure visiting both base camps of one single mountain. Mt. Kanchenjunga, also spelled and pronounced as ‘Kanchendzonga’ a Tibetan origin word means five jewels of snow peaks that make Kanchenjunga massive.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 28 days, truly an inspiring walk within world’s third highest mountain and second biggest peak of Nepal Himalaya, located towards end of Himalayan range towards far northeastern border of Nepal which straddles the frontier with Sikkim (a small state of north-east India) and with West Bengal near Darjeeling of Indian hilly states.

Mt. Kanchenjunga rises at above at 8, 586 m and 28, 169 ft high a massive chain of mountains which was first climbed in 1955 by British Expeditions using South Base Camp route, where our adventure takes you after visiting its north base camp at Lhonak and Pangpema areas enclosed within an array of mighty peaks of Jannu-Kabru and Kanchenjunga satellite peaks.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking -28 days, this will one of the longest walking journeys within Nepal Himalaya of great interest where overland
drive takes you to low-warmer areas of country southern belt known as Terai, then heading high cooler alpine region at Taplejung to start our amazing adventure heading towards high terrain and valley with ever-present views of Kanchenjunga and other peaks, heading past nice farm villages then entering arctic zone of ice and glaciers at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp around a place called Pangpema.

After an exciting time heading towards a nice village of Gunsa where our route diverts heading due south-east within lovely cool dense forest of rhododendron and pine trees as well crossing over Sele-la and Sinion-la pass to reach close at South Kanchenjunga base camp at Yalung well hidden by giant peaks and green high hills, enjoying great moments then head back to Taplejung unto Ilam, a famous town for Tea-Gardens with time to visit its processing tea-factory where drive leads to further east at Antu hills to marvel sweeping panorama of eastern Himalaya with stunning sunrise views.

From Antu Hill with glorious views within serene environment of green lush woodland then drive towards warmer low areas of Eastern Nepal for the exciting and scenic overland ride back to Kathmandu, after a remarkable, outstanding experience and adventure on Kanchenjunga base camp with Ilam Tea Garden Trekking -28 Days.

 

Kanchenjunga circuit trek Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Birtamod (340 km/ 211 Mile) drive by night bus-12 hours.
Day 02: Drive to Taplejung (113 km/ 70 Mile) by day time bus-9/10 hours.
Day 03: Trek to Mitlung (921 meters / 3,021 feet) – 4/5 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Chirwa (1,270 meters/4,166 feet) – 5/6 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Lelep (1,695 meters / 5,560 feet) – 5/6 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Amjilosa (2,395 meters / 7,856 feet) – 5/6 hours.
Day 07:  Trek to Gyabla/Kyapra (2,730 meters/8,955 feet) – 4/5 hours.
Day 08: Trek to Ghunsa (3,427 meters / 11,241 feet) – 5/6 hours.
Day 09:  Rest /Acclimation day in Ghusa.
Day 10: Trek to Khangpachen/Kambachen (4,050 meters / 15,679 feet) – 5/6 hours.
Day 11: Trek to Lhonak (4,780 meters / 13,284 feet) – 4/5 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,143 meters/ 16,869 feet) back to Lhonak – 7/8 hours.
Day 13: Trek down to Ghunsa (3,427 meters / 11,241 feet) – 6/7 hours.
Day 14: Trek Sele-La Kharka (4,200 meters / 13,776 feet) – 6/7 hours
Day 15: Trek to Cheram/Tseram (3,870 meters/12,693 feet) via Sele-La Pass (4,480 meters/14,694 feet) and Sinion La Pass (4,646 meters/15,238 feet) Pass– 8/9 hours.
Day 16: Trek to Ramchaur /Ramche (4,580 meters/15,026 feet) – 3/4 hours.
Day 17: Trek to Yalung Base Camp (4,500 meters/ 14,760 feet) back to Cheram (3,870 meters/– 7/8 hours.
Day 18: Trek down to Tortung (2,925 meters/9,594 feet) – 4/5 hours.
Day 19: Trek down Yamphdin (2,080 meters / 6,824 feet) – 5/6 hours
Day 20: Trek down Phumphe Dada (1,858 meters / 6,095 feet) – 6/7 hours
Day 21: Trek down Simbu (2,080 meters / 6,053 feet) – 6/7 hours
Day 22: Trek down Taplejung (1,820 meters / 5971 feet) – 5/6 hours
Day 23: Drive from Taplejung to Ilam (151 KM/94 Mile)by local sharing bus, Overnight stay at fikkal (1,468 meters / 4816 feet)- 5/6 hours.
Day 24:Day trip to tea factory, India border (Pashupathinagar) and Cheese factory back to Fikkal.
Day 25: Trek to Antudanda (1977 meters/ 6486 feet)-5/6 hours.
Day 26: Early morning breathtaking sun rise Himalayan views then trek down to Fikkal (1,468 meters / 4816 feet)-5/6 hours.
Day 27/28: Drive back From Ilam to Kathmandu (523 km/325 Mile) by night Bus-15/16 hours.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Birtamod 340 km/ 211 Miles by night bus-12 hrs.
From Kathmandu depart from the hotel with your guide for amazing adventure to Kanchenjunga trekking, taking a night comfortable bus heading eastern Nepal down south to warmer areas of Terai belt at Birtamod a large and interesting town with time to visit around this busy exciting place with overnight stop.

Day 02: Drive to Taplejung 113 km/ 70 Miles day time bus- 09/10 hrs.

Morning begins with local drive heading towards cooler green hills around scenic Ilam town famous for tea and its wide tea gardens, as drive continues to reach at hill town in Taplejung for overnight stop after an exciting and long drive for two continues days, glad that the drive is over for many weeks.

Day 03: Trek to Mitlung 921 m / 3,021 ft - 04/ 05 hrs.
After a pleasant overnight stop in Taplejung, starting our first day treks heading past many small farm village to reach at Mitlung for overnight halt, where route takes you on pleasant winding path with few straight up and down into forested areas of rhododendron and pines trees; where climb leads to a high hill facing scenic views to reach at Mitlung enjoy views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Kabru peaks.

Day 04: Trek to Chirwa 1,270 m - 06 hrs.

Walk continues with descend to Tamor River encountering short ups and down-hill to Sinuwa village, and then descend towards Tawa village to cross several smaller fresh streams reaching into spread out farm villages to reach at Chirwa for overnight stop, a nice village of mix tribes dominated mostly by Rai (Kirat tribe) some Magar, Tamang and Hindu Chettries, Brahmins with Dalits people with time to explore this nice village.

 

Day 05: Trek to Lelep 1,695 m / 5,560 ft - 05/6 hrs.
Enjoying stops at Chirwa, morning walk heading past several neat smaller farm villages to reach a river bank of mix country where you can witness cultivation of cardamom fields in the dark shade of dense tree line.

From here walk higher up over farm fields with short descend to overnight camp at Lelep a lovely farm village where air gets much cooler with dramatic change of culture of more Tibetan Buddhist religions.

Day 06: Trek to Amjilosa 2,395 m / 7,856 ft - 05/6 hrs.
Journey continues to reach higher gaining more elevation heading past farm fields and villages facing views of distant peaks with rolling green hills as walk leads into a valley filled with nice cool woodland then reaching a high village at Amjilosa for overnight stop.  

 Day 07:  Trek to Gyabla/Kyapra 2,730 m/8,955 ft- 04/5 hrs.
Morning walk continues along with higher side of altitude as route leads towards much cooler area as paddy farms area stops where walk gets closer to mountainous and high hill areas encountering several scattered summer pastures and grazing areas to reach at Gyabla or Kyapra for overnight stop in this small cattle herders and farm village, where people change to more Tibetan like with same Buddhist religion and culture.

Day 08: Trek to Ghunsa 3,427 m / 11,241 ft - 05/6 hrs.
Morning begins with gentle walk over down-hill trails and then climb takes you for an hour into forested areas of pines-oaks and rhododendron trees as walk reaches a nice flat area on reaching Ghunsa river, from here on pleasant walk to Ghunsa village for overnight stop, a nice and interesting village populated by Bhotia and Sherpa tribes of Tibetan origin with houses built with stones includes neat small farm.

Day 09:  Rest /Acclimatization day in Ghunsa.
An ideal place for rest to get well with acclimatization before heading towards higher north at Kanchenjunga base camp, here with great opportunity for hike around this nice village of impressive Buddhist culture takes you at scenic view point’s hill for best panorama of mountains and surrounding landscapes.

Day 10: Trek to Khangpachen/Kambachen 4,050 m - 05/6 hrs.
Morning walk from Ghunsa leads to climb following river with views of waterfalls along the walks, encountering Yak herder camps along the trail depending upon grazing season, as trail continues to the bank of Ghunsa river, and into rhododendron and pine forest, as walk leads to a gradual ascend to Rambuk Kharkas and then crossing a small glacier landslide as walk continues with grand views of Khumbukarna and Janu and other high snow capped peaks. 

On leaving tree lines behind, heading into barren country with few short bushes and scrub of juniper, after Rambuk Kharka climb, and then trail leads to a gentle down to Khambachen after crossing a landslide section to camp at Khambachen, this scenic valley with grand views of Sharphu peaks with north face of Mt. Janu and Wedge peak.

Day 11: Trek to Lhonak 4,780 m / 13,284 ft - 04/5 hrs.
From this spot following a route high above a river for sometimes, then heading further east, with climb to reach a place and walking over rocks and boulder then heading to a terminal moraine of Kanchenjunga glacier, on leaving Ramtang Kharka (a Sheppard place) where trail joins Kanchenjunga glacier and then crossing at a junction to reach at Lhonak for overnight stop with views of Kanchenjunga glacier with Mera, Nepal Peak and Wedge Peak.

Day 12: Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp 5,143 m/16,869 ft back to Lhonak - 07/8 hrs.
This morning hike towards Kanchenjunga Base Camp at Pang Pema to reach our main highlight of the adventure, where you will be at the foot
Mt. Kanchenjunga and its massive range of peaks, as walk leads to a climb high above a river facing views of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli. The first part of the climbs is gentle and then heading through a boulder on rocky trail.

Walking to a glacier path all the way to Kanchenjunga Base Camp surrounded by giant peaks and then head back to Lhonak for overnight after a marvelous and exciting walk to Kanchenjunga base camp.

Day 13: Trek to Ghunsa 3,427 m / 11,241 ft - 06/7 hrs.
Morning walk leads back on the same route heading past Kambachen to Ghunsa nice village for overnight stops after a long day walk with magnificent time at Kanchenjunga base camp within array of high mountains.

Day 14: Trek Sele-La Kharka 4,200 m / 13,776 ft - 06/7 hrs.
On leaving the other sides of Kanchenjunga the northern remote areas, where walk from here leads to complete wilderness of thick forest and grazing areas as walk continues with long climb to reach at Sele-La Kharka for overnight stop with summer pasture and meadow.

Day 15: Trek to Cheram/Tseram 3,870 m/12,693 ft via Sele-La Pass 4,480 m/14,694 ft and Sinion La Pass 4,646 m/15,238 ft–08/9 hrs.
Today walking higher to cross two scenic high passes in a day, rewards you with amazing views of whole of Kanchenjunga range as walk takes you through dense tree lines and crossing some streams to reach at the base of Sinion La after crossing over Sele-la pass a climb of few hours with gradual descend to reach at a place calls Cheram or Tseram for overnight stop.

Day 16: Trek to Ramchaur /Ramche 4,580 m/15,026 ft - 03/4 hrs.
From this isolated place morning walk towards Ramchaur or Ramche with steep climb for short hours within magnolia, rhododendron and bamboo forest to reach Ramche a place with only a single hut, from here climb into rhododendron forest and past a small pond to reach a stream as walk continues on gravel ground, leading to a shrine within a big boulder shaped like a serpent.

Walk past forest area as our route leads to a riverbed, and then uphill to a terrace for overnight stop at Tseram, a place with roofless bivouac caves, facing views of terminal moraine fed from Yalung glacier and behind looking at Kabru 7,353m and Talung peak 7,349m.

Day 17: Trek to Yalung Base Camp 4,500 m/ 14,760 ft back to Ramche - 07/8 hrs.
Morning from here a day hike to Oktang which leads to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, where British expedition established base camp for the climb of Kanchenjunga summit in 1955, walk leads with close views of Yalung Glacier and south wall of Kanchenjunga, hike takes nearly three hours with views of Talung Peak and Kabru, after a scenic and exciting trek back to Ramche for overnight stop.

Day 18: Trek to Tortung 2,925 meters/9,594 ft -04/5 hrs.
After a enjoyable time at Kanchenjunga another base camp, where walk leads back into green forested areas to reach at Tortung within farm areas with small cattle herders village surrounded by woodland as walk leads much downhill with short ups to reach this quaint area for overnight.

Day 19: Trek to Yamphudin 2,080 m / 6,824 ft -05/6 hrs
An easy day walk as altitude slows down every hours of trek on downhill with some short ups into beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine tree lines and crossing some streams entering into a gorge and then into open wide area to reach a nice small village of Yamphudin for overnight stop.

Day 20: Trek to Phumphe Danda 1,858 m / 6,095 ft -06/7 hrs.
Starting morning walk on steep downhill towards nice rice and millet fields, and into forested area within Nandeva khola / stream on the left side of the trail, crossing over then on downhill to a river, as our route reach a high hill where climbs start leads into forested areas to reach at Loppoding village.

After Loppoding walk leads to up and down-hill reaching a hill village at Yangpang, and then along upper edge of a ridge with slow climb for an hour towards Pompe Dhada, located on a crest of a scenic hill for overnight stop with view of Mt. Jannu.

Day 21: Trek to Simbu 2,080 ms / 6,053 ft - 06/7 hrs.
Today will be quite another long walk to reach at Simbu near Kande Bhanjyang as morning starts on downhill into farm villages, dominated mostly by Hindu tribes a mixture of Brahmins, Chettries as well with Kirat people includes Rai and Limbu, practice Hinduism along with their own ancient heritage of deities and nature spirit.

After Tembawa village descend to Phawa khola, then cross Phawa khola towards Pokora village, the path from here takes you within farm fields, and suspension bridge as route leads to a climb up to Kunjari village, from here into forest with climb to reach overnight stop at Simbu village near Kande Bhanjyang, a small farm village with grand views of Kanchenjunga and Yalungkang peaks.

Day 22: Trek to Taplejung 1,820 m / 5,971 ft -05/6 hrs.
Last day of the adventure takes you back at Tapeljung, walk leads across farm villages to reach at Sukhetar, a small town with an airstrip that flies to Kathmandu via Bhiratnagar city, at present due to unpredictable flight timing of local flight, which gets delayed leading to cancellation, to avoid much hassle we have taken safe and best route from Bhadrapur to fly in and out to Kathmandu or taking an overland long drive.

At Taplejung enjoy last overnight stop on this hill town famous for local drink known as Tomba a warm drink with mild alcoholic contents made from millets which is widely grown around this areas.

Day 23: Drive from Taplejung to Ilam 151 KM/94 Miles by local sharing bus, Overnight at Fikkal 1,468 m / 4,816 ft- 05/6 hrs.
From Sukhetar where our walk ends taking a drive as far to Ilam town and heading further to make towards Fikkel town within Illam area covered with vast tea-garden with pines trees with great views of Kanchenjunga peaks at Fikkal for overnight stop.

Day 24: Day trip to tea factory, India border (Pashupatinagar) and Cheese factory back to Fikkal.
Here enjoy a day reaching near Maipokhari from Illam Bazaar, journey takes one and half hour on normal drive, with time at Maipokhari area for 2-3 hours and taste fresh home-made tea at Maipokhari, visiting the tea factory on the way back to Ilam Bazaar unto Fikkel for overnight stop..

Day 25: Trek to Antudanda 1,977 m/ 6,486 ft- 05/6 hrs.
Drive leads through several towns and villages and observe the sea of green teagardens on the way, with a break on reaching beyond Fikkal and Ilam with ample time to visit around Antudanda area and its small village with interesting colorful market.

Day 26: Early morning breathtaking sun rise Himalayan views then trek down to Fikkal 1,468 ms / 4,816 ft- 05/6 hrs.
Early morning drive to Antu Dada for stunning sunrise views and visit Lepcha museum at Antu Dada, with ample time to observe the local life and its local culture and tradition and then continue drive back to Fikkal for last overnight stop in the hills of Kanchenjunga.

Day 27/28: Drive back to Kathmandu 523 km/325 Miles by night Bus-15/16 hrs.
After a glorious and long journey to Kanchenjunga base camp trekking with exciting and memorable time board on a bus for long drive back to Kathmandu, with interesting places to witness along the drive that covers whole of Terai lower flat-land to mid-hills to reach into Kathmandu valley and the city where a short walk leads you back into your respective hotels with grand memories and adventure on Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking of 28 days.

Cost Information

Equipment

FOR HEAD

1. Sun hat / Scarf
2. Sun glasses and Head light

FOR UPPER BODY

1. Water Proof Jacket
2. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
3. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

FOR LOWER BODY

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant

FOR HAND

1. Gloves

FOR FEET

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

OTHER ACCESSORIES

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toilet paper etc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

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