Enroll in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek to explore Mount Kanchenjunga, with its overflowing Buddhist culture and diverse flora and fauna.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the beautiful trails for nature, mountain, flora, and fauna lovers. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a restricted part of Nepal that borders Tibet and Sikkim (India). Unlike the famous Annapurna Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek, the 23-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is unspoiled and less crowded. Kanchenjunga is thriving in terms of natural heritage and wildlife.
The Kanchenjunga means five great treasures in the snow: gold, silver, grain, holy scriptures, and precious stones. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) is the third-highest mountain in the world. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you to the north (5,160 m) and south (4,780 m) base camps of this giant mountain.
This is a perfect trek if you want to experience authentic Nepali culture and livelihood unspoiled by the modern world. Nowadays, Kanchenjunga is a teahouse trek, so you do not need to camp. However, the teahouses are basic, and the services are very limited.
The locals mostly follow Tibetan Buddhism and are descendants of Tibetans. Along the way, you'll see typical local houses, ancient monasteries, and stupas decorated with colourful prayer flags.
The significant highlights of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
- No crowds and unspoiled scenery
- Reach the north and south base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
- Experience the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhists.
- Pass by beautiful remote villages and lush forests.
- Come across a range of flora and fauna.
- Witness diverse landscapes.
- Enjoy surreal mountain views.
- Off-beat trails, steep paths, and crossing many gorges
- Trek in the restricted area of Nepal
Views during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
During the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking, you'll see a breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Mt. Everest (8,488 m), and Mt. Baruntse (7,162 m). The trek offers diverse scenery, from verdant valleys to rocky hills, frozen streams, and stunning glaciers.
What do we offer in our Kanchenjunga circuit trek package 2025?
We offer the best Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek package and cost for 2025. Our Kanchenjunga Trek package is 23 days long. It has an excellent itinerary with ample acclimatization days to adjust your body to a high altitude. The trek package takes you to explore both base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga.
The cost we offer for the Kanchenjunga Trek 2025 is the most competitive among other trekking companies. We offer a group discounted price if you are travelling in a group. Once you pay the trip cost, there are no hidden costs. We provide top-notch services on our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek cost 2025.
Our package includes accommodation in Kathmandu, complementary pick-up and drop-off, and all necessary permits for the Kanchenjunga Trek. It also covers the required domestic flights, transportation, and highly qualified guides and support crews. Besides these, your meals and accommodation during the trek are included, too.
This is our standard and recommended Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Itinerary.
We'll welcome you at the international airport on your arrival day. Our team will escort you to the hotel in a private vehicle. The remaining day is free. You can rest and stroll in Thamel.
Later in the evening, you'll meet with our manager, who will brief you on the program and reach out to your needs.
You'll have a free day today as we need to obtain a special permit for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. You can visit some of the famous heritage sites in Kathmandu by yourself.
We can organize a guided city tour if you would like to do it to meet your needs.
After breakfast, you'll meet your trek guide at the hotel, load your luggage and drive to the domestic airport. You'll take an early morning flight to Bhadrapur. From here, you'll have long hours of driving on a Jeep to Taplejung via Ilam. You'll enjoy the beautiful scenery and countryside views.
Today is another long day. You'll take a scenic drive to Sekathum, passing by beautiful landscapes.
Today is the first walking day of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The trail is gorgeous. You'll walk along the Ghunsa Khola river bank. Gradually, the trail becomes rugged, and you'll see the rocky landscape. Before reaching Amjilose, there is an uphill climb. It is a small village inhabited by Sherpas and migrated Tibetans.
The trail goes through dense pine, oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forests. The scenery and people begin to resemble more Tibetan. You'll come across sheep, yaks, and goats along the way. You'll walk through verdant forests and cross a wooden bridge to reach Gyabla.
You'll leave Gyabla and continue walking through the forests. The trail reaches Phale village, an old Tibetan refugee camp. From here, the trail moves towards the big Ghunsa village. In the Ghunsa village, there is a health post, police station, telephone, internet service, etc.
Before moving further, you'll spend a day in Ghunsa. Today is rest and acclimatization day. You'll ascend to an ancient monastery located on a ridge. The views of Jaanu Peak from here are phenomenal. You can explore Ghunsa village and mingle with locals.
Today, you'll gradually ascend, following the south bank of Ghunsa Khola. The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forests. Many mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags are along the way. The final ascent is steep along the scree slope to Khambachen.
Today is another rest day to acclimatize your body before you'll climb further. You'll hike to the north base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. The views of snow-capped mountains are breathtaking. You'll have a lot of time to unwind and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas.
Today, you'll walk on exposed rock fields to Ramtang village. The trail then crosses the northwest of the Kanchenjunga glacier and passes by large stone huts to reach Lhonak village. You'll see the incredible mountain views along the way.
The trail continues to the moraine of the Kanchenjunga glacier. You'll ascend to Mount Kanchenjunga's north base camp. The fluttering Buddhist prayer flags along the way, against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, are heavenly. Reaching this point is a huge achievement.
You'll spend some time here to acclimatize your body with the majestic Himalayan views. Then, you'll descend to Lhonak to spend the night.
Today, you'll ollow the same route back to Ghunsa, passing Khambachen. You'll walk by stony huts and the glacial path. The trail then continues through lush forests.
Today, you'll trek through woodland towards a trailhead of striking mountain views of Mount Makalu. You'll feel like the mysterious Makalu is isolated on the far horizon.
Today, you'll cross Sinion La Pass (4,650 m) and Mirgin La Pass (4,470 m). It's another long day with a breathtaking mountain panorama. After crossing the passes, you'll descend to Cheram to spend the night. It's the only settlement area on the route this day.
The rail goes by rhododendron forests, and you'll follow an uphill steep path to Sele La pass. At Sele Le, two small teahouses offer some essential services. The trail further crosses Mirgin La pass. The views of mountains like Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Baruntse, and others are outstanding.
You'll pass by the nose of the glacier and trek towards an ablation valley. The trail offers views of Koktang, Rathong, and numerous 7,000 meters above peaks. Before reaching Ramche, you'll walk by a lake, meadow, and stone houses. If the time allows, you can hike to Boktoh's viewpoint to witness spectacular mountain scenery.
Another ablation valley, Oktang, offers a sensational view of Mt. Kanchenjunga's south face. Today's walk is gradual and scenic, helping you acclimate. You'll spend the night in Ramche village.
After breakfast, you'll follow a downhill route that goes through the rhododendron forest to Tortong. You'll climb the mossy forest and continue ascending to your overnight place. This place offers an incredible perspective of the Jannu and Kanchenjunga mountains.
Today is another beautiful hiking day through villages and forest. Today, you'll descend almost 1,000 meters, you feel vey strong. The first part of the route drops steeply to Imja Khola. You'll cross the Dubi pass and further descend for a couple of hours to reach Yamphudin.
Our airport team will escort you to the airport per your flight departure time.
- All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car.
- Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu, inclusive of breakfast.
- Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu round flight ticket inclusive of domestic taxes.
- Full board meals with tea and coffee prepared by our expert cook.
- One highly experienced English-speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter, including their expenses.
- Kanchenjunga special permit fee and other necessary permits.
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking map.
- Nepal Gateway Company T-Shirt.
- Local fresh fruits.
- First aid kit.
- Evacuation assistance, if needed.
- Government taxes.
- Office service charge.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance – Compulsory.
- Nepal entry visa.
- Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu.
- Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit.
- All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages in trekking.
- Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free.
- Tipping to field staff (Tipping is not mandatory but expected).
When is the best time for Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp?
The best times to Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp are spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November). At these times, forests bloom with various floras, and the trail becomes very impressive. The suitable conditions make the journey fabulous, and the clear sky presents fantastic views.
How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek route?
Many trekkers don't know about the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Route because it is not very popular. This 27-day off-the-beaten trail is amidst high Himalayan mountains, streams, and remote villages. Kanchenjunga Trek is a strenuous trek in Nepal because of its remote, basic accommodation and rough, steep terrain.
Training for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp requires serious preparation before you'll embark this beautiful adventure. You must have to do lots of exercises at home. Please, find a proper hiking places around you and walk 7 to 8 hours daily. We advise you to do running, cycling, swimming too to make your muscles stronger.
If possible, go to the gym for cardio. These help a lot while you are doing the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in Nepal.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permit Cost
You'll need two permits for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. You must obtain the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Permit (KCAP) and the restricted area permit (RAP).
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Permit (KCAP) fee: NPR 3000 per person
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) fee: USD 20 per person per week
Altitude Sickness
Because Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking is a long day high-altitude venture, there is a chance of getting altitude sickness. Usually, trekkers get AMS if their bodies do not acclimatize well while trekking. If you follow our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary, the risks of altitude sickness are very low. Our itinerary includes ample rest days and many small hikes.
The basic AMS symptoms are headache, breathlessness, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite. If you experience any of these signs, please share them with your trek guide. Your trek guide is well-trained and highly experienced in AMS, so he will advise you on the medication and take care of you.
Wildlife and Vegetation in Kanchenjunga
The Kanchenjunga region ranges from the lowlands of Terai to coniferous forests, grasslands, and meadows. The Kanchenjunga region is famous for its exotic wildlife, including the red panda, Himalayan bear, musk deer, snow leopard.
The region is home to a variety of rhododendrons and 69 varieties of orchids. Along the way, you'll see pine, bamboo, fir, and hemlock forests. You'll find more pines and junipers as you gain elevation.
Last Minute Booking
Please call or mail us to book the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Package 2025 at the last minute. We'll do our best to make all the arrangements to organize the trek. You must arrive in Kathmandu one day before the trek starts.
For last-minute bookings, payment of 100% of the package cost is mandatory. If you cancel the booking, there is no refund.
Travel Tips
Accommodation: Most teahouses have very basic facilities. We suggest you bring a warm sleeping bag. The rooms normally have two separate beds and a shared bathroom.
Food: The food options on this trek are pretty limited. You'll get Nepali and Tibetan dishes. The upper part of the trail has more Tibetan meals, such as thenduk, Tibetan bread, momo, thukpa. We advise you to carry snacks such as nuts and bars to munch while trekking.
ATM: No ATM on this trekking route. You have the last chance to withdraw money in Kathmandu to use while trekking.
Charging: Charging facilities are available during the Kanchenjunga Trek. However, you must pay to charge your devices. Instead, carry a solar charger and spare batteries.
Luggage: We provide duffel bags for trekking use. Our porters can carry duffel bags up to 25 kg.
Personal Expenses: Souvenir shopping, additional snacks and all drinks expenses, internet, hot showers, and tipping are personal expenses. Bring enough money on a trek to pay for these things.
Travel Insurance: Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking requires travel insurance. It is compulsory. Make sure that it covers helicopter rescue and medical bills.
Tipping: Freely tip if you are happy with our staff members. There's no limit to tipping.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is very difficult. If you are a new trekker, then do not go on this, or it will become a nightmare for you given the height, terrain, and isolation of the region.
Yes, you can trek to Kanchenjunga from Nepal. We have an adventurous trekking package that explores the north and south base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
We have a 27-day long Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek or Kanchenjunga base camp trek. Approximately, we cover 220 km during the trek. The itinerary and number of days may differ from one travel company to another.
You can expect sick mountain views, gorgeous waterfalls, lush forests, picturesque villages, and very simple accommodations & food from Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking.
To do Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you have to contact a local Nepali trekking company. You cannot trek solo or with an independent guide because of the restricted area. The travel company will get the permits for you and arrange the trek.
As we said earlier, solo trekking is not allowed in the Kanchenjunga area. The uneven topography and exotic flora & fauna of the region have made it a restricted area in Nepal. Rarely do travelers trek in this region.
If you are a novice trekker or not physically & mentally ready to endure the challenges of the journey, you should avoid Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
I really loved this trek. The hike was beautiful and incredibly varied.
Nepal Gateway were fantastic sorting all the details out for us trekking permits...
We booked the Kanchenjunga base camp trip with Nepal Gateway online in the UK because it had a lot of positive reviews so we could...
We had a wonderful time on the Kanchenjunga circuit trek. Two base camps and a high mountain pass made for some truly spectacular scenery away...