Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 18 Days Itinerary

It is the world’s third highest peak in the world and is located in eastern Nepal, near the border with Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan state in northern India. 

It is generally 18 days long. However, it can vary depending on the itinerary, pace, and acclimatization days. In case of natural disasters or trail blockages, it can take a longer duration.

The Rai, Sherpa, and Limbu ethnic groups, who practice Tibetan Buddhism, are dominant in the lower region’s mixed Hindu community, which practices Hinduism. A distinct community of Buddhist Bhote and Sherpa people lives in the upper region.

The trek begins in Taplejung, a subtropical area, and passes through lovely temperate forests of maple, chestnut, and birch trees. Similarly, in hilly areas, terraced fields are common in these lower areas. Around Chitre, you will find rhododendron, pine, fir, and orchid-filled flora. Red pandas, Himalayan Asian black bears, and snow leopards have all been spotted in the area. Likewise, common bird species include the chestnut-breasted partridge and the blood pheasant.

George Band and Joe Brown were the first ones to summit Mount Kangchenjunga.

The four Tibetan words that make up the name Kanchenjunga—typically pronounced Kang-chen-dzo-nga or Yang-chhen-dzö-nga—are translated as the “Five Treasures of the Great Snow” in Sikkim.

You will be mesmerised by the rich Tibetan cultures and traditions as well as the diverse flora and fauna. Along with giving you a taste of mountain life, it leads you through the pristine mountain ranges and challenges your limits. 

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is challenging/strenuous. The primary difficulty aspects are the high altitude, remoteness and long duration. Therefore, trekkers should be mentally and physically ready to face the difficulties of the Kanchenjunga Trek.

It is beneficial but it is not mandatory. Several beginners have completed the journey by preparing well and getting help from a local guide. They should train for at least three months before the trek to improve their stamina.

No, solo trekking is restricted in the Kanchenjunga region. You need to hire a guide and opt for the journey via a registered trekking company. 

• Individuals with pulmonary heart issues 
• People who have respiratory illnesses 
• Limited time travelers 
• Trekkers with any major joint instability or chronic injuries

Generally, trekkers walk for about 6 to 8 hours on average every day. It can vary based on the condition of the trail and your walking pace. Also more technical and remote sections near the base camps usually take longer. 

Trekkers need to have moderate physical fitness. Similarly, good cardiovascular and respiratory health is a must. You should be comfortable trekking for several hours continuously via changing terrain.

There is a moderate risk of altitude sickness on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Similarly, trekkers get continuous exposure to elevation above 3,000 meters for more than a week. Thus, symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath are common. 

The highest altitude of the trek is 5,143 meters at Pangpema, which is the northern base camp. Trekkers can witness a close up view of Mount Kanchenjunga and other surrounding peaks.

• Keep slow and steady elevation gain 
• Follow the climb high and sleep low principle 
• Incorporate enough acclimatization days in your itinerary 
• Make sure to hydrate and consume carb and protein-heavy meals 
• After consulting with a doctor, you may also take preventive medicines like Diamox/Acetazolamide

• First, the guide assesses your condition
• Then he provides you with first-aid treatment
• Thereafter, if your symptoms get even worse, he will transport you to the lower region
• The trek continues once you feel better
• In more severe situations, the guide and porter arrange the emergency helicopter evacuation.

It is highly recommended. Similarly, the trek passes through remote regions that have minimal to no professional medical facilities. Therefore, in case you have major injuries and severe cases of AMS, an emergency rescue operation is the only option. So, get travel insurance and trek stress-free. 

Yes, our guides monitor trekkers’ health along the way. Similarly, they can recognize the initial signs of AMS that may look normal to others. Also, they will adjust the pace as necessary and give tips to help reduce altitude discomfort. Lastly guides are trained to respond swiftly and provide primary care. 

Trekkers can find simple and filling Nepali dishes along with some Western food in the lower and middle regions. Also, the choices get limited with altitude due to a lack of supplies. However, warm, nutritious, and well-cooked meals are available throughout. 

Yes. Trekkers can find a wide variety of vegetarian dishes during the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Typical meals, such as Dal Bhat Tarkari, Tibetan bread and soups, are naturally vegetarian. In the lower villages, Vegan options are also available in most places, but it is best to inform the teahouse hosts in advance so they can prepare dishes accordingly.

Trekkers can find basic teahouses and lodges. They typically have twin-sharing rooms with mattresses, pillows and blankets. Similarly, they lack personal heating and are typically not well-furnished, especially in the higher regions. 

Yes, teahouses along the Kanchenjunga Circuit trail provide boiled as well as filtered water. Moreover, bottled water is also available, but it gets expensive because porters, yaks, or mules transport it to the higher regions. Thus, it is better if you carry a bottle and refill it from a public tap, spring, or stream. After that, use purification pills or a Lifestraw to make them safe for consumption. 

They are generally available in the lower villages, like Taplejung, Amjilosa, and Gyabla. Similarly, trekkers can get a personal bathroom/toilets and room-heating facilities. However, they are not available in the higher and remote sections. 

No. It can have bacterial and parasite contamination. Thus, you may get waterborne disease, stomach problems, diarrhea and indigestion. So, make sure to filter or purify them with a portable filter or purification tablets prior to consumption.

• Dal Bhat Tarkari 
• Tibetan bread
• Pancakes 
• Boiled, scrambled, and fried eggs
• Noodles, like thukpa and chowmein 
• Nepali dumpling called mo:mo
• Soups (garlic, tomato, vegetable, chicken, etc.)
• Different kinds of tea and coffee

Yes. It is surely possible to complete the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek in winter. That said the temperatures are mostly below freezing, which poses the threat of frostbite and hypothermia. Thus, trekkers should wear proper gear and carry heat-protective clothes. 

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). This is because they offer a stable weather pattern, unobstructed panoramic views and pleasant trekking temperatures. Additionally, the trails are dry and sturdy, and there is minimal threat of natural hazards. 

Autumn and spring seasons. They offer the sharpest visibility and minimal dark clouds. Thus, trekkers can witness the close as well as distant views of the Himalayas, like Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Yalung Kang, etc. 

Yes, it is achievable. That said, it receives frequent and heavy rainfalls in the lower regions. So, the trails can be slippery and muddy, which requires sturdy trekking boots. Be careful about the landslide around the Ghunsa to Pangpema trekking routes. 

After heavy snowfall the accumulation of snow can block trekking routes around Sele La Pass and Pangpema. Additionally, icy paths and below-freezing temperatures make it difficult to navigate the remote regions.  

• Wear water-resistant clothes
• Use sturdy boots with a firm grip 
• Take the help of trekking poles or sticks for extra support 
• Always check the weather forecasts before starting the trek 
• Never try crossing roaring rivers without professional assistance

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP).

Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

They help legal authorities to track the movement of the trekkers and perform rescue operations if need be. Also, it protects the fragile mountain ecosystem and rare wildlife. 

No. Only a registered trekking agency can apply for the Restricted Area Permit for the trekkers. So, during your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek our team will take care of the complete legal process and paperwork.

The authorities stop you from moving forward. Similarly, they may penalise you with a monetary fine, which is usually double the actual cost of the permit. After investigation, if they find out the rule was broken intentionally, you will be deported to your country immediately. You may also get a ban from ever visiting Nepal in the future.

Our team has years of experience handling the process. So, it generally takes only one or two working days. That said it is better to apply for a permit earlier instead of at the last minute to avoid unnecessary hassle.

No. The required cost is included in the standard package cost. You just have to provide us with the necessary documents and leave the rest up to us.

• A valid passport.
• Nepal Visa with at least 6 months of validity.
• 2 recent passport sized pictures. 

Yes, trekkers have to hire a licensed guide for the trek. The trails pass through restricted areas, where solo trekking is banned. Thus, for safety, navigation, and assistance during emergencies, it is mandatory. Moreover, a guide works as a communication channel for authorities to track trekkers’ movement.

Yes, trekkers do not have to pay an additional charge. We provide an experienced local guide who has in depth knowledge of the region and has excellent english communication skills. You will also be assisted by a porter to carry your duffel bag along the way while you enjoy the trek.

• Navigate the way 
• Monitor and assess your health throughout the journey 
• Handle all the logistics (permit, food, accommodation and transportation)
• Provide information about the area
• Provide first-aid
• Coordinate emergency helicopter evacuation and hospitalization with your insurer

It is not compulsory to tip during the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek but a customary practice. Generally, tipping is seen as a gesture of appreciation and recognition of guides’ and porters’ efforts. So, based on your experience, you can offer the tip of about 10-15% of total trip cost to be split over the guide and porter.

About 25 kg in total. However, two trekkers’ luggage are transported by a single porter. Thus, we suggest you keep your backpack between 10 and 12.5 kg. Avoid overloading your porter during the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, as it puts them in danger.

About $2000 Nepali rupees a day (+- 14USD) is generally enough for personal expenditures. This includes the cost of Wi-Fi ($1 to $5), a hot shower ($1 to $10) and charging your electronic devices ($1 to $6). Lastly, the cost of snacks and beverages varies from person to person, but $10 should be enough.

No, you can not find operating ATMs on the way. Similarly, the last working ones are available in Taplejung and Bhadrapur. At times, they can run out of money or be out of service because of power outages. So, trekkers should cash out enough money in Kathmandu.

Yes, given that a guide is mandatory for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, we provide an experienced guide. For extra safety and comfort a porter also accompanies you.

• Teahouse accommodation and three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Public vehicle transportation 
• Permits 
• A Guide and a porter 
• First-aid kit 
• Complete support during rescue operations

It is highly recommended, especially during the winter season in the higher regions. The temperatures are below freezing, and teahouses do not offer room heating services. So, for a good night’s sleep, trekkers should carry a sleeping bag. 

Microspikes are highly beneficial during winter. They provide a good grip on icy paths in the higher regions and improve balance. Crampons are generally not necessary for the Kanchenunga Circuit Trek.

Trekkers can get everything they need, like clothes, shoes and accessories, in trekking supply shops in Kathmandu. You can find both local and international bands. Our team would be more than happy to assist you in these shops. 

• Sturdy boots.
• Trekking poles.
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. 
• Sleeping bag.
• Sunglasses.
• Water bottle.
• A first-aid kit.

No. You have to carry your own. Trekkers should take soaps, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Similarly, bring wet wipes and feminine hygiene products. 

Yes, teahouses offer Wi-Fi services, you will need to pay a small fee ($1 to $5). You may make calls, send mail and use WhatsApp in the lower regions. However, the connection is slow and unreliable in the higher regions.

NTC has wider coverage in the higher sections and Ncell provides faster internet service in the lower villages. However, above Lhonak and near the mountain passes, neither has stable signals.

No, they are generally not available on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Most teahouses and shops accept cash only. Online or card payment is generally limited to Kathmandu and a few lower villages. 

• Tribhuvan International Airport 
• Banks or Money exchange centers or counters
• We can also help you exchange currency for a favorable rate

Yes, trekkers can charge their electronics, like their phone and cameras, in the teahouse. They take an additional cost ($1 to $6 per device). That said, electricity may not always be available in higher regions, so trekkers should carry power banks. 

We take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (about 45 minutes). After that, a jeep ride (7 to 8 hours) brings us to Taplejung which is the starting point of the trek.

Yes, they can be cancelled or delayed because of poor visibility, especially in the monsoon. Similarly, in other seasons, clouds and fogs can also affect the flight schedules, but they are less common. 

Yes, it remains accessible most of the year. In the winter, snow accumulation may block the trails in the remote regions. They are generally cleared as soon as possible, but this may cause delays in the trek. Thus, we suggest you keep a few buffer days in the itinerary.

The drive starts via the Mechi Highway; it is mostly paved and remains well-maintained. Similarly, the road from Philim onward consists of narrow and rough mountain paths. That said an experienced driver rides the jeep, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

Sure! However, understand that only basic teahouses are available in the higher regions. We would be more than happy to arrange upgraded accommodations where they are available. Also, an additional cost will be applicable accordingly. 

You can book this trek directly through our website, you can also reach out to us via WhatsApp, or email, or just give us a quick call. We will then discuss the logistics and other details. Once you make a deposit of 20% (non-refundable) of the total package cost, we will confirm the trek. 

Yes, you can make changes in the standard Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek package. You may extend the journey to the nearby destinations. Similarly, you can also request extra time at the viewpoints or specific villages. Pace and itinerary can also be adjusted to match your fitness and schedule. 

Yes, in case of unforeseen circumstances, we postpone the trek with no extra charges. However, if you make a cancellation, you will be liable to pay an extra cost, which varies with the time frame.