The less crowded trail, the ancient monasteries where Tibetan flags flipper with the chanting of monks, and the rich ecosystem with a touch of off-beaten experience where the locals' smile and hospitality will fascinate you more than the mountains, where the mountains have more myths and culture compared to any other, and yes! the Himalayan range that connects India, Nepal, and Tibet.
A hidden gem that perfectly matches the synonym of heaven on earth- This is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek that takes you to the remote trails, pristine landscape adorned with fauna and encircles the third highest mountain in the world touching the route of “The Great Himalaya Trail.”
Trip Overview
Located in far Eastern Nepal, Kanchenjunga is a secret wonder of the Himalayas that truly depicts what the earth would look like if it wasn't influenced by the modern world. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek allows you to take on a wilderness adventure here in Nepal, traversing the local villages, sparkling diamond alike lakes, unstoppable flowing rivers, and the dense forest of rich ecosystems and lets you explore the north and south base camp together, showcasing the multi-angle views of the legendary peaks in one single journey.
Do you know that Kanchenjunga is also called " The Five Treasures of the Great Snow," which means 5 of its Himalayan ranges standing in a row exceeding the height of 8000 meters? During the trek, you'll get to witness all of the Kanchenjunga West (8420 m.),Yalongkang (8504 m.), and Twin Peaks (8476 m.), and Kanchenjunga Main itself, with a height of 8586 meters from unique vantage points and sides. Not only that, but it also circulates the whole mountain, which is why it is highly popular by the name "Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek" worldwide.
Although the Kanchenjunga region has opened its doors to enthusiastic hikers since the year 1988, it remains unexplored due to its rugged trails, limited amenities, and, most importantly, a special permit is required to enter this conservation area, which keeps the trail a smaller footprint area. That is why it has its charm, authenticity, and unhindered beauty, where flora and fauna are still preserved in the Kanchenjunga conservation area, protecting the wildlife at its best pristine condition. In the year 2025, it is recorded to be home to more than 2000 plantation species and 200 wild animals, with 20 snow leopards and more than 30 elusive red pandas. The national bird, Himalayan monal (Danfe), can be seen along the trail dancing in its natural tone, and the birds chirping in the forest make our long-hour trail truly a visually appealing and soothing journey.
Have you ever heard of "Yeti-The Snowman," which was the hottest trending topic a few years back, there is a huge rumor that it is found here at a high altitude. Get ready to hear some of the fascinating stories and myths connected by the locals here, you will surely love every one of them.
Even though the Kanchenjunga Trek is considered a strenuous challenging expedition, as a trail by unmaintained path, remote sections covering 5-7 hours of walking duration, and crossing the high pass of Sele La Pass 4200 m./13782 ft. is a mental and physical daunting task. As you ascend higher, the scenery shifts to the rugged beauty of Alpine tundra leading you to the spectacular close-up views of several glaciers including the famous Yalung Glacier and the Kanchenjunga massif which highly resembles the Gautam Buddha in a meditative pose from many sides makes every sweat, breath and step one hundred percent worth it.
If you are someone who loves to push off limits and truly learn about the remote lifestyle in the Himalayas where every corner of the region shows you the rich tapestry of culture at every turn, then do not wait longer! Move one step closer to the voyage that leads you to a roller coaster wild adventure by unveiling the beauty of the north and South base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga. An undiscovered treasure awaits you and Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition is all set to welcome you in the land of Himalayas and become your travel partner like a shadow.
Note: If you want a sightseeing tour then, you can slightly extend this trip for 2 more days. The good news is! We offer one day free sightseeing tour to many world heritage sites in Kathmandu that are worth visiting. So, grab this deal and create the best memories out of this voyage. For more offers, please slide down where an amazing deals and benefits are mentioned below provided by us.
Highlights:
- Trail along the most trodden and isolated area of Nepal
- Cross the daring Sele La Pass- 4200 and feel a sense of accomplishment
- Walk along the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and get a chance to witness more than 200 flora and endangered species like the elusive red panda and snow leopard
- Get a lively experience of Loba and the Tibetan community and get to learn about their culture and tradition
- Relish yourself in the ancient monasteries, gompas, and mani walls dated back hundreds of years that transport you back to their ancient era
- Visit both the base camp north and south of Mt. Kanchenjunga in one single journey
- Trek through terraced fields greenery meadows of pristine pine, and bamboo forests, lush grazing pastures, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows and cross thrilling suspension bridges
- Witness the panoramic 360 views of several iconic peaks under the golden sunlight; a unique sight of the Himalayas
What makes the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek worth it?
Well! There is no doubt that this expedition takes you to one of the most remote places to ever exist on earth with a diversification of culture and tradition. Many people call it a treasure that sits in the Himalayas. However, it remains a hidden gem, making it the least explored place and many campaigns here are run by the government to show its beauty to the world.
It is said that once you visit the remoteness of the Kanchenjunga region, then the perspective of life and the meaning of nature gets changed. Maybe that is why it was also declared a “Gift to the Earth” by the WWF Living Planet campaign in the year 1997. Hence, here are some of the highlighted corners and a meaningful insight expedition that makes it special, unique, and, of course! The top-notch destination in Nepal:
Experience the off-beaten adventure in the Eastern Nepal
The true meaning of any trek is when we get to feel the true nature with peace of mind away from the 9 to 5 busy life and crowded city. Throughout this trek to Kanchenjunga, you’ll feel the rugged version of the trails that surely promises to give you a nostalgic era. Throughout the trip, you will traverse by the less crowded paths, from dense forest, and small villages to alpine valleys with no fancy tea houses in between the trek that’s when the wilderness amazingly surprises you. The cascading waterfalls, river streams, and pristine lakes and crossing them with a barefoot dipping in the water and walking past several ancient gompas offer serenity and tranquility, showing a different insight into the world.
Unforgettable Mountain views with every step
A journey to the Kanchenjunga means rewarding yourself with the majestic beauty of the great Himalayas at every step. From the start, staying at the Kanyam, the stunning tea garden with backdrop views of Mt. Makalu can be seen rising magnificently with a tone of light greenery shade. Moving to the Taplejung, the first glimpse of the Kumbhakarna Range, also known as Mt. Janu (7710 m.), tends to reward us. Moving from the dense forest to the upper section of the alpine valleys, we’ll catch an alluring vista of Kanchenjunga Himal and Tent Peak, along with several other mountains and glaciers, such as the iconic Yalung glacier.
Along the route, while passing the two high passes of Sele La (4290 m.) and Sinion La (4500 m.), it offers the panoramic views of some of the eight-thousanders such as Makalu (8485 m.), Mt Lhotse (8516 m.) and guess what? Even the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. Reaching both the base camp feels like a dreamy world where we can see the unique insight of Kanchenjunga massif, making our every footprint on the trail one hundred percent worth it. After all, who doesn't want to relish the mountain views with the feel of a "mini mountaineering experience in the Himalayas"?
Discover rare wildlife with pristine flora in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Right from the start, you'll enter the section of the protected area as mostly the entire region is covered by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area- home to more than 200 unspoiled wildlife and 2000 plant species. As it is highly preserved by the government, where a special permit is required to enter you'll get to explore the rich diversity of flora and fauna still in their pristine condition. Beginning the trail with a lush forest, the blooming rhododendrons, pine, and oak tend to captivate you in the shade of red and pink, adding a vibrant tone to the brown crusty landscape. When reaching the high altitude section, some wildflowers such as the Himalayan blue poppy and the rare snow lotus cover the route breathtakingly making the tiring hike filled with eyecaptivating beauty.
Do you know that in the year 2024, 13 snow leopards and almost 50 red pandas are recorded within this conservation area? While walking by, if you are lucky enough you might even get to catch a rare glimpse of those wild animals such as the elusive red panda, Himalayan thar, and snow leopard from far distance for sure. If not, then the Himalayan yaks, and blue sheep (chyangra), grazing on the agricultural farm will truly captivate you. Besides, the playful langur monkeys in many stops tend to keep your route filled with laughable sites.
The vibrant culture of Sherpa and the Spiritual practices of Lepcha communities
Any expedition would go to waste if there was no meaningful cultural encounter! having said that "no authenticity of tradition and culture matches the Himalayas itself". Just like that, Kanchenjunga is a home where many distinct community resides carrying their own identity, and language with their traditional attire. Throughout the trek, you'll get a lively experience of many ethnic groups such as Thakali, Rai, Bhutia, and Sherpa. Ever heard of the daring Sherpa who is the shadow of every mountaineering across the world? Well, throughout the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, you will hear some amazing thrilling stories of them and get an insight into how they are living their life in such remoteness.
Navigating to the deeper section of the Kanchenjunga region, the Lepcha communities will surprise you in every good possible way. They wholeheartedly respect and worship the rivers, mountains, and landscapes as deities of Gods. It is also said that they communicate with nature and maintain shamanistic practices to get blessings. You will get to see locals performing songs and dances showing the uniqueness of their territory and connecting with their roots that remain within us forever.
Is it possible to transform the Kanchenjunga Circuit into a short trek?
Of course! There won’t be any problem with shortening up the trip to less than 18 days by visiting one of the two base camps, north or south. Meanwhile, If you are looking forward to circulating the whole mountain by exploring both the base camps, then it cannot be customized for less than 18 days for safety purposes. Cutting off the acclimatization days generally increases the risk of altitude sickness, which we simply do not want. “Your safety and comfortability are our topmost priority.”
So, you might be wondering what can be done to make the trip short without any hassle. Well! For that, you have two options to go for, if you opt for the south base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga, that way we can reach the base camp of the southern face of the peak (Oktang) with a perfect captivating vista of Yalung Glacier and the unique view of the third highest mountain itself.
Another option: However, if you want to do the excursion of Main Kanchenjunga, i.e., Pangpema, which is the highest amongst the Five peaks of the Kanchenjunga Himalayas. Then, you can choose our Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek, which starts and ends in Kathmandu with proper acclimatization days.
Whatever you decide to go for, it promises to surely offer you the best breathtaking views with great cultural immersion. The best part is! These two mentioned options of base camp treks get completed within just 14 days with a fixed departure date.
Why trek with Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition? Additional Benefit with us?
With the experience of servicing enthusiastic trekkers across the globe, we are well-known for the safety procedure that tends to be the number 1 priority of every expedition in such remote trails. We are fully determined to assist you whether it's before the trip by guiding you on what can be done at the trek or what Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary genuinely suits you according to your time and budget, we take care of everything.
Not only that, but during the trek, We are committed to being the shadow in your every step to the trodden trails, our sherpa guides are well-trained and medically equipped helping you to overcome any emergency if in case it occurs in the expedition. Every year we successfully lead many trekkers to the Kanchenjunga region or you can say every corner of the Himalayas ensuring "safety, security, and satisfaction".
On top of that, our cost is shown in the package itself, "whatever you see, you get it".There's nothing such as hidden charges that can burn your pockets. We believe in 3 three things "your safety, your comfortability, and your satisfaction", so that every penny you have spent on an expedition becomes worth it. If you have any further queries, you can mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com or Whats App us at +977 9851016814, or +977 9851146814.
Benefits of Booking with us
- (Airport shuttle) Free airport pick up and drop off in a private transportation
- If you are extending your holiday in Nepal then, we can offer you a 2-3 days staycation at our "Hotel Bihani" for free of cost
- Customizing itinerary as per budget and time duration
- 5% discount for family package (must be over 3)
- Free excess luggage at our office during the trek
- Free sightseeing 1-day tour in Kathmandu
- Easy and safe payment system
- Online Trip Briefing for International clients before reservation and In-person briefing after the arrival
- Sleeping Bags, Jackets, Caps, Oximeters- to check oxygen level, Water purification tablet- to purify the water, Satellite phone to communicate, and Basic First Aid Kits
