Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

"Join our team of expert native guides and porters on one of the most challenging and adventurous journeys in the north-eastern Himalayas of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga circuit. Spend 18 days exploring the offbeat trekking routes and enjoying breathtaking mountain views on this trek."

If you are a fan of the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit, then our Kanchenjunga trek will be the best trekking destination in Nepal. This 21-day adventure involves trekking at high altitudes through dense forests and remote settlements. You will be traversing around the Nepal-Sikkim (India) border on this trek. The journey takes you close to Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

The Kanchenjunga circuit trek is also known as the Kanchenjunga trek, Kanchenjunga base camp trek or Kanchnjunga trekking, as it takes you to the south and north base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga. Opened in 1988, the Kanchenjunga Circuit is one of Nepal's most challenging and least-visited trekking routes. The inaccessibility of the trail from Kathmandu and the poor tourist infrastructure keep the crowd away from this mystical part of the Himalayas. 

And thanks to that, the natural beauty of this region and its cultural heritage remain intact. Moreover, the government of Nepal has made Kanchenjunga a restricted region, so trekking here also requires an expensive special permit. The trekking route is quite demanding, and the overall high expense keeps the Kanchenjunga circuit trail unbothered by the crowd of travelers. 

We only recommend Kanchenjunga circuit trekking to individuals who have previously done other trekking in Nepal or at least have strong fitness and will. This trek is not for beginner trekkers. Also, you cannot do the Kanchenjunga circuit trek solo. As per the regulations, you have to do this trek with a local travel company like us and in a group of a minimum of two trekkers (not including guides and porters). 

Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest mountain, located in the far north-eastern region of Nepal. The mountain peak is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Kanchenjunga trekking has an equally growing popularity, especially among adventure seekers. The trekking zone is isolated, natural, and very challenging, making it a journey to remember for life.

The natural and untouched trekking area offers a great view of landscapes and mountain peaks, along with the unique lifestyle of the remote villages. The trek starts from Suketar and enters the wonderful tropical lowlands and alpine meadows, vibrant rhododendron forests, exciting green valleys, and chilling icy glaciers. The Kanchenjunga region is a hidden valley with many mysterious places yet to be unraveled. The thrill of the trekking in the region makes it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. Trekking in this region is a very challenging task, but the trekkers are rewarding with the astounding brilliance of the Himalayas.

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area has been protecting the wild flora and fauna and is a major attraction of the region. The Conservation Area shelters rare species like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda and many varieties of birds like the Impheyan, pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, drongo, etc.

Kanchenjunga Trekking Route, Kanchenjunga Trek Route

Depending on the convenience, accessibility, and reliability of the transportation, there are different routes to the Kanchenjunga Trek.

1. By taking a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Suketar and a 5- to 6-hour drive from Suketar to Sukethum, one can reach the starting and ending points of this trek. The trek then begins, taking 7 days to reach Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at a height of 5,143 meters. In four more days, it will arrive at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4730 m). It takes about two days to return to Sukethum from the south base camp, where it ends. Then, take a Jeep back to Suketar Airport, where you can catch a flight back to Kathmandu. 

   This route is not strongly advised, depending on the dependability of the transportation. Because the weather at Suketar airport hinders regular operations of the Kathmandu-Suketar flight, which will also affect your trekking itinerary.

2. Another route to get to the starting and ending points of the trek is to take a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then an 8- to 9-hour drive to Taplejung, and then a 5- to 6-hour drive to Suketham.

   The trek then begins, taking 7 days to reach Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at a height of 5,143 meters. In four more days, it will arrive at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4730 m). After returning to Sukethum, which takes about two days, it finally comes to an end. Then, take a Jeep back to Bhadrapur Airport, where you can catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Depending on the reliability of the transportation, this is a better route to Kanchenjunga Trek.

Kanchenjunga Trek Itinerary

There are a variety of day itineraries for the Kanchenjunga Trek that range in length from 18 to 21 days, depending on your level of fitness, trekking pace, needs, and preferences. The majority of the companies have designed short-day itineraries as if you were in a 100-meter race. So, to the best of my knowledge, you should enjoy your trip as a leisure traveler, not a runner. However, we can adjust it to meet your needs and preferences. The best and most popular of these is the 21-day itinerary from Kathmandu to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp and back to Kathmandu. This 21-day schedule is flexible and can be lengthened or shortened by 1 to 5 days. Please contact us for the best Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary based on your requirements and preferences.  Please get in touch with us for the best Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary based on your needs and preferences.

Kanchenjunga Trek Cost

The price of the Kanchenjunga Trekking varies depending on various factors like the number of people in the group, level of accommodation, type of transportation, duration of the trek, and services included. It depends on your requirements and preferences. Typically, it varies between USD 1450 and USD 2400. However, it might increase if you prefer more luxurious options, such as private transportation instead of sharing, a higher level of accommodation, an add-on program, and a longer trek than the above itinerary. Kidly, get in touch with us for the best price and trustworthy services that meet your needs and preferences.

Kanchenjunga trek difficulty, altitude sickness, and acclimatization

The Kanchenjunga trek starts at 200 meters and goes up to 5,143 meters (16,873 ft). Despite its considerable altitude, this trek is not inherently risky as long as you adhere to a few guidelines. This trek entails a relatively long duration of trekking with numerous obstacles along the way, including mountain passes, rivers, gorges, glaciers, rocky hills, and steep ascents and descents. Some days require over 8 hours of continuous walking, making it physically demanding. So, travelers have to be physically strong. 

On Kanchenjunga trekking, you have to be aware of two significant challenges.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and the unpredictable climate. The thin air at high altitudes can quickly exhaust even the fittest individuals, adding to the overall difficulty of the trek. Our Kanchenjunga circuit trek itinerary has ample acclimatization days to help you avoid altitude sickness. 

Physical fitness and preparations for the Kanchenjunga base camp trek

The Kanchenjunga trek route involves numerous steep ascents and descents. The trail itself is rugged and challenging, demanding long hours of walking. As you ascend to higher elevations, the air becomes thinner, and the cold climate can take a toll on your body. If you are not physically fit, this trek has the potential to turn into a nightmare experience for you.

While the rewards of the Kanchenjunga base camp trek are undoubtedly great, they come at the price of enduring difficult and strenuous walking conditions. Endurance is not only a matter of physical strength but also mental resilience. The trek primarily consists of tea house accommodations, where modern facilities are virtually nonexistent. Services are limited to the bare minimum, and you may find yourself having to pay extra for basic amenities such as hot showers, internet access, charging facilities, and even drinking water.

To prepare yourself for this trek in Nepal, the best approach is to engage in physical training and, if possible, undertake a few smaller hikes or short treks beforehand. Incorporate cardio exercises into your routine, such as jogging, running, long walks, cycling, climbing stairs, and swimming, to improve your overall stamina. Additionally, focus on building your muscle strength and core body fitness to tackle the demanding terrain effectively.

Best Time For Kanchenjunga Trekking

You can do the Kanchenjunga Trekking in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Both of these boast stable weather and a pleasant climate, which is very much needed for safe trekking, and are considered the best time for Kanchenjunga trekking. If you wish to witness a picture-perfect landscape with vibrant and blooming flowers and lush greenery against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and foothills, then spring is the ideal choice for you. 

Likewise, if you want to immerse yourself in Nepalese culture, witness its biggest festivals, and traverse through dry and exotic landscapes, then autumn is the perfect time to embark on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. This season offers clear skies, excellent visibility, and a chance to explore the region's unique terrain.