KANCHENJUNGA

CIRCUIT

23 days, 22 nights

19 & 20-day options available

Custom Departure Dates
Regular Pricing: 2 pax - $2,200 USD pp; 3 - 6 pax - $2,050 USD pp
Skill Level: Expert
Ages: 18+
Max Group Size: 6 + Guide
Start/Finish: Kathmandu, Nepal

In Collaboration with
Mountain Trail Nepal
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About

Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world, sitting at 8,586 m— 262 m below Everest. It’s located in the far eastern Himalayas on the border of Nepal and India. The Kanchenjunga Circuit takes you to both the north and south base camps, located at 5,143 m and 4,840 m. It’s approximately 200 km on foot— with 14 moving days, 2 active acclimatization days, and 5 transit days. It is one of the few remaining treks in Nepal that isn’t commercialized. While Everest Base Camp and Annapurna see ~45,000 and ~30,000 trekkers per year respectively, Kanchenjunga only sees 300-800. It requires a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by ~13 hours in a jeep from Bhadrapur to Sukethum just to reach the trailhead. Unlike some treks in Nepal, Kanchenjunga is located within a restricted area and requires you to be accompanied by a certified Nepali guide with a minimum of two trekkers on your permit. This year, SHE Ventures is teaming up with Mountain Trail Nepal— one of the few trekking agencies operating in this region— to offer multiple fixed departures for Kanchenjunga in March, April, and May. These offerings are open to all genders. If these dates don’t work for you or you’d be interested in completing a shorter circuit to a single base camp in approximately half the time, please reach out for custom bookings. Remote and untouched, this trek is for the bold and the adventurous, and is guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.

SCHEDULE

  • You arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey or explore nearby areas.

  • This day is spent visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley. Final trek preparations, permits, and equipment checks are also completed.

  • You take a scenic flight to Bhadrapur (approximately 45 minutes) and then take a 4WD to Taplejung, which takes 8–9 hours through hills and rural landscapes.

  • You take a 4WD ~4 hours to Ranipul (also known as Zero KM) and begin the trek. You walk for 5–6 hours, covering roughly 12 km, to reach Sekathum.

  • The trail follows the river and passes through dense forests and narrow paths. The trek takes 5–6 hours and covers approximately 10 km.

  • Today’s walk is gradual but steady, passing through bamboo and rhododendron forests. It takes about 5–6 hours to reach Gyabla.

  • You trek for 6–7 hours, covering around 11 km, and arrive at Ghunsa, a large Tibetan-style village and an important acclimatization point.

  • This rest day helps your body adjust to the altitude. Short hikes to nearby viewpoints and monasteries are recommended.

  • The trail opens into alpine terrain with mountain views. The trek takes around 5–6 hours and covers about 10 km.

  • Another rest day is taken here to prevent altitude sickness. Optional hikes to nearby ridges are available.

  • You walk through rocky moraines and glacial valleys. The trek lasts 5–6 hours and covers approximately 9 km.

  • This is a long but rewarding day. You trek for 6–7 hours (about 12 km round trip) to reach the North Base Camp, then return to Lonak.

  • The return journey retraces the trail back to Ghunsa. This is a longer day, taking around 6–7 hours.

  • The trail climbs steeply through forest and alpine terrain. The trek takes about 6–7 hours.

  • Today is challenging as you cross the high Selele Pass. After 7–8 hours of walking (around 11 km), you descend to Tseram.

  • A shorter trek of about 4–5 hours leads you to Ramche, located close to the southern base camp.

  • You hike to the South Base Camp and enjoy dramatic glacier views before returning to Tseram. The total walking time is around 6–7 hours.

  • The trail descends gradually through forests and past small settlements. The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours.

  • After a final trek of about 4–5 hours, you reach Ranipul and then drive back to Taplejung.

  • You drive for 6–7 hours to Kanyam in Ilam, known for its tea gardens and scenic hills.

  • A short drive takes you to Bhadrapur Airport, followed by a 45-minute flight back to Kathmandu.

  • This day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing after the long trek.

  • You are transferred to the airport for your onward international flight.

are you looking for shorter itineraries or another trek in nepal? reach out to us for custom booking quotes.

what’s included

  • Private airport pick-up and drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival and departure

  • Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing) (4 Nights)

  • Kathmandu sightseeing

  • Teahouse/guesthouse accommodation during the trek

  • Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Bhadrapur (round trip)

  • All required land transportation: Bhadrapur–Taplejung and Taplejung–Bhadrapur 

  • Full board meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hot beverages)

  • Experienced, government-licensed Nepali trekking guide

  • One porter for every two trekkers, carrying up to 22 kg total luggage

  • All expenses for guide and porter, including salary, insurance, transportation, accommodation, meals, and equipment

  • Required trekking permits: TIMS Card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, and Restricted Area Permit

  • All applicable government taxes and service charges

  • Complimentary use of trekking gear: Down jacket, Sleeping bag, and duffle bag

  • Farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu

what’s EXcluded

  • International airfare to and from Nepal

  • Nepal tourist visa fee and airport taxes

  • Travel and rescue insurance

  • Meals and beverages outside the trekking period

  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, and snacks

  • Tips for guide and porter (customary 10–15% of trip cost)

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations made 30+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative and Square processing fee. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable.
A minimum of 2 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 2+ people have not registered by 30-day cancellation window.

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