Kanchenjunga Trek

Mount Kanchenjunga is known as the queen of mountains because it has one of the world’s most magnificent mountains. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak on the planet at 8586 meters, 169ft. It lies in the eastern part of Nepal, specifically on the border between Nepal and Sikkim (India). Kanchenjunga trek is an ultimate trekking avenue for those with time and desire to endeavor into some of the far-off regions of Nepal. This region offers beautiful snow - covered mountains, exotic view of the Himalayas and challenging landscape. There are various type of small and high snowy peak above and under 8,000 meters like Mt. Makalu 8,201m, Mt. Lhotse 8,516m and the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest 8,848 m.

The trekking starts from Sukethar moving along to a forest including rhododendron- covered ridge to Lali- Kharka (2,220m) viewing the beautiful scene. Then moving on to Keswa (2,100m), Mawanke (2000m) above the sea level, Yamphudin, Lamite Bhanjying, Torontan, continuing to Tseram, Ramche, and also trek beyond the place called Mirgin (4,663 m ) and finally move down to Sakathum (1,600m) and descend to Phurumbo. Taplejung- Suketar (2,300m) is the end of trekking. During the trekking one can see wildlife – snow leopard, red panda, musk deer and many more also many endangered species of birds like Impedance pheasant, shy Dragon, red-billed blue magpie etc. During exploring the surrounding area you will also see a panorama of Wedge Peak, The Twins, and Pyramid Peak etc.

This trek is suitable around autumn months (September to November) and spring months (March to May). Kanchenjunga trekking is less crowded therefore can insight into Nepali rural lifestyle and its rich culture. This place is also famous for ‘tongba’ – a warm millet beer served in decorated wooden pots with a straw. This Kanchenjunga Trek will definitely be a special and memorable one. 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft)

We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, ETN  representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel.  We can then spend the rest of the day taking rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by  ETN . Overnight in Kathmandu.           

Day 2: Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation

We visit four landmarks in Kathmandu, three of which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We tour Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bauddhanath Stupa. After the tour, we meet our entire trekking team and our guides will tell us what we can expect on our trek. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Suketar (2,420m/7938ft), trek to Lalikharka (2265m/7,431ft)

From Kathmandu we get an early morning flight to Suketar which is located in the eastern region of Nepal. It is a simultaneous ascent and descent on a trail that mostly passes through lush green forests all the way to Lalikharkha.  

Day 4: Lalikharka to Khesewa (2120m/6,955ft)

We begin our trek to Khesewa after breakfast. It is mostly an easy descent until Phundrawa. From here we begin our ascent. It is a steep climb until Yangpang from where we climb steadily up until Phumphe Danda followed by another ascent to Khesewa. Our trek will be through forests and small villages. Overnight in Khesewa. 

Day 5: Khesewa to Mamankhe (1785m/5,856ft)

After breakfast we begin our trek towards the Kabeli Khola. Next, we walk on a trail that passes through forests before crossing a small stream. On the way, we enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan peaks while also passing through several beautiful small villages. Overnight in Mamankhe.  

Day 6: Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2080m/6824ft)

Today’s trek will be mostly uphill on an easy trail whereby we mostly walk alongside the Kabeli Khola. During the walk we also admire the beautiful ridge behind the stream. We continue our walk and admire a beautiful waterfall nearby. After walking for some time, we cross a small suspension bridge. We pass through small settlements before reaching Yamphudin to spend the night. 

Day 7: Yamphudin to Tortong (2,995m/9,826ft)

We begin our walk on a path commonly used by the villagers and pass through terraced farms and green meadows. Along the way, we have the constant company of the Himalayas to enjoy. Our walk will be on a trail along the Amji Khola. We also cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong. Overnight in Tortong.

Day 8: Tortong to Cheram (3,870m/12,696ft)

We begin our steady climb to Cheram after breakfast. Our trail is right at the side of the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy walking on the beautiful Lalung valley and have Tuplung peak for company for the most part of today’s journey. We pass through thick rhododendron forest and enjoy the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier. Overnight in Cheram.

Day 9: Cheram: Acclimatization and Rest

We spend a day in Cheram which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude. We can spend the rest of the day resting and taking part in small hikes. We can explore the areas around the Yalung Glacier. There is also a viewpoint for Kabaru and Rathong peaks. Overnight in Cheram.

Day 10: Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) (4,580m/15,026ft)

We begin our short trek after breakfast. From Cheram, we ascend for sometime before reaching the snout of the Yalung Glacier.  It is a beautiful walk on a valley trail. We also cherish the views of several Himalayan peaks. We pass through a small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche. Overnight in Ramche. 

Day 11: Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp (4500m), back to Cheram

From Ramche, we walk further up the valley. We then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal.  We continue our trek further towards the Oktang Monastery. From here, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks are close by. We descend and spend the night at Cheram.

Day 12: Cheram to Sele La (4290m/ 14,074ft)

We begin our trek after breakfast. We cross four passes today beginning with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass we continue to Mirgin La pass. We continue trekking and reach the Sinion La pass which is not very far. From here, we ascend to Sele La pass. There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass. We cross the pass. Overnight in Sele La. 

Day 13: Sele La to Ghunsa (3,595/11,794)

We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. We reach a chorten marked by prayer flags which marks the start of a steep trail. We descend through rhododendron, birch and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village of houses with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. Overnight in Ghunsa. 

Day 14: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m/13,287ft)

From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We pass through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers, then cross rhododendron and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past a waterfall and cross the tricky section of a landslide. After crossing the landslide area we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.

Day 15: Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780m/15,682ft)

Today will be another challenging day and an early start is needed. We trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. We then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. We then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak.  Overnight in Lhonak.

Day 16: Kanchenjunga base camp, overnight at Pangpema (5,143/16,873ft)

From Lhonak, we trek towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Our trail is alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. After passing Pangpema we descend towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The view from the base camp is extraordinary. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal and other Himalayan peaks are ours to admire. We descend back to Pangpema to spend the night. 

Day 17: Pangpema to Lhonak

From Pangpema we trace back our steps to Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak. 

Day 18: Lhonak to Ghunsa (3475m/11,400ft)

From Lhonak, we descend all the way to Ghunsa via Kambache. It is the same route we took when we were climbing up.

Day 19: Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m/7,572ft)

From Ghunsa, we descend towards Phale. We pass through several Manes and a monastery nearby. We walk through Juniper forests and reach Phale. From here, it is a steady descent to Gyabla. We cross a bridge over Chhundatangka Khola to reach Gyabla. As we continue our trek, we see a waterfall nearby. We also cross a suspension bridge over Sumbung Khola before reaching Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.

Day 20: Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m/4,166ft)

After walking for a while we see a beautiful waterfall nearby. We continue our trek and pass a small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. We cross another suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola and reach Sukathum. Our trail passes through several villages and is beside Thunsa Khola at first followed by Tamor Nadi before reaching Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa. 

Day 21: Chirwa to Phurumbu (1,549/5,082ft)

We notice that the settlement starts to get thicker as we are descending. Our trail is alongside lush vegetation. We pass through several villages before reaching Sinwa. From here we continue our descent and cross a bridge over the Sisne Khola. Now we are in the Pathibhara Trek trail. We pass through another village and cross another suspension bridge this time over the Yaphre Khola to reach Phurumbu. Overnight in Village.

Day 22: Phurumbu to Suketar

Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek ends today. We can take a much needed break after reaching Suketar. We continue our walk on the Pathibhara Trek trail. 

Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu

We can spend the whole day taking rest, packing and souvenir shopping for loved ones. We can even visit anywhere we like in Kathmandu. There will be a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Day 24: Final departure

We check our belongings one more time before leaving for the airport. A Himalayan Glacier representative will pick us up from the airport and drop us off at the airport three hours before the scheduled flight.