Group Size
Min. 2 Pax
Trip Grade
Difficult
Best Season
March - May/September - December
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge/Home Stay
Max Elevation
5,143m, Pangpema
Meals
Full Board on Trek
Transportation
Private Vehicle/Car/Jeep/Flight
Trip Route: Taplejung - Suketar - Yamphudin - Cheram - Sele La - Ghunsa - Lonak - Pangpema - Chirwa - Taplejung
Trip Overview
- Best trail for long trekking in the Himalayas
- Witnessing both the Northern and Southern Base camp of Kanchenjunga (Third highest Peak at 8586 m of the world)
- Himalayan culture and tradition exploration in the Eastern part of Nepal
- Witnessing Himalayan wildlife and vegetation from a close range
- Natural scenery, landscape and the snow-capped range view uniquely delightful from any other region in Nepal
- Hill Highway tour of eastern Nepal with the best views of landscapes.
- Gompas, Shrines, and Monasteries in the trail giving us the opportunities of witnessing Kirat, Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
- Yak and Chauri Delicacies with the taste of the local cuisine
- Picturesque path and surrounding, a photographer’s paradise
- Adventure packed destination with unique trekking experiences.
Round Kanchenjunga Trek takes us to one of the less-traveled destinations in Eastern Nepal home to the third-highest Peak of the world Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m). Showcasing an authentic hill culture, we will make our way to the Pangpema base camp constituting the bliss of nature and local lifestyle alike. This trekking trail also provides a perfect opportunity for exploring a variety of ecosystem and wildlife in a peaceful surrounding.
Starting from the capital Kathmandu, we will fly to the lively eastern plains of Jhapa and Illam. The walk begins from Suketar with some of the best natural views in a more relaxed trail to the high hills and mountains. Passing by beautiful waterfalls and streams and stopping midway in the small villages, you will feel like you're in a different world here. A homely environment and family-like love are what you can expect in the local hotels and teahouses throughout the journey here. The best part comes after some days of walking but what makes this trek amazing is the cruise from one destination to another with each providing more and more wonderful surprises to relish. Gaining altitude, you will start your journey to Shangri-La with some of the best views of the landscape. In clear weather, one can have a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Makalu (8481 m), Lhotse (8481 m), and even the Everest (8848 m). The round trip will lead to the southern (Ramche) Base Camp all the way to the northern (Pang Pema) Base camp of the colossal Kanchenjunga peak. Take brief stops and enjoy the view as we will pick up a different route to return as well.
Get the best trekking experience in the Himalayas with Himalaya Pic Du Midi in our Round Kanchenjunga trek. Prepare for an adventure of a lifetime in the heart of snow-capped mountains and heavenly landscape in your next vacation here.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Fly to Bhadrapur/drive to Ilam by Jeep & Overnight at Ilam
Day 03: Drive to Suketar and trek to Lali Kharka, 8/9 h
Day 04: Lalikharka to Khesewa (2120m), 5/6 h
Day 05: Khesewa to Mamankhe (1785m), 6/7 h
Day 06: Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2080m), 5/6 h
Day 07: Yamphudin to Tortong (2,995m),6/7 h
Day 08: Tortong to Cheram (3870m), 5/6 h
Day 09: Cheram - Oktang (4730m) - Ramche (4580m), 6/7 h
Day 10: Cheram to Sele La (4290m), 10/11 h
Day 11: Sele La to Ghunsa (3595), 3/4 h
Day 12: Rest day at Ghunsa Village (3595m), 2/3 h
Day 13: Ghunsa to Kambachen (4050m), 5/6 h
Day 14: Kambachen to Lhonak (4780m), 4/5 h
Day 15: Lonak - Pangpema (5145m) - Lonak (4780m), 9/10 h
Day 16: Lhonak to Phale (3240m), 6/7 h
Day 17: Phale to Amjilosa (2308m) 6/7 h
Day 18: Amjilosa to Chirwa (1270m) 6/7 h
Day 19: Chiruwa to Mitlung (920m) 5/6 h
Day 20: Mitlung to Taplejung (1820m), 6/7 h
Day 21: Drive to Ilam/Bhadapur by Jeep & Overnight at Bhadrapur, 12/13 h
Day 22: Flight back to Kathmandu
Day 23: Cultural Tour of Bhaktapur
Day 24: Final Departure
Day to Day Itinerary
Today after your arrival at the Tribhuwanint airport in Kathmandu, our representative will attend you and transfer you to the hotel. After a brief introduction and welcoming, you will get an orientation of the trek. You can talk about the Round Kanchenjunga trek in detail in our office too in your spare time. In a welcome dinner organized by Himalayan Pic Du Midi, you will meet our staffs and get the information on the guides that will assist you throughout this trek. You can try some authentic Nepali staple today and get to know this nation better. Overnight at Kathmandu.
After breakfast today, we will drive to the TIA from the hotel. We will then take a domestic flight to Bhadrapur in Jhapa district from Kathmandu. A 30-minute flight will take us to the plain terai region of Nepal. After resting for a while, we will drive to Ilam. The landscape changes with more of a hilly setting upon reaching near Ilam. You can also drive to Ilam today, which is about 12-13 hours of highway journey from Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel in Ilam.
We will start our day early and drive to Suketar in Taplejung. The roads are smooth and give us a perfect view of the hills and the surrounding landscape. After reaching Suketar, we will take our lunch and rest for a while. Our trek begins from here, and we will be walking from Suketar to Lali Kharka. The trail passes through lush forest. Lali Kharka is a lovely village lying in the Pachthar district. Overnight at a lodge in Lali Kharka.
After breakfast, we will start our trek to Khesewa today. The trail is generally descending and smooth as we near the village of Phundrawa. With a short break, we will head up to the village of Yangpang and continue a steep ascent to Phumphe Danda. Walking in the trail, you will pass by hill farming lands and small settlements. The views clear up as we advance higher to Khesewa. Overnight at a lodge in Khesewa.
We will stretch up a bit after breakfast and start our trek to Mamankhe. For the first part of today's trek, we will walk towards the Kabeli Khola. After crossing a small stream in the way, our trail passes through small forests. We can stop briefly in the small villages here and have our lunch. Gradually continuing to descend from here, we will reach Mamankhe in the late afternoon. We will rest for the day after dinner here. Overnight at a lodge in Mamankhe.
We will be walking beside the Kabeli Khola mostly today. After a light breakfast, we will start the trek to Yamphudin. The trail is gradually rising and soon goes up the ridges. We will pass by a stream and views of nearby waterfall greets us in the way. Stopping for a brief break here, we will continue our walk. We will cross a small suspension bridge in the way and stay with the original trail. Passing a couple of small settlements from here, we will reach Yamphudin today. Overnight at a lodge in Yamphudin.
We will start our trek to Tortong after breakfast today. Our trail is gradually uphill followed with a couple of steep climbs as we gain about 1000 meters in elevation today. However, you can come across many locals using this very trail as it is an important link to the nearby villages from Yamphudin. The views open up in the latter half of the day with a majestic Himalayas greeting you in far north. Our trail follows the Amji Khola, and we will cross the pass at Lassiya Bhyanjyang to reach Tortong in the late afternoon. Overnight at a lodge in Tortong.
We will trek further up to the village of Cheram from Tortong today. Starting after breakfast, we will walk beside the Simbuwa Khola. We will gradually ascend from there and pass by small settlements and farms in the way. The trail then joins the Yalung valley, and this segment is bestowed with the beautiful view of nearby Tuplung Peak. Nearing Cheram, you will walk pass thick Rhododendron patches which in the blooming season (March-April) makes the hills and surrounding more beautiful. After reaching Cheram, we will rest for the day. Overnight at a lodge in Cheram.
We will start the hike of today from Cheram to Ramche village and continuing it to the southern base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. We will have a gradual ascend to start the day to the base of the Yalung Glacier. We will then continue further reaching the Lapsang village in the way. After a much-relaxed walk enjoying the views of the mountains and landscape from here, we will reach the village of Ramche. We will rest and take our lunch before continuing our trek to Oktang and the Base Camp. About 2 hours of the walk will take us there, and we will spend some time enjoying the surroundings and views of majestic Kanchenjunga in front of us. We will then return to Ramche and rest for the day there. Overnight at a hotel in Ramche.
Trek from Cheram to Sele La is one of the longest of round Kanchenjunga trail. We will start the day early as we have over four passes to do today making up to Sere La. The views and landscapes are the best giving us an extra boost for the long day ahead. We will cross the first pass at Sinelapche Bhanjyang and continue our walk to the Mirgin La Pass. After a lunch break with beautiful views of the landscape and surrounding snowcapped peaks, our trail leads up to the Sinion La pass shortly. Our fourth pass Sele la is next with a steeper trail as we head up to the top. We will cross Sele La and enjoy the views briefly heading down from the top. Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Sele La.
Today you will have a short walking day to reach Ghunsa. After a light breakfast, you will descend from the Sele La crossing bamboo forests in the way. We will find ourselves between thin alpine and rhododendron forests. As we move further up, we will reach a large Yak pasture field. We will continue our walk beside the cultivated lands and walk beside the Ghunsa Khola. In the afternoon, you will cross the Ghunsa Khola. A series of prayer flags indicates that you have reached the village of Ghunsa. Overnight at a hotel in Ghunsa.
At an altitude of 3475 meters, Ghunsa is one of the largest and facilitated villages of the Himalayan village of this trail. Strategically, it lies in the best place to rest and acclimatize for the day. The acclimatization process is essential for our body to prevent altitude sickness in the days to come. Ghunsa is a place gifted with great natural components surrounding it. In a short hiking distance, we will reach a perfect viewpoint to view the Himalayan sunrise. You can take a quick tour of the village and its monastery before lunch. We will do a short hike to the Yamtari Glacier and Lake via Lapsang La trail today. Once at the end of the moraine, you can have a 360-degree view of mountains and hills. Crossing many streams and small waterfalls, you will return to your village. Overnight at Ghunsa.
After early morning breakfast, we will walk to the east bank of the Ghunsa Khola and start our trek today. The stretch is an easy gradual ascent passing through alpine forests and grasslands. Along the way, we will pass multiple Chortens and Mani walls which shows the abundance of Buddhist culture in these regions. A further uphill walk will take you to the village of Rumbuk Kharka. At 3,720 meters, Rumbuk Kharka is a perfect strategic point before the Steep and uneven climb to Khambachen. This stretch is the most challenging part of your whole trek and will be a dangerous one without the aid of your guide. After this long grueling uphill session, our path will drop slightly nearing Kambachen. Kambachen is the perfect place for watching the mountain birds. Falcons, Himalayan Eagles, Choughs, and Lammergeyers are some of the frequent sightings here. From the village, you can have a close-range view of the magnificent Jannu (7,710 m) mountain. Overnight at Kambachen.
After a quick breakfast, we will start the day early and climb towards Lhonak. The first stop for the day will be through the rocky fields leading to Ramtang at an elevation of 4240 meters. The landscape will change from here onwards nearing to the glacial moraines and lakes of the Kanchenjunga range. You will cross multiple plateaus and hike further up to the plain campsite of Lhonak. You might get tired quick reaching here from the high altitude. However, you can't ignore the magnificent view from the campground. Mera Peak (6,344 m), Nepal Peak (6,910 m), twins mountain (7,351 m), Wedge Peak (6,750 m), and the Kanchenjunga is visible close and beautiful from Lhonak.
Today you will visit the Pang Pema (northern) Base camp. Starting early today you will begin your ascent to the base camp from Lhonak. After a few hours, you will walk east following the giant Kanchenjunga glacier. Throughout the problematic looking trail, you will stop and find yourself between alluring Mountain View motivating and pushing yourself harder. The path will get harder as you near the highest point of the trail. With a slow and gradual uphill climb, you will reach the heavenly place on earth. From the top one can view the high Kanchenjunga Mountain and the whole area is lighted with snow-capped white sub-ranges. After some great time here we will return back to Lhonak and rest for the day. Overnight at a hotel/lodge in Lhonak.
Today we will be walking equivalent to the distance we covered in the previous two days. Unlike the earlier days, however, the climb will significantly be an easy downhill one. You will lose more than 1200 meters today and feel less exhaustion. In some steep places walk with care and follow your guide's advice. As you cross Lhonak, you will have a more natural trail, and the alpine forest comes within reach too. In the afternoon, you will reach Kambachen. We will descent further from Kambachen and walk for a couple of hours to reach Ghunsa and Phale. Overnight at Phale.
After breakfast today, we will start our hike beside the Ghunsa Khola. Once from here, you will walk downwards on a ridge with rhododendron on both sides. Crossing the Ghunsa Khola Bridge and walking by the Himalayan farmlands, you will reach Phale. After a brief lunch break at Phale, we will continue our walk to Amjilosa. We will reach Chhundatangka passing through the oak and rhododendron forests from Phale. We will continue our walk alongside the ridge and cross the suspension bridge over Chhudatangka Khola before finally reaching Gyabla. You will take a short snack break here and enjoy the majestic nature surrounding you. Passing a beautiful waterfall in the way, you will make your way to Amjilosa. Amjilosa follows quickly after you cross the suspension bridge over Sunbung Khola. Overnight at Amjilosa.
After an early morning tea, you can take a brief tour of the village or take a morning walk to the waterfall nearby. Once ready, you will take the downward trail from the waterfall and follow it. After a steep descent, you will reach the village of Sekathum. From this village, you can view the confluence of Ghunsa Khola with the Tamur Khola. We will cross the suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola, passing Solima village in the way. From here we will follow the path over western banks of Tamor River. After a couple of hours of plain walk, you will pass another suspension bridge and finally reach the riverside camp of Chruwa. Overnight at Chiruwa.
We will pass the alpine forest and head towards the sub-tropical ones today. Starting your day from the Chirwa, we will have a quick descent to the riverside and walk along with it. We will do so until we reach the Sinwa. Stopping briefly here, we will follow the river further to cross the Sisne Khola. After the crossing, we will have a straight trail joining the Pathibhara trek trail. We will then trek for couple more hours passing a village on the way and finally cross the bridge over Yaphre Khola to reach Mitlung. Overnight at Mitlung.
As the last day of Round Kanchanjunga trek walking, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the nature and the view along the way. Trekking to Taplejung, you can make brief stops in many settlements of these areas and learn more about the lifestyle in eastern Nepal. Your trek will mostly be a downhill one with occasional spotting of the animals and birds in these hills. Crossing multiple suspension bridges, and through many local settlements, you will reach Taplejung in the late afternoon. Overnight at Taplejung.
After a beautiful sunrise view from Taplejung, we will take a local bus back to Ilam. The ride is smooth with some gravel patches in a hill highway winding down to Ilam. We will stop in the midway settlements for our lunch. From the window, we can enjoy the scenery. Gulping in some local snacks and delicacies, we will reach Ilam in the late afternoon. After having lunch, we will drive for Bhadrapur. Overnight at Bhadapur.
After breakfast, we will take a domestic flight returning to Kathmandu. We will drive you to your hotel after landing in Kathmandu. Being the last day in Nepal, you will go in a souvenir hunt to the markets of Thamel today. You can either go solo or take one of our guides who will show you the major attractions. You can buy a large variety of goods from these markets including handicrafts, garments and organic products.
After your breakfast today, we will drive to the city of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is only about 45 minutes’ drive from your hotel. The first site of today will be the Historical Bhaktapur durbar (Palace) square. The Palace was the ruling Palace of Malla Kings before Kathmandu city. The golden gate temple, Palace of Fifty-five windows, and the Nyatapola temple square are some of the major attractions in and around the Palace. You can visit the painting schools here, view the Thangkas, and art forms around this fantastic city. You can taste the local Newari cuisine and the famous king curd (Juju Dhau) in Bhaktapur. Return to your hotel and stroll around Thamel in your evening today. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Being the last day in Nepal, you will go to a souvenir shopping to the markets of Thamel today. You can either go solo or take one of our guides who will show you the major attractions. You can buy a large variety of goods from these markets, including handicrafts, garments, and organic products. After returning from the shopping, we will have a parting lunch and talk to you about the trek. After taking your feedback, we will take you to the TIA before your departure. You will leave to your destination with a heart full of memories and a fantastic experience from the Round Kanchenjunga trek.
What's Included/Excluded
Accommodation
- Three nights hotel in Kathmandu
- Teahouse Accommodation while on the trek
Meals
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Nepali Kitchen
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) while on the trek
Transportation
- Airport pick-ups and drops in a private vehicle
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu Domestic Flight Ticket with Airport Tax
Extras
- Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu/Entrance fee
- All necessary paperwork and Special Kanchenjunga Restricted Area fee/Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project/TIMS
- Professional & government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide
- Entrance fee of all Monastery & Museums in Kanchenjunga Region
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, Transportation and accommodation
- Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for staff including porters woolen hat, gloves, shocks, shoes & sunglasses etc…
- Trekking Map
- Medicine Box for Guide/Porters
- All government and local taxes
Not Included
- International Airfare and Nepal Visa fee
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
- Any Alcoholic Drinks, Water and deserts in Trek
- Hot Shower, Battery Charges, International call, WIFI & internet on Trek
- Unforeseen Cost such as Flight Cancellation
- Tips for guides and porters
Notes
* Your big Luggage should be 12 kg each without your Carry bag (small bag). You have to carry 4/5 kg with a small bag during you walking on the Trekking. Your small bag should be over 30 to 40L.
* The flights in the Kathmandu - Bhadrapur airport might sometimes get delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions. We will book the flights succeeding it immediately so keep your patience and utilize your time visiting nearby attractions. You also have options to drive to these destinations which might change the itinerary by a bit.
* You are free to choose a substitute of treks in other regions if these flight cancellations significantly hamper your Upper Mustang trek significantly.