What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (USD 20 per week for first 4 weeks), TIMS Card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390). We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5160m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Operators Restricted Permits.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Guided Remote Trek Eastern Nepal Safety, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Safety Evacuation Checklist.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Gear To Prepare Before Booking.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (USD 20 per week for first 4 weeks), TIMS Card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390). We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5160m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Operators Restricted Permits.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Guided Remote Trek Eastern Nepal Safety, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Safety Evacuation Checklist.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Gear To Prepare Before Booking.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Transportation
Flight / Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 12
Maximum Altitude
5160
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (USD 20 per week for first 4 weeks), TIMS Card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390).
Destinations
Eastern Nepal Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude, Nature Friendly, Wilderness Camping
Difficulty
Hard

Map

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the complete 25-day traverse of Nepal’s Kanchenjunga region, linking both North and South Base Camps through three high passes (Sele La, Sinion La, and Mirgin La). Designed for trekkers with previous high-altitude experience who want the deepest possible immersion in the eastern Himalaya, this circuit offers what no single-base-camp trek can: a full perspective on the third-highest mountain on Earth from every angle. Beginning at Taplejung, the route climbs the Ghunsa Khola valley through Sherpa and Limbu country to the North Base Camp at Pangpema, where Kanchenjunga’s north face fills the skyline. You then cross the Sinion La and Mirgin La to descend into the Yalung Glacier system and reach the South Base Camp, before exiting through the Simjua valley. Throughout, the trek stays inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to red panda, blue sheep, musk deer, and over 250 bird species.

Highlights

Reach both Pangpema North Base Camp (5,143m) and Yalung South Base Camp (4,500m) on a single circuit.
Cross three high passes: Sele La (4,290m), Sinion La (4,665m), and Mirgin La (4,480m).
Trek through one of Nepal's least-visited protected areas with rare wildlife sightings.
Witness sunrise on Kanchenjunga's massive 3,000m north face and its equally dramatic south face.
Experience Sherpa, Limbu, and Rai culture in villages that see fewer than 200 foreign trekkers per year.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening welcome dinner and trek briefing.

Day 02 :

Fly to Bhadrapur & Drive to Illam

Scenic morning flight east to Bhadrapur, then drive through tea estates to Illam for an overnight stop.

Day 03 :

Drive to Taplejung

Full-day jeep ride up the Tamor valley to Taplejung, the administrative hub and start of the trek.

Day 04 :

Trek to Sekathum

Begin walking through Limbu villages along the Tamor, then turn up the Ghunsa Khola to Sekathum.

Day 05 :

Trek to Amjilosa

Climb through oak and rhododendron forest with several river crossings. Reach the small Tibetan settlement of Amjilosa.

Day 06 :

Trek to Gyabla

Continue through forest with occasional views of the river far below. Reach Gyabla, still recovering from a 2011 glacial lake flood.

Day 07 :

Trek to Ghunsa

A gentler day ending at Ghunsa, a prosperous Sherpa village with a monastery, school, and the last proper lodges before the high country.

Day 08 :

Acclimatization in Ghunsa

Rest and acclimatize with an optional hike toward the opposite ridge for first views of Jannu (7,710m). Visit the 100-year-old Ghunsa monastery.

Day 09 :

Trek to Kambachen

Gradual climb through scattered summer settlements with expanding views of Jannu's massive north face. Reach Kambachen, the last permanent village.

Day 10 :

Acclimatization in Kambachen

Day hike toward Ramtang (4,240m) for acclimatization and views of Wedge Peak, Nepal Peak, and the Phole Valley.

Day 11 :

Trek to Lhonak

Climb through a wide glacial valley with moraine fields to Lhonak, a windswept grazing settlement beside a glacial lake.

Day 12 :

Trek to Pangpema (North Base Camp) & Return to Lhonak

Early start to reach Pangpema (5,160m) for sunrise on Kanchenjunga, Chang Himal, and Taple Shikhar. Return to Lhonak for the night.

Day 13 :

Trek to Ghunsa

Long retracing descent back to Ghunsa for a proper meal and warm night.

Day 14 :

Trek to Sele Le Base Camp

Climb above Ghunsa through forest to a high meadow camp at the foot of Sele La. Tents are set up by our crew.

Day 15 :

Cross Sele La & Sinion La to Tseram

Cross Sele La (4,290m) and Sinion La (4,665m) with spectacular views south to Yalung Glacier, then descend to Tseram.

Day 16 :

Trek to Ramche

Continue up the Simjua Khola through rhododendron forest to Ramche, the base for the South Base Camp excursion.

Day 17 :

Hike to Yalung South Base Camp & Return to Ramche

Hike up the Yalung Glacier to the South Base Camp viewpoint (4,500m). The south face of Kanchenjunga and Kabru fill the skyline. Return to Ramche.

Day 18 :

Cross Mirgin La to Tseram

An alternative high route over Mirgin La (4,480m) offers another angle on Kanchenjunga before descending to rejoin the trail at Tseram.

Day 19 :

Trek to Torongden

Begin the long descent, crossing a low pass and dropping into warmer forest.

Day 20 :

Trek to Yamphudin

Continue descending through Limbu and Rai villages as the air warms and cultivated land returns.

Day 21 :

Trek to Mamangkhe

Walk through rolling mid-hills to the Limbu village of Mamangkhe, where traditional houses and cardamom farms line the trail.

Day 22 :

Trek to Khebang & Drive to Taplejung

Final descent to Khebang, then a half-day jeep ride back to Taplejung for a celebration dinner.

Day 23 :

Drive to Bhadrapur

Long scenic jeep ride back down the Tamor valley to Bhadrapur for an overnight stay near the airstrip.

Day 24 :

Fly to Kathmandu

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for shopping and rest. Evening farewell dinner.

Day 25 :

Final Departure

Transfer to the international airport approximately 3 hours before your flight. Trip concludes.

Things to Carry for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves
1x expedition mittens for passes above 5,000m

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 4-season sleeping bag rated to -20C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)
1x inflatable sleeping pad

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 5160m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Gear To Prepare Before Booking, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Gear List, Annapurna Circuit Packing List Warm Valleys Cold Pass, Island Peak Technical Gear And Rental In Nepal.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Information

Trip Name: Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 25 Days
Duration: 25 days
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum Altitude: 5160m
Group Size: Max 12

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Hard. Hard treks involve 6-8+ hours of walking daily at high altitude. Previous high-altitude experience strongly recommended. The maximum altitude is 5160m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Kanchenjunga Vs Annapurna Circuit Difficulty Remoteness, Mohare Danda Difficulty Vs Beginner Treks Nepal.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.

Read our seasonal guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Spring Vs Autumn, Kanchenjunga Circuit Spring Autumn Departure Months.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Food and water guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Teahouse Or Camping, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Teahouses Food.

Transportation

Transport: Flight / Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Australians Buffer Days Nepal Lukla Flights Trek, Nepalgunj Simikot Flight Reliability.

Required Permits

Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (USD 20 per week for first 4 weeks), TIMS Card, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry Permit (NPR 3,390). We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Kanchenjunga Circuit Operators Restricted Permits, Kanchenjunga Circuit Guide Permit Support Not Package.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 5160m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Guided Remote Trek Eastern Nepal Safety, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Safety Evacuation Checklist.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions, Nepal Treks Mixed Fitness Adventure Group.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 5160m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed, Kanchenjunga Trek Travel Insurance From Australia.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Villages Culture.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.