Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is located eastern part of Nepal, borders Sikkim and Tibet, and the trail goes around the lap of the “3rd Highest Mountain in the World” Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m). As Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the shortest forms of tea House Trip in the Great Himalaya, it offers various experiences from the lowest point of Nepal “Kechana Kawal” 58 meters at Jhapa to the top of Mount Kanchenjunga 8,586 meters with amazing snowcapped mountain scenery, miracles glacier, tranquil glacier lakes, high Lander Sherpa’s unique culture, tradition, and rarely spacious Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
Most of the short trekking routes of Nepal are overcrowded during tourist peak season due to trigger plans at the same time by all trekkers. And access wilderness trekking requires more days to get to the remote Himalayas. Ideally, every trekking proposal is an escape from the day-to-day hustle and bestial life and enjoying nature, and culture, and refresh from it. In this Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking, we at Nepal Mother House offer you, off a beaten-track trip in the Himalayas in the shortest time. Most of the day you need to walk longer camp compare to other normal trekking Itineraries. So, you must well prepare physically and mentally before this trek.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek begins from Taplejung after a short flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur /Biratnagar and drives all the way to Taplejung on the same day of the flight. In this trek, first, you will visit Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,388m) following Tamor River Bank through the villages of Limbu ethnic people; Mitlung, Sinwa, Chiruwa, Tapethok, Lelep, Sukathum and turn right through the bank of Gunsa Khola walk by Amjilosa, Gyabla, Phale, Gunsa, Khambachen, Ramtang, Lhonak inhabited of Sherpa’s villages and Botiya people, who have been following hundred years back Tibetan culture, tradition and practicing Buddhism. During a rest for acclimatization day at Khambachen, it would be best to hike to Jannu viewpoint (4,400m), from where see the outstanding view of many mountains; Ghabur peak (6,044m), Phile (6,645m), Sobi Thongie (6,670m), Mera Peak (6,364m) including Mt. Kumbhakarrna mountains. This is the place where the profound serenity of Kirat can be witnessed beneath the bulders. It is the place where Maha Guru Phalgunanda used to Meditate, he was born on November 11, 1885, in Chukchinamba village, Ilam district, Nepal, and transcended the physical realm on April 4, 1949, but his presence is still felt through his meditation at this location. According to the revered Great Master Phalgunanda, this site holds great spiritual significance for the Kirati people, known as the "Holi site" (Phaktanglung's shape of man's shoulder ). The shape of Mt. Kumbhakarna is similar to the shoulder. It is believed that every Kirati individual must visit this place at least once in their lifetime. Originally the Name Mount Kumbhakarna comes interesting character in the Ramayana, he was one of the demon brothers of the Ravana.
As the view of Khumbhakarna is most significant from here, so sometimes people called a Kumbhakarna viewpoint as well for the Jannu. Kanchenjunga North Base Camp itself Kanchenjunga glacier and other many mountains scenery are additional attractions of this trek. Then heading back to Ghunsa for the next part of the trek Kanchenjunga South Base Camp cross over the Sele La Pass (4,290m) and visit Yalung Base Camp (4,500m) known as Kanchenjunga South Base Camp via Cheram, Yalung Bara, Lapsang, Ramche, Okta. South Base Camp is best in terms of mountains scenery, and wonderful views from the North West side to the southeast respectively; Boktoh (6,114m), Nyukla Lachung (6,810m), Kumbhakarna (Jannu) (7,711m), Kanbachen (7,802m), Yalung Kang (8,505m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Kanchenjunga Central (8,482m), Kanchenjunga South (8,476m), Kabru I (7,412m), Kabru II (7,339m), Kabru III (7,338m), Kabru IV (7,318m), Rathong (6,682m), Kokthang (6,148n) and Khangla Khang (5,582m). The trail is coming down taking a couple of days to the Tortong through the Cheram and Ramche and getting back to Trekking starting point at Lelep/Hellok taking a new route. Then drive back to the most popular tea state Ilam for an overnight stay and the next morning drive to Bhadrapur to fly back to Kathmandu.
Likewise, now Tamor corridor Highway for the Tibet Border at Olangchung Gola is almost ready. After a complete highway, it can possible to drive through the Bhedetar by private Jeep through the Tamor corridor taking 9 to 10 hours. We stay overnight at Bhedetar of the Hill station and fly back to Kathmandu from Biratnagar in the afternoon of the following days. Then departure for your destination onward.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a recently opened Tea House Trek in the Himalayas, so there are available very basic accommodation facilities and a choice of food. In this Kanchenjunga Short Trek package, we Nepal Mother House aim to provide to access venture journeys in the remote high Himalayas in the shortest time. Kanchenjunga Circuit Short Trek can do a minimum of 17 Days to above 4 weeks, according to your holiday requirements and the cost of expatriation. We are glad to organize the Kanchenjunga Tea House Trek whole in year around by Local Sherpa Guide and porters to make sustainable eco-tourism and local empowerment with the required permits and paperwork. But it is recommended March-April-May and September-October-November as the best time and batter to High altitude previous experience or physical fitness for this trek. Why not join us, for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking for local empowerment?
Do I Need Physical Fitness and Preparations for Kanchenjunga Trek?
The trek goes in the high Himalayas following the rugged trail with several ascending and descending for multi-days. The hike in the high Himalayas could be suffering due to thin air and freezing cold if you are not properly physically fit. It is the best idea to involve physical exercise before your trekking, which makes your body strong and fit. As a result, this will help you to get to the destination with less stress.
While walking for a multi-day trek in the Himalayas, you might be facing muscles sore, blisters, joint pain, and back pain. This makes you very discomfort and sometimes causes you to abandon your trip from mid of the trail. So, you need physical exercise beforehand before the trip begins. It would be best to exercise at least a month before then your trek. Cardio exercises like running, jogging, hiking, long walks, cycling, climbing stairs, and swimming are best for the exercise. You may carry a light backpack along with you and hike for a couple of hours every weekend to get used to it. Likewise, you may go Gym and work out also can be a good option to prepare for the trek. Don’t do too much in one day; keep on regularly every day to fit your body.
Normally, for an easy trek, you need not be very physically fit. But still, earlier exercise is a good selection. Here, you are going to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, which is a Moderate to Strenuous level, so you need well training to make your journey more comfortable and memorable.
Transport for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga circuit trek is a wilderness trek in the eastern part of Nepal. It is becoming popular day by day among adventure lovers to pay in the lap of Mother Nature. Likewise, Taplejung is mostly visited place in Nepal due to Pathibhara Devi Temple, which thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and outside of the country visit every day. There are a few options for getting to the Kanchenjunga circuit trek:
[I] Drive by Bus from Kathmandu to Taplejung
If you are looking for a budget trek then there are regular buses available from New Bus Park at Gongabu. The long bus drive to Taplejung takes 20 to 23 hours through the Prithvi Highway and Narayanghat, Hetauda, Koshi Barrage, Itahari, Birtamod, Charali Jhapa, and Ilam.
[II] Kathmandu to Taplejung by Jeep
After completing the BP Koirala highway drive from Kathmandu to Sindhuli, Bardibas is another option to get to Taplejung, it saves a huge amount of time and money, nowadays you can drive Kathmandu to Taplajung in 11 to 12 hours’ drive by Jeep. Even, drive from Dharan to Taplejung through the Tamor Corridor for a short time.
[III] Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung
For comfort travel, there are regular flights from Kathmandu to either Biratnagar or Tumlingtar or Bhadrapur then drive to Taplejung by Bus or private jeep taking 8 to 9 hours via Ilam. This route is mostly used for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
[IV] Kathmandu to Suketar/Taplejung Direct Flight
Ground transport from Kathmandu to Taplajung is quite a long journey of about one full day and night, so this won’t be suitable for you. Then there is another airport at Suketar with a 2/3 flight in a week is the best option for the Kanchenjunga trek in the shortest way. As there is no regular daily flight, they do only charter flights except their schedule. Flight Kathmandu-Taplejung-TapleJung-Kathmandu Sita Air's plane will fly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 18th-Janurary-2023 (Magh 4th-2079). Similarly, Nepal Airlines (RA) also conducted to fight at Suketar. The cost of the flight is Rs. 9,295 to 10,500 for domestic tourists and USD 212 for international tourists.
With various options to get to Taplejung, I would like to recommend you fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar for 30 to 36 minutes and drive 5 to 6 hours by private vehicle through the Tamor Corridor via Dharan at the begging of the trip and conclude the trip at Ilam via Yamphudin, Khebang (1910m), Hapukhola and fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu for your destination.
Plan Your Trip at the Best Time
In Nepal, we have mainly two trekking seasons; spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). Autumn is one of the best trekking seasons, the weather is perfect with pleasant temperatures and falls during many festivals, especially Dashain and Tihar. So, most trekkers trigger their plans during this time. Likewise, spring is nature blooming the season full of Rhododendron flowers and greenery everywhere. If you are looking for different vegetation and flowering beneath the gigantic Himalayas range, spring is perfect. Most of the expeditions operated during the spring season, you may see some Expedition groups in the Kanchenjunga Base camp as well.
Monsoon and winter are not good times for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. If you visit here during winter, it will be freezing cold in the high elevation and the monsoon will drop rain a lot and might be the cause of blocking the road by the landslide of the flood. Still, if you want the try this season we are here to support you.
Difficulties Level of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga is wilderness trekking in the lap of the Himalayas with the less frequented trail. The trek can complete in 17 days in the shortest amount of time, and it can extend for 4 weeks as well. As there are a lot of ascending and descending the following river, rocky hills, and jungles, the trekkers often feel exhausted in the middle of the journey. So, you need to be mentally well-prepared and physically fit before the trek. This is Moderate to strenuous trekking; the trail goes through high passes, glaciers, and rocky trails, so it is not easy. The trail frequently goes up and downs on the same day's walk. Some parts of the trail are very steep ups and risky with loose rock. You need to be careful while crossing the landslide area, Glacier, and narrow rock trail, even our crew and experienced Guide will lead you better trail, trying to mitigate less risk. Some day you need to walk for 8 to 9 hours traverses the passes in high elevation. You need to be physically fit and well-prepared for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Safety and Security on the Kanchenjunga Sele La Pass Trek
Yaks, Mules, and Dzo/Jopke (a cross between the yaks and cow) are means of transportation in the Himalayan. People use them to carry food and materials supplies in the hotel. The 17 Days Kanchenjunga Sele La Pass Trek trail goes through the jungle, hills, rocks, and glaciers and crosses a suspension bridge, somewhere when crossing the narrow trail with the herd of yaks/mules and trekkers traffic, you must be careful when passing through them and should stay in the safe zone. Sometimes, people don’t care when they are taking photographs in a risky area, you should make sure behind if there are sufficient space and no cliff. Don’t go closer to the animals like Yaks, Dzo, Cow, and Buffalo; they might attack you anytime.
During the trekking peak season, many trekkers and porters with loads on their way. While meeting them on the narrow surface and bridge; you must be sure that is the safe zone at the corner side of the trail and if you stand at the edge of the trail, it is more risk pushed to the cliff by them. Likewise, carry yourself the most important documents and goods such as Passport, Insurance Policy, Credit Cards, cameras, mobile phones, and other valuable things.
Can we make Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Shorter than 17 Days?
Sure!! Wander around the Himalayas taking sufficient time is the best way to explore the hidden treasure. Although if you are looking to visit both the base camps of the Kanchenjunga south and north in the shortest time; then this trek can be made shorter form also. The Kanchenjunga Trekking Routes can be different, on where you would like to visit? And depends on the trekking starting point. On the north side the road access up to the Sukathum, which is 3 days of trekking from Taplejung. If you are taking Kathmandu to Suketar a direct flight for both ways and driving to the Sukathum, then it can be completed in 13 Days Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is also as shortest. Likewise, as there is road access three walking days beyond the Taplajung on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp southside, it is possible to drive all the way to Yamphudin by Jeep, which already makes several days shorter on your trek as 7 Days Kanchenjunga Short Trek. During monsoon and rainy days, the road might be not drivable due to landslides and floods blocking off-road. Other times, often we can get a Jeep on the route but need to wait until the Jeep is full, sometime it may take an hour to a couple of hours to collect passengers. If you are ready to bear some extra cost to make it private then you can drive any time according to schedule.
Likewise, at the end of the Kanchenjunga Sele La Pass Trek, you can walk back to Sukathum from Cheram and the next day catches the Jeep to Taplejung. In spite of the long walk through the jungle and isolated region, it is an enjoyable trekking day. As there is not any tea house facility, you need to take pack lunch on this day. In this way, you can do the Kanchenjunga Trek in 13 Days.
Why we are not Taking Kathmandu to Suketar (Taplejung) Direct Flight, Rather than Kathmandu to Bhadrapur?
You are right! There are direct flights to Suketar (Taplejung) by Sita Airline and NA (Nepal Airline) every morning at 8 AM. Fly to Suketar Airport at Taplejung is one of the best ways to escape the long drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung and it reduces the whole one day for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. However, we at Nepal Mother House Treks aim to provide the best experience of Nepal. During this flight, you have a test of the lowland to the world's third Highest Mountain Mt. Kanchenjunga with its geographical diversity of Nepal and various cultures. You will visit one of the lowest points Kechana Kalan in Jhapa an elevation of 60 meters from sea level to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,388m) on the trip. Meanwhile, you will visit the Certified Organic Tea state of Nepal, established in 1863, people in different places, and the Nepal Jeep driver experience.
Accommodation and Tea House Condition in Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The recently opened Kanchenjunga tea house trek is located remote area in the Himalayas, there are basic facilities available such as; toilets, bathrooms, and lodgings. Suketar and Gunsa have proper hotels with all amenities but the rest of the places have very basic facilities. Except for a few places, the hot shower is provided in buckets. Lhonak is the last tea house in the North part of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Ramche in the South Base Camp offers very basic accommodation and meals. Likewise, on the Sele La Pass at High Camp, there are two tea houses available to accommodate ten to fifteen trekkers. The trekkers visit Kanchenjunga to enjoy the Nature beauties in a lonely way. So, already know about the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek accommodation condition. Sometimes need will sleep in the room with local people and offer local food they are having.
What Food Available in the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
Due to the newly developed tea house Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, there are very basic food items available. The breakfasts and dinners will have at the tea house where you are staying and lunch will take you on the way walk. Most of the tea houses do have not Menu Cards also, so they prepare Nepalese food “Dal Bhat”, boiled and fried potatoes, and bread. Tibetan foods, common continental dishes, and occasionally Indian can be offered at the tea houses or lodges.
Best Places to Visit during Kanchenjunga Trek
Don’t miss out on the most popular viewpoint that opens a window to mesmerizing view in the lap of the third highest mountain in the world – Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). Normally, Kanchenjunga North Base camp, Kumbhakarna / Jannu View Point (4,400m) from Khambachen, Sele La Pass, and South Base camp is well recognized in Kanchenjunga Trek. However, there are some of the best viewpoints have opened for trekkers.
Dromo Ri (6,000m) is one of the best viewpoints for the spectacular 3rd highest mountain on earth. For this viewpoint you do not need any special permits, trekking permits can be visited, however, you need an expert Guide or a local Guide to explore the trail. It lies in Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, a ridge of the Dromo Ri Peak (6,855m), which takes 3 to 4 hours from Pangpema without any major difficulty or technical gears. As there is no proper tea house for overnight staying at Pangpema, either you need to stay at Yaks sheds or a tented camp if you have one. Otherwise, it is possible to start hiking from the last Tea Houses in Lhonak and climb to Dromo Ri, which takes 2 to 3 hours more.
Cost of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will affect by what kind of services you would like to have; such as hiring a Guide and Porter, a porter for every single trekker, transportation, and how many days of trek you would like to do. Normally, most trekkers hire a professional trekking Guide and experience a Porter for every two trekkers. Likewise, most of the trekkers like to fly Suketar at Taplejung however sometimes the flight is not sure due to the weather in Suketar. So, it would be best to fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung on the same day. The price will be almost similar to either fly to Suketar or Bhadrapur when getting to Taplejung. The trekking permit fee also makes trip costs different which is not often changed. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Itinerary and its duration also affect the cost of the trip. The Kanchenjunga Trekking cost will be different now and after six months or next year. However, we at Nepal Mother House are glad to offer you a pre-trip booking for the next year 2023 or 2024, or the coming spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, and November) 2023.
Packing Lists for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek- Trekking Equipment
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an adventure trek on the off-the-beaten Path in the east–north part of Nepal. The trip begins at Bhadrapur flight an elevation of 91 meters and ascends to the Taplejung via the beautiful tea state of Ilam. And goes to Kanchenjunga North BC (5,388m) and Yalung Base Camp/South Base Camp (4500m) via Sele La Pass (4,240m) with various landscapes of the lowest level 65 m at Kenchena (Jhapa) to the top of Kanchenjunga 8,586 m. You have a great experience of geographic diversity during 17 Days trek. For this journey also, you need similar trekking gear like Everest Base Camp Trek. However, for the first day, it will be boiling hot during springtime and begging of autumn. You need thing cloth and a cool cotton cloth to save from heat. And when getting higher the temperature will drop accordingly. Trekking gear is the most important for you to make the trip successful. Without good trekking Equipment, the trip won’t be a pleasure or may not succeed. So, you must have chosen good trekking gear for the trek. Sleeping bags and down Jackets must be accommodating in the temperature of -5 degrees Celsius.
Most trekking gear can buy in Thamel at a reasonable price. If you would like to use it for another trip also in the future, then it would be better to buy it in your country or branded trekking gears company (North Face, Mountain Hard Wear, Sherpa Gears, Raiko, etc.
Otherwise, you can buy Nepali products in Kathmandu also. There is some trekking shop that provided haring service too.
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