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The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and rewarding trekking routes. Taking adventurers deep into the eastern Himalayas, this trek encircles Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest mountain in the world. This guide covers everything you need to know about the trek, including booking details for 2025/26, group join options, costs, itinerary, permits, and more.
Himalayan Adventure International Treks is now accepting bookings for the 2025/26 trekking season. Whether you are trekking solo, as a couple, or in a group, we offer flexible packages tailored to your needs.
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek varies based on group size and services included. Below is a general cost breakdown:
Solo Trekker: USD 2,500 - USD 2,800 per person
Couple (2 Trekkers): USD 1,800 - USD 2,200 per person
Small Group (3-5 Trekkers): USD 1,700 - USD 2,000 per person
Large Group (6+ Trekkers): USD 1,500 - USD 1,800 per person
The best seasons to trek Kanchenjunga Circuit are:
Spring (March-May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, moderate temperatures.
Autumn (September-November): Best weather conditions, clear mountain views, comfortable trekking conditions.
Trekking in the Kanchenjunga region requires special permits:
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit: USD 20 per week per person
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP): USD 30 per person
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): USD 20 per person
Transportation to the Kanchenjunga Circuit involves flights and overland travel:
Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Flight: USD 120 - USD 180 per person (one-way)
Jeep from Bhadrapur to Taplejung: USD 50 - USD 80 per person (one-way)
Hiring an experienced guide and porter is recommended for safety and navigation:
Licensed Guide: USD 30 - USD 40 per day
Porter: USD 20 - USD 30 per day
Meals: USD 5 - USD 10 per meal
Lodging: USD 5 - USD 15 per night
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 02: Fly to Bhadrapur, drive to Taplejung (1,820m)
Day 03: Drive to Lelep (1,860m) 4 hours and overnight
Day 04: Trek to Amjilosa (2,510m)
Day 05: Trek to Gyabla (2,730m)
Day 06: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m)
Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa
Day 08: Trek to Kambachen (4,050m)
Day 09: Trek to Lhonak (4,780m)
Day 10: Trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143m), return to Lhonak
Day 11: Trek back to Ghunsa
Day 12: Trek to Sele La Pass (4,290m)
Day 13: Trek to Cheram (3,870m)
Day 14: Trek to Ramche and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
Day 15: Trek back to Tortong (2,995m)
Day 16: Trek to Yamphudin (2,080m)
Day 17: Trek to Khesewa (2,120m)
Day 18: Drive to Taplejung
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure
Altitude sickness is a serious risk on this trek. Prevention measures include:
Acclimatization days
Staying hydrated
Trekking at a steady pace
Taking Diamox (if recommended by a doctor)
A detailed trekking map will be provided by Himalayan Adventure International Treks.
Nepali Guide Required
Permit Cost: NPR 1,500
Total Cost Range: NPR 40,000 - NPR 70,000
Covers the northern side of Kanchenjunga, ideal for those with limited time.
A modified, shorter itinerary focusing on key highlights.
Restricted area permit required
Less crowded, culturally rich
One of Nepal’s most challenging treks
Requires technical climbing experience
It ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 3,200 depending on group size, guide, porter, and services included.
The trek typically takes 18-21 days to complete.
Yes, it is considered challenging due to its remoteness, high altitude, and long duration.
Climbing Kanchenjunga requires advanced mountaineering skills, but beginners can complete the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with proper preparation and guidance.
For bookings and inquiries, contact Himalayan Adventure International Treks today!
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, scenic, and culturally rich trekking adventures. Centered around the world’s third-highest mountain — Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) — this trail brings you face-to-face with raw Himalayan wilderness. Traversing both the North and South Kanchenjunga Base Camps, this trek is a less-crowded alternative to popular treks like Everest and Annapurna, offering solitude, serenity, and an authentic connection with the mountain people.
Whether you're exploring the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek map, curious about Kanchenjunga circuit trekking cost, or planning your 2025/2026 trip with Himalayan Adventure International Treks, this comprehensive article covers everything you need to know.
Unspoiled Trail: Far from commercialization and tourist crowds.
Double Base Camps: Explore both the North and South Base Camps of Kanchenjunga.
Diverse Landscapes: From subtropical forests to glaciers and high alpine meadows.
Cultural Immersion: Rich Limbu, Rai, and Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Rare Wildlife: Red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and blue sheep.
Here's a standard Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary designed for proper acclimatization and exploration:
Welcome by Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks, trek briefing, and preparation.
Fly to Bhadrapur (1 hr), then drive (8–9 hrs) to Taplejung via Ilam tea gardens.
First trekking day through forests and small settlements.
Pass through cardamom farms and Tamor River valleys.
Steeper trail through lush vegetation.
Alpine scenery with possible red panda sightings.
A beautiful Tibetan village; acclimatization spot.
Explore monasteries or hike to Lapsang La viewpoint.
Rugged mountain terrain; views of Jannu Himal.
Short hike to Nuphchu Khola for better altitude adaptation.
Pass glacial moraines and enjoy views of Chang Himal.
Main highlight! Marvel at Kanchenjunga’s massive north face.
Retrace steps downhill.
Cross the Sele La Pass (4,480m) en route.
Stunning panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Baruntse.
Witness the Yalung Glacier and the mighty south face.
Steep descent through forested trails.
Traditional Limbu villages and terraced fields.
Gradual descent through cultural countryside.
Scenic drive back to the flatlands of eastern Nepal.
Fly from Bhadrapur and relax in the capital.
Optional sightseeing or onward travel.
Understanding the Kanchenjunga circuit cost is essential before committing to the adventure. Pricing may vary depending on the services, group size, and trekking style.
USD 2,500 – USD 3,200 per person
Includes:
Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Bhadrapur–Kathmandu)
Ground transport
Accommodation (teahouse + hotel)
All meals during the trek
Licensed Kanchenjunga trek guide & porter
Kanchenjunga Circuit permit cost
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area & Restricted Area Permit
First aid, TIMS card, government taxes
INR 95,000 – INR 1,25,000 per person
Excludes international flight. Local Indian travel operators may offer slightly cheaper packages, but Himalayan Adventure International Treks provides full safety, reliability, and experience.
USD 1,900 – USD 2,300
Ideal for those with limited time. You can choose either Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek or Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek.
As Kanchenjunga lies in a restricted area, special permits are required:
| Permit Type | Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD 20 per week (min 2 trekkers) |
| Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) |
| Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) |
Note: Solo trekking is not allowed; you must go with a government-registered guide through a licensed agency like Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks.
You’ll need a Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek map that includes:
Both North Base Camp (Pangpema) and South Base Camp (Oktang)
Ghunsa, Kambachen, Lhonak (north side)
Tseram, Ramche, and Yalung Glacier (south side)
Passes: Sele La, Mirgin La, Sinion La
View a Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek map or contact Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks for a detailed GPX file or printed map before departure.
Total Distance (Circuit): ~220 km
Highest Point: Pangpema (5,143m / 16,873 ft) – North Base Camp
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Height (South): ~4,610m (Oktang viewpoint)
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Distance (North only): ~90–100 km one-way
Accommodation: Basic teahouses/lodges with twin-sharing rooms. Ghunsa and Kambachen offer better amenities.
Food: Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, momos, pasta, and seasonal vegetables. Don’t expect luxury, but meals are warm and hearty.
Water: Bottled and boiled water available at teahouses. Bring a purifier.
Spring (March to May): Best visibility, rhododendron blooms, pleasant temperatures.
Autumn (September to November): Crystal-clear skies, dry trails, and stable weather.
Avoid: Monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February) due to landslides and snow-blocked passes.
The Kanchenjunga Trek difficulty is graded as strenuous due to:
Long trekking days (5–8 hours)
Steep ascents and descents
High altitude risks
Remote, rugged terrain
A good fitness level, prior multi-day trekking experience, and acclimatization are necessary. However, it’s achievable for determined trekkers with preparation and the support of a qualified Kanchenjunga trek guide.
According to Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek reviews from previous clients of Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks:
"Kanchenjunga was pure Himalayan magic – away from the crowds and into a truly sacred wilderness."
"The trek tested me, but the guides made everything manageable and safe. Worth every step!"
You can find more honest discussions on Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek Reddit threads or visit Himalayan Adventure’s social media channels.
Pressed for time? Try the Kanchenjunga short trek to either:
North Base Camp (Pangpema) – 15 days
South Base Camp (Oktang) – 13 days
This allows you to experience part of the majestic trail with a reduced timeframe and budget.
| Feature | Kanchenjunga | Manaslu Circuit |
| Crowd | Very few trekkers | Moderate |
| Remoteness | Extremely remote | Semi-remote |
| Altitude | 5,143m (Pangpema) | 5,160m (Larkya La) |
| Duration | 22–24 days | 14–18 days |
| Permit requirements | Restricted (minimum 2 people) | Restricted (minimum 2 people) |
| Highlights | Twin Base Camps, Wildlife, Culture | Larkya La, Tibetan villages, Annapurna |
Both are excellent alternatives to Everest or Annapurna, with Kanchenjunga trekking offering the more intense wilderness experience.
If you're an experienced climber planning to summit the peak:
Mount Kanchenjunga Climbing Cost:
USD 20,000 – USD 28,000 (Depending on logistics, Sherpa ratio, and summit support)
Contact Himalayan Adventure International Treks for fully supported expeditions.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s greatest trekking challenges — but equally one of its most rewarding. From its pristine landscapes to rich cultures and mighty mountain vistas, it remains untouched and raw.
Whether you’re drawn by the Kanchenjunga base camp trek cost, looking for a Kanchenjunga trek guide, or exploring Kanchenjunga Nepal on a unique adventure — the experience will leave you transformed.
Contact Himalayan Adventure International Treks to book your 2025/26 Kanchenjunga trek today!
Experience the unexplored. Walk where few have walked. Witness the grandeur of Kanchenjunga.
Christina Chung
23rd Sep, 2015
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek was excellent to book and we'll organize it. Booked on relatively short notice but there were no issues at all. The company provides all the information in an easy-to-understand format. The trek itself was made very enjoyable by a professional guide Binod who made sure all needs were met without issue. He provided plenty of advice and guidance relating to hiking at altitude.
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