Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an extraordinary classical remote trekking Trail in Nepal, located in the eastern part of Nepal and Sikkim, India. It is situated in the range of the Great Himalayan Trail. Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m) is the world’s third-highest peak but the second-highest mountain in Nepal. 

The Kanchenjunga Trek is also known as the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, which covers the Kanchenjunga south and north base camps. This trekking route is a restricted journey in the Kanchenjunga Region of Nepal; you need a local guide with at least 2 trekkers and receive the necessary permits. This virgin trekking trail was closed to trekkers in the mid-1980s; today, the region is protected by the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which covers an area of 2,035 sq km. 

This excursion is explored for its culture, religion, and natural beauty, making it an adventure for seasoned hikers. The Kanchenjunga base camp trek is 18 days in duration, covers 220 km in an area which is less tourists, and includes a wide range of tropical forests through rhododendrons, and oak-dense forests. 

During the journey, the trekkers move into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area(KCA), where they encounter many unique flora, fauna, and wildlife, including rare species like the Snow Leopard, the Red Panda, and the Himalayan Black Bear. The conservation area is a national park that highlights the ecological nature of the environment. During the Kanchenjunga trek, acclimatization stops in Ghunsa, which is situated at 3,595 m. Ghunsa provides the opportunity to rest and experience the local culture, offering the traditional Tibetan lifestyle with the monasteries and prayer flags in the mountain breeze.

In addition, there are numerous peaks like Mount Everest(8848m), Mount Lhotse(8516m), Mount Makalu(8463m), and Mount Kanchenjunga(8586m) itself also found in this area approximately 20 peaks at 7,000m, the highest being Mount Kambachen(7902), Mount Janu(7710m), Tent Peak(7365m), Twins(7350m), Jongsong(7483m). The trek is marked by the warm hospitality of the Rai and Limbu communities, whose traditional lifestyle adds a rich cultural dimension to the journey.

This is a challenging and adventurous trip in the Kanchenjunga Himalayas of Nepal, but our company has designed a suitable 18 days Itinerary for beginners and experienced hikers. We can also customize the route depending on the client's time, budget, and hiking skills. 

In conclusion, Mount Glory Treks is open for early booking in 2026 & 2027. If you are planning a long journey in the Kanchenjunga Region, this is suitable for you.

Off the Beaten Restricted Trekking Route in Nepal

The Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp trek is an extremely wonderful restricted trekking route in Nepal. It concludes the interesting Pangpema (North base camp) and Oktang (South Base camp) with local traditional cultures and provides dramatic vistas of mountains. Where you can highlight the hidden culture and beauty around the Kanchenjunga trek in Nepal, as the Kanchenjunga circuit trek is a restricted zone, you’ll need to obtain the following permits.

1. Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit

This is issued by the Immigration of Nepal and is required to enter the Kanchenjunga Protected Area.

The cost of the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit is USD 20 Per Person/Week for the first Four Weeks, and beyond the four weeks is USD 25 Per Person/Week.

2. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)

The trekking route of Kanchenjunga passes through the conservation area, and you’ll need a KCAP permit as well. The permits are provided by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Taplejung.

The cost of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit is NRS 2000 for foreigners and SAARC nationals, and the cost is NRS 500.

This trek typically spans 15 to 18 days and traverses diverse landscapes, from dense rhododendron forests to high-altitude glaciers. Hence, a guide with experience and navigation abilities is the highest priority. Moreover, the trail is in a landslide-prone area. It requires meticulous planning and trip organization.

Note: For more details about the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permit.

Best Route of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Taplejung-Sekathum-Amjilosa-Gyabla-Ghunsa-Kambachen-Lhonak-Kanchenjunga North Base Camp-Ghunsa-Sele La Kharka-Sele La Pass-Tseram-Oktang(Kanchenjunga South Base Camp)-Ramche-Tseram-Tortong-Yamphudin-Ilam-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu

Views During the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

The Kanchenjunga round trek is a great example of how challenging roads can lead to picturesque locations because it offers some of the best mountain views on the Himalayan Trail.

You will see breathtaking up-close views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest peak in the world, from both the north and south base camp sides. The expansive Himalayan skyline, which includes the mountains Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Kambachen, Tent Peak, Twins, and Jongsong Peak, will also be visible.

Aside from that, the trail alternates between lush oak and rhododendron forests and alpine meadows, moraines, and glaciers, creating striking contrasts.

Take in the breathtaking views of the rough icefalls surrounding the North Abse Camp and the Kanchenjunga Glacier close to Pangpema.

On a strenuous day, Sele La and Sinelapche La will provide you with breathtaking high pass views of the deep valleys below and the wide-angle mountain vistas.

Additionally, you will undoubtedly appreciate the tranquil surroundings of Ghunsa, Kambachen, and Lhonak, which are home to traditional stone villages set against snowy backdrops. Clear blue skies, towering peaks of the Kanchenjunga region, and serene views of isolated monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens are all mixed together.

Waterfalls, river gorges, and thick bamboo forests are among the stunning natural features found within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Enjoy the stunning golden hour sunsets, which are ideal for taking pictures, as the peaks glow in pink and orange alpine light on resting evenings.
The best thing about the Kanchenjunga Trek is its unique sense of wilderness; there are far fewer hikers, which means uninterrupted mountain views and genuine off-the-beaten-path scenery.

Where is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Located?

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is located in Nepal's far east, deep in the remote Taplejung district of Koshi Province, and takes you through one of the country's most pristine Himalayan regions.

One of Nepal's largest protected areas, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), is home to this breathtaking trekking route, which combines dramatic mountain scenery with rich biodiversity.

The trail offers hikers a unique trans-Himalayan experience that feels both daring and culturally rich as it passes through the borders of Nepal, India (Sikkim), and Tibet (China).

One of Nepal's most extensive high-altitude trekking circuits, it circles Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 metres) and links the North Base Camp at Pangpema and the South Base Camp at Oktang.

This route, which is a part of the fabled Great Himalayan Trail, passes through some of the nation's most isolated and pristine trekking areas. After taking a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, the trip takes a picturesque drive to Taplejung, which serves as the primary entry point to the Kanchenjunga region.

Trekkers must obtain special permits and travel with a licensed local guide due to the area's sensitive location and cultural significance, making it a restricted trekking zone. This adds authenticity and safety to this once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan adventure.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek - Is this suitable for me?

Yes, this isolated trekking trail is suitable for you if you have great physical fitness, are capable of dealing with long periods of trekking, and have a high-altitude hiking experience. This adventure trip depends on a few components, including your physical fitness, hiking experience, and ability to handle altitudes and isolation.

• This trek is a wonderful exploration if you are looking to connect more with the magnificent mountain region.
• This trek mainstream crowd allows you to relish the true beauty of the region in solitude.
• This strenuous trek, which reaches altitudes over 5000 m, requires strong fitness, stamina, and practice to mitigate altitude sickness.
• You enjoy solitude and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
• The trip traverses remote and less developed areas with basic accommodation.
• You ought to get ready for the special permits, hiring a guide, a porter, and commit to an 18-day journey.
• The success rate of hiking mountains is approximately 98% to 100%.

Why is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Best for the Trekkers?

The 18-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you to one of the most isolated and unexplored parts of Nepal. Unlike the well-travelled trails of Everest or Annapurna, this circuit provides trekkers with a unique combination of breathtaking mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and true wilderness.

With each step, you enter the heart of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, where colourful forests, traditional villages, and snow-capped peaks combine to create an experience that will never be forgotten.

Here are some reasons why serious and daring hikers might find this trek to be the ideal option:

• True remoteness is something it offers that is uncommon in today's trekking world. The experience feels intimate, peaceful, and profoundly rooted in nature when you walk for days without encountering big groups.
• The trek circles Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), providing hikers with intimate and significant views of one of the highest mountains in the world from a variety of base camp locations and valleys.
• It is intended for hikers who want more than simple paths; the path is both mentally and physically taxing, providing a strong sense of accomplishment upon completion.
• Because the villages here are not shaped by mass tourism, the cultural experience feels authentic. Interactions with the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa communities are organic rather than staged.
• You spend days living in villages, sharing meals in family-run teahouses and discovering the true nature of mountain life in eastern Nepal.
• From high alpine terrain and glacial valleys to subtropical forests and waterfalls, the landscape shifts nearly daily, making the journey visually thrilling from beginning to end.
• Because it passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, one of Nepal's most significant protected areas and home to uncommon species like the red panda and snow leopard, wildlife enthusiasts value this route.
• The trek allows for slow travel because there are fewer people around, so you can walk at your own pace, stop for photos, and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.
• Trekkers who prioritise experience over comfort are drawn to it; basic lodges and meals are offered in exchange for a far richer adventure.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek History

Local communities have long revered the Kanchenjunga region, particularly the Limbu and Rai, who see the mountain as a deity and a symbol of spiritual significance.

Centuries ago, traders and pilgrims used the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek route to connect Tibet with the isolated villages of eastern Nepal. In addition, prior to the development of modern roads, it was an essential route for the trade of salt, grain, and livestock. 

Western exploration of the Kanchenjunga region didn't start until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and because of the region's difficult terrain and severe weather, travellers were largely unable to access it.

The British expedition and climbers George Band and Joe Brown made the first ascent of the mountain Kanchenjunga in 1955, but the circuit's surrounding area was off-limits to casual hikers for decades. 

In the mid-1980s, the Kanchenjunga region was closed to most foreign trekkers, preserving its pristine wilderness and distinct culture. 

Additionally, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Region is now a restricted area, requiring special permits and licensed guides to enter. This helps to preserve the region's cultural and environmental integrity. 

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area was created in 1997 to safeguard the region's rare wildlife and endemic plant species, as well as its landscapes and glaciers, ensuring that it remains mostly unspoiled. 

Over time, the circuit journey has come to represent genuine trekking in Nepal, drawing hikers looking for seclusion, breathtaking scenery, and interactions with traditional Himalayan people.

How do you prepare for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

The Kanchenjunga circuit trek is a journey where you will need both physical and mental preparation. It is more of a meditation rather than an excursion. Although it is not a hard trek, it is not easy either.

Here are some suggestions for preparing for the Kanchenjunga trek.

• Try to exercise or run in an open place around 30-40 days before the journey begins. You need to run an average distance of 8 km every day.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking during the trek. This reduces oxygen in the blood and hinders the body's ability to retain water.
• Eating well will let you train well and keep your body in shape for the trip.
• The temperature is very cold in the base camp, so you should prepare warm clothes, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and good trekking shoes.
• You must purchase travel insurance, which should cover your emergency evacuation.
• During the trek, you must carry toilet paper rolls, sanitary pads, hand sanitizing gels, and antifungal foot powder.
• Prepare the emergency medical kit, which should include a band-aid, doctor’s tape, muscle relaxant balm, paracetamol, a mild painkiller, and eye drops.
• You also research the food and accommodations on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek before the excursion.
• Respect the culture and social behaviour during the Kanchenjunga trek.
• It would help if you connected with a trekking specialist or a local handling agent in Nepal.

How Hard is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the most technically challenging and remote treks in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third-highest mountain. Due to its difficulty, it is highly recommended for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience. However, it rewards trekkers with unspoiled landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and incredible mountain vistas, making it a dream adventure for serious trekkers.

If you come first time for high-altitude trekking, please consult our Operations team before coming to Nepal.

Please check the following points why the Kanchenjunga Trek is a technically challenging trekking Route in Nepal.

• Long Duration & Remote Location
• High Altitude & Acclimatisation Challenges
• Tough Terrain & Long Hiking Days
• Weather & Temperature Extremes
• Permit & Logistics Complexity

Note:  For More Details about the difficulty level of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Why Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek With Mount Glory Treks?

Mount Glory Treks offers more than 10 years of trekking experience in the mountains. Our Kanchenjunga circuit trek itinerary is professionally designed to provide you with a smooth venture in the Kanchenjunga Region.

During the journey, our experienced guides will support you and provide all the information about the region. Along with that, you will get the special cost of the package with the high-quality service from us. Feel free to contact us anytime, we will always support for before and after the trek. We have opened pre-booking for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek 2026 & 2027. You can also book the trip on our website, WhatsApp +977 9849856378, or email:[email protected], and on other social media like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Viber.

Below are the key points of Mount Glory Treks

• We provide free Pick-up and drop-off service at your arrival and departure.
• Easy and Secure Online Booking System for pre-booking the trip.
• We provide the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Route Map and Company T-shirts.
• Multi-channel system for conversations (WhatsApp, Phone, Skype, WeChat, Viber, Email, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram).
• Free Duffel Bags And Sleeping Bags During Trekking Days: Return After Trek
• 24/7 Hours Whatsapp/Phone Call Service.
• Medical Kit, which was carried by our Trek Leader.
• Experienced and helpful trekking guides and Porters.
• Experienced in coordinating the operations team.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Cost for 2026 & 2027

The cost of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek starts from USD 2350 Per Person, and this cost might go down depending on the number of trekkers. The exact price of the Kanchenjunga Trek is not the same, which is related to the Services Like Hotels, Food, flights, number of Guides, and Porters. As per the below group price breakdown, we provide all-inclusive costs for 18 days of the Kanchenjunga Hiking Journey.

Please check the group breakdown cost of the 18 Days Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking in 2026 & 2027:

Note: If you have a bigger group size of more than 15, you can directly contact us for a special group discount offer.

Note: For more details about the Kanchenjunga Trek Cost.