Away from the bustling trekking routes, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek presents an authentic Himalayan experience and breathtaking mountain vistas. This trek is also known as the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. It is one of the finest treks in Nepal.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit was opened in mid-1980 for travelers. The region was made a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners and protected under the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project.
Trekkers have to obtain a special restricted area permit to do the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek and also follow some strict rules, such as:
- No solo trekking
- Trekking with an authorized Nepali company like us
- Must be accompanied by a Nepali mountain guide
- Must be two trekkers in the group
The above rules have played a significant role in keeping the Kanchenjunga Circuit crowd-free and have protected its pristine natural beauty. The adventure, wilderness, and cultural experience the Kanchenjunga Circuit offers is unlike any other trek in Nepal today.
If you have already done treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or even Annapurna Circuit, you will be amazed to see the remoteness of the Kanchenjunga Circuit. From day one of the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, you will find yourself surrounded by tranquility and remoteness.
As the trail continues and takes you deep into the region, the vegetation and surroundings get exotic and mystical. Locals are used to foreigners and are very welcoming.
You will trek through lush forested hills and high pastures. The Kanchenjunga Circuit terrain is offbeat. Many slopes are steep, which makes ascending and descending challenging. Likewise, you will also navigate glacier moraines and high mountain passes.
On the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, you will hike to the north and south base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga. We have designed our Kanchenjunga Circuit trek itinerary strategically to provide you with acclimatization breaks at ideal spots.
Our expert team handles all logistics for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, allowing you to trek freely. Similarly, while trekking, you will be supported by a reliable and trustworthy guide and porter who ensures your safety and satisfaction.
Highlights
- Go on an adventurous journey around the third-highest mountain in the world
- Make memories that will stay in your mind and heart forever
- A challenging trek in the Himalayas, perfect for experienced trekkers
- Explore the city of temples, Kathmandu
- Enjoy beautiful scenery and mountain vistas
- Walk through lush valleys and ascend to glacial valleys
- Experience different climatic zones and explore diverse vegetation
- Spend nights in remote villages
- See life in one of the remotest, untouched areas in the Himalayas
- Get to know the locals and see their lifestyle
- Cross two high mountain passes
- Explore the north and south base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga
Mountains and scenery you will see during the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek
You will see many mountains and peaks during the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek 21 days. Some of them are Mt. Kambachen (7,902 m), Mt. Jannu (7,710 m), Mt. Kabry, Twin Peaks (7,350 m), Tent Peak (5,670 m), Jongsong (7,483 m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), etc.
If you are wondering whether you can see Mount Everest or not during the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, unfortunately, you can't. However, if the weather is crystal clear, you can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, and Mt Lhotse from Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp).
During the first few days of the trek, you will witness beautiful, lush valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. As the trail enters the alpine zone, you will see lovely pastures that soon change to glacial valleys and towering snowy mountains.
Similarly, you will get to see many gorgeous sunrises and sunsets throughout the trip. The landscapes from the top of the mountain passes are exceptionally outstanding.
What to expect during the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek 21 days?
For an authentic Himalayan experience and an adventurous voyage, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is best. This trek is for experienced trekkers with good fitness.
If you have done the moderate treks in Nepal and are looking for a challenging venture, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is perfect for you.
From 1,820 meters (5,971 ft) to 5,143 meters (16,873ft), you will explore diverse climatic zones, vegetation, and environments. Every day has something special to offer.
As the region gets remote, the scenery gets better. The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is definitely not for everyone. You need to be determined and ready to push your limits for this trek.
Flora and fauna:
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek route is inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. It is home to numerous flora and fauna. The trek is spread over diverse altitudes, so you will come across different types of plants and flowers.
Likewise, the Kanchenjunga region is also home to rare wildlife such as the red panda, snow leopard, Asian black bear, etc. You have to be lucky to spot any of these animals as they are not usually seen near human trails.
Cultural experiences:
Although the Kanchenjunga region is not connected to the rest of Nepal, the cultural roots here have evolved in their own way. This region is home to Brahmin, Chhetri, Rai, and Limbu.
As you go higher, you will meet Sherpa and Tibetan refugee communities. Buddhism remains the major religion followed by the locals in the Kanchenjunga region.
You will see monasteries, stupas, chortens, and prayer flags throughout the trail. These religious symbols complete the landscapes.
Locals are friendly. They don't have much to offer in this remote part of the Himalayas, but they never hesitate to share what is available.
Overnight stays in simple teahouses:
The accommodation and services for trekkers are very limited on the Kanchenjunga Circuit route. You will spend nights in very simple teahouses that offer twin-shared rooms and common washrooms.
The rooms are small, usually with one window and two beds. Likewise, a hot shower and charging come at an extra cost.
Trekkers are recommended to pack everything that may be needed during the trek, including snacks, spare batteries, soap, toilet paper, etc.
Simple food:
Food options are limited on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek route. You will have better mela options in villages at a lower altitude. However, at upper altitudes, food options are fewer.
You will mostly have dal bhat, thukpa, Tibetan bread, momo, pasta, noodles, boiled potatoes, eggs, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, oats, pudding, pancake, etc.
Likewise, there are not many packaged snack options available, so we recommend that trekkers buy their snacks for the journey in Kathmandu.
Six hours of walking daily:
You may walk 6 hours a day during the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek. Some days are longer and require almost 8 to 9 hours of walking. Therefore, trekkers need to be in good shape and eat ample food daily to maintain their energy.
No network:
There is no network on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek route. We stay in touch with the group via satellite phone. We recommend trekkers to pre-inform their family about their trek schedule and prepare their minds to go off-grid.
Altitude consideration:
You will gain around 500 meters every day during the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek. Altitude sickness risk begins above 2,500 meters, and once you go above 3,000 meters, you will begin to feel the effects of high altitude.
Low oxygen levels will make trekking challenging. So, you have to acclimatize. For that, follow our acclimatization plan and altitude sickness preventive measures that we have shared in the Useful Information section.
The mountain passes:
On the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek 21 days, you will cross two mountain passes: Sinion La Pass (4,450 m/14,560 ft) and Sinelapche La Pass (4,830 m/15,846 ft). On top of that, you will cross both these passes on the same day (on the 15th day of the trek).
To reach Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, you have to cross both these passes. Crossing these passes on the same day will be very strenuous, but with patience, determination, and our guide's support, you will conquer them.
The north and south Kanchengunja base camps:
The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,143 m/16,873 ft) and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (4,730 m/15,518 ft) are two main highlights of the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek.
The north base camp is known as Pangpema, and the south base camp is known as Oktang in the Nepali language. The whole Kanchenjunga Circuit trek revolves around trekking to both of these base camps.
Kanchenjunga Circuit trek cost & booking
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is a very tempting option, especially if you are looking for something unique and extra in the Himalayas. But this adventurous trek comes at a cost of hard walking and spending time away from bustling cities.
If you are ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trekking expedition to Mount Kanchenjunga, then do not wait and book your Kanchenjunga Circuit trek 2026 trip early.
We have an early bird offer going for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek 2026. Our Kanchenjunga Circuit trek cost is already affordable. On top of that, you will receive a special discount that will make this trip even more valuable.
Feel free to contact us if you need any assistance or have questions about the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek package.
Why do the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek with Adventure Magic Treks?
You would like a professional and experienced person to handle the meticulous planning and preparation for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek. We, Adventure Magic Treks, excel in organizing offbeat treks such as the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
Our team has previously handled groups for the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, so they know what they are doing. Likewise, we also have a guide and a porter who are experienced on the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
Apart from a very experienced team, you will get the following benefits by doing the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek with us:
- Best Kanchenjunga Circuit trek cost and service
- A professional guide and porter
- Well-planned itinerary that is flexible to customize
- 24/7 support
- No hidden charges
- Complimentary airport pick up and drop off
- Free duffel bag and down jacket to use during the trek
- Trek certificate
