Overview of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a thrilling experience; its restricted and remote location with rugged terrain makes it challenging. This journey takes you from the north and south base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world's third-highest mountain, taking you to eastern Nepal near the border with Sikkim, India, offering an immersive experience through untouched landscapes and traditional communities.
Trekkers should be physically fit and experienced for this trek. It involves long days, high-altitude passes, and limited infrastructure that tests your limits throughout the trail. Yet the rewards are worth it: unspoiled alpine beauty, snow-covered mountains, deep valleys, waterfalls, and a rare glimpse into untouched mountain life.
Route Summary
The trek starts from Bhadrapur. You will take a drive through Ilam to Taplejung. From there, the trail takes you to Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, leading first to the South Base Camp at Oktang, where you witness stunning views of the Yalung Glacier and the south face of Kanchenjunga.
Next, you cross the high passes: Sinion La, Mirgin La, and Sele La. These are challenging but incredibly scenic, which takes you to the next destination, the North Base Camp at Pang Pema. This section rewards trekkers with close-up views of the towering north face of Kanchenjunga and surrounding giants like Jannu, Kambachen, and the Twins.
Note: Special permits and a guide are mandatory in this region for safety purposes. Due to its restricted status, remote location, and rugged terrain, the trek remains less frequented.
Necessary Permits for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Now, let’s learn about the necessary permits to start this adventurous Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Here, you will just need two permits— the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). Additionally, as per revised TIMS Provision effective from March 31, 2023, a TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card is required if you're taking on these specific routes according to the Nepal Tourism Board:
Kanchenjunga Base Camp via Sele La Pass Trek
Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Nango Pass Trek
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
You must acquire them as they are mandatory for all trekkers, except Nepali citizens, to ensure your safety. Also, it contributes to the conservation of the Langtang region.
Where can you get permits for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
You can get this permit for $20 for one week and $25 from next week for foreigners. You can pay for this permit in US dollars or the equivalent amount in Nepali currency. You have to go through a registered and licensed trekking agency to get this permit. Learn more about the permit here.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP)
With no time limit for the KCAP Permit, you can get it for NRP. 2000. For this permit, you can simply get it at the Kanchenjunga National Park checkpost during your Kanchenjunga Trek.
Required documents for trekking permits
You cannot just buy the permits! You need certain documents to obtain the necessary permits for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Valid passport with at least six months' validity. (with photocopies):
At least two recent passport-sized photos
Travel insurance policy
Itinerary report
Travel Insurance details
Key Highlights
Explore the routes that challenge you with the off-the-beaten path within the eastern Himalayas of Nepal.
Walk toward both the North and South Base Camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
A scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur.
Witness the breathtaking views of Yalung Glacier.
Challenge yourself with these extremely high passes, including Nango La (4,910m), which in return rewards you with epic views.
The trail covers everything from subtropical forests to alpine meadows.
Discover ancient monasteries, including Ramtang and Oktang
Capture panoramic views of surrounding peaks beside Kanchenjunga, including Jannu, Kabru, and Talung.
A trek that takes you through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and remote villages that tells you the tales and myths of mountaineering lore surrounding Kanchenjunga.
Major Stops in the Trekking Route
Pangpema (Kanchenjunga North Base Camp)
Imagine standing at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain. Yes, this is the stop where you will live this moment on your route to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp! At an altitude of 5,140m, you will be surrounded by ice, cold, and unusually peaceful silence with a perfect view of the looming north face of Kanchenjunga. Best advice: Do not miss the sunrise here! Otherwise, you will miss the glowing golden snow that is equally spiritual and raw!
Ramche (On the way to South Base Camp)
From Ramche at 4,580m, you will get a jaw-dropping view of the Yalung Glacier and also the south face of Kanchenjunga on your way to South Base Camp. Get that goosebump here, with the feeling of glacier creaking and groaning beneath the peaks and the feeling that only you can witness it!
Khambachen
At an altitude of 4,150m, Khambachen is surrounded by glaciers and walls of rock and Ice. Moreover, it is the gateway to Mt. Kumbhakarna (Mt. Jannu), which is yet another impressive peak in this region and in the world of the Himalayas.
If you are a photographer, you must not miss this wild and remote area that lies on the route of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
Want to know about the best trekking season for photographers? Here is a blog you could explore: Best Trekking Season in Nepal.
Jannu Viewpoint
It is one of the well-known acclimatization points in your trek to the Kanchenjunga Circuit. The viewpoint gives a breathtaking vista of Jannu Glacier, and Mt. Jaanu (7,710m), one of the difficult and beautiful peaks famous among mountaineers. The landscape is truly wild and dramatic with glacial rivers, snowcapped summits, rocky moraines, and a touch of cultural sites, including mani stones.
Best time for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The best time to trek the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is during any other treks: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November/early December).
Spring (March–May)
The day will have stable weather with warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall or snow (if any), making your trek relatively easier and fun! And what makes the trail more beautiful is the vibrant, blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery, including a few chances of spotting the Himalayan wildlife, such as the red panda.
Moreover, traveling in this season means you will also get to enjoy the color festival of Holi and Buddha Jayanti, adding more fun and cultural dimension to your trek.
Autumn (September–November/early December)
The season right after the monsoon offers clear and crisp mountain views and comfortable trekking temperatures ranging from 5–15°C at lower altitudes. Similar to spring, this season also has vibrant andlustful landscapes painted in the colors of autumn. As for the festivals, you will get to witness and participatein two major festivals of Nepal: Dashain and Tihar.
Avoid Monsoon and Winter
Monsoons bring heavy rain, leeches, muddy and slippery trails, and frequent landslides, making trekking hazardous and views unreliable.
As for winter, harsh cold, heavy snowfall, and closed high passes due to blockage by snow and even teahouses make trekking difficult and risky.
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