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Short Kangchenjunga Trek (Circuit)
ALL MEALS ON TREK INCLUDED
Duration
Grade
Max Altitude
Walking Days
Accommodation
Trip Overview
An atmospheric short Kangchenjunga trek treks through valleys and over passes in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area.
This Kangchenjunga short trek follows a part of the route to Kangchenjunga North Base Camp (Pang Pema), heading up the valley to the Tibetan-influenced mountain village of Ghunsa before heading over high, remote mountain passes and down to exit via the valley system that would ultimately lead to Kangchenjunga South Base Camp. Effectively, the route is a "horseshoe circuit," and along the way, as well as authentic, tiny villages, there is a real sense of being off the beaten track, as the relative inaccessibility of the Kangchenjunga region means far, far fewer people come and trek here compared to the likes of the Everest and Annapurna regions. The need for a special permit and a lack of accommodation were another reason why the "trekking hordes" were kept at bay. Although nowadays there are thankfully a handful of basic, simple lodges for trekkers to stay in, a special permit is still required, and the challenging travel just to get to the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area still remains. But, for the adventurous trekker, the rewards are immense, not least the pleasure of trekking through the landscapes that lie close to the Kangchenjunga Massif and the world's third-highest peak. The remote high mountain ramparts boast a healthy snow leopard population, and that means other Himalayan wildlife too. Himalayan botanists have long held the Kangchenjunga region in high regard, too. As well as unspoilt river valleys, the very challenging two days where you head deep into a mountain wilderness and must negotiate the Sinion La (4670m), the Mirgin La (4690 m), and the Sinelapcha La (4730m) reveal impressive mountain views, including stunning Najju (7771m), distant Everest's lesser-known Kangshung face, and Makalu too. This may be a short Kangchenjunga trek, but it is better suited to experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness. Don’t forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.
Of course, for the best, close-up views of Kangchenjunga, our Kangchenjunga Base Camp - North & South Trek does just that.
An atmospheric short Kangchenjunga trek treks through valleys and over passes in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area.
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This Kangchenjunga short trek follows a part of the route to Kangchenjunga North Base Camp (Pang Pema), heading up the valley to the Tibetan-influenced mountain village of Ghunsa before heading over high, remote mountain passes and down to exit via the valley system that would ultimately lead to Kangchenjunga South Base Camp. Effectively, the route is a "horseshoe circuit," and along the way, as well as authentic, tiny villages, there is a real sense of being off the beaten track, as the relative inaccessibility of the Kangchenjunga region means far, far fewer people come and trek here compared to the likes of the Everest and Annapurna regions. The need for a special permit and a lack of accommodation were another reason why the "trekking hordes" were kept at bay. Although nowadays there are thankfully a handful of basic, simple lodges for trekkers to stay in, a special permit is still required, and the challenging travel just to get to the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area still remains. But, for the adventurous trekker, the rewards are immense, not least the pleasure of trekking through the landscapes that lie close to the Kangchenjunga Massif and the world's third-highest peak. The remote high mountain ramparts boast a healthy snow leopard population, and that means other Himalayan wildlife too. Himalayan botanists have long held the Kangchenjunga region in high regard, too. As well as unspoilt river valleys, the very challenging two days where you head deep into a mountain wilderness and must negotiate the Sinion La (4670m), the Mirgin La (4690 m), and the Sinelapcha La (4730m) reveal impressive mountain views, including stunning Najju (7771m), distant Everest's lesser-known Kangshung face, and Makalu too. This may be a short Kangchenjunga trek, but it is better suited to experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness. Don’t forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.
Of course, for the best, close-up views of Kangchenjunga, our Kangchenjunga Base Camp - North & South Trek does just that.
Example Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Kathmandu
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Day 2Kathmandu to Ilam
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Day 3Drive to Sekathum
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Day 4Trek to Amjilosa
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Day 5Up down and up to Gyabla
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Day 6Trek to Ghunsa
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Day 7Acclimatisation Day at Ghunsa
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Day 8To Sele La Base Camp
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Day 9High Passes to Cheram
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Day 10Down to Tortong
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Day 11Trek to Yamphudin
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Day 12Drive to Phidim
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Day 13Drive to Ilam
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Day 14Fly to Kathmandu
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Day 15Depart Nepal
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DAY
1Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere. Please note that a special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.
DAY 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere. Please note that a special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on Nepali Public holidays. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.
DAY
2Kathmandu to Ilam
Kangchenjunga lies in the far east of Nepal, and getting here has never been easy. A combination of this difficulty in access and very challenging trekking at high altitudes does, however, keep the Kangchenjunga trekking trails limited to the dedicated trekker only. As mentioned in Day 1 above, a special permit is required to visit Kangchenjunga, and this example itinerary assumes, for the purpose of illustration only, that you arrived early enough yesterday for us to obtain your permit. Otherwise, you will need at least one additional night in Kathmandu, as no permit means no trek.
If you are considering this short Kangchenjuga trek, then it’s best to contact us first, not only to determine the logistics of obtaining your permit but also the travel involved. It may be (for example) that a short flight to Taplejung airstrip (where the trek starts) may be possible in the future again (as it was in the past), but it is not practical to assume this in an example itinerary or take into account other potential changes to travel to such a remote part of Nepal. So, please get in touch with us first for the most up-to-date information.
Presently, the best way is to first fly to Bhadrapur, so a private transfer will take you to Kathmandu Airport to take this 50-minute flight to the lowlands of Nepal. From here, you’ll then travel around 3 hours in a private vehicle into the Himalayan foothills and the tea-growing region of Nepal, and overnight in the town of Ilam, surrounded by verdant, lush green hills.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 2
Kathmandu to Ilam
Kangchenjunga lies in the far east of Nepal, and getting here has never been easy. A combination of this difficulty in access and very challenging trekking at high altitudes does, however, keep the Kangchenjunga trekking trails limited to the dedicated trekker only. As mentioned in Day 1 above, a special permit is required to visit Kangchenjunga, and this example itinerary assumes, for the purpose of illustration only, that you arrived early enough yesterday for us to obtain your permit. Otherwise, you will need at least one additional night in Kathmandu, as no permit means no trek.
If you are considering this short Kangchenjuga trek, then it’s best to contact us first, not only to determine the logistics of obtaining your permit but also the travel involved. It may be (for example) that a short flight to Taplejung airstrip (where the trek starts) may be possible in the future again (as it was in the past), but it is not practical to assume this in an example itinerary or take into account other potential changes to travel to such a remote part of Nepal. So, please get in touch with us first for the most up-to-date information.
Presently, the best way is to first fly to Bhadrapur, so a private transfer will take you to Kathmandu Airport to take this 50-minute flight to the lowlands of Nepal. From here, you’ll then travel around 3 hours in a private vehicle into the Himalayan foothills and the tea-growing region of Nepal, and overnight in the town of Ilam, surrounded by verdant, lush green hills.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
3Drive to Sekathum
An “up and down and up” sort of drive in a private vehicle takes you ever closer to the mountains, with the odd tantalising glimpse of Kangchenjunga and Jannu. An early start is necessary, as it takes around 5–6 hours to first reach the old trailhead at Taplejung/Suketar (2420m). However, a very rough and ready jeep road extends further into the Kangchenjunga region now, and although it’s very bumpy and uncomfortable, it is possible to start the trek at Sekathum (1700m). From Ilam, it takes around 9–10 hours in total to reach Sekathum. Here in the Kangchenjunga region, things are much simpler than those in the likes of the Annapurna and Everest regions, providing just the very bare minimum of creature comforts and in very limited supply. The higher and more remote you get, the more basic the lodges get, and washing and toilet facilities (invariably shared) can be very rudimentary. Private rooms may not be available.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Sekathum
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY 3
Drive to Sekathum
An “up and down and up” sort of drive in a private vehicle takes you ever closer to the mountains, with the odd tantalising glimpse of Kangchenjunga and Jannu. An early start is necessary, as it takes around 5–6 hours to first reach the old trailhead at Taplejung/Suketar (2420m). However, a very rough and ready jeep road extends further into the Kangchenjunga region now, and although it’s very bumpy and uncomfortable, it is possible to start the trek at Sekathum (1700m). From Ilam, it takes around 9–10 hours in total to reach Sekathum. Here in the Kangchenjunga region, things are much simpler than those in the likes of the Annapurna and Everest regions, providing just the very bare minimum of creature comforts and in very limited supply. The higher and more remote you get, the more basic the lodges get, and washing and toilet facilities (invariably shared) can be very rudimentary. Private rooms may not be available.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Sekathum
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY
4Trek to Amjilosa
The trek begins in earnest and follows an up-valley route that would ultimately lead to Kangchenjunga North Base Camp at Pang Pema. Crossing the Ghunsa Khola by way of a suspension bridge, you climb up an increasingly steep and narrow trail heading up through dense forest. Passing a rather dramatic gorge, you continue to climb ever higher on a switchback trail up to Amjilosa (2510m). Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Amjilosa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 4
Trek to Amjilosa
The trek begins in earnest and follows an up-valley route that would ultimately lead to Kangchenjunga North Base Camp at Pang Pema. Crossing the Ghunsa Khola by way of a suspension bridge, you climb up an increasingly steep and narrow trail heading up through dense forest. Passing a rather dramatic gorge, you continue to climb ever higher on a switchback trail up to Amjilosa (2510m). Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Amjilosa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
5Up down and up to Gyabla
A short climb through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests begins from Amjilosa. Reaching a ridge, you drop down to Thyanyani (2400m) and the Ghunsa Khola River. Following several up-and-down sections and after passing a large, impressive waterfall, there's a final steep climb to Gyabla (2730m). Walking time is approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Gyabla
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 5
Up down and up to Gyabla
A short climb through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests begins from Amjilosa. Reaching a ridge, you drop down to Thyanyani (2400m) and the Ghunsa Khola River. Following several up-and-down sections and after passing a large, impressive waterfall, there's a final steep climb to Gyabla (2730m). Walking time is approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Gyabla
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
6Trek to Ghunsa
As the valley starts to open out, today's walk begins with a relatively easy hike gradually ascending to Phole. From here, it’s up to Ghunsa (3595 m), and now that it's heading over 3000 m, the temperatures become noticeably cooler, especially at night. Ghunsa is an attractive Tibetan mountain village, and as well as a couple of shops, carpet weaving, and gompas, there’s also a small Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office here. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 6
Trek to Ghunsa
As the valley starts to open out, today's walk begins with a relatively easy hike gradually ascending to Phole. From here, it’s up to Ghunsa (3595 m), and now that it's heading over 3000 m, the temperatures become noticeably cooler, especially at night. Ghunsa is an attractive Tibetan mountain village, and as well as a couple of shops, carpet weaving, and gompas, there’s also a small Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office here. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
7Acclimatisation Day at Ghunsa
At just over 3500 m, it’s absolutely essential to have an acclimatisation day. To aid the acclimatisation process, the “climb high, sleep low” principle really helps. Tomorrow you will head to an overnight at over 4000 m, and from Ghunsa your guide will take you on a walk (there are a couple of options) to help your body acclimatise. As the next two full trekking days are the most challenging and crossing the high passes is the "crux" of this Kangchenjunga short trek, the risks of not letting your body adapt to these higher altitudes could have serious consequences.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 7
Acclimatisation Day at Ghunsa
At just over 3500 m, it’s absolutely essential to have an acclimatisation day. To aid the acclimatisation process, the “climb high, sleep low” principle really helps. Tomorrow you will head to an overnight at over 4000 m, and from Ghunsa your guide will take you on a walk (there are a couple of options) to help your body acclimatise. As the next two full trekking days are the most challenging and crossing the high passes is the "crux" of this Kangchenjunga short trek, the risks of not letting your body adapt to these higher altitudes could have serious consequences.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge - Ghunsa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
8To Sele La Base Camp
Today and tomorrow are both the toughest and wildest days of this short Kangchenjunga trek. Leaving Ghunsa, it’s a very steep ascent as you climb up through forest on a rough and rocky trail, to then ascend further over the Sela La and onto Sele La Base Camp (4290m), which is around a further 30 minutes of walking. There are a couple of simple wooden lodges and a small lake here, but there are also views of distant Makalu! Walking time is approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Sele La Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 8
To Sele La Base Camp
Today and tomorrow are both the toughest and wildest days of this short Kangchenjunga trek. Leaving Ghunsa, it’s a very steep ascent as you climb up through forest on a rough and rocky trail, to then ascend further over the Sela La and onto Sele La Base Camp (4290m), which is around a further 30 minutes of walking. There are a couple of simple wooden lodges and a small lake here, but there are also views of distant Makalu! Walking time is approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Sele La Base Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
9High Passes to Cheram
It was probably the most challenging day, but also a real highlight as far as extensive views go. Jannu is particularly impressive, but with luck, you might see the Kangshung face of Everest and Makalu too on the far horizon. There is, however, no small matter of some high passes to cross. The Sinion La (4670m), the Mirgin La (4690 m), and the Sinelapcha La (4730m), so expect some steep climbs and descents on rough, narrow trails before a final (again steep) long descent of around 1000m down to Cheram (3910m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Cheram
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 9
High Passes to Cheram
It was probably the most challenging day, but also a real highlight as far as extensive views go. Jannu is particularly impressive, but with luck, you might see the Kangshung face of Everest and Makalu too on the far horizon. There is, however, no small matter of some high passes to cross. The Sinion La (4670m), the Mirgin La (4690 m), and the Sinelapcha La (4730m), so expect some steep climbs and descents on rough, narrow trails before a final (again steep) long descent of around 1000m down to Cheram (3910m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Cheram
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
10Down to Tortong
As you head to Tortong (2995 m), you're now in the valley that leads up to Kangchenjunga South Base Camp, although you're actually heading down the valley. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tortong
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 10
Down to Tortong
As you head to Tortong (2995 m), you're now in the valley that leads up to Kangchenjunga South Base Camp, although you're actually heading down the valley. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tortong
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
11Trek to Yamphudin
There’s a good three hours to descend around 1000m before you have to climb steeply up to Lamite Bhanjyang, passing a large landslide area en route. From here, you drop down sharply to the Imja Khola, then contour the hillsides before finally descending to Yamphudin (1700m) and the end of the trek. This village has a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung, and it should also be starting to feel warm once more. The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office is also based here. Walking time: approx. 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Yamphudin
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 11
Trek to Yamphudin
There’s a good three hours to descend around 1000m before you have to climb steeply up to Lamite Bhanjyang, passing a large landslide area en route. From here, you drop down sharply to the Imja Khola, then contour the hillsides before finally descending to Yamphudin (1700m) and the end of the trek. This village has a mixed community of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung, and it should also be starting to feel warm once more. The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area office is also based here. Walking time: approx. 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Yamphudin
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
12Drive to Phidim
A recently constructed “rough and ready” jeep road now extends as far as Yamphudin, so today will be a rather bumpy drive in a locally chartered 4WD vehicle to Phidim, which takes around 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Basic Lodge, Phidim
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 12
Drive to Phidim
A recently constructed “rough and ready” jeep road now extends as far as Yamphudin, so today will be a rather bumpy drive in a locally chartered 4WD vehicle to Phidim, which takes around 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Basic Lodge, Phidim
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
13Drive to Ilam
A longer day of unavoidable overland travel in a private vehicle, but thankfully not as rough road surface-wise as yesterday. Around 7-8 hours of driving get you to Ilam.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 13
Drive to Ilam
A longer day of unavoidable overland travel in a private vehicle, but thankfully not as rough road surface-wise as yesterday. Around 7-8 hours of driving get you to Ilam.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel, Ilam
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
14Fly to Kathmandu
A private transfer will take you overland to Bhadrapur Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. From Kathmandu Airport, a private transfer will take you to the KGH Hotel.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY 14
Fly to Kathmandu
A private transfer will take you overland to Bhadrapur Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. From Kathmandu Airport, a private transfer will take you to the KGH Hotel.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY
15Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
DAY 15
Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
IMPORTANT
This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.
Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.
See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information
Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK
Price Guide
- $ US 2405 per person
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES
Restricted Area Permit: A special permit is required for this trek. The current cost of $US 40 per person is NOT INCLUDED in the above price guide. Extra days on trek may increase the cost of the permit and we will advise you of the permit cost applicable to your customised itinerary and indicate this to you separately. The permit cost will be charged in addition to the custom trip cost on your final balance invoice.
What's included
The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, all internal flights as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, Kangchenjunga National Park fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licenced.
Restricted Area Permit: In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted, so we are unable to arrange Restricted Area Permits in advance) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office in Kathmandu. Restricted area permits are issued for a minimum of two people only. However, a permit for a solo traveller can be obtained, provided the minimum two-person total cost is paid
Don't Forget
We can customise
all our trips.
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