Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a representative from Wind Horse will be waiting to greet you and assist with transferring you to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Later in the evening, there will be a short briefing session, followed by a delightful dinner featuring a cultural performance at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (palace) squares in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is rich with its intricate wood carving and its history. You will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments.

Following the visit, you will drive to Boudanath Stupa. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and also a World Heritage Site. You will see thousands of pilgrims circumambulating the stupa, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries.

Afterward, you will proceed to Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati river and is one of the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal. In the evening, you can go for any last minute shopping for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From Bhadrapur, begin a scenic drive through lush green hills and rolling tea estates of Ilam, Nepal’s famous tea-producing region. After a relaxing break and local tea experience in Ilam, continue the drive through winding mountain roads, passing terraced fields and forested hills, to reach the hill town of Phungling, the administrative center of Taplejung district. Overnight in Phungling.

After breakfast, drive from Phungling to Sekathum, the starting point of the trek. The road is rugged and winding, taking you through scenic landscapes, cardamom plantations, and hillside settlements such as Mitlung, Chiruwa, and Tapethok. The drive follows the Tamor River valley, and you’ll see glimpses of waterfalls, suspension bridges, and narrow gorges. Arrive in Sekathum by late afternoon. Overnight in Sekathum.

Start your trek by crossing a suspension bridge over the Ghunsa Khola. The trail is narrow and undulating, weaving through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. You’ll cross multiple bridges and navigate several steep ascents along rocky trails. The final climb to Amjilosa is challenging but rewarding, offering views of remote, untouched nature. Overnight in Amjilosa.

Today’s trail continues through enchanting forests and narrow river valleys. The landscape begins to open up as you gain elevation. You’ll hear the rush of waterfalls and may spot Himalayan wildlife like langurs or musk deer. The trail climbs steadily to reach the beautiful village of Gyabla (also known as Kyapra), home to Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture. Overnight in Gyabla.

Descend briefly to the river before beginning a gradual climb through thick pine and rhododendron forests. You’ll pass several Mani walls and chortens as you approach the alpine zone. The trail opens up into yak pastures before reaching Ghunsa, the largest and most developed village in the region. Ghunsa has several teahouses, a health post, a school, and a small monastery. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Take a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. You can explore the village and interact with the hospitable Sherpa community. Visit the nearby monastery or take a short hike to a ridge or viewpoint above Ghunsa for acclimatization. This day helps prepare your body for the more strenuous days ahead. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Follow the trail along the left bank of the Ghunsa Khola. As you ascend, the forests thin out, giving way to alpine terrain with birch, juniper, and lichen-covered rocks. Pass waterfalls, yak herding camps, and landslide-prone areas with caution. Views of Jannu (Kumbhakarna) begin to emerge. Arrive in Khambachen, a small settlement with stone huts and stunning views of surrounding peaks. Overnight in Khambachen.

The trail climbs steadily through rocky terrain and glacial moraines, with panoramic views of Ramtang Peak and the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Pass through the seasonal yak herding outpost of Ramtang. After crossing a small bridge and climbing a terminal moraine, reach Lhonak, a remote windswept settlement with basic teahouses. The surrounding scenery is stark, wild, and breathtaking. Overnight in Lhonak.

Trek to Pangpema (5,065m), the North Base Camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. The trail follows the edge of the Kanchenjunga Glacier, gradually ascending over lateral moraines. Upon reaching Pangpema, you’ll be rewarded with majestic close-up views of the north face of Kanchenjunga and surrounding giants like Pyramid Peak and Twins. Spend time photographing and soaking in the panorama before trekking back to Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.

Retrace your steps from Lhonak back to Ghunsa, descending steadily through Khambachen. The return journey is easier, and you’ll have time to enjoy the changing views from a different perspective. Overnight in Ghunsa.

Leaving the main trail, take a steep ascent toward the Sele Le ridge. The trail passes through dense forest at first and then opens to alpine meadows with views of Jannu and Makalu. This is a less-trodden path with few settlements, making it a peaceful and secluded route. Overnight at Sele Le.

Today involves crossing several high passes—Mirgin La, Sinelapche La, and Sinion La—with panoramic views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Kanchenjunga. The trail is often snow-covered and exposed to wind. After crossing the passes, descend steeply into the lush Yalung Valley to reach Tseram. This is one of the most rewarding and scenic days of the trek. Overnight in Tseram.

Take a short, scenic hike to Ramche, which lies near the southern face of Kanchenjunga. The trail follows the Yalung Glacier and passes small stone huts used by yak herders. From Ramche, hike further up the valley to reach a viewpoint with jaw-dropping views of the south face of Kanchenjunga, Yalung Kang, and surrounding peaks. Return to Ramche for the night. Overnight in Ramche.

Begin your descent through the lush forested slopes of the Yalung Valley. The trail winds through rhododendron groves and crosses suspension bridges over glacial rivers. Torongten is a small settlement in a serene forested setting, ideal for an overnight rest. Overnight in Torongten.

The descent continues through dense forests, terraced farmlands, and Limbu and Sherpa villages. The trail is steep in sections and passes several landslide-prone areas. Yamphudin is a charming mixed-ethnic village with a few teahouses and welcoming locals. Overnight in Yamphudin.

Today’s trek descends into warmer climates and cultivated farmland. Pass through villages, paddy fields, cardamom plantations, and river valleys as you head toward Khebang. This is a more populated area where you can observe everyday rural life in eastern Nepal. Overnight in Khebang.

Embark on a long drive from Khebang to Bhadrapur, passing through mid-hill villages, winding roads, and finally descending into the subtropical plains of eastern Nepal. Enjoy your last glimpses of the mountains before reaching Bhadrapur. Overnight in Bhadrapur.

Catch a morning flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the comforts of the city after completing one of Nepal’s most remote and spectacular treks. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.