The newly opened Kanchenjunga Circuit Tea House Trek takes you to the north and south base camps of the world’s third highest mountain, an ideal trek for trekkers.
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Trip Highlights
- One of the shortest treks for the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
- 3rd Highest Mountain in the World, Kanchenjunga 8,586 meters Elevation.
- Less frequently trekking Route by Trekkers.
- Newly developed Tea House trek in the Himalayas.
- A Part of Great Himalayan Trail.
- Home of rarely specious Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
- Amazing mountain scenery and Landscape.
- Unique Culture and Tradition of well Known Sherpas.
- Visit North & South Base Camp via Sele La Pass (4.240m)
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is located in the eastern part of Nepal, bordering Sikkim and Tibet, and the trail passes through the lap of Mount Kanchenjunga (the third highest mountain in the world) (8,586 m). Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the shortest form of tea house trek in Great Himalayas, it offers a variety of experiences from Nepal’s lowest point “Kechna Kawal” Jhapa at 58 meters to the amazing snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga Himal at 8,586 meters. The scenery, the miraculous glaciers, the calm glacial lakes, the unique culture and tradition of the High Lander Sherpas, and the rarely abundant red pandas and snow leopards.
Most of Nepal’s short trekking routes are crowded during peak tourist season due to the fact that all trekkers plan to trigger at the same time. And reaching the remote Himalayas requires an extra day of wilderness trekking. Ideally, every trekking offer is an escape from the day-to-day hustle and bustle and animal life and enjoyment of nature, and culture and refreshment from it. In this Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking, we at Nepal Mother House offer you a short beaten track tour of the Himalayas. Most of the day you have to walk a long camp compared to other common trekking itineraries. Hence, you should prepare well physically and mentally before this trek.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek starts from Taplejung after a short flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur/Viratnagar and reaches Taplejung on the same day of flight. On this trek, firstly, you will visit the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,388m) along the Tamor River, passing through Limbu villages; After turning right from the bank of the Gunsa River, passing through Mitlung, Sinwa, Chiruwa, Tapethok, Lelep, Sukathum, Sherpa villages and Botias Amjilosa, Gybla, Fale, Gunsa, Khambachen, Ramtang, Lonak live. Tibetan culture, tradition and Buddhist practice. While taking a rest to acclimatise at Khambachen, it would be best to hike up to Jannu Viewpoint (4,400m), from where you get a great view of several mountains; Ghabur Peak (6,044 m), Phile (6,645 m), Sobi Thongi (6,670 m), Mera Shikhar (6,364 m) including Kumbhakarna Himal. This is the place under the stone that bears witness to the profound peace of the Kirats. This is where Mahaguru Falgunanda meditated, he was born on November 11, 1885, in the village of Chukchinamba, Ilam District, and passed away on April 4, 1949, but his presence is still felt through his meditation. At this location. According to Venerable Mahan Guru Phalgunanda, this site has great spiritual significance for the Kiranti people, which is called the “Holy Site” (the shape of a man’s shoulder phaktanglung). Mount Kumbhakarna is shaped like a shoulder. It is believed that every Kirati person should visit this place at least once in his lifetime. Originally, the name of Kumbhakarna mountain comes from an interesting character in the Ramayana, he was one of Ravana’s demon brothers.
Sometimes people call Jannu also Kumbhakarna view as the view of Kumbhakarna from here is most important. Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is the Kanchenjunga glacier and many other mountain views are the additional attractions of this trek. Then return to Ghunsa for the next part of the trek Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Crossing Sele La Pass (4,290m) and visiting Yalung Base Camp (4,500m) known as Kanchenjunga South Base Camp via Cheram, Yalung Bara, Lapsang, Ramche. , Octa. South Base Camp is the best in terms of mountain views, and wonderful views from northwest to southeast; Boktoh (6,114 m), Nukla Lachung (6,810 m), Kumbhakarna (Jannu) (7,711 m), Kanbachen (7,802 m), Yalung Kang (8,505 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Kanchenjunga Central (8,482 m), Kanchenjunga (8,482 m) (8,476 m), Kabru I (7,412 m), Kabru II (7,339 m), Kabru III (7,338 m), Kabru IV (7,318 m), Rathong (6,682 m), Kokathang (6,148 m) and Khangla Khang (5,582 m). The trail descends through Cheram and Ramche to Tortong in a few days and takes a new route back to the starting point of the trek via Lelep/Hellok. Then drive to the most popular tea state of Elam for an overnight stay and fly back to Kathmandu the next morning to Bhadrapur.
Similarly, the Tamor Corridor Highway is almost ready for the Tibetan border at Olangchung Gola. After the completion of the highway, one can drive from Tamor Corridor by private jeep via Bhedetar for 9 to 10 hours. We stay overnight at Bhedetar in the hill station and return to Kathmandu from Biratnagar in the afternoon the next day. Then depart for your destination.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a recently opened teahouse trek in the Himalayas, so there are many basic accommodation facilities and food options available. In this Kanchenjunga Short Trekking Package, we at AlpineTrav Treks aim to access the remote mountains in the shortest possible time. Kanchenjunga Circuit Short Trekking can be done from a minimum of 17 days to over 4 weeks, depending on your holiday requirements and travel costs. We are happy to organize Kanchenjunga Tea House Treks all year round with local Sherpa guides and porters to promote sustainable eco-tourism and local empowerment with necessary licenses and paperwork. But March-April-May and September-October-November are the best time for this trek and recommended as previous experience or physical fitness at high altitude. Why not join us for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking for Local Empowerment?
Do I need physical fitness and preparations for Kanchenjunga trek?
The trek follows a rugged trail with several ascents and descents for several days in the high Himalayas. If you are not physically fit then climbing the high Himalayas can be difficult due to thin air and freezing cold. It is a good idea to include physical exercise before your hike, which will make your body strong and fit. As a result, it will help you reach your destination with less stress.
While walking for a multi-day trek in the Himalayas, you might be dealing with muscle aches, soreness, joint pain, and backache. This makes you very uncomfortable and can sometimes make you abandon your journey in the middle of the trail. Therefore, you need physical exercise before starting the journey. It would be best to book your trek at least a month in advance. Cardio exercises such as running, jogging, walking, long walks, cycling, stair climbing and swimming are best for exercise. You can carry a light bag with you and hike for a few hours every weekend to get used to it. Similarly, you can go to the gym and exercise can also be a good option to prepare for the trek. Don’t do too much in one day; Keep your body fit regularly every day.
In general, for an easy hike, you don’t need to be physically fit. But still, the former exercise is a good choice. Here, you are going to Kanchenjunga circuit trek, which is moderate to hard level, so you need good training to make your trip more comfortable and memorable.
Transportation for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a desert trek in the eastern part of Nepal. Paying in the lap of mother nature is becoming popular day by day among adventure lovers. Similarly, Taplejung Pathibhara Devi Temple is the most visited place in Nepal, where thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and abroad come daily. There are few options to reach Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek:
[I] Take a bus from Kathmandu to Taplejung
If you are looking for a budget trek, regular buses are available from the new bus park in Gongbu. A long bus ride to Taplejung via Prithvi Highway and Narayanghat, Hetaunda, Koshi Barrage, Itahari, Birtamod, Charali Jhapa, Ilam takes 20 to 23 hours.
[II] Kathmandu to Taplejung by Jeep
Bardibas is another option to reach Taplejung after completing the BP Koirala highway drive from Kathmandu to Sindhuli, it saves a lot of time and money, nowadays one can ride a jeep in 11 to 12 hours journey from Kathmandu to Taplejung. Take a short drive from Dharan to Taplejung through the Tamor Corridor.
[III] Fly to Kathmandu for Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung
For a comfortable journey there are regular flights from Kathmandu to Biratnagar or Tumlingtar or Bhadrapur and then to Taplejung via Ilam which takes 8 to 9 hours by bus or private jeep. This route is often used for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
[IV] Direct flight from Kathmandu to Suketar/Taplejung
Ground transport from Kathmandu to Taplajung is a long day and night journey, so it will not be suitable for you. Then there is another airport at Suketar which has 2/3 flights a week Kanchenjunga is the shortest route for the trek. As there are no daily flights, they only do charter flights apart from their schedule. Kathmandu-Taplejung-Taplejung-Kathmandu Sita Air flights will start every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 18th January 2023 (4th January 2079). Similarly, Nepal Airlines also fought in Suketar. The cost of the flight is Rs. 9,295 to 10,500 USD for domestic tourists and 212 USD for international tourists.
As there are various options to reach Taplejung, I would recommend you to complete the journey by begging for a 30 to 36 minute flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and a 5 to 6 hour private vehicle journey via Tamor Corridor via Dharan. Fly to Kathmandu via Yamfudin, Khebang (1910m), Hapukhola to Ilam and Bhadrapur for your destination.
Plan your trip at the best time
There are mainly two trekking seasons in Nepal; Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (September, October and November). Autumn is one of the best trekking seasons, the weather is perfect with pleasant temperatures and many festivals fall, especially Dashain and Tihar. Therefore, most trekkers trigger their plans at this time. Similarly, spring is the season where nature is full of red flowers and greenery everywhere. If you are looking for a variety of flora and flowers under the vast Himalayan range, spring is perfect. Most of the expeditions are conducted in spring season, you can also see some expedition groups at Kanchenjunga base camp.
Monsoon and winter are not good time for Kanchenjunga circuit trek. If you visit here in winter, it may be cold at high altitude and the road may be blocked due to heavy rains and landslides in monsoon. Still, if you want to give it a try this season, we’re here to support you.
Difficulty Level of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga is a wilderness trek with less frequented trails in the lap of the Himalayas. The trek can be completed in the shortest time in 17 days, and it can also be extended for 4 weeks. Trekkers feel tired in the middle of the journey as there is a lot of climbing and descending in the lower rivers, rocky hills and forests. So, you need to be mentally well prepared and physically fit before trekking. This is a moderate to strenuous hike; The trail goes through high passes, glaciers and rocky trails, so it is not easy. The trail often goes up and down in a single day hike. Some parts of the trail are very steep and risky with loose rocks. While you need to be careful while traversing landslide areas, glaciers, and narrow rock trails, our crew and experienced guides will also lead you along the best trail in an effort to minimize risk. Some days you have to walk for 8 to 9 hours crossing high altitude passes. You need to be physically fit and well prepared for the Kanchenjunga circuit trek.
Safety and Security in Kanchenjunga Sele La Pass Trek
Yak, mule and jopke (a cross between yak and cow) are the means of transport in the Himalayas. People use them to supply food and materials to hotels. 17 Days Kanchenjunga Sele La Pass Trek Trail passes through forests, mountains, rocks and glaciers and crosses suspension bridge, sometimes crossing a narrow trail with yak/mule and hiker traffic, you have to be careful while passing. They should stay in a safe area. Sometimes, people don’t mind taking photos in risky areas, you have to make sure there is enough space behind and no rocks. Do not go near animals like yaks, joes, cows and buffaloes; They can attack you anytime.
During peak trekking season, many trekkers and porters carry loads on their way. When meeting them on narrow surfaces and bridges; You have to make sure that the edge of the trail is a safe area and if you stand on the edge of the trail, there is a greater risk of them pushing into the rock. Similarly, carry important documents and belongings like passport, insurance policy, credit cards, camera, mobile phone and other valuables with you.
Can we make the Kanchenjunga circuit trek shorter than 17 days?
Definitely!! Taking enough time to wander around the Himalayas is a great way to explore hidden treasures. However if you are looking to visit both the south and north base camps of Kanchenjunga in a short time; Then this walk can be shortened. Kanchenjunga trek routes may vary, where do you want to go? And trekking depends on the starting point. From Taplejung, there is a northerly route to Sukathum, which is a 3-day trek. Kanchanjunga circuit trek is also shorter if you are flying direct from Kathmandu to Suketar and driving to Sukathum in 13 days. Similarly, it is possible to travel by jeep to Yamfudin, as it is a three-day trek from Taplajung, south of Kanchenjunga base camp, making your trek a 7-day Kanchenjunga short trek. During monsoons and rainy days, roads may become impassable due to landslides and flooding. Other times, usually we can get a jeep on the route but have to wait when the jeep is full, sometimes it may take an hour or two to pick up passengers. You can drive anytime as per the schedule if you are ready to bear some extra cost to make it private.
Similarly, at the end of the Kanchenjunga Selela Pass trek, you can return to Sukathum from Cheram and catch a jeep for Taplejung the next day. Despite the long trek through forests and secluded areas, it is a pleasant trekking day. As there is no facility of tea house, you have to take packed lunch on this day. Thus you can do Kanchenjunga trek in 13 days.
Why are we not flying directly to Suketar (Taplejung) instead of Kathmandu Bhadrapur?
You are fine! Sita Airlines and NA (Nepal Airlines) fly direct to Suketar (Taplejung) every morning at 8 AM. Flying into Taplejung’s Suketar Airport is a great way to avoid the long drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung and it cuts off a whole day for the Kanchenjunga circuit trek. However, we at AlpineTrav Treks aim to provide the best experience of Nepal. During this flight you will explore Nepal’s geographical diversity and lowlands with different cultures up to Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. You will visit Kechna Kalan, the lowest point in Jhapa at an altitude of 60 meters above sea level, en route to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,388 meters). Meanwhile, you will visit Nepal’s certified organic tea kingdom established in 1863, people living in different places and Nepal jeep driver experience.
Accommodation and tea house conditions on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The recently opened Kanchenjunga Tea House Padayatra is located in a remote area of the Himalayas, there are basic facilities available such as; Toilets, bathrooms, and accommodation. There are hotels with all facilities in Suketar and Gunsa, but the rest of the places have basic facilities. Except in some places, hot showers are provided in buckets. Lhonak is the last teahouse on the north side of Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Ramche on the South Base Camp has very basic accommodation and food available. Similarly, Cele La Pass at High Camp has two teahouses that can accommodate ten to fifteen trekkers. Trekkers visit Kanchenjunga to enjoy the natural beauty in solitude. So, already know about Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek accommodation conditions. Sometimes the needy will sleep in a room with local people and offer the local food they are eating.
What food is available in Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
On the Kanchenjunga base camp trek there are plenty of basic food items available due to the newly developed tea houses. Breakfast and dinner will be at the tea house where you are staying and lunch will take you on a walk. Most of the tea houses don’t even have a menu card, so they prepare Nepali food “Dal Bhat”, boiled and fried potatoes and roti. Tibetan cuisine, common continental dishes, and sometimes Indian can be offered in tea houses or lodges.
Best Places To Visit During Kanchenjunga Trek
Don’t miss the most popular view point that opens a window to the breathtaking view in the lap of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third highest mountain in the world. Generally, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, Kumbhakarna/Jannu View Point (4,400m), Selle La Pass, and South Base Camp are well known in Kanchenjunga Trek. However, there are some great views that are open to hikers.
Dromo Ri (6,000m) is one of the best views for the spectacular third highest mountain on earth. You don’t need any special permits for this approach, trekking permits can be visited, however, you need an expert guide or a local guide to explore the trail. It is located at Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, Dromo Ri Peak (6,855m), which takes 3 to 4 hours from Pangema without any great difficulty or technical gear. As there are no suitable tea houses for night stay in Pangpema, one has to stay in yak sheds or stay in tented camp. Otherwise, it is possible to start the trek from the last tea houses in Lhonak and climb the Dromori, which takes 2 to 3 hours more.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking Cost
The cost of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will affect what kind of services you want to avail; Like hiring a guide and porter, a porter for every single trekker, transportation, and how many days you want to trek. Generally, most treks hire a professional trekking guide and experience one porter for every two trekkers. Similarly, most trekkers prefer to fly to Suketar to Taplejung but sometimes the flight is not fixed due to Suketar weather. So it is advisable to fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung on the same day. Fares will be almost the same when flying to Taplejung from Suketar or Bhadrapur. Trekking permit fees also vary the travel expenses which often do not change. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary and its duration also affect the cost of the trip. The cost of the Kanchenjunga trek will vary between now and six months or next year. However, we at Nepal Mother House are happy to provide you with pre-trip bookings for next year 2023 or 2024, or for the upcoming Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October and November) 2023.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek- Packing Lists for Trekking Equipment
The Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek is an adventure trek on the off-the-beaten path in the east-north part of Nepal. Starting from Bhadrapur Udan at a height of 91 meters, this journey reaches Taplejung through the beautiful tea region of Eelam. and Kanchenjunga North BC (5,388m) and Yalung Base Camp/South Base Camp (4500m) Selle La Pass (4,240m) Kanchenjunga (Jhapa) lowest level 65m with varied scenery 8,586m above Kanchenjunga goes . During the 17 days trek you have the best experience of geographical diversity. For this trip also you need trekking gear like Everest base camp trek. However, the first day will be boiling hot in the begging of spring and autumn. To avoid the heat you need cheesecloth and cool cotton clothes. And when high the temperature will drop accordingly. Trekking gear is most important to make the trip successful. Without good trekking equipment, the trip may or may not be enjoyable. So, you must have chosen a good trekking gear for the trek. Sleeping bags and down jackets should be contained at a temperature of -5°C.
Most of the trekking gear can be bought at reasonable prices in Thamel. If you want to use it for another trip in the future, it would be better to buy it in your country or from a branded trekking gears company (North Face, Mountain Hard Wear, Sherpa Gears, Raiko, etc.).
If not, you can buy Nepali goods in Kathmandu. There are some trekking shops that also offer haring services.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (91m)-45 munities and drive to Taplajung by Local bus
Day 2: Drive Taplejung to Sukathum/Japantar
Day 3: Trek Sukathum to Amjilosa
Day 4: Trek Amjilosa to Gyabla
Day 5: Trek Gyabla to Ghunsa
Day 6: Trek Ghunsa to Khambachen
Day 7: Acclimatization or Explore Day at Khambachen – visit Jannu View Point, “Holi site” (Phoktanglung) of Kirati community.
Day 8: Trek Kambachen to Lhonak
Day 9: Day trip Lhonak to Pangpema (5,143m) / Kanchenjunga North BC (5388m) back to Lhonak
Day 10: Trek Lhonak to Ghunsa
Day 11: Trek Ghunsa to Sele La High Camp (4130m) via Sele La Pass (4,290m)
Day 12: Trek Sele La Camp to Cheram (3,870m) via Sinion La (4,440m), Mirgin La (4,480m) & Sinelapche Bhanjyang (4,646m)
Day 13: Trek Tseram & visit Yalung Glacier (4500m) via Oktang via Ramche (4620m), return to Ramche (4620m)
Day 14: Trek Ramche to Tortong
Day 15: Trek Tortong to Lelep (1650m) /Ranipul/Tamewa/Hellok (1530m) via Lapsetar
Day 16: Drive Ranipul to Kanyam, Ilam (1,627m) – 9 to 10 hours
Day 17: Drive Ilam to Bhadrapur (91m) – 2 ½ to 3 Hours and fly to Kathmandu – 35 to 40 minutes
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