Kanchenjunga Circuit Short Trek

Early in the morning, you will take a 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur . Despite the short journey, you’ll get to see breathtaking views of the valley below. Additionally, you’ll be surrounded by stunning peaks covered with snow.

Highlights

• Short and scenic flight to Bhadrapur

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains during a 45-minute flight

Early in the morning you will drive to Taplejung, which is in Nepal’s far northeast, and borders both India in the East and Tibet in the North. This drive will take around 8-9 hours by a sharing jeep.

Providing stunning views of the countryside, terraced fields, and rolling hills can be seen outside your window. You’ll be pausing frequently so you can stretch your legs and have lunch. The extra time might be used to tour one of the several Buddhist gompas. The butter lamps at this location, which have been glowing continuously for 400 years, are one of the main draws. You’ll have a tranquil evening thanks to the soothing hum of prayer chants.

Highlights

• Stunning views of the countryside
• Buddhist gompas and the soothing hum of prayer chants
• Butter Lamps that have been glowing continuously for 400 years.

In the early morning you will be heading from Taplejung to Sekathum, which is around 40 km away, 5-6 hour drive. On your travels, you will come across curvy, narrow roads. As you go through several settlements, you will have your trekking permits checked at the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area checkpoint, Tapethok. You will finally arrive in Sekathum by riding down the Tamor Nadi, passing through numerous bridges and settlements. There are only a few tiny tea shops at Jaubari

Highlights

• During a drive, you come across curvy and narrow roads
• Tamor Nadi, Numerous bridges and settlements.

Today you will start your trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, where you will cross the Ghunsa River twice and climb to Amjilosa, which is the most difficult part of the day, through a series of magnificent suspension bridges and a very pleasant walk through rhododendron forests. It will take approximately 4-5 hours to reach Amjilasa, after ascending and descending hills and passing various small settlements.

 Highlights

• Cross the Ghunsa River twice, through a series of magnificent suspension bridges
• A pleasant walk through rhododendron forests.
• Yak pasturelands

In the morning leaving Amjilasa behind, today is relatively easy and involves only 4 hours of walking to Gyabla. You will start trekking uphill through the thickly forested area, passing numerous waterfalls and the scattered communities that were blissfully hidden away in the valley beneath the mountains. This area is thickly forested with mature oaks, bamboo, and dense rhododendron trees. While walking through the forest path, there is a slight possibility of having a glimpse of a red panda and other animals in the woods or high on the slopes. You can have a mesmerizing view of Mountains covered with snow as you continue your trekking along the trail. After walking for approximately 7 hours you will reach Gyabla village, where you will witness the traditional houses.

Gyaba is at 2730m which is 232m higher than Amjilas

Highlights

• Thickly forested area and numerous waterfalls
• Mature Oaks, Bamboo, and dense rhododendron forest
• Possibility of having a glimpse of a red panda
• Witness the traditional houses of the countryside

Early morning after breakfast you will start your trek approximately 5 hours to Ghunsa,  a beautiful village of Sherpa people after crossing the suspension bridge and passing through the pine forest.

Following the Ghunsa River, through a thin forest and a short ascent, which will lead to  Phole(Phale) village. This day you will steadily trek in the Phole(Phale), the Tibetan Village. The settlement is surrounded by yak pasture as the valley widens and you will gradually rise to the charming town of Ghunsa. You may come across Purang Jhoho, a valuable Buddha statue brought from Tibet, in a historic Buddhist monastery on the way to Ghunsa.Many travelers hold a belief that praying in that monastery will make their journey to the Himalayas successful.

 Highlights

• Crossing the suspension bridge and passing through the pine forest.
• Settlement is surrounded by yak pasture as the valley widens
• Purang Jhoho, a valuable Buddha statue brought from Tibet, in a historic Buddhist monastery
• Witness the traditional houses of the countryside

This is the crucial day of the trek as you will stop at Ghunsa, to rest up and acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the village on your own or take small hikes to higher elevations if you feel fit. We recommend you choose to walk around instead of taking the day off altogether. Walking around will also help in preparing your body for the rest of the trek.

The viewpoint west of Ghunsa, which is at roughly 4,000 m, can be reached by hiking from here. A wonderful aerial view of Ghunsa and Phole can be seen here, despite the 4- to 5-hour round trip.

Highlights

• Alpine landscapes with scenic views and interesting cultural sites
• Local Gompas
• Aerial view of Ghumsa and Phole

Early in the morning after breakfast, you are ready to get back on the trail to Kambachen, crossing some pine and rhododendron forest, the charming high-altitude, beautiful village, that previously served as the main trading route between Nepal and Tibet.

Even though the trail is not particularly difficult and only takes around 4-5 hours to complete, the higher altitude makes it more challenging and takes longer than hiking in the lower altitude. After walking for 4-5 hours you will be reaching Kambachen. During the Trek, you will pass a waterfall and the landslide region which will be a visual treat to take in the landscape’s pristine natural splendor.

Highlights

• Taking a walk through lush, floral fields
• Trekking amid forests of pine and rhododendron
• Stunning views of Mount Jannu

To avoid a windy afternoon you will start your trek early in the morning which will take roughly 4-5 hours. It will be slightly challenging as you will be trekking through the rugged fields along the riverbank. When you reach a waterfall, you can take a break and relish the freshwater flow. You will then cross a bridge that will take you to the Ramtang monastery where you will have an opportunity to witness amazing views of Kanchenjunga, Gimmigela Chulo, Ramtang, and so on.

You will go to Lhonak, the highest settlement in Kanchenjunga North Base Camp by passing through Dry Lake and along the side of the Kanchenjunga Glacier.

Highlights

• Passing through the yak pasture
• Can also spot blue sheep on the way
• Trekking in the rugged fields along the riverbank
• Upon reaching the waterfall, rest and enjoy the freshwater flow.
• Breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Gimmigela Chulo, Ramtang, and many more.
• Passing through Dry Lake and along the side of the Kanchenjunga Glacier

Today is the most awaited day of your trek as you will be in Pangpema or Mt. Kanchenjunga’s North Base Camp, the world’s third-highest mountain peak. Starting from Lonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp you will be able to witness Kanchenjunga’s main peak. The views of Jannu Himal, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and other peaks will reward you along the journey with their exquisite beauty.

You will spend a few hours at the base camp enjoying the mesmerizing  Himalayan views and prayer flags, before returning to Lhonak. While turning back, you will be walking against a breathtaking backdrop of the snowy peaks.

Highlights

• Trekking to the north base camp of Kanchenjunga
• Thrilling incline to make for an adventurous and rewarding trek
• Views of Jannu Himal and Mount Kanchenjunga are breathtaking.
• Breathtaking views of the summits Kanchenjunga, Wedge Peak, Tent Peak, and The Twins
• Familiar paths backtracking to descend

Following the same route you will start to descend to Ghunsa quite early in the morning. The route you take via Kambechen will be the one that is familiar to you. You will be protected from the heat by the shade of the forests as you walk for approximately 6-7 hours to reach Ghunsa. Relishing the panorama of the mountains, dense birch, pine, and rhododendron trees. Tongba, a locally brewed alcoholic beverage, is just one of the local specialties you can try while exploring the hamlet.

Highlights

• Retracing your steps while walking through beautiful yet well-known locations
• Walking through glorious birch, pine, and rhododendron forest.

Early this morning today, your journey will take you through dense rhododendron and pine forests where sometimes it’s covered with snow, along a track that locals in this area use daily.

To reach the Sele Le, you must use a trail that closely follows the south side of the slope. You will undoubtedly feel as though you have entered the heart of nature after doing this tour.

Highlights

• Walking along a track daily used by locals
• You will come across a chorten decorated with prayer flags

To reach Cheram (Tseram), you will have to cross three passes; Sinion La, Mirgin La Pass, and Sinelapcha Bhanjyang. You reach Sinion La after walking continuously for two hours, then continue down Mirgin La before crossing Sinelapche Bhanjyang, the highest of the three passes. Until the incline down to Cheram, the trial is up and down. The trail is rocky and will take six to seven hours

The views of Jannu, Makalu, the long ridge of Chamlang, and even a peak of Everest are as good as any that can be had from this location. Chhuchung Pokhari, a lovely lake, can be found below the last pass, Sinelapche Bhanjyang.

Highlights

• Crossing the three passes; Sinion La, Mirgin La and Sinelapcha Bhanjyang
• Makalu, the long ridge of Chamlang, and even a peak of Everest are as good as any that can be had from this location.
• Chhuchung Pokhari, a lovely lake, can be found below the last pass, Sinelapche Bhanjyang.

This day will be blissful as you will trek through the enchanted forest of pines and rhododendrons with a crystal clear stream and alpine grasslands while following the Yalung Glacier, which is surrounded by the peaks of Talung (7,349m), Kabru (7,338m), and Rathong (6,678m). After walking for 4-5 hours you will arrive in Ramche, which is the location of the final teahouse on the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek. Here you will be embraced by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and witness the mesmerizing sight of the evening sun spreading across the snow-capped peaks.

Highlights

• Walking through the beautiful forest of pines and rhododendrons with a crystal clear stream and alpine grasslands
• Splendid views of surrounding mountains
• Witness the mesmerizing sight of the evening sun spreading across the snow-capped peaks.

To get the best views of Mount Kanchenjunga’s southern part you will travel to Oktang (Okhordung) viewpoint. You will stay there for a while before making your way back to Ramche. It will take around 4 hours for the round trek.

Highlights

Magnificent views of the southern part of Mount Kanchenjunga

Today, you will follow the same route back to Cheram(Tseram) and then to Tortang which is also popularly known as  Torengthen. From Cheram, the trail descends on a gradual slope and encounters two trails at this point. Follow the way through the rhododendron forest which will take you approximately 6 hours to reach Tortang.

Today is the last day of the trek so early in the morning after breakfast, you will start your journey from Tortang to Hellok Khola Rani Pul . Near the Tamor River is a little community known as Ranipul. The shortcut track that has been created directly leads to Ranipul for the trekkers to skip the challenging descent to Yamphudin. Between Tortong and Ranipul, there is only one place to stop for lunch, and that is Yasan. It is advised to carry the packaged lunch since the lunch station is typically closed.

Highlights

• Long hikes through lush landscapes and small settlements

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will have an enjoyable drive through the quaint villages and terraced hills before arriving in Taplejung, where you will have lunch. Then continue driving to Illam after lunch.

Either you may relax and say farewell to the quaint towns and beautiful hills outside your window, or you can just open your camera roll and look through the photos to relive your journey. Even a few snow-capped summits will bid you farewell if the sky is clear.

Highlights

• A scenic drive from Ranipul to Illam.
• Bidding farewell to the green fields, the snow-capped mountains, and the ancient villages that vanish in the rearview mirror.

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Bhadrapur airport. The drive will be approximately 3 hours, you will visit the heart of the tea cultivation area for a while and enjoy the moment of driving through the tea Garden in Ilam and descending to the Jhapa district. You will have a 45–50 minute flight to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur Airport.

Eastern Nepal has a stunning highland town called Ilam. The hills of Ilam are known for their gorgeous and lush tea gardens, which are renowned for producing tea.

Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to the hotel. As you will have some leisure time you can explore Kathmandu on your own. In the evening we will have a get-together for a farewell dinner in one of the most authentic restaurants in Kathmandu and we would love to hear your feedback.

Highlights

• Visit Illam, which is renowned for producing tea with gorgeous and lush tea gardens.
• Get together and farewell Dinner