Kanchenjunga South–North Circuit Trek

Duration 20 Days

Max Altitude 5,143m

Best Season March-May, Sep-Nov

Route Grade Extreme

Embark on one of the most remote, wild, and breathtaking trekking adventures in the Himalayas with the Kanchenjunga South–North Circuit Trek. Spanning 20 days of deep wilderness exploration, this journey takes you to the base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest mountain in the world. Situated in the far eastern corner of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga region remains pristine, untouched by the heavy commercialization seen in other parts of the Himalayas. The trek begins with a scenic flight and drive into the foothills of Taplejung, winding past terraced hillsides, cascading waterfalls, and deeply carved river valleys. As you ascend, the landscape transforms dramatically from lush subtropical rhododendron and pine forests into high-altitude alpine terrain dominated by towering snow-capped giants, including Mt. Jannu and the towering face of Kanchenjunga itself. Traversing the formidable Sele La Pass at 4,290 meters adds a thrilling mountaineering element to the journey, rewarding trekkers with sweeping panoramas of untouched peaks and sprawling glaciers like the Yalung Glacier. You will explore both the southern base camp at Oktang and the northern base camp at Pangpema, experiencing the unique blend of Nepali and Tibetan-influenced cultures in remote mountain settlements like Ghunsa and Yamphuding. This is a strenuous high-altitude expedition designed for seasoned trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude, raw natural beauty, and a true test of endurance. Supported by experienced local guides and porters from Sea to Summit Trekking, you will navigate remote trails while enjoying warm hospitality in local teahouses. Prepare to step off the beaten path and witness the pristine majesty of the eastern Himalayas.

TREK & ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Journey to both South (Oktang) and North (Pangpema) Base Camps of Kanchenjunga
Cross the challenging high-altitude Sele La Pass at 4,290 meters
Breathtaking close-up views of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and Mt. Jannu (7,710m)
Explore remote Tibetan-influenced mountain villages like Ghunsa and Yamphuding
Trek through untouched subtropical valleys, dense rhododendron forests, and dramatic alpine landscapes
Experience raw wilderness with fewer crowds compared to other popular Himalayan routes

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu — 1,350m / 4,429ft | Hotel transfer

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. In the evening, attend a comprehensive trek briefing with your guide and enjoy a traditional welcome dinner.

Day 2 Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Flight) and Drive to Taplejung — 1,820m / 5,971ft | 45 min flight, 8-9 hrs drive

Take a morning domestic flight to Bhadrapur (or direct to Taplejung if operational), followed by a scenic yet rugged drive through rural hillsides and winding roads to reach Taplejung for the night.

Day 3 Taplejung to Yamphuding by Jeep — 2,080m / 6,824ft | 6-7 hrs drive

Board a local jeep for a bumpy and scenic ride through rural villages, terraced agricultural hillsides, and lush subtropical valleys, eventually arriving at the trailhead settlement of Yamphuding.

Day 4 Yamphuding to Torongden — 2,995m / 9,826ft | 7-8 hrs trek (15 km)

Embark on your first full day of trekking. Follow forested trails alongside rushing rivers, navigating uphill sections and suspension bridges before arriving at Torongden.

Day 5 Torongden to Amjilosa / Amda Phedi — 3,500m / 11,482ft | 6-7 hrs trek (12 km)

Experience a steady, gradual climb through dense, enchanting rhododendron forests and quiet mountain ridgelines, bringing you deeper into the pristine wilderness up to Amda Phedi.

Day 6 Amda Phedi to Cheram — 3,870m / 12,696ft | 5-6 hrs trek (10 km)

The trail steadily gains altitude as it tracks alongside the Simbuwa Khola river. Be rewarded along the way with magnificent initial glimpses of Kabru and Rathong peaks before staying overnight in Cheram.

Day 7 Cheram to Oktang Base Camp and Chuchung Pokhari — 4,730m / 15,518ft | 7-8 hrs trek (14 km)

Hike up towards Oktang Base Camp for a breathtaking, close-up panorama of the massive Kanchenjunga South Face and the sprawling Yalung Glacier. Afterward, descend and continue onward to Chuchung Pokhari.

Day 8 Chuchung Pokhari across Sele La Pass to Sele Camp — 4,290m / 14,074ft | 6-7 hrs trek (12 km)

Tackle a challenging and high-altitude mountain day crossing the rugged Sele La Pass. Traverse steep rocky ridges under crisp mountain air before setting up camp at Sele Camp.

Day 9 Sele Camp to Ghunsa — 3,430m / 11,253ft | 6-7 hrs trek (12 km)

Descend from the high barren ridges down through fragrant juniper and rhododendron forests, eventually dropping into the charming, Tibetan-influenced mountain village of Ghunsa.

Day 10 Ghunsa to Khambachen — 4,050m / 13,287ft | 5-6 hrs trek (10 km)

Follow a scenic alpine trail carved through high valleys, offering spectacular, imposing views of Mt. Jannu (7,710m), one of the most striking technical peaks in the world.

Day 11 Khambachen to Lonak — 4,780m / 15,682ft | 5-6 hrs trek (10 km)

Wind your way through a wide, rocky alpine valley surrounded by towering peaks, massive glacial moraines, and visible ice rivers leading up to the high camp at Lonak.

Day 12 Lonak to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema) and Return to Lonak — 5,143m / 16,873ft | 7-8 hrs trek (14 km)

Reach the pinnacle of your trek at Pangpema (North Base Camp). Stand in awe before the dramatic, towering wall of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) before retracing your steps back down to Lonak.

Day 13 Lonak to Khambachen — 4,050m / 13,287ft | 5-6 hrs trek (10 km)

Begin the return leg of your journey, descending easily along familiar alpine trails back down the valley to the familiar teahouses of Khambachen.

Day 14 Khambachen to Ghunsa — 3,430m / 11,253ft | 5-6 hrs trek (10 km)

Continue retracing your footsteps downstream past towering rock faces and pine groves back into the cultural hub of Ghunsa.

Day 15 Ghunsa to Amche Lasha — 2,500m / 8,202ft | 6-7 hrs trek (12 km)

Descend steadily along the rushing waters of the Ghunsa Khola, passing through thickening pine forests and welcoming warmer, lower-altitude air.

Day 16 Amche Lasha to Sekathum — 1,500m / 4,921ft | 5-6 hrs trek (10 km)

Complete the northern circuit loop as the trail leads you down to Sekathum, marking the official end of the remote trekking paths.

Day 17 Sekathum to Taplejung by Jeep — 1,820m / 5,971ft | 4-5 hrs drive

Board a local jeep for a rough drive out of the river valleys back to the bustling hillside market town of Taplejung.

Day 18 Taplejung to Bhadrapur by Drive — 90m / 295ft | 8-9 hrs drive

Leave the rugged Himalayan foothills behind as you take a long, winding overland drive down to the warm flatlands of the Terai plains in Bhadrapur.

Day 19 Bhadrapur to Kathmandu by Flight — 1,350m / 4,429ft | 45 min flight

Catch a morning flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy a free afternoon for souvenir shopping or relaxing, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner with your trekking crew.

Day 20 Departure from Kathmandu — 1,350m / 4,429ft | Airport transfer

Your remarkable 20-day Kanchenjunga Circuit adventure concludes. A Sea to Summit representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Included in This Package

Comprehensive permits, crew, accommodation & logistical provisions

✓ Permits & Official Paperwork:

✓ Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Tapethok and Yamphudin/Tamphuding areas.

✓ Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) Entry Permit.

✓ All government taxes, VAT, and official documentation fees.

✓ Domestic Flights & Ground Transportation:

✓ Round-trip domestic flights (Kathmandu ⇄ Bhadrapur) including luggage allowance.

✓ Private/reserved 4WD Scorpio Jeep transfers (Bhadrapur ⇄ Taplejung / Sekathum / Ranipul trailheads).

✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu and Bhadrapur by private vehicle.

✓ Accommodation:

✓ 3/4-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing, breakfast included).

✓ Best available rustic teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the entire circuit (Ghunsa, Kambachen, Lhonak, Cheram, Tortong, etc.).

✓ Basic wilderness tent/camping gear setup if required at isolated high camps (e.g., Pangpema North Base Camp or high pass overnights).

✓ Meals During Trek:

✓ Full-board meals on trail (3 meals daily: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).

✓ Morning and evening hot tea/coffee.

✓ Purified/boiled drinking water provided daily.

✓ Trekking Staff & Crew:

✓ Government-licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide familiar with both North & South Base Camp routes.

✓ Strong local porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 22–25 kg).

✓ Assistant guide for groups of 6 or more trekkers.

✓ Staff Welfare & Logistics:

✓ Complete wages, meals, lodging, high-altitude gear, domestic flights, overland jeep transport, and comprehensive emergency medical/evacuation insurance for all guide and porter staff.

✓ Safety & Gear Rental:

✓ Comprehensive medical first-aid kit, blister kits, and emergency mountain medicines.

✓ Portable oxygen cylinder and daily twice-a-day pulse oximeter monitoring.

✓ Complimentary down jacket, -20°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, and waterproof duffel bag (rental basis, returned after the trek).

✓ Celebration:

✓ Traditional Nepali farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Excluded (Personal Expenses)

Personal expenses, optional equipment, insurance & extras

✕ Nepal tourist visa fees (minimum 30-day visa required).

✕ International flight tickets to and from Kathmandu.

✕ Mandatory personal high-altitude travel and medical insurance (must explicitly cover trekking up to 5,500 m and emergency helicopter search & rescue evacuation).

✕ Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except the farewell dinner).

✕ Personal gear and clothing (hiking boots, thermal base layers, personal toiletries).

✕ Teahouse amenities and extras where charged (hot bucket showers, solar/generator device charging, satellite Wi-Fi access).

✕ Personal beverages (bottled water, soft drinks, beer, alcoholic beverages, espresso coffees).

✕ Sightseeing monuments/temple entrance fees in Kathmandu.

✕ Tips and gratuities for the trekking guide, porters, and jeep drivers (standard tipping practice expected in remote expeditions).

✕ Any additional expenses incurred due to emergency evacuation, route deviations, roadblocks, flight delays/cancellations, or extreme weather conditions.

POLICIES & BOOKING CONDITIONS

Terms, Cancellation & Expedition Guidelines

Clear booking terms, cancellation policies, insurance prerequisites, and safety contingencies for Kanchenjunga South–North Circuit Trek.

Booking Confirmation & Cancellation Policy

1. Deposit & Advance: A non-refundable advance payment (default 50%) is required upon confirmation to secure required national park permits, TIMS cards, and domestic mountain flights (e.g., Lukla / Pokhara).
2. Cancellation 30+ Days Before Departure: 50% of the advance deposit is refundable, or 100% can be credited towards any alternative departure within 12 months.
3. Cancellation 15-30 Days Before Departure: 25% of the advance deposit is refundable; remaining 75% is retained to cover non-recoverable accommodation and flight deposits.
4. Cancellation Less Than 15 Days Before Departure: Advance payment is non-refundable due to committed guide/porter wages, permits, and airline ticketing policies.
5. Postponement & Force Majeure: If your trip is disrupted by severe weather, flight groundings, or natural events, 100% of your paid amount will be preserved and applied to rescheduled dates without penalty.
6. Trip Balance: The remaining balance is payable upon arrival in Kathmandu prior to trek departure via Cash (USD/EUR/GBP/NPR) or Credit Card (applicable 3.5% bank surcharge).

Mandatory Travel & High-Altitude Rescue Insurance

All participants embarking on Sea to Summit expeditions must hold a valid travel insurance policy that explicitly includes emergency medical expenses and high-altitude emergency helicopter evacuation up to the maximum altitude of this trip (5,143m). Evidence of insurance must be provided prior to departure from Kathmandu.

Physical Fitness & Medical Considerations

High-altitude trekking in the Himalayas requires sound physical condition and good cardiovascular health. We recommend prior aerobic training (hiking, jogging, cycling). Please disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or prescription medications to our team prior to departure.

Himalayan Weather & Itinerary Contingencies

Mountain flights (especially Lukla, Jomsom, and remote airfields) and trail conditions are subject to localized weather patterns. While our itineraries include buffer time, our certified expedition leaders maintain full discretion to adjust route sectors if safety demands it.

Transparent Himalayan Operations: We operate with complete clarity and no hidden fees. If you require custom dates, special payment schedules, or personalized altitude advice, our operations team in Thamel, Kathmandu is at your service. Contact our team or chat with us on WhatsApp.