Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

What to Expect on Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?

1. Extended walking time: The walking time for most days is about 4-8 hours, and there are a few longer walking days.
2. Transforming landscapes: Stroll through the green forests, through the valleys, through the rocky paths and through the high mountain regions.
3. High altitude: Up to 5143m at Kanchenjunga Base Camp and 4730m at Oktang Base Camp.
4. Difficult areas: Cross through the Sele La Pass and walk through steep and rocky areas.
5. Stay in small mountain villages, enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
6. Day hikes: A number of day hikes are possible along the trek to offer views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks.
7. Stay in basic accommodations: Tea house, lodge, primarily on trekking route.
8. Acclimatization means taking a rest day in Ghunsa to acclimatise to the higher altitude.

The ideal times for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. Spring (March to May): Mild weather, clear mountain views and blooming rhododendrons make this a good time for trekking.
2. Fall (September - November): Clear skies, stable weather and good mountain visibility typically during this time.
3. Winter (December-February): snowy and rough trails at higher elevations.
4. Monsoon (June-August): Lower trails may be wet and muddy, and mountain views may be obscured by clouds. Trekking in Nepal during monsoon is possible but comes with added challenges.

Accommodation and Meals on Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. Dal Bhat: Rice, lentils and vegetables.
2. Tibetan bread or chapati.
3. Noodles and pasta.
4. Fried rice.
5. Soups.
6. Potatoes.
7. Eggs.
8. Porridge.
9. Tea and coffee.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking: Why is it Popular?

• Remote trekking experience: Explore one of the less-developed trekking areas of Nepal.
• Kanchenjunga views: Impressive views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest Mountain of the world and nearby peaks.
• Base Camp experience: Trek to both Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Oktang Base Camp.
• Try out challenging trails: high mountain trekking and crossing of the Sele La Pass.
• Visit traditional villages: Go through the mountain villages and taste the life of the villagers.
• Different landscapes: Stroll through forests, through valleys, through rivers and through rugged landscapes of mountains.
• Less crowded trails: Have a quieter trekking experience than popular treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Cultural Experience During the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. Traditional villages: Go through villages like Ghunsa, Tseram and Yamphudin.
2. Local communities: Get to know people of remote mountain regions of Kanchunjunga.
3. Traditional Life style: Visit the local communities to experience the lifestyle of the local people in a natural environment of Himalayas.
4. Local food: Have a basic local meal at a tea house and lodge.
5. Buddhist influence: Minister in some mountain villages the Buddhist cultural practices and prayer flags.
6. Experience the customs of traditions and way of life of communities along the trekking route.

Altitude and Acclimatisation on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. The route is done in a gradual manner, from the low-lying villages to higher regions.
2. The acclimatisation day: Military day where you take in a rest day so that your body can acclimate to the elevation.
3. High elevation parts: Overnight stays in Khambachen (4.050m), Lhonak (4.780m) etc.
4. Summit: Kharma Kanchenjunga Base Camp 5143m.
5. Drink plenty of water and get adequate rest on the trail.
6. Listen to your body: TELL YOUR GUIDE: If you have a headache, dizziness, unusual tiredness or other symptoms of altitude sickness.

Required Permits for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permission (KCAP): Permission needed to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
2. Restricted Area Trekking Permit: It is required for the designated restricted areas in Taplejung where walking is permitted. The present immigration fee for the mentioned areas of Taplejung is USD 20 per person/four weeks and USD 25 per week for the subsequent period.
3. Depending on the rules in effect on the trek and on the arrangement that is made by the trekking company, a TIMS card might be needed on the trek.

Travel Insurance for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. Trekking at high altitudes: Ensure that your policy includes the cost of trekking up to 5143m.
2. Emergency evacuation: Helicopter or other emergency evacuation should be included.
3. Medical treatment: Care in the event of a medical need on the trek.
4. Trip cancellation: Coverage for trip cancellations for a covered reason.
5. Travel delays: Assistance with unexpected delays while traveling.
6. Personal accident: Insurance that might be applicable to happenings during the trek.

Difficulty Level of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. Long walking days: You may walk for around 4–9 hours on different days.
2. High altitude: The hike goes above 5,000m so the atmosphere will be thinner at high altitudes and walking may be harder.
3. Extraordinary travel: Crossing Sele La Pass is a challenging part of the trek.
4. Roadless trails: Many trails are not close to any road and are poorly equipped.
5. Changing Terrain: Forest areas, steep paths, rock trails and high mountain areas.
6. Acclimatisation: On a rest day in Ghunsa, you allow your body to acclimise before heading upwards.
7. Physical preparation: Before this trek, walk for a regular amount of time, go for hikes and do cardio exercise to prepare for the long trekking days.

Why Trek with Nepalaya Treks?

1. Skilled team of trekkers: Go trekking with experienced team members.
2. Well-planned tourism programme: Given a touristic programme with enough time for acclimatisation.
3. Local knowledge: Hike in Kanchenjunga with a custom-made group, which knows its way around the trails and villages.
4. Safety assistance: Guidance and support at the trek (specially in the high altitudes).
5. Comfortable accommodation: Accommodation, meal arrangements with local people, transportation, necessary permits are arranged.
6. Personalised service: Support as per your needs and requirements of the trek.

Why Choose This Itinerary?

1. Holiday for the whole Kanchenjunga: Visit both Northern and Southern side of the area.
2. Good acclimatisation: Reserved a day at the acclimatisation stage in Ghunsa, before ascending the elevation.
3. Onward hikes: Hike up to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Octagon Base Camp.
4. High mountain passes: Cross Sele La Pass on the circuit as it passes high mountains.
5. Distanced villages: Visit and pass through traditional villages without crossing the mountains.
6. Balanced route: The route has high altitude areas and some gradual areas.
7. Scenic journey: See the forests, the valleys, the rivers and landscapes of the high Himalayas during the trek.

Safety on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

1. Ensure proper acclimatisation: Take a planned rest day in Ghunsa - give your body time to acclimate.
2. Avoid walking alone: Remain within your group and do not stray from this group from your guide, particularly when in remote areas.
3. Watch the weather: Conditions are best in the mountains and can change rapidly, pack for cold, rain and snow.
4. Proceed slowly: Be extra cautious going up, down, across steep, rocky, and slippery portions of the trail.
5. Get plenty of water: Take frequent breaks during hiking.
6. Be sure to watch for signs of "altitude sickness": If you get a severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, breathing issues or unusual weakness, let your guide know immediately.
7. Pack travel insurance: Be sure to have high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation insurance.
8. Follow your guide's advice: Your Guide's guidance can help you to make safe decisions about the trail, weather and your conditions.

Responsible Tourism

1. Take trash with them and dispose of it in an appropriate location.
2. Use an alternative to the investment of plastic bottles.
3. Adhere to local traditions, take care of villages, religious sites, and local people.
4. Take this as practice to stay in local, not just foreigners but local, lodges and ‘tea houses' and buy locally when possible.
5. Do not harm plants or animals or create waste in nature.
6. Do not waste water, food and electricity, particularly in villages far from the area.
7. Do your best to maintain the pristine condition of the mountains and trekking trails.

Group Size

1. Trekking small groups: Take an easier yet more challenging trek.
2. Guide Decision Making: If the bird is choosing between different trees/winds, let the guide know.
3. Adaptable pace: group will adjust pace as needed for trail and trekking conditions.
4. Private trek: The trek can be made available as a private tour for groups of one, two, families or friends.

Private Departure Available

1. Flexible dates: Set a departure date that will fit your itinerary.
2. Private group: Trek with your own family, friends or travel companions.
3. Custom pace: The hike can be timed to fit the sped and ability of your group.
4. Support from our guide and trekking team: They will support you on the trek.

Equipment Rental Information

1. Sleeping bags: Appropriate on colder nights at higher elevations.
2. Down jackets: Useful for keeping warm in cold mountain areas.
3. Use of trekking poles: Appropriate on steep, rocky and rough terrain.
4. Backpacks: There are various sizes to choose from based on requirements.
5. Headlamps: They are helpful in the early morning and in the dark.
6. Other trekking gear: Kit and accessories: basic trekking kit and accessories can also be purchased in Kathmandu.