Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Black Diamond at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. After check into the hotel, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Dinner

After breakfast, you will be taken to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu – Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhu and Boudhanath. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the medieval rulers of Nepal. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingam or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva and is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees. The Pashupatinath Temple is the largest Hindu temple and is considered to be the holiest of all Hindu Temples. However, Non Hindus are not allowed inside the Temple. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupatinath and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. Bouddhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist site in Kathmandu. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the “the self-existent” is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area.

Breakfast

Today we fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Jhapa of Easternmost Nepal, about 650 kilometers from Kathmandu. The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur takes about 50 minutes. From Bhadrapur Airport, it’s about 75 kilometers to Ilam, a 3:30 hour’s drive into the mountains. For the Westerners living in the megacities, the landscape of the Nepal Terai might look like coming straight out of The Jungle Book. Within a journey of 75 kilometers, we drive from flatland of Bhadrapur to the hills of Ilam. Ilam is also known as the Queen of Hills for it is fully covered by hills with temperate climate, low green hills and fertile lands. Overnight at Ilam.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we drive to Taplejung via Phidim. In case the Suketar Airport of Taplejung is operational, and if you wish to avoid driving journey to Taplejung, you can also opt for flying from Biratnagar to Suketar. However, because of the construction works going on at the Suketar Airport and due to its remoteness & weather conditions, flights to Suketar are closed this day. Therefore, we drive up to Suketar, our trek start point from Suketar.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start our trek with a downhill walk to Mitlung. Our route will pass through scenic pastures and small villages. On the way, we cross the Hungdewa Khola and the raging Tamur River.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek uphill for some time then descend to the village of Sinwa. Continue to Tawa and then another climb. Cross the suspension bridge at Thiwa. Thus, going uphill and downhill at the same time enjoying the great unfolding vistas. Thus we arrive at Chirwa, a small Limbu village with a few lodges, shops, and camping sites.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek uphill for some time then descend to the lush green vegetation below. Continue along the Tamur River until arrive at the Olangchung Gola, the entry point of the Kanchenjugha National Park. Thus we go uphill and downhill again before crossing the Ghunsa Khola. Ater crossing the suspension bridge, and another half an hour’s walk we arrive at our campsite of Sekathum.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is going to be a rather tough day. Cross the river and ascend the steep trail. Then descend again and cross the river again. Another climb from the gorge bottom. Pass by Solima. Desend again to the river level. The trail passes along the gorge, hence be careful while walking. Then following the uphill and downhill tricky trial, we conclude our today’s hectic journey at Amjilosa.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We hike upward river bank. Pass through the densely forest of mainly bamboo, fir and rhododendrons. Eventually reach a small stone house by the river. Then climb up again crossing a few small bridges. You will find that the river drops steeply with many waterfalls and pools. Enjoy the stunning company of the waterfalls. Another short uphill walk takes us to the Tibetan settlement of Gyabla.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We descend again down the river. The valley slowly opens up before we arrive at Phole. Another couple of hours take us to the famous Sherpa village of Ghunsa with hydroelectric plant. It’s also the place where more than 20 prominent conservationists met their tragic end in a Helicopter crash.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We spend this day for acclimatization. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We make a short hike towards the Lapsan La through lush green forest. Get by to Ghunsa by afternoon and relax.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank. Walk through the high land trees and vegetation. Cross the bridge at Rampuk Kharka. Continue past the waterfall. Cross the tricky and hazardous section of the landslide. After crossing the landslide, we start getting the views of Jannu. Thus, exploring the tackling the tricky mountain trail, we finally arrive at Kambachen.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we make another acclimatization day of the trek at Kangbachen. This is to accommodate all the members of the group in case if anyone is getting the high altitude symptoms. Relax, take a bath or explore the area. Explore the region to Nuphchu Khola Valley.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb through the rocky fields and boulders on the hillside along the river bank. Arrive at a waterfall. Cross the bridge to Ramtang. Cross some small landslides, before dropping down to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we trek along the edge of the glacier which is mostly gradual path on grassy trails. Be careful on some rockier sections and areas prone to landslides. Enjoy the views of the Chang Himal on your right. Arrive at Pangpema a flat grassy base camp. Climb higher a little to get the magnifiscent views of the Kangchenjuna North Face.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We retrace our path to Lhonak and continue down the valley to Ramtang. Enjoy the views of Kanchenjungha, Taple Shikhar,Gimmigela Chuli, Kirat Chuli among others. Since, we are descending; we can get to Kambachen by evening, which would also help to make a short trek tomorrow.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s essentially the reverse of our Day 12 trek. We descend to Ghunsa from Khambchen.

Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Today a steep trek upward from Ghunsa to Sele- Le. After getting the Ghunsa village, climb through the dense forest of moss, rhodedendron and juniper. Lunch at a suitable place.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day uphill trek on a hill. Enjoy the mesmerizing views Jannu Himal. It’s a strenuous day today, as we cross several passes. The passes we cross are: the Sinion La, the Mirgin La and the Sinelapche La. Enjoy the memerising views of the east Himalayas from these passes. Finally, make a steep descent to Tseram.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We ascend past the snout of the Yalung Glacier. After lunch explore the area by walking further up the valley or ascending a ridge above camp for even more tremendous views.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We follow the stream before climging on to the moraine top. Hold your breath as the magnifiscent south face of Kanchenjungha appears before you. Walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. In interested, you may also consider continuing to Oktang. Return back to Ramche.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If we stayed at Ramche yesterday, we get back to Tseram today. From Tseram, we descend mostly downhill to Torontan. Follow the trail along the Simbua Khola.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today descend further down to Yamphudin. Yamphudin is a village inhabited by different ethnic groups including Sherpas, Limbus, Rais and Gurungs.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We follow the Kabeli Khola. Cross the bridge over Kasshawa Khola beyond Mamankhe. Ascend through the cardamom forest, pass by a few villages. Descend further down to Anpan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Instead of going back to Taplejung, we descend down to Thorpu. By doing this we save our time, and at the same time we enjoy a more exotic journey. Arrive at Thorpu village, enjoy the hospitality of the villagers, discover and relax.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we drive to Birtamod from Thorpu. Birtamod is a lively Terai town of Eastern Nepal. Birtamod is just half an hour’s distance from Bhadrapur Airport from where we will fly to Kathmandu tomorrow. Since, there are a number good accommodation here, we stay overnight at Birtamod.

Breakfast

Early morning half an hour’s drive to Bhadrapur. From Bhadrapur we fly back to Kathmandu. Arriving Kathmandu, you can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel or if interested, visit to some nearby shops and venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking!

Breakfast

You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Our Company will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Breakfast