Straddling the border between Nepal and India, the world’s third-highest mountain sits in a region of spectacular beauty, and there are few mountains in the Himalayas with a more fascinating history. Kanchenjunga is known locally as the Five Treasures of Snow, and this name refers to the precious metals and Holy Scriptures which are believed to lie hidden within the mountain’s crags and folds. According to some folklorists, demons or rakshasa can even be found on its slopes. Once thought to be the highest mountain in the world, the peak of Kanchenjunga rises to a breathless height of 8,586 meters. Is it any wonder that it’s inspired such a rich tapestry of legend and history? One thing’s for certain: when you embark upon the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you’ll come face-to-face with a world of high adventure and stunning natural scenery.
Kanchenjunga has proven an irresistible lure to travelers for nearly two hundred years, and mountaineers have sought to reach its sacred summit since the early 19th century. But when you visit the foothills of the Kanchenjunga Himal today, you’ll still enjoy a more rugged and remote hiking experience than you might find on many of the most popular treks in Nepal. While the world’s third-highest mountain is a world-class trekking destination, it doesn’t quite draw the crowds of the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. In these far-flung reaches of the Himalayas, you’ll rarely encounter any other travelers on the trail. This offers an all-too-rare opportunity for serious reflection as you explore the forested valleys and frozen heights of these impossibly beautiful mountains. You’ll even be able to hike at your own pace under the expert guidance of the professionals from Iconic Himalaya Adventure.
So what can you expect to find along the way? The remote eastern Himalayas of Nepal are a region of unspoiled subtropical valleys where rivers tumble from frozen mountains, and your trek will climb from these forested lowlands into real alpine territory well above 5,000 meters in elevation. You’ll also encounter friendly locals with their own rich cultural traditions. The people of the Kanchenjunga Himal belong primarily to the Sherpa, Lepcha, Tamang, Limbu, and Rai ethnicities, and their customs are broadly influenced by the precepts of Tibetan Buddhism. Your experienced and licensed guide from Iconic Himalaya Adventure will help you to understand these traditions, adding a new dimension to your own expedition on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Highlights
- Set your sights on the third-highest mountain in the world: the mighty Kanchenjunga
- Visit both of Kanchenjunga’s base camps to see the mountain from two spectacular sides
- Climb to the breathtaking mountain pass of Sele La to enjoy remarkable mountain views
- Enjoy first-rate views of Pyramid Peak, Tent Peak, and other Himalayan giants
- Trek in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, abundant in flora & fauna in a restricted area of Nepal
- Be in awe at the unique sights of the rural Nepalese lifestyle and visit ancient monasteries along the trail
Route Overview
Trekking in Nepal consistently rewards intrepid travelers with grand mountain views and authentic cultural insights, but a Kanchenjunga trek is in a class of its own. This region is believed to hide a gateway into a secret beyul: a hidden valley wherein paradise can be found. You may or may not find this hidden valley during your trek in the Kanchenjunga Himal, but the persistence of this legend certainly accounts for the regard that locals hold for this part of the Himalayas. Accordingly, there are really only two approved treks in this sacred landscape, and both of them follow routes that must be followed according to government-issued permits.
The first of these Kanchenjunga treks brings hikers to the mountain’s northern base camp and is usually known as the Kanchenjunga North Trek. The second option approaches the southern base camp instead; as you can probably guess, it’s called the Kanchenjunga South Trek. Here at Iconic Himalaya Adventure, our own trekking itinerary was carefully crafted to deliver the best possible experience, and it combines both routes into one unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas. This trekking package starts and ends in Kathmandu, visits both of Kanchenjunga’s base camps, and even includes an excursion to the high-altitude mountain pass of Sele La. If you’re only going to embark upon one trek in the eastern Himalayas, our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is easy to recommend.
Major Attractions of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
When you go trekking in Nepal, you’re sure to discover stupendous mountain vistas where some of the tallest peaks on earth crowd the horizon. But when you embark on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you’ll also climb to the high-altitude mountain passes of Sele La, Sinion La, and Mirgin La—and the views from these vantage points are second to none. Of course, you’ll also get to visit both Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp on our three-week version of this epic trekking itinerary. And because the Kanchenjunga Himal is a unique region of Nepal that’s characterized by centuries of myth and legend, you’ll also have a rich and rewarding cultural experience in these mountains.
How difficult is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek?
Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a hiking itinerary that doesn’t require any specific mountaineering skills: you won’t be doing any rappelling, abseiling, or climbing on the trails of the Kanchenjunga Himal. This makes the trek accessible to anyone in reasonably good physical condition, but you’ll also be ascending to high elevations of approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, and it’s important to prepare accordingly. We recommend regular cardiovascular exercise in the weeks and months leading up to your trek in Nepal. Running, hiking, and swimming are great ways to build up the endurance that will see you safely through the Himalayas.
Most treks in Nepal also involve another consideration: altitude sickness. Also known as acute mountain sickness, this affliction can affect anyone traveling to high elevations. Stay hydrated, take your time hiking, and follow your guide’s advice in order to avoid the headaches and nausea that come along with ascending too rapidly into the mountains. While our treks are designed to minimize the risks of contracting altitude sickness, you might also consult with your doctor about obtaining prophylactic medication, such as acetazolamide.
Nutshell
- The trekking duration is 18 to 22 days from Kathmandu.
- The trek destination is located in the eastern part of Nepal.
- Starting from Sekathum and ending in Yamphudin.
- Kanchanjunga trekking walk distance is approximately 150 kilometers.
- The highest elevation of the trek is 5,143 meters.
- Trekking takes you to both base camps in an 18-day trek.
- Accommodation & Facilities: Guesthouses and lodges along the trek route.
- Food: Local cuisine and Western foods.
- Safety and Challenges: Risk of altitude sickness and physical challenges.
- Opportunities to experience the Limbu and Rai communities’ cultures.
- The best offer to meet the Himalayan soul and find yourself.
- A breathtaking vista of majestic Himalayas and a sunrise view in the morning.
- The path throughout green vegetation, forests, and landscapes.
- Require a special permit and a conservation area entry permit.
- A less crowded trek destination in Nepal.
- Home of wildlife animals, and rich in flora & fauna with the Kanchenjunga conservation area.
- Ensure travel insurance in case of an emergency.
- Take an accessible flight from Kathmandu and drive to the trek start point.
- Walking every day during the trek for 5 to 6 hours.
- The best session is from March to June and from September to November in the year.