Kanchenjunga Treks

Overview of Kanchenjunga Extended Trek - 27 Days

Kanchenjunga At 8,586m, It is regarded as one of the most magnificent mountain massifs in the world. It is located in the extreme northeastern corner of Nepal, bordering Sikkim in India. It is the world's third tallest peak. Kanchenjunga circuit hiking is becoming increasingly popular due to its remoteness, off-the-beaten-path, and less touristy nature. Kanchenjunga is a comprehensive hiking path for those who have the time to hike in the Himalayas. It is a long journey to the Himalayas' most isolated and picturesque region.

Kanchenjunga means "five treasures of the great snow," referring to the five summits that comprise Kanchenjunga. Because this hike is less popular, you will be rewarded with a unique view into Nepali rural life, culture, and tradition. You will also be exposed to every environment Nepal offers, from hot rainforests to tangled glaciers. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking provides it all.

Highlights

Sightseeing in major historical sites of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan
A stunning 35-minute flight between Biratnagar to Suketar
A glimpse into the life of the “mountain people” living in the heart of the Himalayas.
Remarkable views of the Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountain peaks

Itinerary

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft)

Arrive at Kathmandu, Nepal's capital.
Transfer to your accommodation and relax.
If time allows, go through Kathmandu's lively streets.
Stay in Kathmandu for one night

Max. Altitude:1,300m
Accommodation:Hotel

Day 2:Trek Preparation Day

Obtain all essential permits for the expedition.
Meet your trekking guide and fellow trekkers.
Attend a trek briefing and make final preparations.
Stay in Kathmandu for one night.

Accommodation:Hotel
Meals:Breakfast

Day 3:Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar (81 m/266 ft).

Take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar.
Transfer to your accommodation in Biratnagar.
Rest and prepare for the next day's journey.
Stay the night in Biratnagar.

Max. Altitude:81 m
Accommodation:Hotel
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:Fly from Biratnagar to Suketar (2,420 m/7,938 ft) or drive from Phidim to Suketar (1,179 m/3,868 ft).

From Biratnagar, take a short domestic flight to Suketar (Taplejung).
If the flight is not available, you can drive from Phidim to Suketar.
Arrive in Suketar and begin your journey to Mitlung.
Stay at Mitlung for the night.

Max. Altitude:1,179 m
Accommodation:Hotel
Time:6-7hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:Suketar to Mitlung (921 m/3,021 ft)

Begin your trek from Suketar to Mitlung.
Descend via forests, terraced farms, and small communities.
Cross river suspension bridges.
Stay at Mitlung for the night.

Max. Altitude:921 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:4-5 hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:Mitlung to Chirwa (1,270 m/4,166 ft) 5-6 hrs

Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa on foot.
Pass through stunning scenery, cardamom fields, and riverbank pathways.
Interact with the surrounding community.
Stay at Chirwa for the night.

Max. Altitude:1,270 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:5-6 hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:Chirwa to Sukathum (1,576 m/5,169 ft)

Continue on your trek from Chirwa to Sukathum.
Cross suspension bridges as you go along the Tamor River.
Take in the scenery of waterfalls and lush flora.
Stay in Sukathum for the night.

Max. Altitude:1,576 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:5-6hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:Sukathum to Amjilosa (2,308 m/7,570 ft)

Trek from Sukathum to Amjilosa.
Ascend through lush woodlands and rhododendron groves.
Pass via the Tibetan settlement of Solima.
Stay the night in Amjilosa.

Max. Altitude:2,308 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6 to 7 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730 m/8,954 ft) 6-7 hrs

Continue your journey from Amjilosa to Gyabla.
Trek through bamboo forests and cross a suspension bridge.
Enjoy spectacular mountain views.
Stay the night at Gyabla.

Max. Altitude:2,730m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6-7 hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595 m/11,792 ft) 5-6 hrs

Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa.
Pass through lush forests, waterfalls, and grazing regions.
Ghunsa is a Sherpa settlement.
Stay the night in Ghunsa.

Max. Altitude:3,595 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:5-6 hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:Acclimatization day in Ghunsa

In Ghunsa, you may relax and acclimate.
Take short hikes around the village.
Visit the monastery and mingle with the people.
Stay the night in Ghunsa.

Accommodation:Teahouse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050 m/13,284 ft) 5-6 hrs

Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen.
Ascend via rocky terrain and moraines.
Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and glaciers.
Stay the night at Kambachen.

Max. Altitude:4,050 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:5 to 6 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:Kambachen Acclimatization Day

In Kambachen, you can rest and acclimate.
Take small hikes in the surrounding region.
Take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Stay at Kambachen for the night.

Accommodation:Teahouse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14:Lhonak to Kambachen (4,780 m/15,678 ft) 6-7 hrs

Continue on the trek from Kambachen to Lhonak.
Trek up Kanchenjunga Glacier.
View Kanchenjunga and other peaks up close.
Stay at Lhonak for the night.

Max. Altitude:4,780m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6-7 hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:Trek to Pangpema/Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5,388 m/17,673 ft)

Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema (North Base Camp of Kanchenjunga).
Explore the base camp and take in the breathtaking mountain views.
Return to Kambachen for the night.

Max. Altitude:5,388 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6 to 7 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16:Trek back to Kambachen (4,050 m/13,284 ft)

Trek back to Kambachen from Pangpema.
Ascend the Kanchenjunga Glacier.
Stay at Kambachen for the night.

Max. Altitude:4,050 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6 to 7 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17:Trek from Kambachen to Ghunsa (3,595 m/11,792 ft). 3-4 hrs

From Kambachen, descend to Ghunsa.
Follow the trail through the woods and over rugged terrain.
Stay at Ghunsa for the night.

Max. Altitude:3,595 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:3-4 hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18:Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290 m/14,071 ft) 6-7 hrs

Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le.
Ascend to the high mountain pass of Sele Le.
Set your camp near Sele Le for an overnight stay.

Max. Altitude:4,290 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6-7 hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19:Trek from Sele Le to Cheram

Descend the pass and into the rhododendron forests.
Take in the scenery.
Cheram is where you'll spend the night.

Max. Altitude:3870m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6 to 7 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20:Cheram to Ramche (4,580 m/15,022 ft) and back (4-5 hrs).

From Cheram to Ramche, take a trek.
Visit the breathtaking Yalung Glacier and Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.
Return to Cheram for the night.

Max. Altitude:4,580 m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:(4-5 hrs)
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21:Cheram to Tortong (2,995 m/9,824 ft)

From Cheram, descend to Tortong.
Travel through lovely forests and terraced farms.
Stay at Tortong for the night.

Max. Altitude:2,995m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:5 to 6 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22:Tortong to Yamphudin (2,080 m/6,822 ft)

Tortong to Yamphudin trek.
Descend via lovely villages and lush green meadows.
Interact with the surrounding community.
Stay at Yamphudin for the night.

Max. Altitude:2,080m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6-7hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23:Trek from Yamphudin to Yangpang (1,007 m/3,304 ft)

Trek from Yamphudin to Yangpang on foot.
Ascend through the woods and terraced farms.
Take in the panoramic splendor of the surroundings.
Stay at Yangpang for the night.

Max. Altitude:1,007m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:6-7hrs
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24:Yangpang to Thorpu (1,500 m/4,290 ft)

Trek from Yangpang to Thorpu on foot.
Ascend the Kabeli Khola River.
Travel through picturesque villages and farmlands.
Stay in Thorpu for the night.

Max. Altitude:1500m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:5 to 6 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25:Trek from Thorpu to Birtamod.

Thorpu to Birtamod trek.
Descend via farmlands and lowlands.
Arrive in Birtamod, which marks the end of the expedition.
Stay in Birtamod for the night.

Max. Altitude:300m
Accommodation:Teahouse
Time:5 to 6 hours
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26:Drive to Bhadrapur, then fly to Kathmandu.

From Birtamod to Bhadrapur, have a lovely journey.
Flights from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu are available.
Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel.
Stay in Kathmandu for the night.

Time:40 to 45 min

1. What is the Kanchenjunga Extended Trek?
The Kanchenjunga Extended Trek is a longer and more comprehensive version of the regular Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. It explores additional regions and offers a deeper immersion into the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Kanchenjunga area.

2. How does the Kanchenjunga Extended Trek differ from the base camp trek?
The Kanchenjunga Extended Trek extends the journey beyond the base camp, allowing trekkers to explore more remote areas and picturesque landscapes. It often includes side trips to hidden valleys, high passes, and traditional villages that aren't covered in the standard trek.

3. How many days does the Kanchenjunga Extended Trek typically take?
The duration of the Kanchenjunga Extended Trek can vary widely, usually ranging from 25 to 30 days. The extra days are allocated for exploring additional routes, side trips, and taking more time for acclimatization.

4. Are the permit requirements the same for the extended trek?
Yes, similar to the base camp trek, the Kanchenjunga Extended Trek also requires a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). These permits allow access to the extended regions as well.

5. Is the extended trek more challenging than the base camp trek?
Yes, the extended trek is generally more challenging due to its longer duration and the inclusion of more strenuous routes. Trekkers should have a higher level of physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience.

6. What are the additional highlights of the extended trek?
The extended trek offers trekkers the chance to explore hidden valleys, high mountain passes, and lesser-known villages. It provides a more immersive experience of the region's rich cultural diversity and unique landscapes.

7. Are there any specific preparations required for the extended trek?
Trekkers should prepare mentally and physically for the longer duration and more demanding nature of the extended trek. Adequate training, proper gear, and mental resilience are essential.

8. Is it recommended for all trekkers or only experienced ones?
The extended trek is better suited for experienced trekkers who are physically fit, have a good understanding of high-altitude trekking challenges, and are prepared for longer days of walking. Novice trekkers might find the extended duration and challenges overwhelming.