Kangchenjunga Circuit Trek

Kanchenjunga straddles the border of western Nepal and the Indian region of Sikkim. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world at 8,586 meters. It was first climbed in 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band.

This trek is more remote than the common Annapurna or Everest treks. It starts and finishes in Kathmandu, from where we will fly and drive to the trailhead in Sekhathum. We begin trekking in deep gorges filled with raging rivers and rhododendrons. In the alpine we will trek below Kanchenjunga and Jannu which are among the biggest alpine walls in the world.

Joe is dying to visit this region before it gets onto traveler’s radar or is developed with roads. Let’s plan a trip!

2025 Private Trip (not open to public)

October 4-26, 2025 (23 days including travel days)
Oct 4, 2025 arrive in Kathmandu
Oct 26, 2025 leave Kathmandu

23-Day Itinerary

Day 1, Oct 4: Arrive in Kathmandu. Night at Hotel Shanker (4,265’ / 1,300m).

Day 2, Oct 5: Guided city sightseeing tour around Kathmandu including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Durbar Square. Night at Hotel Shanker (4,265’ / 1,300m).

Day 3, Oct 6: Fly 45 minutes from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Drive 2 hours to Ilam. Night at a teahouse in Ilam (4,300’ / 1,300m).

Day 4, Oct 7: Drive 5-6 hours by Jeep from Illam to Taplejung (6,000’ / 1,800m).

Day 5, Oct 8: Drive 6-7 hours from Taplejung to Sekathum (6,100’ / 1,600m).

Day 6, Oct 9: Trek 6-7 hours) from Sekathum to Amijilosa (7,600’ / 2,300m).

Day 7, Oct 10: Trek 7-8 hours from Amijilosa to Gyabla (8,850’ / 2,700m).

Day 8, Oct 11: Trek (7-8 hours) from Gyabla to the Tibetan village of Ghunsa (11,800’ / 3,400m).

Day 9, Oct 12: Acclimatize (rest and hike) at Ghunsa (11,800’ / 3,400m).

Day 10, Oct 13: Trek 7-8 hours from Ghunsa to Khambachen (13,300’ / 4,050m).

Day 11, Oct 14: Acclimatize in Khambachen with a day hike to Jannu Base Camp.

Day 12, Oct 15: Trek 3-4 hours from Khambachen to Lhonak (15,700’ / 4,800m).

Day 13, Oct 16: Day hike 6-7 hours to Pangpem Kangchenjunga North Base Camp (17,000’ / 5,200m) and back to Lhonak (15,700’ / 4,800m).

Day 14, Oct 17: Trek 7-8 hours from Lhonak to Ghunsa (11,800’ / 3,400m).

Day 15, Oct 18: Trek 7-8 hours from Ghunsa to Selele (13,550’ / 4,130m).

Day 16, Oct 19: Trek 7-8 hours from Selele, over Mirgrin La (14,700’ / 4,480m) to Tseram (12,800’ / 3,900m).

Day 17, Oct 20: Trek 7-8 hours from Tseram to Ramche (15,600’ / 4,600m). Optional (round trip 5 mile, +1,000’) afternoon hike to Oktang Kangchenjunga South Base Camp (15,100’ / 4,750m).

Day 18, Oct 21: Trek 6-7 hours from Ramche to Torongdin (9,850’/3,000m).

Day 19, Oct 22: Trek from Torongdin, cross the ridge at Lasiya Bhanijang (11,320’ / 3,450m) and descend to Yamphudin (5,500’ / 1,800m). 7-8 hours, 8 miles, +4,000 feet.

Day 20, Oct 23: Drive 6-7 hours from Yamphudin to a hotel in Ilam (4,300’ / 1,300m).

Day 21, Oct 24: Drive 2 hours from Ilam to Bhadrapur and fly 45 minutes back to Kathmandu and stay at Hotel Shanker (4,265’ / 1,300m).

Day 22, Oct 25: Contingency day for relaxing, shopping, and packing. Stay at Hotel Shanker (4,265’ / 1,300m).

Day 23, Oct 26: Leave Kathmandu for home.

Regional Map

Trek Map

Daily Elevations

23-Day Itinerary Rate

2 clients: $15,000 per person
3 clients: $12,000 per person
4 clients: $10,000 per person
5+ clients: $8,000 per person
Up to 8 clients.

Cost Includes

IFMGA-licensed Mountain Guide Joe Stock.
Local guide(s).
Porters that will carry 33 pounds for each client.
Four nights at Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu including breakfast.
One day sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Transport in Nepal including airport pickup.
Park permits and fees.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Group emergency communication, shelter, and first aid kit.

Cost Does Not Include

International flights and baggage fees.
Medical and evacuation insurance. Required. Tell your insurance company that your max elevation will be 5,500m. See Terms and Conditions.
Trip insurance. Recommended. See Terms and Conditions.
Personal expenses such as shower, laundry, alcoholic drinks, and bottled water.
Nepal tourist visa. USD $50 for 30 days. Available upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. See Nepal Logistics.
Tipping to the local staff and porters. About $500 per client.
Snacks and drinks on the trek.
Lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks in Kathmandu. About $20 per meal.
Personal gear. See Nepal Trekking Gear List.