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!

Date

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

23-Day Itinerary

Oct 4: Arrive in Kathmandu. Night at a four-star hotel (4,265’/1,300m).
Oct 5: Guided city sightseeing tour around Kathmandu including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Durbar Square. Night at a four-star hotel (4,265’/1,300m).
Oct 6: Fly 45 minutes from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. Drive 5-6 hours to Ilam. Night at a teahouse in Ilam (4,300’/1,300m).
Oct 7: Drive (100km 5-7hrs) by Jeep from Illam to Taplejung (6,000’/1,800m).
Oct 8: Drive (30km, 5-6hrs) from Taplejung to Sekathum (6,100’/1,860m).
Oct 9: Trek (from Sekathum to Amijilosa (7,900’/2,400m).
Oct 10: Trek from Amijilosa to Gyabla (8,850’/2,700m).
Oct 11: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (11,800’/3,400m).
Oct 12: Acclimatize (rest and hike) at Ghunsa (11,800’/3,400m).
Oct 13: Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (13,300’4,050m).
Oct 14: Acclimatize in Khambachen with a day hike to Jannu Base Camp.
Oct 15: Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (15,700’/4,800m).
Oct 16: Day hike to Pangpem Kangchenjunga North Base Camp (17,000’/5,200m) and back to Lhonak (15,700’/4,800m).
Oct 17: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (11,800’/3,420m).
Oct 18: Trek from Ghunsa to Selele (13,550’/4,130m).
Oct 19: Trek from Selele, cross Mirgrin La (14,700’/4,480m) and descent to Tseram (12,800’/3,900m).
Oct 20: Trek from Tseram to Ramche (13,750’/4,580m). Afternoon hike from Ramche to Oktang Kangchenjunga South Base Camp (15,100’/4,600m).
Oct 21: Trek from Ramche to Torongdin (9,850’/3,000m).
Oct 22: Trek from Torongdin, cross Lasiya Bhanijang (11,320’/3,450m) to Yamphudin (5,500’/1,800m).
Oct 23: Drive from Yamphudin to a hotel in Ilam (4,300’/1,300m).
Oct 24: Drive from Ilam to Bhadrapur and fly back to Kathmandu Hotel (4,265’/1,300m).
Oct 25: Contingency day for relaxing, shopping, and packing. Stay at a hotel in Kathmandu (4,265’/1,300m).
Oct 26: Leave Kathmandu for home.

22-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 e.g. 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.

To Reserve the Trip

Contact Joe.
Joe will send you a trip proposal.
Reserve the date with a $1,000 deposit per person.