Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

"The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is the perfect place to go if you're searching for difficult terrain and unspoiled natural scenery"

In Nepal's far east, near the Indian state of Sikkim, is the well-preserved hidden gem known as Kanchenjunga. Few visitors are aware of the tough trekking route that encircles the Kanchenjunga Mountains, and most hikers avoid the route due to the need for special permits and difficult terrain. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers the opportunity to travel a quiet mountain trail perfect for those who like solitude, to the base camp of the third-tallest peak in the world. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, Kanchanjunga was regarded as the Highest peak of the world. Trekking the Kanchenjunga Circuit gives you the opportunity to see a diverse array of flora and fauna in addition to breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers you an exciting opportunity to travel to both the base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga i.e. North and South Base Camp via Sele La Pass. In comparison to other treks in Nepal, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is extremely isolated and demands a high level of physical fitness. The strenuous trail is meant for thrill seekers looking for the most amazing experience of their lives. Admire stunning scenery of the Yalung Glaciers. You'll feel as though you're back in your long-forgotten home with the Kanchenjunga region's peace and heartwarming scenery. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek will transport you back in time, unaffected by the passing of time. The stunning vistas of the Himalayas follow. Only the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers some of the most fascinating views of the mountains, including the eight-thousanders, such as Mt. Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m/27,765 ft), and Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft). Other mountains that are included in the trek's itinerary are Tent Peak (5,663 m/18,684 ft), Mt. Kambachen (7,902 m/25,925 ft), Mt. Janu (7,710 m/25,300 ft), etc.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Details Itinerary
Cost details
Equipment

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,330 m].
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley - Trek Preparation [1,330 m]. "B".
Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur (45 Minute Flight) drive to Taplejung [1,462 m]. "B,L,D". (Drive 08-09 Hours).
Day 04: Drive to Sekathum [1,576 m]. "B,L,D". (Drive 04-05 Hours).
Day 05: Trek to Amjilosa [2,308 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-06 Hours).
Day 06: Trek to Gyabla [2,730 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 05-06 Hours).
Day 07: Trek to Ghunsa [3,595 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-05 Hours).
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Ghunsa [3,595 m]. "B,L,D".
Day 09: Trek to Kambachen [4,050 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-05 Hours).
Day 10: Trek to Lhonak [4,790 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-06 Hours).
Day 11: Trek to Pangpema/Kanchenjunga North BC [5,388 m] - Lhonak [4,790 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 07-08 Hours).
Day 12: Trek (Khambachen) to Ghunsa [3,595 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 06-08 Hours).
Day 13: Trek to Sele Le High Camp [4,290 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-05 Hours).
Day 14: Trek to Tseram (Cheram) [3,870 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-05 Hours).
Day 15: Trek to Ramche [4,580 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-05 Hours).
Day 16: Trek to Okthang base camp [4,610 m] and back to Tseram (Cheram) [3,870 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 06-07 Hours).
Day 17: Trek to Torangdin (Tortong) [2,995 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 04-06 Hours).
Day 18: Trek to Naya Jhareni [2,096 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 05-06 hours).
Day 19: Trek to Yamphudin [2,080 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 05-06 hours).
Day 20: Trek to Khebang [1,915 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 05-06 hours).
Day 21: Drive to Illam [1,210 m]. "B,L,D". (Drive 06-07 hours).
Day 22: Drive to Bhadrapur (Drive 03-04 hours). Then Fly to Kathmandu [1,330 m]. "B". (Flight 45 Minute). Pick up and transfer to the Hotel.
Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu [1,330 m]. "B".
Day 24: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B".

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Itinerary:

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

All Transport.
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in Tea house while trekking.
Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu Flight.
Trekking porter with insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Kanchanjunga Trekking Region map.
Tims.
Special Permit for Kanchanjunga.
Government taxes.
Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) you should get visa Upon your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM:
This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

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Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek