Kanchanjunga Trek

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusions
Gallery

Season

March - May, September - November

Group Size

Max Altitude

Mirgin La Pass (5,200 m)

Duration

26 Days

Overview

The Kanchenjunga Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and adventurous high–altitude trekking routes, leading to the base of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586 meters. This trek offers spectacular Himalayan landscapes, rich biodiversity, and an immersive experience of traditional Limbu, Sherpa, and Lepcha cultures.

The trek traverses the pristine Taplejung and Sankhuwasabha districts, passing through dense rhododendron and oak forests, alpine meadows, high passes, and isolated villages. Trekkers experience authentic Himalayan village life, visit ancient monasteries, and cross rivers and suspension bridges along well-marked trails. The route offers panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, and other surrounding peaks, with opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, and cultural encounters.

Challenging due to its remoteness and high-altitude terrain, the Kanchenjunga Trek requires strong physical fitness and prior trekking experience. Despite the difficulty, this trek rewards adventurers with unspoiled landscapes, serene Himalayan wilderness, and the chance to experience one of Nepal’s least-traveled trekking regions.

Itinerary

26 Days • Itinerary Overview

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Rest and relax after your international flight.
Highlights: Arrival, orientation, easy acclimatization.

Day 02

Sightseeing, and Trek Briefing (1,400 m)

Spend the day in Kathmandu exploring cultural landmarks such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple. Attend a detailed trek briefing and prepare gear for the Kanchanjunga expedition.
Highlights: Cultural sightseeing, trek preparation, gear briefing.

Day 03

Kathmandu to Biratnagar via Flight (210 m)

Take an early morning flight to Biratnagar (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, rest and prepare for the onward flight to Suketar, the gateway to the Kanchanjunga region.
Highlights: Domestic flight, scenic aerial views of eastern Nepal, travel preparation.

Day 04

Fly to Suketar (1,750 m) and Trek to Mitlung (2,020 m)

Take a short flight to Suketar. Begin trekking along the banks of the Tamor River, passing small settlements and forests to reach Mitlung.
Highlights: Trekking introduction, river valleys, local village immersion.

Day 05

Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa (2,400 m)

Follow trails through terraced fields, subtropical forests, and small hamlets to reach Chirwa village.
Highlights: Mountain vistas, forested trails, cultural villages.

Day 06

Trek from Chirwa to Sekathum (2,800 m)

Ascend gradually through forests and remote villages. Enjoy views of terraced fields and distant peaks.
Highlights: Highland trails, village culture, scenic mountain panoramas.

Day 07

Trek from Sekathum to Amjilossa (3,200 m)

Continue trekking through alpine forests and streams, with increasing altitude, to reach Amjilossa.
Highlights: Forest trails, highland scenery, remote Himalayan villages.

Day 08

Trek from Amjilossa to Gybala (3,500 m)

Trek across ridges and valleys, passing small hamlets, to reach Gybala, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.
Highlights: Panoramic peaks, alpine landscapes, village culture.

Day 09

Trek from Gybala to Ghunsa (3,600 m)

Ascend to Ghunsa, a major Sherpa village with monasteries and traditional stone houses.
Highlights: Sherpa culture, monasteries, highland valley scenery.

Day 10

Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen (4,000 m)

Trek through alpine meadows and moraines, gradually ascending to Khambachen. Enjoy sweeping views of Kanchanjunga’s eastern face.
Highlights: Alpine trekking, panoramic mountain views, high-altitude environment.

Day 11

Rest Day at Khambachen (4,000 m)

Acclimatization day. Optional short hikes nearby to explore valleys or view glaciers.
Highlights: Acclimatization, glacier views, preparation for higher altitude trekking.

Day 12

Trek from Khambachen to Lhonak (4,700 m)

Ascend through moraines and highland valleys to Lhonak, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and glaciers.
Highlights: High-altitude trekking, glacier scenery, alpine environment.

Day 13

Trek from Lhonak to Pangpema (5,100 m)

Trek towards Pangpema, a high camp that serves as the base for summit or high pass exploration.
Highlights: Panoramic views of Kanchanjunga, alpine meadows, high camp setup.

Day 14

Trek from Pangpema to Ghunsa (3,600 m)

Descend back to Ghunsa, retracing through alpine valleys, moraines, and villages.
Highlights: Scenic descent, glacier views, village landscapes.

Day 15

Trek from Ghunsa to High Camp (5,100 m)

Ascend towards High Camp in preparation for Mirgin La Pass or summit exploration.
Highlights: Alpine ascent, panoramic peaks, preparation for pass crossing.

Day 16

Trek from High Camp to Mirgin La Pass (5,200 m)

Cross Mirgin La Pass, a high mountain pass offering spectacular views of Kanchanjunga and surrounding peaks. Descend to Tseram or Ramche area.
Highlights: High pass experience, 360° Himalayan panoramas, adventure trekking.

Day 17

Trek from Tseram to Ramche (4,500 m)

Descend through alpine valleys to Ramche, enjoying dramatic mountain landscapes.
Highlights: Alpine valleys, moraines, scenic descent.

Day 18

Day Trek to Oktang (4,200 m)

Short day trek exploring the Oktang area, surrounded by glaciers and high peaks.
Highlights: Glacier views, high-altitude exploration, photography opportunities.

Day 19

Trek from Ramche to Lamite Bhanjyang (3,800 m)

Continue descending through alpine valleys and highland meadows to Lamite Bhanjyang.
Highlights: Scenic descent, alpine landscapes, peaceful villages.

Day 20

Trek from Lamite Bhanjyang to Yamphudin (3,400 m)

Trek through forests and river valleys to Yamphudin, a serene village with traditional houses.
Highlights: Forest trails, alpine meadows, village life.

Day 21

Rest Day at Yamphudin (3,400 m)

Acclimatization and rest day before the final leg of the trek. Optional short hikes nearby.
Highlights: Relaxation, village exploration, local culture.

Day 22

Trek from Yamphudin to Ponphe (3,200 m)

Continue descending through highland valleys and terraced fields to Ponphe.
Highlights: Scenic descent, traditional villages, river valleys.

Day 23

Trek from Ponphe to Khunjari (2,950 m)

Final trekking day in the highlands before reaching Suketar.
Highlights: Village trails, panoramic views, forested paths.

Day 24

Trek from Khunjari to Suketar (1,750 m)

Reach Suketar airstrip. Prepare for the return flight.
Highlights: Trek completion, final Himalayan vistas, village landscapes.

Day 25

Flight from Suketar to Biratnagar, then to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Fly from Suketar to Biratnagar, followed by connecting flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and relax.
Highlights: Scenic flights, travel comfort, return to Kathmandu.

Day 26

Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Nepal with unforgettable memories of Kanchanjunga’s peaks, high passes, and Sherpa culture.