The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Group Join 2027/2028 is a 19-day adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote and beautiful Himalayan regions. The journey visits both Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at Pangpema and the South Base Camp viewpoint at Oktang, offering two different perspectives of Mount Kanchenjunga.
At 8,586 metres, Mount Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world. However, the region receives far fewer visitors than Everest or Annapurna. Trekkers experience quiet trails, traditional mountain villages, rhododendron forests, glacial valleys, high passes and close views of the Kanchenjunga range.
The trip begins in Kathmandu with a flight to Bhadrapur. From eastern Nepal, the group travels overland towards the Kanchenjunga trail. After completing the circuit, the journey finishes in Bhadrapur. A return flight to Kathmandu can be included according to the confirmed group package.
Peace Nepal Treks welcomes solo travellers, couples and small groups who want to join a professionally managed departure in 2027 or 2028.
See our complete Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek or contact Peace Nepal Treks for available group dates.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit combines the northern and southern trekking routes around Mount Kanchenjunga. Rather than visiting only one base camp, trekkers explore both major sides of the mountain.
The northern trail follows the Ghunsa Valley through Sekathum, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, Kambachen and Lhonak. From Lhonak, the group makes a day hike to Pangpema, commonly known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
After returning to Ghunsa, the route crosses the Sele Le area towards Tseram. The southern section continues through Ramche to Oktang, the principal viewpoint for the South Base Camp area.
This combination makes the Kanchenjunga Circuit one of Nepal’s most complete remote trekking experiences.
Joining a group is a practical choice for solo travellers and couples who want companionship and shared support on a remote Himalayan trek.
A group-join departure allows selected expenses—such as guide services, transportation and local logistics—to be shared. It also helps satisfy current group and permit requirements for restricted trekking areas.
Group joining provides:
Peace Nepal Treks keeps groups reasonably small so guides can monitor every participant and provide personal support.
Group departures are planned during Nepal’s main trekking seasons:
Spring offers colourful rhododendron forests, improving temperatures and beautiful mountain views. Snow may remain around the higher passes early in the season.
Autumn usually offers clear skies, stable conditions and excellent visibility. October and November are especially popular for the Kanchenjunga Circuit.
Exact dates, prices and trip status should be displayed only after they are confirmed. Use labels such as:
A departure should be described as “guaranteed” only after the minimum operating requirements have been met.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit is a strenuous high-altitude trek. It is more demanding than many popular teahouse treks because of its length, remote location, high passes and limited facilities.
Participants should be prepared for:
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended. However, technically advanced mountaineering skills are not normally required when the trail and passes are in suitable condition.
Start physical preparation at least eight to twelve weeks before departure. Training should include:
Fitness alone does not prevent altitude sickness. A sensible pace, acclimatization, hydration and honest communication with the guide are also essential.
The highest point of the trek is approximately 5,143 metres at Pangpema. Because the route reaches significant elevations, the schedule must allow the body time to adjust.
The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Ghunsa before continuing towards Kambachen and Lhonak. Guides monitor participants for headaches, nausea, unusual fatigue, breathlessness, poor coordination and other possible signs of altitude illness.
If symptoms become serious, the safest response may be to stop ascending, descend or arrange evacuation. Emergency oxygen can provide temporary support but does not replace descent or medical treatment.
Every participant must have travel insurance that covers trekking to the highest elevation of the route and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Spring brings warmer daytime conditions and flowering rhododendrons at lower elevations. April and early May are generally among the most suitable periods for completing both sides of the circuit.
Autumn is known for clear mountain views and comparatively stable weather. October and November are popular months for crossing the high-pass section between Ghunsa and Tseram.
Winter can bring severe cold and heavy snow at higher elevations. The monsoon season can cause rain, landslides, slippery trails, cloud cover and road delays. Regular group departures are therefore best operated in spring and autumn.
The Nepal Tourism Board also identifies March–May and September–November as the principal seasons for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Accommodation is provided in hotels in the cities and local teahouses along the trail.
Mountain teahouses normally offer:
Rooms become more basic at Kambachen, Lhonak, Sele Le, Tseram and Ramche. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging may not always be available and usually cost extra where provided.
A warm sleeping bag is recommended even when blankets are available.
Teahouse menus generally include dal bhat, rice, noodles, soups, potatoes, pasta, eggs, porridge and seasonal vegetables. Menu choices become more limited as the route moves farther from the road.
Trekkers should carry reusable water bottles and a purification method. Depending on the package, the guide may provide water-purification tablets or assist with boiled drinking water.
Bringing a small supply of energy bars, electrolyte powder and personal snacks is useful for longer walking days.
The Kanchenjunga route passes through a restricted trekking region and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. International trekkers must follow the permit and guide requirements in effect at the time of travel.
Peace Nepal Treks will arrange the required permits through the appropriate authorities before departure. Because permit fees and regulations may change before 2027 or 2028, final requirements will be confirmed during booking.
Official destination and conservation information is available from:
The final group package should clearly confirm the services provided. A standard Peace Nepal Treks package may include:
Unless specifically included in the quotation, travellers should budget for:
Publish the exact inclusions and exclusions with the group price to prevent misunderstanding.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit group trek is suitable for:
It is not ideal for travellers seeking an easy, short or luxury holiday.
Peace Nepal Treks is a locally operated trekking company based in Thamel, Kathmandu. We have organized trekking and mountain journeys in Nepal since 2004.
Our group departures focus on:
Our team manages permits, transportation, accommodation and trekking support from the beginning of the journey until the group reaches Bhadrapur.
Welcome to Nepal. A representative from Peace Nepal Treks will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to Hotel Jampa in Thamel.
After checking in, you can rest after your flight or explore the nearby streets of Thamel. In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide and receive an introduction to the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The guide will explain the route, group arrangements, weather conditions, required equipment and safety procedures.
Accommodation: Hotel Jampa in Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu Airport for a scenic flight to Bhadrapur in southeastern Nepal. During clear weather, the flight may offer distant views of the Himalayan range.
From Bhadrapur, begin a long but beautiful drive through the green hills of eastern Nepal. The road passes tea plantations, local towns, rivers, forests and traditional settlements before reaching Taplejung, the main gateway to the Kanchenjunga region.
Flight: Approximately 45–50 minutes
Driving: Approximately 8–10 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Taplejung
Leave Taplejung and travel deeper into the Kanchenjunga region by local jeep. The road descends through terraced hills, cardamom farms and rural villages before following the Tamor River valley.
Continue through Chiruwa and other small settlements toward Sekathum, where the Ghunsa River meets the Tamor River. Sekathum is the starting point of the walking section of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Driving: Approximately 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Sekathum
The first trekking day begins by following the Ghunsa River through a narrow and forested valley. Cross suspension bridges and walk through bamboo, cardamom and mixed woodland.
The trail includes several steep ascents and descents before making a demanding climb toward Amjilosa. This small hillside settlement provides peaceful views across the surrounding forests and river valley.
Walking: Approximately 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Amjilosa
Continue through dense bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests. Waterfalls descend from the steep cliffs, and the trail remains quiet as it climbs gradually into the higher Kanchenjunga region.
After passing several forest clearings and mountain streams, reach Gyabla, a small Tibetan-influenced settlement surrounded by forested slopes. The cooler air and changing landscape show that you are entering a higher-altitude environment.
Walking: Approximately 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Gyabla
Descend toward the river before continuing through forests and open valleys to Phale. This traditional settlement has strong Tibetan cultural influences and offers an opportunity to observe local mountain life.
From Phale, continue gradually uphill through pine and larch forests toward Ghunsa. Ghunsa is one of the largest and most important villages in the Kanchenjunga region, with traditional wooden houses, prayer flags and a monastery.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Ghunsa
Spend an additional day in Ghunsa to help your body adjust before climbing above 4,000 metres. Proper acclimatization is essential for safely continuing toward Kambachen, Lhonak and Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
Depending on the weather and group condition, take a short acclimatization hike to a nearby ridge or viewpoint. Return to Ghunsa for lunch and spend the afternoon resting, exploring the village or visiting the local monastery.
The guide will check the group’s health and provide information about the higher section of the route.
Optional hike: Approximately 3–5 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Ghunsa
Follow the Ghunsa River north through pine and rhododendron forests. As the trail gains altitude, the valley becomes wider and the vegetation gradually changes from forest to alpine terrain.
Cross wooden bridges and pass areas affected by old landslides before reaching a viewpoint with impressive views of Jannu, also known as Kumbhakarna. Continue carefully through the valley to Kambachen, a small seasonal settlement surrounded by towering mountains.
Walking: Approximately 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Kambachen
Leave Kambachen and walk through a dramatic high-altitude landscape of rocky slopes, glacial rivers and moraine. The trail passes near Ramtang and continues beside the Kanchenjunga Glacier.
The route becomes more exposed as you approach Lhonak. Walk slowly and steadily because of the increasing elevation. Lhonak is a remote settlement situated on a wide, open plain surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
After arriving, rest and prepare for the following day’s hike to Pangpema.
Walking: Approximately 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Lhonak
Begin early for the journey to Pangpema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Follow a gradual trail across glacial moraine and rocky terrain while enjoying increasingly close views of the Kanchenjunga massif.
Pangpema stands at approximately 5,143 metres and offers magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga’s north face, surrounding peaks and glaciers. Spend time taking photographs and enjoying the remote Himalayan scenery before returning along the same trail to Lhonak.
This is one of the longest and most rewarding days of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Maximum elevation: 5,143 m
Accommodation: Tea house in Lhonak
Retrace the trail from Lhonak through the glacial valley toward Kambachen. The descent provides another opportunity to appreciate the surrounding mountains from a different direction.
Pass Ramtang and continue through the changing alpine landscape. After Kambachen, follow the Ghunsa River and return to the forests surrounding Ghunsa. The lower elevation and thicker air will feel noticeably more comfortable.
Walking: Approximately 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Ghunsa
Leave the main Ghunsa Valley and begin a steep ascent through rhododendron, pine and juniper forests. This section connects the northern Kanchenjunga route with the southern valley.
As the trail rises, the forest becomes thinner and broad mountain views begin to appear. Reach Sele Le Base Camp, a remote overnight location below the high passes. Rest well and prepare for the demanding pass-crossing day ahead.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Basic tea house at Sele Le Base Camp
Start early for one of the most challenging days of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. Climb toward Sele Le Pass at approximately 4,480 metres before continuing across the high mountain route toward Sinion La Pass at approximately 4,646 metres.
In clear weather, the pass area offers remarkable views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Makalu and several surrounding Himalayan peaks. Snow, wind and poor visibility can make this section more difficult, so the guide will carefully assess the conditions.
After completing the pass crossing, descend toward the Simbuwa Valley and continue to Tseram.
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Maximum elevation: Approximately 4,646 m
Accommodation: Tea house in Tseram
Follow the trail through the upper Yalung Valley toward Ramche. The route passes alpine meadows, yak-grazing areas, rocky landscapes and the impressive Yalung Glacier.
As you climb higher, enjoy views of Rothang, Kabru and other peaks surrounding the southern side of Kanchenjunga. Ramche is a remote high-altitude settlement located near the glacier and serves as the overnight base for the excursion to Oktang.
Walk slowly, stay hydrated and rest after reaching Ramche.
Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Ramche
Begin the morning by following the trail toward Oktang, the main viewpoint for the southern face of Mount Kanchenjunga. The route passes glacial moraine and provides dramatic views across the Yalung Glacier.
From Oktang, admire the immense southern face of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks. After spending time at the viewpoint, return through Ramche and continue descending to Tseram.
This is another long but memorable day that completes the two-base-camp experience of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Walking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Maximum elevation: Approximately 4,730 m
Accommodation: Tea house in Tseram
Leave the high alpine valley and descend beside the Simbuwa River. The trail gradually returns to rhododendron, pine and mixed forests as the elevation decreases.
Walk through a peaceful valley filled with waterfalls, streams and thick vegetation. After several days in exposed high-altitude terrain, the warmer air and forest surroundings provide a welcome change.
Continue downhill to Tortong, a small settlement beside the river.
Walking: Approximately 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Tortong
Continue descending through forested hills and remote settlements. The trail crosses streams and follows a mixture of narrow paths, stone steps and cultivated land.
As you approach Ranipul, the landscape becomes greener and more populated. Terraced fields, local farms and traditional houses replace the high mountain scenery. This is the final full walking day of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Tea house in Ranipul
Leave the trekking trail and begin the overland journey to Ilam. The drive passes rural settlements, rivers, forested hills and agricultural areas across eastern Nepal.
Arrive in Ilam, a peaceful hill town famous for its green tea gardens. After checking in, relax at the hotel or take a short walk through the surrounding tea plantations.
Driving: Approximately 8–10 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Ilam
After breakfast, drive from Ilam through the eastern hills to Bhadrapur Airport. Take the return flight to Kathmandu and enjoy final aerial views of Nepal’s landscapes.
A Peace Nepal Treks representative will meet you after landing and transfer you to your hotel. The arrival in Kathmandu marks the completion of the 19-day Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Group Join adventure.
Driving: Approximately 3–4 hours
Flight: Approximately 45–50 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Your trek is fully supported by a professional, experienced, and friendly local team.
Experienced English-speaking trekking guide, including 19 trekking days’ wages, daily meals, accommodation, full insurance, and all required staff equipment and allowances
One porter for every two trekkers, carrying up to 20 kg shared load, including 19 trekking days’ wages, daily meals, accommodation, insurance, and all necessary staff equipment and allowances
Strong local support staff to ensure safety, comfort, and smooth trekking experience throughout the journey
(Provided if needed – all equipment must be returned after the trek)
Your safety is our top priority
We strongly recommend using purified tap or boiled water because it is:
Personal expenses such as
The journey lasts 19 days. It begins in Kathmandu with a flight to Bhadrapur and visits both the North and South Kanchenjunga Base Camp areas before finishing in Bhadrapur.
Yes. The circuit visits Pangpema on the northern side and the Oktang viewpoint on the southern side.
Pangpema, the North Base Camp viewpoint, is approximately 5,143 metres above sea level.
Yes. The group-join option is suitable for solo travellers. Peace Nepal Treks will match participants with a scheduled departure, subject to availability and permit requirements.
It is not generally recommended as a first trek. Participants should have good fitness and preferably previous multi-day or high-altitude trekking experience.
Yes. Kanchenjunga is a restricted and remote trekking region. The necessary permits and licensed guide services must be arranged according to current government regulations.
April, May, October and November are generally the most suitable months. Actual trail and pass conditions can vary each year.
Peace Nepal Treks plans to operate small groups. The final minimum and maximum group sizes should be confirmed for each departure.
We may offer a private-departure price, suggest another date or provide another suitable option. Any change will be discussed before final confirmation.
The journey finishes in Bhadrapur. A return flight to Kathmandu can be included or arranged separately depending on the selected package. This must be clearly confirmed in the final quotation.
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