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Kangchenjunga and its glacier seen from Pangpema, the north base camp area, under blue sky

Kanchenjunga Circuit

A remote 21-day circuit of the world's third-highest mountain: the north base camp at Pangpema, three passes between 4,600 and 4,700 m, and the Yalung glacier at Ramche.

  • दिन21
  • अधिकतम उचाइ५,१४० मि
  • दूरी१३८ कि.मि.
  • उकालो७,७६१ मि
  • कठिनाइकठिन
  • उत्तम महिनाMar–May, Oct–Nov
  • अनुमतिपत्र3

फोटो: Tomabarker · CC BY 3.0

Written by FindTrekkingPartner teamFindTrekkingPartner team द्वारा समीक्षितहामी कसरी समीक्षा गर्छौंFindTrekkingPartner

Kanchenjunga Circuit नेपालको Kanchenjunga क्षेत्रमा पर्ने 21 दिनको ट्रेक हो, जुन ५,१४० मिटरसम्म उक्लिन्छ। विदेशी ट्रेकरहरूले आफ्नो मिति, बजेट र गतिसहित ट्रिप पोस्ट गरेर FindTrekkingPartner मा यसका लागि साथी खोज्न सक्छन्। दुवै ट्रेकर सहमत नभएसम्म म्याचहरू निजी रहन्छन्, र सेवा निःशुल्क छ। मध्यम स्तरको दरमा, चार जना ट्रेकरले बाँड्दा 21 दिनको लागि इजाजतपत्रप्राप्त गाइडको खर्च प्रति व्यक्ति लगभग USD १९६ पर्छ, जबकि एक्लै जाँदा USD ७८४ पर्छ। उत्तम मौसमहरू Mar–May, Oct–Nov हुन्। यो प्रतिबन्धित क्षेत्र हो, त्यसैले दर्ता भएको एजेन्सीमार्फत लिइएको इजाजतपत्रप्राप्त गाइड परमिटकै हिस्सा हो, र पूरै समूह एउटै एजेन्सी परमिटमा यात्रा गर्छ। यस रुटका खुला ट्रिपहरू तल सूचीबद्ध छन्, सुरु हुने महिना, समूहको आकार र बाँकी स्थानसहित। पछिल्लो पटक पुष्टि गरिएको: २०२६ अक्टोबर १९। स्रोतहरू: नेपाल पर्यटन बोर्ड, DNPWC, अध्यागमन विभाग।

स्रोतहरू:Department of Immigration, NepalNepal Tourism BoardDepartment of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Kanchenjunga Circuit का लागि साथी खोज्नुहोस्

परिचय

Kathmandu बाट सुरुपासहरू: Sele La, Mirgin La, Sinelapche La२१ दिन · अधिकतम ५,१४० मि

उत्तम मौसम: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · अनुमतिपत्र: Kanchenjunga restricted area permit (Department of Immigration, via a registered agency), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry permit, TIMS card where required

The Kanchenjunga Circuit is a 21-day trek around the Nepal side of the world's third-highest mountain, 8,586 m, in Taplejung District. It flies from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drives to Taplejung and Sekathum, follows the Ghunsa Khola up to Pangpema, the north base camp at about 5,140 m, then crosses the Sele La, Mirgin La and Sinelapche La to Tseram and Ramche on the Yalung glacier, and descends to Yamphudin for the drive out. It is a restricted-area trek that needs a Restricted Area Permit through a registered agency, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit and a licensed guide. The route covers about 143 km on foot with 8,200 m of climbing, and it suits fit, experienced trekkers with previous high-altitude walking. Lodges are simple, and many agencies camp at the highest stops. October to November and April to May are the best months, and you should keep spare days for weather.

What the trek is like

The trail leaves the road at Sekathum, a warm, terraced valley at about 1,850 m, and climbs through bamboo, rhododendron and fir forest on a clearly marked path. At Ghunsa (3,440 m) you reach a Sherpa and Tibetan-speaking village with a monastery, and the scenery becomes open yak pasture. Above Kambachen the valley widens into moraine and glacier views of Jannu, Kangbachen and the north face of Kanchenjunga, ending at Pangpema. After a rest at Ghunsa you cross the three passes in one long day and drop to Tseram, then walk up to Ramche for the view of the Yalung glacier and the south face. The final days descend through terraced Limbu villages to the road.

Highlights

  • Pangpema, the north base camp, with the north face of Kanchenjunga above the Kangchenjunga glacier
  • Ghunsa, the highest year-round village, and Kambachen below Jannu
  • Three passes at 4,640, 4,650 and 4,709 m between Selele and Tseram, according to OpenStreetMap
  • Ramche and the Oktang viewpoint above the Yalung glacier
  • Rhododendron forest in spring, cardamom terraces and Limbu farm villages in the lower valleys

Permits and rules

You need a Restricted Area Permit from the Department of Immigration, issued through a registered trekking agency, a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry permit and, where asked, a TIMS card. A licensed guide must accompany you throughout. Reports of a March 2026 notice say individual foreigners may apply, but the permit still needs an agency and a guide. Fees have changed more than once, so ask the agency for the current amounts and check them with the Department of Immigration and the conservation area office. Carry several copies of your passport and permits for the check posts.

Best season

October and November have the clearest weather, and April and May bring rhododendron and long days. The passes may be snowbound in March and from late November. The monsoon has leeches, landslides and cloud, and winter is very cold. Keep two spare days in case a pass is closed or the road is blocked.

Altitude

The plan sleeps at 3,440 m in Ghunsa, 4,090 m in Kambachen, 4,770 m in Lhonak and 4,210 m in Selele, with rest days at Ghunsa and a day trip to Pangpema from Lhonak. The south side repeats the climb to Ramche at 4,480 m. Ascend slowly, drink water, and be honest about headaches and nausea. Never ascend with symptoms, and descend if they worsen. Discuss altitude medicine with a doctor before you go.

Getting there and away

Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then drive to Taplejung (9 to 10 hours) and on to Sekathum by jeep (4 to 5 hours). At the end, a jeep from Yamphudin to Taplejung takes 6 to 7 hours in dry weather, followed by the drive to Bhadrapur and the flight back. Flights are often delayed by cloud, so avoid tight onward connections.

Lodges, food and costs

Lodges at Sekathum, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa and Kambachen serve dal bhat, noodles, eggs and tea in simple rooms. Higher up, Lhonak, Selele, Tseram and Ramche have small seasonal lodges or camps, so many groups carry tents and a cook. Prices rise with altitude because everything is carried in. Bring cash for the whole trek, because there are no machines beyond Taplejung.

Packing list

Broken-in boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, a down jacket, a sleeping bag rated to about minus 15 C, warm gloves and hat, sunglasses, gaiters, microspikes for early or late snow, trekking poles, a headlamp, water purification and a first-aid kit.

Who this trek suits and how to prepare

The circuit suits fit trekkers with previous multi-day experience and comfort at 4,000 to 5,000 m. Prepare with long hill walks with a loaded pack, stair training and, if possible, a warm-up trek at altitude. The long pass day needs good stamina.

The plan at a glance

Days 1 to 3 fly and drive to Sekathum. Days 4 to 6 walk to Amjilosa, Gyabla and Ghunsa, with a rest day on day 7. Days 8 to 10 go to Kambachen, Lhonak and Pangpema and back. Days 11 to 13 return to Ghunsa, climb to Selele and cross the passes to Tseram. Days 14 to 16 visit Ramche and return to Tseram. Days 17 to 19 descend to Tortongdin, Yamphudin and Taplejung, and days 20 and 21 drive to Bhadrapur and fly to Kathmandu.

Extensions

Add a day or two at Ghunsa for weather, take the Oktang walk above Ramche, or visit the Pathibhara temple above Taplejung on the road out. For the north base camp alone, return from Pangpema to Sekathum in the same days as the way up, which cuts about five days.

Practical tips from the trail

  • Walking times in the day plan are estimates from distance and climb, checked against operator itineraries; real times differ with pace, load and weather.
  • Start early on the pass day and carry lunch, because there are no stops between Selele and Tseram.
  • Check snow conditions at Selele before you commit to the passes.
  • Keep a warm layer and a rain shell in your day bag all the way.
  • Book the return jeep from Yamphudin in advance.
  • Carry cash and small notes, as villages have no machines.

Responsible trekking

Take rubbish out, avoid single-use plastic and ask before photographing people and monasteries. Walk clockwise around mani walls, buy from local lodges and do not feed wildlife.

मुख्य आकर्षण

  • Pangpema, the north base camp of Kanchenjunga at about 5,140 m
  • Ghunsa and Kambachen, high Sherpa villages
  • The Sele La, Mirgin La and Sinelapche La passes
  • Ramche and the Yalung glacier on the south side
  • Rhododendron forest, Limbu villages and cardamom terraces

मार्ग नक्सा

दिनदिनको विवरण

अनुकूलन

रातैपिच्छे सुत्ने उचाइ। रातो पट्टीहरू अघिल्लो रातभन्दा ५०० मिटरभन्दा बढी चढेका हुन्; आराम दिन चिन्ह लगाइएको छ।

  • सुत्ने उचाइ
  • ५०० मिटरभन्दा बढी चढाइ
  • आराम दिन

कति खर्च लाग्छ

प्रति व्यक्ति अनुमानित सबै-समेतको खर्च: उचाइअनुसार लज र खाना, यातायात, अनुमतिपत्र, र गाइड तथा पोर्टर। जति धेरै ट्रेकरले गाइड र पोर्टर बाँड्छन्, प्रत्येकले त्यति कम तिर्छन्। २०२६ अक्टोबर सम्मको अनुसार।

शैली१ ट्रेकर२ ट्रेकर बाँडेर४ ट्रेकर बाँडेर
किफायतीUS$ १,१५०–US$ १,७००*US$ ८७०–US$ १,३००*US$ ७३०–US$ १,१००*
मध्यमUS$ १,५००–US$ २,३५०*US$ १,१००–US$ १,७००*US$ १,०००–US$ १,५००*
आरामदायीUS$ १,७००–US$ २,६००*US$ १,४५०–US$ २,२००*US$ १,३००–US$ १,९५०*

२ ट्रेकरले बाँड्दाको विवरण

विवरणकिफायतीमध्यमआरामदायी
लज र खानाUS$ ४९०–US$ ७६०US$ ६५०–US$ ९९०US$ ८५०–US$ १,३००
अनुमतिपत्रUS$ ८०–US$ ९०US$ ८०–US$ ९०US$ ८०–US$ ९०
गाइडUS$ २८०–US$ ४३०US$ २८०–US$ ४३०US$ २८०–US$ ४३०
पोर्टर—US$ ११०–US$ २००US$ २३०–US$ ३९०

बजेटमा सार्वजनिक यातायात र पोर्टरबिना; मध्यम स्तरमा दुई ट्रेकरबीच एक पोर्टर र निजी सवारी साधन बाँडिन्छ; आरामदायीमा प्रत्येक ट्रेकरलाई एक पोर्टर। गाइड अनिवार्य भएको ठाउँमा वा मध्यम स्तर अथवा आरामदायी शैलीमा समावेश गरिएको हुन्छ।

रातको लज र खाना (कोठा र दाल भात)

७ रात Below 2,500 m: कोठा US$ २–US$ ९, दाल भात US$ ४–US$ ७ · ५ रात 2,500 to 3,800 m: कोठा US$ ४–US$ ११, दाल भात US$ ५–US$ ११ · ८ रात Above 3,800 m: कोठा US$ ७–US$ १९, दाल भात US$ ८–US$ १३

अनुमतिपत्र शुल्क (आधिकारिक स्रोत)
  • Kanchenjunga (Taplejung) restricted-area permit: US$ २० प्रति हप्ता स्रोत
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area entry permit: NPR २,००० प्रति प्रवेश स्रोत
  • TIMS card (trekking agency issued): NPR २,००० प्रति प्रवेश स्रोत
खर्चका स्रोतहरू

अपरेटर गाइडबाट लिइएका अनुमान हुन्, कोटेसन होइनन्। टिप, बीमा, सामान र काठमाडौंका होटल समावेश छैनन्; USD प्लेटफर्मको विनिमय दरमा।

प्रायः सोधिने प्रश्नहरू

Hard. It is long, remote and high, with several nights above 4,000 m, a pass day of 6 to 8 hours and basic lodges. Previous multi-day trekking experience is needed.

Yes: a Restricted Area Permit through a registered agency, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit and a licensed guide. Reports of a March 2026 notice say individuals may apply, but confirm the current rule.

Twenty-one days from Kathmandu on this plan, including the flight to Bhadrapur and two long drives. Many agencies allow 24 to 27 days for weather and acclimatisation.

Pangpema is at about 5,140 m, and the passes between Selele and Tseram reach about 4,700 m. Ramche is at about 4,480 m.

October and November, and April and May. March and late November can have snow on the passes, and the monsoon is wet.

Yes. Many agencies sell Pangpema alone as a 16 to 18 day out-and-back trek, which skips the passes and the south side.

Lodges exist up to Kambachen, and at Lhonak, Selele, Tseram and Ramche there are small seasonal lodges or camps. Agencies often carry tents and a cook for the upper stages.

स्रोतहरू

बाटोभरि

मार्गको हरेक दिन बास, चिकित्सा सहायता, पानी र हेर्नलायक ठाउँहरू।

  1. 1. Kathmandu → Bhadrapur

    • त्रिभुवन अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थल · विमानस्थल र यातायात · १,३४० मि
  2. 2. Bhadrapur → Taplejung

    • Taplejung Airport · विमानस्थल र यातायात · २,४१९ मि
  3. 3. Taplejung → Sekathum

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  4. 4. Sekathum → Amjilosa

    • Sekathum Itahari Guest House · बास · १,६०५ मि
    • Ithari Hotel & Lodge · बास · १,६७३ मि
    • Lama Tar Guest House · बास · १,९०३ मि
  5. 5. Amjilosa → Gyabla

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  6. 6. Gyabla → Ghunsa

    • Lhasa Guest House · बास · ३,२४० मि
    • Dzonga family house Ghunsa · बास · ३,४२० मि
  7. 7. Ghunsa

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  8. 8. Ghunsa → Kambachen

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  9. 9. Kambachen → Lhonak

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  10. 10. Lhonak

    • Kanchenjunga Iceland Guest House Lonak · बास · ४,७५० मि
    • Kanchenjunga Iceland Guest House · बास · ४,७५० मि
    • KBC teahouse · बास · ५,१३८ मि
    • Kangchenjunga North Base Camp · बास · ५,१३७ मि
  11. 11. Lhonak → Ghunsa

    • Kanchenjunga Iceland · बास · ४,७५३ मि
    • Kaanchenjunga white house · बास · ४,०९० मि
    • Jannu Phaktanglung View Point · दृश्यावलोकन स्थल · ४,००६ मि
  12. 12. Ghunsa → Selele

    • Selele · बास · ३,४१५ मि
    • Kanchenjunga guest house · बास · ३,४१३ मि
  13. 13. Selele → Tseram

    • Hillside Lodge · बास · ४,२३८ मि
    • Sele La · प्रकृति · ४,६४० मि
    • Viewpoint · दृश्यावलोकन स्थल · ४,६१४ मि
    • Mirgin La · प्रकृति · ४,६५० मि
    • Sinelapche La · प्रकृति · ४,७०९ मि
  14. 14. Tseram → Ramche

    • Upper-Tseram · बास · ४,०९४ मि
  15. 15. Ramche

    • Okhordung (Oktang) · दृश्यावलोकन स्थल · ४,७६६ मि
  16. 16. Ramche → Tseram

    • 8586 · बास · ३,८८१ मि
  17. 17. Tseram → Tortongdin

    • Alojamiento · बास · २,९९९ मि
  18. 18. Tortongdin → Yamphudin

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  19. 19. Yamphudin → Taplejung

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  20. 20. Taplejung → Bhadrapur

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
  21. 21. Bhadrapur → Kathmandu

    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
    यो दिनका लागि अहिलेसम्म केही नक्सांकन भएको छैन।
अन्तिम पटक २०२६ अक्टोबर १९ मा प्रमाणितपुरानो जानकारी रिपोर्ट गर्नुहोस्
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