Kanchenjunga Trekking Circuit is one of the most difficult adventures due to its remote and cumbersome access and lack of basic tourism developments for the “most bio-diverse, culturally significant, and visually stunning region of the Himalayas.” The Yala Adventure Kanchenjunga Express Trek in the Kanchenjunga WWF Conservation Area in northeast Nepal, bordering Sikkim and Tibet, offers a luxury trekking option to experience the best of Kanchenjunga wilderness. Enjoy the striking natural beauty and the safety of welcoming Buddhist Sherpa culture. Experience the metabolic benefits of high altitude and complete relaxation from job pressures. Revitalize your body and soul with exclusive quality service in this remote area. We’ll fly to Ghunsa (3500m) on a 2-hour helicopter flight from Kathmandu to explore the north side of the world’s 3rd highest mountain.
Airport representative of Journey Junction will meet you at airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure to adjust to the culture shock of medieval Kathmandu, with its bustling bazaars interspersed with shrines and temples and interesting architecture. We will finalize restricted area permits and brief you on the flight and the trip. In the evening you can either eat in at your hotel or venture out to one of the many restaurant in Thamel overnight.
You will board a two hour and thirty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Ghunsa. The flight goes along the Himalayan foothills and provides a stunning view of the truly impressive giant Makalu – the 7th highest mountain in the world. You will land in Ghunsa where Journey Junction operates the Kanchenjunga Circuit Express Trekking.
On the first two days of the Kanchenjunga Circuit Express Trek, we’ll acclimatize and immerse ourselves in Tibetan and Sherpa culture in Ghunsa—a charming Sherpa village encircled by peaks over 5000m. Our time here includes two highlights: visiting Tashichhoeling Ghunsa Monastery and the Tibetan village of Phale.
Tashichhoeling Monastery, a 500-year-old “lucky place of worship” built by Gyalwa Lhatsen Chenmpo, is the area’s most important Buddhist site, housing lamas of the Ningmapa (red hat) sect. The site consists of two parts: the original, mural-adorned structure and a newer building rebuilt after a 1960s fire, now undergoing restoration with the help of the monastery’s lamas.
In Phale, a traditional Tibetan village, we’ll observe monks in daily prayer, visit a local house for Tibetan tea, and see artisans weaving traditional yak wool carpets that take about 30 days to complete and sell for $60-80.
From Ghunsa, we’ll trek along the Ghunsa River and Kanchenjunga Glacier to reach Kambachen, a summer camp for yak herders. Each evening, Sherpas guide the yaks back with bells jingling around their necks—a mesmerizing “yak parade” that fills the camp with sound. We’ll enjoy fresh yak milk and butter with our meals.
Kambachen offers spectacular views, with the striking 7,000m Janu Peak—one of the world’s most beautiful 7,000m mountains—towering over the village, alongside several 6,000m peaks and three glacial valleys converging nearby.
From Kambachen we will follow the spectacularly huge Kanchenjunga Glacier to Lhonak and Pangpema, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. Lhonak is a truly magic place unlike anything in the world. It is a huge alpine meadow surrounded 360 degree by 6000m and 7000m peaks. In the evening, herds of Blue Mountain Sheep graze here; they are shy animals and will keep their distance, however they come close enough to take some great pictures.
We will reach the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5100m) within 3 days. We will spend one night at Base camp and then hike 300m to the base of Pyramid peak for exceptionally spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga and several other 7000m peaks lining the Tibetan and Sikkim borders. Gaining such elevation will be challenging but the payoff is well worth the effort. This will be one of the highlights of the adventure both with elevation record and visual reward allowing a stunning panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga massif towering 3000m above.
From Kanchenjunga Base Camp, we’ll journey back to Lhonak, where we’ll enjoy one final night of camping in the heart of the Himalayas. This will be our last chance to soak in the awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery, surrounded by towering peaks and expansive glaciers. As we settle into camp, the tranquility and grandeur of the mountains provide a perfect setting for reflection on the incredible journey we’ve undertaken. The evening will be a memorable farewell to the Himalayas, complete with a peaceful night under the stars, enveloped in the crisp mountain air and panoramic views—a truly spectacular end to our adventure.
On our final trekking day, we’ll make our way back to the village of Ghunsa for a helicopter flight to Kathmandu. This last leg of our journey offers one more chance to marvel at the breathtaking 6,000m and 7,000m peaks along the Kanchenjunga glacial valley and savor the invigorating benefits from our time in the high-altitude wilderness. Take a moment to bid farewell to the unforgettable Kanchenjunga landscape and reflect on the past days spent in this remote Himalayan paradise—an experience that will linger long after we’ve returned.
You’ll board a 2.5-hour return flight to Kathmandu, flying along the stunning Himalayan foothills. This flight offers another chance to admire the majestic Makalu, the 7th highest mountain in the world, standing tall among the peaks. After a final glimpse of these impressive giants, we’ll land back in Kathmandu, ready to unwind and relax at the hotel, cherishing memories from our incredible journey.
Though our adventure is set during the dry season, we’ve included a contingency day for any unexpected weather in the Kanchenjunga region. Under normal conditions, this day becomes an extra day in Kathmandu. To make the most of it, we’ll provide a courtesy vehicle and guide for a day trip to Bhaktapur—a beautifully preserved medieval city and cultural gem of Nepal. On our way, we’ll also visit the historic 6th-century Changu Narayan Temple complex, offering a perfect blend of culture and history for your final day.
As our journey comes to an end, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, hoping that your time with us has been nothing short of memorable and inspirational. We trust that the experiences, landscapes, and moments shared will stay with you long after you leave, and we look forward to welcoming you back for future adventures. Safe travels!
