Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek-17 Days, Itinerary, Cost, Permits

We start the journey with an eastward flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar or Bhadrapur (about 45 minutes). Enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas and the patchwork of the Terai plains during the flight. Biratnagar, located in the lowlands of Nepal, greets us with warm, humid air, a big change from Kathmandu’s climate. 

From Biratnagar, we embark on a long jeep drive to the mountain town of Taplejung (traveling by private or shared 4x4 vehicle). The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours, as we wind our way up from the flat plains into the lush hills of eastern Nepal. 

We pass through scenic landscapes: terraced rice fields, hillsides covered in tea gardens (Ilam region is famous for tea), and charming small towns where we might stop for lunch. 

The road is narrow and bumpy in parts, but the views of green valleys and distant mountains keep us entertained. By late afternoon or evening, we arrive in Taplejung Bazaar (1,820 m) or nearby Suketar. Taplejung is the district headquarters and the last big town. It sits on a ridge and, on a clear day, you might catch your first glimpse of snow peaks in the distance. Settle into a local guesthouse. Overnight in Taplejung. (Meals: B/L/D)

After an early breakfast, we continued by jeep further into the hills. The rough road from Taplejung leads us towards the Tamor River valley. 

We drive for about 3 hours over winding mountain roads to reach Ranipul, a small settlement by the river which serves as the roadhead for trekkers. The drive itself is an adventure where you'll descend from Taplejung through verdant hills and cross bridges over rivers. 

At Ranipul (approximately 1,200 m), we finally begin our trek on foot, leaving motorized transport behind. It’s a relatively short hike today (about 2 hours) to ease us in. The trail from Ranipul to Sekathum follows the Ghunsa Khola (river) upstream. 

You’ll walk on a pleasant path that undulates along the riverbank, occasionally crossing small wooden bridges. The lush vegetation and the sound of the river accompany us. Sekathum (1,575 m) is a riverside village at the confluence of the Ghunsa and Tamor rivers. 

We reach Sekathum by early to mid-afternoon and check into a simple teahouse. This is our first overnight in the mountains. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and perhaps take a refreshing wash in the river (if you don’t mind cold water!). Overnight in Sekathum. (Meals: B/L/D)

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, as Day 4 is a full day of trekking. We hit the trail around 7:00 AM, leaving Sekathum behind. The route today is considered one of the tougher stretches for trekkers new to the Himalayas. Expect around 7-8 hours of walking, with significant altitude gain. 

The trail initially heads uphill steeply as we move away from the river. Then it alternates between gradual ascents, descents, and some flat stretches. We trek through a gorgeous, dense forest for much of the day. 

Tall bamboo groves, rhododendron trees, oaks, and even stands of cedar line the trail. In spring, the rhododendron blooms add splashes of red and pink to the greenery. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Troops of gray langur monkeys are sometimes spotted in these forests, and many bird species flit among the trees. 

After about 4 hours of steady hiking, we’ll take a break for lunch. The lunch sport is likely at a small shepherd’s clearing or by a stream (there may be a simple tea shop depending on the season).

Post-lunch, with renewed energy, we continue onward. 

The climb resumes, winding along the side of steep hills. As we get higher, there are a few viewpoints. From these viewpoints you can look back and marvel at how far you’ve come.

By late afternoon, we will reach Thyangyam (also spelled Tyangim) at around 2,400 m. Thyangyam is a tiny hamlet essentially a small clearing with a couple of basic lodges for trekkers. The setting is peaceful, surrounded by forest and overlooking a deep valley. We’re now at roughly the same altitude as Kathmandu, but in a far more remote context. After a long day, enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Thyangyam. (Meals: B/L/D)

Today we push further north and enter the heart of the Kanchenjunga region. Leaving Thyangyam, the trail descends briefly through verdant forest until the valley opens up wider. We then follow the Ghunsa Khola upstream toward Ghunsa village. 

The trek is another lengthy one (7+ hours), but the reward at day’s end is well worth it. After the initial descent, we cross a bridge and gradually start climbing again. You’ll notice the vegetation starting to change as we go above 3,000 m. Dense forests thin out a bit, with more pines, birches, and rhododendrons of shorter stature.

Around mid-route, we come to Phale (Pholey), a Tibetan refugee village marked by prayer flags and a small monastery. Phale, at about 3,140 m, is a good spot to pause and maybe have lunch. 

From Phale, the trail winds through pine forest and passes several mani walls (stone walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers) and chortens. It signals that we are entering a region with strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. 

We climb a bit more after Phale and then finally, the trail flattens as we approach Ghunsa. Ghunsa (3,595 m) is the largest village in the Kanchenjunga north region, a picturesque Sherpa village on the bank of the Ghunsa Khola. It has a hydroelectric plant (you might notice the small powerhouse), a checkpoint for the conservation area, and multiple lodges to host trekkers.

The houses here are wooden and stone with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Many trekkers use Ghunsa as a rest and acclimatization spot due to its relative comfort and lower altitude (before heading higher). 

We’ll settle into a teahouse in Ghunsa. Enjoy the evening by perhaps visiting the Ghunsa Gompa (monastery) or chatting with friendly locals. You’ve gained over 1,000 m today, so take it easy and stay hydrated to aid acclimatization. Overnight in Ghunsa. (Meals: B/L/D)

Leaving the tree line gradually behind, we venture into the high alpine valley today. 

The trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (also spelled Khambachen) is shorter in distance (around 10 km) but we gain substantial elevation. From here we take it slow and steady steps. Departing Ghunsa, the trail heads north alongside the Ghunsa Khola. 

We walk through larch and juniper forests, with the river coursing in a gorge below. After an hour or so, the trail traverses a landslide area, a section of jumbled rocks and earth. We’ll navigate carefully here. 

Soon we reach a place called Rampuk Kharka, a grazing meadow, from where the views start to open up. Across the river, an immense gray cliff face rises, the shoulder of Jannu. 

As we progress, we cross a small bridge to the north bank of the river and encounter a beautiful cascading waterfall tumbling down the rocks. This spot offers one of the first truly awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. You see Jannu (7,710 m), with its formidable ice-clad south face, into clear view towering above. 

Jannu, also nicknamed “The Mystery Peak” or “Kumbhakarna,” is one of the most striking mountains in the region and you’ll likely stop here to take photos. Other peaks like Phole (Folder) Peak (6,645 m), Sobithongie (6,670 m), and Khabur (6,332 m) also peek out on the horizon.

Continuing on, the terrain becomes more alpine with scrub juniper and scattered bushes, and lots of rock and moraine underfoot. 

By early afternoon, we’ll reach Kambachen (4,050 m), a small settlement situated in a broad valley. Kambachen has a few simple lodges and yak pastures surrounding it. 

You’ll feel the air is thinner and the temperature cooler here. After checking into our teahouse, you have the rest of the day to relax. We’ve entered the high Himalaya proper surrounded by towering peaks and with the Ghunsa River now a glacial stream. 

If energy permits, you can take a short walk up a ridge for better views of the Kanchenjunga massif looming up the valley. But avoid any strenuous side hikes; it’s important to allow your body to acclimatize at this new altitude. 

Enjoy a warm meal and get to bed early. Overnight in Kambachen. (Meals: B/L/D)

By now we are above 4,000 m, so Day 7 is reserved for acclimatization. 

It’s essential to have this extra day to let our bodies adjust to the thin air before pushing higher. In high-altitude trekking, the mantra is “climb high, sleep low,”. It means we should stay active during the day but not necessarily gain a huge amount of altitude. 

We will spend a second night in Kambachen at the same elevation. During the day, you have options for exploration:

• one popular short hike (2 3 hours round-trip) is to walk up the valley towards Jannu’s base or

• a ridge called Nupchu Peak Viewpoint, which offers splendid panoramas of Kanchenjunga and Jannu’s glaciers. 

This hike could take you up to about 4,500 m. You can feel the weight of high altitude before coming back down to Kambachen to sleep which is excellent for acclimatization.

Another option is to visit the nearby Ramtang area where there are some ancient yak herders’ huts and where you might spot blue sheep on the slopes. Your guide will decide on the best hike based on weather and group conditions.

If you’re feeling tired, it’s perfectly fine to have a restful day in Kambachen itself. Read a book, stroll around the village, chat with other trekkers or our crew, and soak up the sun (and views) from the teahouse courtyard. 

Surrounding Kambachen are spectacular peaks. You can see the sharp snow pyramid of Tent Peak in one direction and the massive bulk of Kanchenjunga itself peeking from further up the valley towards the north. 

Tip: Even on rest days, try to stay mildly active and drink plenty of fluids. This helps your acclimatization; avoid sleeping during the day if possible, save the big sleep for nighttime. 

In the evening, your guide will brief you on the coming days which will be the most demanding but rewarding part of the trek. Overnight in Kambachen. (Meals: B/L/D)

 Feeling rejuvenated, we set out from Kambachen toward Lhonak, the last settlement before the north base camp. Although we’re covering a distance of only ~6 km, we gain about 700+ meters of elevation, so again we’ll take a measured pace. 

The trail follows the Kanchenjunga Glacier’s moraine on the north side of the valley. Initially, we hike through a flat section of pasture known as Kharka, but soon the path becomes rocky and gravelly. 

You’ll traverse scree slopes and climb over some boulder remnants of historic landslides. 

In some places the trail is narrow and hugs the hillside, so we walk carefully. 

After about 2 hours, we’ll reach the site of the old Ramtang Monastery (3,720 m) . It was destroyed by an avalanche decades ago; a few chortens and prayer flags mark the spot. From here, looking back, you get an unforgettable view of the south face of Jannu.

Continuing on, the landscape turns stark and arid. We’re now walking on lateral moraine, essentially a ridge of rocks and debris deposited by the glacier. 

To our left is the enormous Kanchenjunga Glacier, covered in debris with patches of ice peeping through. You might hear the distant creaking or trickling of the glacier. The trail ascends a bit more steeply in the last push to Lhonak. 

By early afternoon, we’ll arrive at Lhonak (4,780 m), situated on an open, windswept plain by the side of the glacier. Lhonak has a few very basic stone huts and lodges (roofed with tin or wood). 

This high and remote outpost is often cold and windy, but the views are amazing. In front of us lies the final section of the valley leading to Kanchenjunga’s north base camp, and all around are snow-capped summits. 

To the east, you can see some of the Himalayan range that extends into Tibet. We’ll have a hot lunch or tea upon arrival and settle in.

Note: At Lhonak, the accommodation is extremely basic. essentially a bunkroom but the experience of being in such a far-flung place is memorable. In the late afternoon, you might take a short acclimatization stroll to a nearby ridge to keep your body active. Make sure to bundle up; nighttime temperatures here can drop well below freezing. Tomorrow is a big day, so we turn in early. Overnight in Lhonak. (Meals: B/L/D)

Big day! We set out early, with sunrise or just before, to trek to Pangpema, commonly known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp. This is the highest point of our trek and the ultimate highlight. 

The hike from Lhonak to Pangpema is about 7 km and will take around 3-4 hours one way. 

The trail is not very steep but we are at high elevation, so we walk slowly and steadily. We follow a narrow path that traces the ridge of the glacier. In places, the trail might be icy or snow-covered depending on the season. 

As the sun rises, it illuminates the peaks around us in a golden glow truly a sight to behold.

We cross the 5,000 m mark as we approach Pangpema. 

The route is somewhat treacherous in parts, winding over loose rocks and perhaps a few small streams. But finally, we then start ascending a last moraine ridge and there it is: Pangpema (North Base Camp, ~5,143 m). 

Pangpema is essentially a vantage point with a few prayer flags and maybe the remains of some expedition camps. The view here is utterly breathtaking. 

Right in front of you towers the entire north face of Kanchenjunga, a wall of ice and rock that soars more than 3,000 m up from the glacier. To the left, the shapely peak of Jannu stands guard, and to the right, various ridges lead towards Tibet. 

You can also see Wedge Peak, The Twins, and other summits forming the cirque around the glacier. We’ll spend some time here soaking in the panorama and taking photos. 

This is a moment to savor reaching the base camp of the world’s third-highest mountain! 

Few trekkers get to witness this view in person.

Depending on conditions and the group’s energy, we might explore around the base camp area a bit. 

There is a famous sign or marker left by previous expeditions where trekkers often take a group photo. 

Note: In some itineraries, groups choose to camp at Pangpema overnight, but lodges are very minimal or non-existent. Our plan is usually to return to Lhonak for the night for better rest (unless pre-arranged otherwise). 

So, after spending perhaps an hour or so at base camp, we retrace our steps back down to Lhonak. The return trek takes another 2.5-3 hours. Back at Lhonak by afternoon, you’ll likely feel the fatigue from the high altitude and long hike. 

Rest, rehydrate, and keep warm inside the teahouse. This evening, celebrate the achievement with your crew. You've reached the highest point of the Kanchenjunga Circuit! Overnight in Lhonak. (Meals: B/L/D)

After conquering the north base camp, it’s time to start the journey towards the south side of Kanchenjunga. 

Today is a relatively long day as we aim to descend all the way back to Ghunsa, essentially retracing our route of the past four days. We bid farewell to Lhonak in the morning chill and hike down past Kambachen and Phale to Ghunsa. 

The trail is mostly downhill or flat, so while the distance is considerable, it’s not too strenuous on the lungs though it will be a test for the knees. We’ll take it at a comfortable pace with breaks.

Leaving Lhonak, we quickly cover ground back to Kambachen (you’ll be amazed how much faster descending can be). We might pause at Kambachen for tea or an early lunch, greeting the lodge owners we met on the way up. 

Continuing on, we move through the familiar sections: Rampuk Kharka, across the bridge by the waterfall, through the rhododendron and pine forest, and into Ghunsa. It’s interesting to see the scenery from the opposite direction. Often one notices new details. 

Also, breathing easier at lower altitudes will put an extra spring in your step. Along the way, we’ll take a short detour to visit Ramtang Monastery (if we didn’t on the way up). This small monastery is a serene spot where climbers traditionally pay respects before attempting Kanchenjunga.

By late afternoon, we’ll stroll into Ghunsa again. Having dropped over 1,300 m in altitude from Lhonak, you will feel the air rich in oxygen. You may even feel energized enough to enjoy an evening around the stove hearing local songs. 

We’ve combined what was originally 2 days (Lhonak to Kambachen, and Kambachen to Ghunsa) into one long day, so we’ll be ready for an early night. 

Congratulations, the north circuit part is complete! From here, we’ll be heading southwards over the passes. Overnight in Ghunsa. (Meals: B/L/D)

Today we leave the main trail and head into the wilderness as we approach the passes connecting to the south side. 

The destination is Sele Le Kharka, basically a small high camp area below the passes. Saying goodbye to Ghunsa’s hospitable villagers, we start a steep ascent right away. The trail zigzags up through a dense forest; it's a steady climb, gaining about 400 m in a short distance. 

As we rise, views of Ghunsa Valley and distant peaks emerge between the trees. After a few hours, the forest begins to thin. We come to an open area known as Sele Le Kharka (kharka means pasture). 

This is not a village, just a clearing at around 3,800-3,900 m where there are a couple of basic huts or lodges for trekkers. We’ll likely reach Sele Le by early afternoon since the distance from Ghunsa is not too far (it’s the elevation gain that slows us).

Given we have the afternoon free, you can rest or take short exploratory walks nearby. The environment here is tranquil. 

You might see pheasants in the bushes or even footprints of Himalayan tahr or snow leopard (if very lucky, though sightings are rare). 

Sele Le is often shrouded in mist by late afternoon, with clouds rolling up from the valleys. It has an eerie beauty to it. We turn in early tonight, as tomorrow will be a challenging pass-crossing day. 

The tea house here is very simple, essentially a shelter for trekkers and yak herders. The night will be cold at this altitude; expect frost in your water bucket by morning. Overnight in Sele Le Kharka. (Meals: B/L/D)

Adventure alert, pass crossing day! 

We start at daybreak, as it’s going to be a long and exhilarating day traversing over three passes. 

After a quick warm breakfast, we hit the trail while the morning light is just creeping over the mountains. 

The first target is Sele La Pass. We’ll climb a steep, rocky path above Sele Le Kharka, ascending to around 4,290 m at the Sele La (also called Salung La). At the top of this pass, marked by prayer flags, we are greeted by superb mountain views. 

On a clear morning, you can spot Mount Makalu (8,485 m) peeking in the distance to the west. You may even see the tip of Everest far on the horizon, a surreal sight while standing on another great massif.

After celebrating the first pass, we continue along a ridge. Then slightly descend before the trail rises again towards the second pass, Mirgin La (approximately 4,470 m). In some routes Mirgin La is counted as multiple passes (there are actually a series of bumps on the ridge). 

The trail can be confusing here, but our guide will navigate the cairns and poles that mark the way. At the top of Mirgin La, take a moment to absorb the vista: you are now effectively crossing from the north side to the south side of the Kanchenjunga range. 

To our north lies the broad Jannu and Kanchenjunga panorama, and to our south, not yet visible, is the Yalung valley.

Pressing on, we reach the highest and third pass, Sinion La (4,620 m)  sometimes spelled Sinelapche La. 

At this altitude, every step can feel taxing, but the sense of accomplishment is incredible. From Sinion La, on a very clear day, you might catch glimpses of Kanchenjunga South and other peaks of the eastern Himalaya coming into view. 

After the final pass, the trail starts to descend. We’ve done the hard part! 

A long, gradual downhill through rocky terrain. Then scrubby forests leads us down into the upper region of the Simbuwa Khola Valley (Yalung side). By afternoon, we arrive at Tseram (Cheram), at 3,864 m.

Tseram is a small cluster of 2-3 lodges that cater to trekkers heading to Oktang (South Base Camp). It’s nestled in a river valley with tall mountains around. 

We rest in Tseram for the night. You’ve probably never been happier to see a teahouse. It's been a big day! 

Rest well, knowing the major hurdles are over. Overnight in Tseram. (Meals: B/L/D)

Although we’ve been to the north base camp, the journey isn’t complete without visiting the south side’s vantage points. 

Today we trek to Ramche, which will serve as our base for exploring the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp area. The trek from Tseram to Ramche isn’t very far. It is only about 4-5 km and we’ll likely reach Ramche by lunch, leaving the afternoon for exploration.

We follow the Simbuwa Khola upstream. We ascend gradually through a forest that thins out into grassy yak pastures. After about an hour, we pass by the settlement of Oktang (not the base camp, but a small place named Oktang) and then climb a lateral moraine ridge. 

Suddenly, the immense snout of the Yalung Glacier appears ahead. The glacier is covered in rocks and dirt. But you can see blue ice in places and hear the distant cracking of ice occasionally. 

We are now in an ablation valley. We are at the side of a glacier where meltwater and sediment create a flat zone. This valley offers a magnificent view of the southwest face of Kanchenjunga. It is an absolutely towering wall of ice rising above us. You can even make out the route that the first climbers (Joe Brown and George Band in 1955) took to summit Kanchenjunga from this side. 

Your guide can point out roughly where the climbing route goes, along a ridge on the skyline. It’s humbling to stand there and imagine scaling those heights.

We continue a bit further to reach Ramche (4,580 m), which is basically the end of the habitable trail. 

Ramche might have one basic lodge or shelter depending on season; otherwise, we camp or use our crew’s arrangements. 

After lunch at Ramche, we’ll take an exciting side trip: a hike up to Oktang viewpoint. From Ramche, it’s about an hour or so hike to Oktang (4,730 m), which is essentially Kanchenjunga South Base Camp. 

We trek alongside the moraine, perhaps spotting some alpine wildlife like blue sheep on the slopes. 

At Oktang, a miracle of mountain vistas unfolds: we are standing in a gigantic amphitheater of peaks. Before us is the massive southern face of Kanchenjunga. You can see parts of its South and Main summits. To the right are the elegant peaks of Kabru (Kabru North/South), and straight ahead, just across the glacier, Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) shows its equally impressive face from this southern aspect. 

There might be prayer flags and signs left by previous expeditions marking the base camp area. This is a very spiritual spot for many. You might see small offerings or chortens placed by local pilgrims, as Kanchenjunga is considered a sacred mountain.

Take your time at Oktang; at ~4,730 m it’s a bit easier to breathe than Pangpema was, and the scenery is arguably just as grand, but in a different way. 

Clouds often start to form in early afternoon, so hopefully we get the views before then. After fully soaking in the experience, we return back down to Ramche for the evening (the return from Oktang is relatively quick, mostly downhill). 

We’ve now visited both base camp sides of Kanchenjunga, an achievement few trekkers can claim! 

Tonight, you celebrate with your crew, perhaps over a warm Sherpa stew or a mug of hot chocolate. Overnight in Ramche or Tseram (depending on lodge availability; if Ramche has no lodge open, we might return to Tseram to sleep). (Meals: B/L/D)

(If we stayed in Ramche on Day 13, we would spend the early morning of Day 14 exploring Oktang and then head down. If we already visited Oktang on Day 13 and returned to Tseram for the night, then Day 14 is simply an extra buffer or rest day which we can use to descend further.)

Assuming we stayed overnight at Ramche, we have a bit of flexibility. Early risers can hike up a hill behind Ramche to catch a stunning sunrise on Kanchenjunga’s south face. 

Witnessing the first light on those peaks is magical. After breakfast, we descend back to Tseram. 

As we leave the upper valley, make sure to turn around once in a while for farewell views of the Kanchenjunga massif. The descent is pleasant and much faster than the ascent was. 

In a couple of hours, we arrive in Tseram again. We’ll have lunch here. 

If everyone is feeling good and we have time, we could continue further down to Tortong today (combining two days into one). However, having an easier day after the exertions of the passes and base camps is often welcome. 

So we might choose to stay at Tseram again, or move down to Tortong in the afternoon. The guide will decide based on the group’s energy and weather.

For the purpose of this itinerary, we’ll assume we take it easy and stay in Tseram this night (if we didn’t already the night before). Enjoy the thicker air and warmth at this lower elevation. You may notice more greenery and even some wildflowers here that were absent up at Ramche. Overnight in Tseram. (Meals: B/L/D)

Time to step further down into lush forests and re-enter civilization gradually. Leaving Tseram, we descend along the Simbuwa Khola. 

The trail is much easier now, mostly downhill and at times undulating. We pass through forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. This area is known for wildlife; keep an eye out for the flamboyant Himalayan monal pheasant (Danphe) which often forages on forest floors. 

The sound of the river grows louder as we drop altitude. After about 3 hours of hiking, we arrive at Torongding (Tortong) at 2,995 m. Tortong is a small riverside campsite/settlement nestled in a dramatic valley. 

We’ve descended nearly 900 m, so you will feel a big climate difference. The air is more humid and rich with the scent of pines. Given the shorter distance, we will likely reach Tortong by lunchtime.

In the afternoon, you can relax. Maybe go down to the riverbank and soak your feet in the cold mountain water, or just sit outside and enjoy the peace. Only a couple of basic lodges are here. At night, you might hear the gushing of the river and the rustling of wind in the trees, a soothing natural lullaby. Overnight in Tortong. (Meals: B/L/D)

The exact stopping point today can vary. The original itinerary lists a camp named “Kengsara” which is not well-marked on maps. It’s possibly referring to a place near Yamphudin. 

We will aim to reach the broad vicinity of Yamphudin village (also called Kheyang), which is one of the larger settlements in the region. This means a long day of walking (6+ hours), mostly downhill but with some short climbs in and out of side valleys.

From Tortong, we continue descending along the Simbuwa Khola until it meets the larger Tamor River. We then follow the Tamor downstream. 

The trail winds through lush vegetation. You will pass through lots of ferns, bamboo groves, and even occasional banana trees as the climate turns subtropical again. We pass small clearings with cardamom farms. Villagers with baskets might be seen harvesting these little pods. 

After crossing a long suspension bridge over the river, we begin a climb on the opposite bank. It can feel strange to climb when we know we’re generally heading “down” but Nepal’s trekking involves lots of ups and downs! 

We ascend through terraced fields to reach the cluster of houses of Yamphudin (approx. 2,080 m). This is a mixed community of Limbu, Rai, and Gurung people. It’s likely the first real village with shops we’ve seen since Ghunsa. 

If time permits, it’s worth walking through Yamphudin to observe daily life. You might see women weaving, or children playing traditional games.

Depending on logistics and lodge availability, we might stay in Yamphudin or push a little further to Khesewa or Mamankhe. But typically, Yamphudin/Kheyang has basic guesthouses where we can spend the night. 

You’ll certainly feel the warmth here after days in freezing altitudes, now you’re in a temperate valley where nights are mild. Enjoy the comfort of lower elevation. Celebrate the completion of the circuit section of the trek from here onwards. It’s primarily an exit trek back to the trailhead. Overnight in the Yamphudin area. (Meals: B/L/D)

Our last day of trekking. 

By now your legs might be tired, but the thought of a hot shower and warmer climate in town will spur you on! 

After breakfast in the village, we set out on the trail to Ranipool (Ranipul), where we’ll meet our vehicle. The walk is about 3 hours, mostly downhill or flat. We traverse through picturesque Limbu villages. You see the village houses with traditional thatched roofs and kitchen gardens. 

The locals are friendly and often curious about trekkers. Don't be surprised if you get invited for a cup of tea or a quick chat. The trail goes through extensive cardamom fields; the aroma of cardamom plants and sight of drying spice might accompany us. 

We cross a few streams and pass by school children or farmers going about their day, a gentle reminder that we are returning to more populated areas.

By late morning, we’ll reach Ranipool (the same road intersection by the river where we started walking on Day 3). Here, our trusty jeep will be waiting. 

Bidding farewell to the trekking trails, we hop into the vehicle for the drive back to Taplejung. The drive to Taplejung takes around 3 hours from Ranipool, going uphill on winding roads. 

On arrival in Taplejung Bazaar, we check into a guest house. 

This evening, it’s time to celebrate the completion of the Kanchenjunga Circuit! Our crew (guide and porters) will also likely be in a jovial mood. We’ll have a farewell dinner party with the team, perhaps some traditional Limbu music and tongba drinking to cap it off. 

Take the opportunity to thank your support staff; without their hard work, this trek would not have been possible. Overnight in Taplejung. (Meals: B/L/D)

 We begin the long journey back to Kathmandu. Early in the morning, we board a jeep from Taplejung to Biratnagar, retracing the route we came. It’s a full day’s drive (6-7 hours) but now with a sense of accomplishment, the bumpy roads won’t bother you much. 

We descend from the cool hills back into the hot flatlands. By afternoon, we arrive in Biratnagar city. We then catch a domestic flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu (about 40 minutes). 

Once again, scenic views out the airplane window provide a fitting farewell to the Himalayas. You might spot Kanchenjunga and Everest in the distance one last time as you fly westward. 

Upon landing in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. The comforts of the city will feel wonderful after the many days in the mountains. 

In the evening, The Himalayan Odyssey will host a special farewell dinner for you. Enjoy Nepali cuisine with a cultural dance performance. It's time to celebrate your successful Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek with us. 

Overnight in Kathmandu. (Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner)