Mount Kanchenjunga 8,586 m is the third highest peak in the world. This is one of the unexplored and unspoiled trekking routes located in the eastern part of Nepal. Walking in Kanchenjunga is a pleasant experience that offers wonderful snow-capped mountains, breath-taking scenery and an exotic panoramic view of the Himalayas. You can enjoy the breath-taking views of the peaks above 8,000m, such as Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Makalu (8,201 m) and Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m).
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek borders Sikkim and Tibet in the eastern part of Nepal. That means it is both remote and brimming with Buddhist culture, yet not among the most popular treks in Nepal. The reason is the fact that it is a remote place and it is a relatively long walk. Also because of this, there is limited information on the internet about this hike. Your journey to the world’s third highest mountain of Kanchenjunga begins by taking a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur.
The best idea is to take the earliest morning flight possible and drive to Taplejung on the same day. As Bhadrapur is only 300 feet above sea level, it is hot and humid and not a favorite place where you want to spend a lot of time. After landing in Bhadrapur, you will drive to Taplejung through Illam, the heart of the tea plantation area of Nepal. It’s a long day of driving, but the road from Illam to Taplejung, which takes four to five hours, is paved. Although it is a windy mountain road, the ride is smooth.
There are weekly scheduled flights from Kathmandu to Suketar Airport that can seem tempting as they eliminate raw travel. But these flights are often canceled at the last minute due to bad weather conditions. Therefore, we highly recommend that you take the flight to Bhadrapur. From Taplejung to Tapethok there is a dirt road. Subject to seasonal weather conditions, it is approximately a three-hour drive from Taplejung.
In Tapethok is the first of many checkpoints where we will show the trekking permits. Then it’s a gentle five-hour hike to Sekhathum, including time to stop for lunch. At Sekhathum, which is similar to Tapethok, you are at 1660 meters, only 280 meters higher than Tapethok. Today’s hike will take you around 6 hours, including a lunch break. Remember that there is only a small tea shop in Jaubari and nowhere else to eat, so we will eat our food in Jaubari. You will cross the Ghunsa river twice and go up to Amjilosa, which is the hardest part of the day.
Today is relatively easy and involves only four hours of walking to Gyabla. A brief nod will reach a flat ridge and slowly enter the rhododendron and bamboo forest. Gyabla is at 2730 meters, 232 meters higher than Amjilosa. When you get here you may think this town is small, but actually the main town is hidden by the ridge to the west of a hostel on the main road.
Protrek Adventure is a trekking and adventure tour operator company that successfully runs trekking, expeditions and many adventure activities and tours in Nepal.
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