Best Time to Trek the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The best time for Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). In spring, trekkers can enjoy blooming rhododendrons, dense forests, and active wildlife, making it a scenic and vibrant high-altitude trekking experience. Autumn offers clear skies, stable weather, and ideal trekking conditions, perfect for those seeking panoramic Himalayan views.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit trek in winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) is less recommended. Harsh weather, limited teahouse facilities, and safety risks make trekking during these seasons more challenging.
Physical Fitness for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is physically demanding and requires good fitness. The route involves long, strenuous hikes through rough terrain, high-altitude passes, and unpredictable weather. Being physically fit is crucial for completing the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, with daily hikes lasting 6 to 8 hours. Physical training and mental preparation are essential for success. Acclimatization is key to avoid altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Nepal Sanctuary Treks design itinerary with extra days for acclimatization, helping trekkers adapt more comfortably.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Difficulty
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you through a restricted area in Nepal, requiring special permits for access. The trek involves tough ascents, descents, and multiple high-altitude passes. The journey covers about 200 km to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, one of the longest treks in Nepal. Daily walking distances are 15-20 km, with daily elevation gains of 500-1000 meters. Reaching the highest point of 5,143 meters requires crossing challenging passes.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Permits
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is located in a restricted area, requiring trekkers to obtain special permits. You will need both the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit and the Restricted Area Permit to access this part of Nepal. Independent trekking is prohibited, and at least two trekkers are required to obtain the restricted area permit.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks can assist in obtaining the necessary permits for your Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Temperature
Temperatures along the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek vary greatly between the lower tropical valleys and the high-altitude alpine camps. During winter (December to February), daytime temperatures at high altitudes range from -5°C to 10°C, while nights can drop to -10°C to -25°C.
Spring (March to May) brings milder days of 5°C to 15°C and cooler nights between -12°C and 0°C. The monsoon season (June to August) sees daytime temperatures of 10°C to 22°C and nights around 2°C to 12°C, while autumn (September to November) offers daytime highs of 10°C to 19°C and night lows of -10°C to 10°C, making it the peak trekking season.
For winter trekking, a high-quality sleeping bag rated for -20°C to -30°C is essential, as most teahouses are unheated and water can freeze indoors overnight. Temperature typically drops by 6°C for every 1,000 meters of elevation gain, so preparation for cold weather is critical.
Many high-altitude teahouses may close in late December when locals migrate to lower regions, so trekkers should plan accordingly.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Packing list
Footwear:
- Walking boots. A pair of water-repellent boots with ankle support.
- Walking socks.
- Trainers or trail shoes. Can be used in and around the lodge in the afternoons/evenings.
Clothing:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar).
- Trekking trousers.
- Long sleeve shirts (not cotton).
- Mid to heavyweight fleece.
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
- Fleece pants.
- Medium weight down jacket (e.g.: Nuptse jacket by The North Face).
Hand wear:
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Headwear:
- Wool or fleece hat.
- Sun hat.
- Bandana or scarf.
- Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
- Sunglasses.
For crossing the passes
- Trekking poles
- Yaktrax
- Gaiters
Personal Equipment:
- Day pack (you’ll need during the day, such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, snacks, and a personal first aid kit. Keep your daypack under 5 kg. A porter will transport the rest of your personal gear in a duffel or kit bag, which should not exceed 15 kg per trekker. Clearly mark your bag to help identify it easily.)
- Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized.
- Water bottles (Nalgene wide-mouth bottles are the best).
- Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF.
- Water purification tablets (Aqua Tab, Chlorine dioxide).
- Favourite snack food.
- Sleeping bag ( available for rental in Kathmandu approx.@ US$1.5/day)
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
- Insurance certificate.
- Flash Light
- Earplugs (optional).
- Hand sanitizer
- Face Mask
- Spare cash for extra expenses like hot shower, boiled water, gadget charging during trek
Traveling:
- Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.
- Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu.
- Toiletry bags include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.
- Quick dry towel
Personal first aid kit: Note: Nepal Sanctuary Treks provides a comprehensive group first aid kit, but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Wi‑Fi and internet access
Communication on the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is extremely limited due to the region’s remoteness. Nepal Telecom (NTC/Namaste) is the only provider with usable signal; Ncell is mostly ineffective beyond Taplejung.
Lower villages like Chiruwa or Lelep may have patchy coverage, and moderate voice-only service is occasionally available in Ghunsa and Ramche. Beyond Ghunsa and Tseram, there is typically no mobile signal for 7–10 days.
Wi-Fi is rare, mostly in lower-altitude lodges, with fees of $2–$5 USD per session; connections are slow, unreliable, and solar-dependent. For emergencies, guides usually carry Thuraya satellite phones.
Electricity & Charging on Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Electricity on Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is available at most teahouses, but it becomes less reliable at higher altitudes. Lower villages like Num, Seduwa, and Tashigaon get power from local micro-hydro projects, while higher villages such as Yangla Kharka and Lhonak rely mainly on solar panels, which can be inconsistent depending on weather conditions.
Most teahouses charge $1–$5 USD per device, with higher fees at altitude. Some lodges, like the Kanchenjunga Guest House in Lhonak, may offer free device charging. Standard outlets are Type C, D, or M, so a universal travel adapter is recommended. Guest rooms usually don’t have sockets, so devices must be charged at communal charging points.
Cold weather and peak trekking season can drain batteries quickly, so it’s important to carry a high-capacity power bank and a headlamp with spare batteries. To save power, reduce screen brightness, avoid prolonged device use, and turn off GPS and Wi-Fi when not needed. Keep unused electronics warm in your backpack, or store phones and spare batteries in your down jacket pockets. Fully charge your devices in Ghunsa, the last village with reliable electricity before the high-altitude camps.
ATMs or Banks on Kanchenjunga Trek
For cash on Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, Kathmandu is the most reliable option. ATMs from major banks like Standard Chartered, Nabil, and Everest Bank accept international cards, making it easy to withdraw money before starting the trek.
Some towns along the route, such as Tumlingtar and Khandbari, have ATMs, but they are often unreliable. Taplejung and Sukhetar may have limited banking services, though working ATMs are not guaranteed. Most ATMs charge a transaction fee of around NPR 500–750, and your home bank may charge additional international fees.
The Kanchenjunga trek is cash-based, as teahouses, shops, and local vendors accept only Nepali Rupees. Credit cards are rarely accepted in smaller villages. Make sure to carry enough cash to cover showers, device charging, and hot water along the route.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Accommodation
Teahouse lodges on Kanchenjunga Circuit trek are simple and mostly twin-sharing, equipped with a single bed, basic mattress, pillow, and blanket. In cold winter months (late December), a high-quality sleeping bag rated for –15 °C or lower is essential, as most rooms are unheated.
Lower villages may offer Western or squat toilets, while higher-altitude lodges mostly provide shared squat toilets. Hot showers are sometimes available for $2–$4 USD, typically heated with solar or gas systems. Heating in rooms is minimal, with warmth coming mainly from stoves in communal dining halls.
Altitude:
3,333 m. / 10,935 ft.
Difficulty:
Moderate
