Sherpa Adventure

Overview
Itinerary
Life on Trek
Equipments

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- Duration
  
  25 days
- Group
  
  16 Pax
- Difficulty
- Accommodation
  
  Hotel / Lodge
- Season
  
  All Season

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a chance to reach the base camp of the world’s third tallest mountain on a remote mountain trail ideal for trekkers who enjoy the solitude. Located in the far north-eastern corner of Nepal, Mt. Kanchenjunga is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain massifs in the world. The name Kanchenjunga means ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snow’ which is in reference to the five summits that make up Kanchenjunga. The 25-day circuit trek begins after we fly to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu. The long journey on a less crowded path also rewards us with a unique insight into the rural Nepalese lifestyle of the country’s eastern region.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft)
Day 2

Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation

We visit four landmarks in Kathmandu, three of which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We tour Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Bauddhanath Stupa. After the tour, we meet our entire trekking team, and our guides will tell us what we can expect on our trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (2,420m/7938ft), Drive to Taplejung; 45 min flight & 9 hours drive

From Kathmandu, we get an early morning flight to Bhadrapur which is located in the Mechi Zone of southeastern Nepal and then drive to Taplejung.
Day 4

Taplejung to Lalikharka (2265m/7,431ft): 4 – 5 hours trek

On Day 4 we will head to Lalikharka by 5 hours of trekking. Lalikharka is a beautiful village in Panchthar District in the Mechi Zone of eastern Nepal. It is a simultaneous ascent and descent on a trail that mostly passes through lush green forests all the way to Lalikharkha
Day 5

Lalikharka to Khesewa (2120m/6,955ft): 5 - 6 hours trek

We begin our trek to Khesewa after breakfast. It is mostly an easy descent until Phundrawa. From here we begin our ascent. It is a steep climb until Yangpang from where we climb steadily up until Phumphe Danda followed by another ascent to Khesewa. Our trek will be through forests and small villages. Overnight in Khesewa.
Day 6

Khesewa to Mamankhe (1785m/5,856ft): 5 - 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we begin our trek towards the Kabeli Khola. Next, we walk on a trail that passes through forests before crossing a small stream. On the way, we enjoy amazing views of the Himalayan peaks while also passing through several beautiful small villages. Overnight in Mamankhe.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7

Mamankhe to Yamphudin (2080m/6824ft): 4 -5 hours

Today’s trek will be mostly uphill on an easy trail whereby we mostly walk alongside the Kabeli Khola. During the walk, we also admire the beautiful ridge behind the stream. We continue our walk and admire a beautiful waterfall nearby. After walking for some time, we cross a small suspension bridge. We pass through small settlements before reaching Yamphudin to spend the night.
Day 8

Yamphudin to Tortong (2,995m/9,826ft): 7 -8 hours

We begin our walk on a path commonly used by the villagers and pass through terraced farms and green meadows. Along the way, we have the constant company of the Himalayas to enjoy. Our walk will be on a trail along the Amji Khola. We also cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang before reaching Tortong. Overnight in Tortong.
Day 9

Tortong to Cheram (3,870m/12,696ft): 2 -3 hours

We begin our steady climb to Cheram after breakfast. Our trail is right at the side of the Simbuwa Khola. We enjoy walking in the beautiful Lalung valley and have Tuplung peak for the company for the most of today’s journey. We pass through thick rhododendron forest and enjoy the magnificence of the Yalung Glacier. Overnight in Cheram.
Day 10

Cheram: Acclimatization and Rest

We spend a day in Cheram which will help us acclimatize to the high altitude. We can spend the rest of the day resting and taking part in small hikes. We can explore the areas around the Yalung Glacier. There is also a viewpoint for Kabaru and Rathong peaks. Overnight in Cheram.
Day 11

Cheram to Ramchaur (Ramche) (4,580m/15,026ft): 3 – 4 hours

We begin our short trek after breakfast. From Cheram, we ascend for sometime before reaching the snout of the Yalung Glacier. It is a beautiful walk on a valley trail. We also cherish the views of several Himalayan peaks. We pass through a small settlement of Lapsang before reaching Ramche. Overnight in Ramche.
Day 12

Ramchaur (Ramche) to Yalung Base Camp (4500m), back to Cheram: 3 – 4 hours

From Ramche, we walk further up the valley. We then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We continue our trek further towards the Oktang Monastery. From here, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung and other Himalayan peaks are close by. We descend and spend the night at Cheram.
Day 13

Cheram to Sele La (4290m/ 14,074ft) : 6 -7 hours

We begin our trek after breakfast. We cross four passes today beginning with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass, we continue to Mirgin La pass. We continue trekking and reach the Sinion La pass which is not very far. From here, we ascend to Sele La pass. There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass. We cross the pass. Overnight in Sele La.
Day 14

Sele La to Ghunsa (3,595/11,794) : 2 -3 hours

We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. We reach a chorten marked by prayer flags which marks the start of a steep trail. We descend through rhododendron, birch and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village with houses with dark and weathered pine walls and Buddhist prayer flags. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Day 15

Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,050m/13,287ft) : 5 -6 hours

From Ghunsa, we trek further north along the river bank which presents us with magnificent mountain scenery. We pass through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers, then cross rhododendron and pine forests. We cross a bridge at Rampuk Kharka, continue past a waterfall and cross the tricky section of a landslide. After crossing the landslide area, we begin to see the spectacular view of Mt. Jannu. Further exploring and tackling the tricky mountain trail we finally arrive at Kambachen and spend the night.
Day 16

Kambachen to Lhonak (4,780m/15,682ft) : 5 -6 hours

Today will be another challenging day, and an early start is needed. We trek through rocky fields and large boulders on the hillside along the riverbank and arrive at a waterfall. We then cross a bridge to Ramtang monastery. We then come across a landslide section which we must pass through at a steady pace before descending to the river and finally arriving at Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.
Day 17

Kanchenjunga base camp, overnight at Pangpema (5,143/16,873ft): 6 -7 hours

From Lhonak, we trek towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Our trail is alongside the gigantic Kanchenjunga Glacier. After passing Pangpema, we descend towards the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The view from the base camp is extraordinary. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal, and other Himalayan peaks are ours to admire. We descend back to Pangpema to spend the night.
Day 18

Pangpema to Lhonak : 3 – 4 hours

From Pangpema we trace back our steps to Lhonak. Overnight in Lhonak.
Day 19

Lhonak to Ghunsa (3475m/11,400ft) :6 -7 hours

From Lhonak, we descend all the way to Ghunsa via Kambache. It is the same route we took when we were climbing up.
Day 20

Ghunsa to Amjilosa (2,308m/7,572ft) : 5 -6 hours

From Ghunsa, we descend towards Phale. We pass through several Manes and a monastery nearby. We walk through Juniper forests and reach Phale. From here, it is a steady descent to Gyabla. We cross a bridge over Chhundatangka Khola to reach Gyabla. As we continue our trek, we see a waterfall nearby. We also cross a suspension bridge over Sumbung Khola before reaching Amjilosa. Overnight in Amjilosa.
Day 21

Amjilosa to Chirwa (1,270m/4,166ft) : 6 -7 hours

After walking for a while, we see a beautiful waterfall nearby. We continue our trek and pass a small settlement of Solima before crossing a suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola. We cross another suspension bridge over Ghunsa Khola and reach Sukathum. Our trail passes through several villages and is beside Thunsa Khola at first followed by Tamor Nadi before reaching Chirwa. Overnight in Chirwa.
Day 22

Chirwa to Taplejung via Mitlung (921m/3020 m): 7 -8 hours trek

After a wonderful time in Chirwa, we head to Taplejung by trekking for 8 hours. The trekking trails along the way to Mitlung offers greenery at it's best, floras and faunas and especially quaint villages always ready to welcome us.
Day 23

Taplejung to Bhadrapur: 9 hours drive

We move toward Bhadrapur from Taplejung by bus. The ride will last for 9 hours.
Day 24

Fly to Kathmandu

Our amazing journey to the Kanchenjunga circuit comes to an end today.
Day 25

Final departure

Life on Trek

Trekking staff

Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

Accommodation

Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
Lodge trek - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, some times known as tea- houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Food

On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.

A typical trekking day

A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

Health and safety on the trek General

A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
We use tea-houses that we now have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.

High Altitude

Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.

And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.

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Equipments

All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.

Recommended Trekking Kit

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn - in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof.
Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking andor for traveling
Warm socks for colder areas.
Gaiters ,,in case of rain or snow.

Leg wear

Loose, casual trousers for trekking.
Thermal leggings for colder areas.
Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
Waterproof trousers

Body

Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton.
Thermal shirt for colder areas.
Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas.
Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper.
Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes.
Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings: can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head Hands

Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava.
Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking.
Sunglasses or goggles.
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
Warm gloves.

Other Items

Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
Day sack to be carried personally.
Plastic bags or stuff sacks to storeseparate trekking gear inside your main bag.
One liter water bottle.
Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
Sleeping bag 4 season.
Torch, ideally head torch.
Camera and film! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya.
Toilet items and towel.
Large handkerchief bandana for neck.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
Fleece trousers or salopettes.
Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing.
Ice ace, and ski poles (Note: ice axe can hired in Kathmandu)
Climbing harness
2 X tape slings
2 X screw gate karabiners.
Descended abseil device Ascender