Trek Nepal’s Himalayas with Local Gurkha Experts

Flight Duration: 45 - 50 minutes

Drive Distance: 240 km.

Drive Duration: 7- 8 hours.

Elevation Gain: + 470m.

Your adventure begins with a scenic 45-minute flight form Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, located in Nepal's subtropical eastern  Terai. On a clear morning, the flight rewards you with breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Landing at Bhadrapur, you'll feel the warm climate and lush lowlands of Nepal's southeastern plains.

From here, a jeep ride takes you gradually uphill through the fertile tea-growing hills of Ilam, famous for its rolling green carpets of tea gardens, cardamom farms, and terraced fields. As the road winds higher into the Himalayan foothills, you pass through charming hill towns, subtropical forests and river valleys before reaching Taplejung - the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region. This long but scenic day connects the bustling capital with the remote eastern hills, setting the tone for your Kanchenjunga Circuit adventure.

Trek Distance: 11 km.

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.

Elevation Gain: +850m.

You start your journey along the Ghunsa Khola(river), its clear waters roaring beside you as you follow narrow trails carved into the cliffs. The path is undulating and rugged, with short ascents and descents through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests-a paradise for birdlife and occasional glimpses of monkeys. As you move ahead, you'll pass by tiny hamlets and isolated shelters, where locals live a traditional lifestyle, often seen carrying baskets of supplies along the same trail you're trekking. Crossing suspension bridges adds an adventurous touch, with the river rushing far below. 

Trek Distance: 14 km.

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.

Elevation Gain: +865m.

You wake up to the crisp mountain air in Gyabla, surrounded by forested ridges. After breakfast, you set off on the trail, gradually leaving behind the dense oak and rhododendron forests. The path follows the Ghunsa Khola upstream and the sound of rushing water guides your steps. As you climb higher, the landscape changes dramatically. The thick forests slowly give way to open alpine pastures and wider valleys. The trail is dotted with waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, and you'll often cross wooden bridges suspended above clear streams. You pass through Phale(3,140m), a Tibetan refugee village established decades ago. Here you'll see stone houses, prayer walls and fluttering prayer flags-a first real taste of Tibetan Buddhist culture on this trek. Stopping here for tea feels like a journey into another world, where traditions are preserved in the shadow of the great Himalayas. 

Trek Distance: 11 km.

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.

Elevation Gain: +455m.

You leave behind the stone houses and prayer walls of Ghunsa, following the trail north along the Ghunsa Khola. The valley begins to widen, and with each step, you feel yourself moving deeper into the heart of the Himalayas. The trail climbs gently at first through a beautiful pine and rhododendron forest, with larch trees scattered among them-turning golden in autumn. The rushing river keeps you company, then you cross wooden bridges draped in prayer flags. As you gain altitude, the scenery transforms dramatically. The forests thin out, and vast alpine meadows open before you. Grazing yaks, clusters of wildflowers(in spring), and streams shimmering under the sunlight paint a serene picture. The higher yo climb, the grander the views become. Suddenly, you're surrounded by an arena of snow-capped giants-with the mighty Jannu(Kumbhakarna-7,710m) dominating the skyline. Its sheer face and icy ridges are awe-inspiring, making this section of the trek truly unforgettable. 

Trek Distance: 18 km.(round trip)

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours(round trip)

Elevation Gain: +363m.

This is the day you've been waiting for-the summit of your trekking adventure. After an early breakfast in Lhonak, you set off along a high, barren trail that follows the edge of the massive Kanchenjunga Glacier. The terrain is rugged but not overly steep-gentle ascents across rocky moraines and alpine slopes. With every step, the mountains draw nearer and the air feels thinner, each breath reminding you that you are trekking at one of the highest valleys in Nepal. As you push forward, the scenery becomes absolutely awe-inspiring. The giants of the north face rise ahead: Kanchenjunga(8,586m), the third-highest mountain in the world, towers above in its full glory. Surrounding it, you see Wedge Peak(6,750m), Nepal Peak(7,177m) and Twins(7,350m) all lined along the sweeping Kanchenjunga Glacier. 

Trek Distance: 7 km.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: +695m

Leaving behind the lively Ghunsa Village with its monasteries, prayer walls and Tibetan-style homes, you begin your ascent toward the remote high passes. The trail quickly shifts from cultural hamlets to the wild alpine wilderness. At first, you climb gradually through dense rhododendron, birch and pine forests, where the sweet scent of moss and wildflowers fills the air. During spring(March-May), this stretch is a painter's dream, with rhododendrons blooming in red, pink and white against the backdrop of snow peaks. The trail steepens as you leave the forest line, following a rocky ridge. As you climb higher, the views begin to open - with distant glimpses of Jannu Himal(7,710m), the "mystery peak" of Kanchenjunga, often cloaked in cloud and the green valleys far below. 

Trek Distance: 6 km

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours total

Elevation Gain: +710m 

You leave Tseram in the morning, following the trail that climbs steadily into the higher reaches of the Yalung Glacier Valley. The air grows thinner and the surroundings feel wilder and more dramatic with every step. The path winds through open pastures and gradually enters a rugged alpine landscape, where vegetation becomes sparse. Ahead, the massive peaks of the Kanchenjunga South Face and Kabru range begin to dominate the skyline, filling you with anticipation. As you climb higher, you pass by Lapsang, a small grazing area used by herders in summer. From here, the views of Tathong Peak(6,667m) and Kabru South(7,318m) are spectacular, with glacial streams tumbling down from hanging ice cliffs. 

The final stretch is a gradual ascent across moraine rides until you reach Ramche(4,580m), a broad yak pasture surrounded by towering mountains. Ramche is often dotted with stone shelters and seasonal yak herding huts, offering a raw and peaceful atmosphere. This is not just a resting place but also the launching point for your hike to Oktang(Kanchenjunga South Base Camp), or to make easier to summit the base camp and a short distance for next day. Overnight at this wonderful land.

Trek Distance: 13 km.

Trek Distance: 5-6 hours.

Elevation Loss: -875m.

After the awe-inspiring journey to Oktang, today you begin your descent back into the lush valleys of the lower Himalaya. The contrast of landscapes makes this stage refreshing and beautiful. You start by descending gradually along the Simbuwa Khola Valley, retracing parts of the path through open alpine meadows, glacial streams and yak pastures. As you leave the high country behind, the environment transforms dramatically - from bare, rocky terrain to dense forests filled with life. 

Trek Distance: 10 km.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours.

Drive Distance: 40 km, Duration: 2-3 hours.

Elevation Loss: -760m.

You start your morning from Yamphudin, descending through a serene mixed forest of pine, rhododendron and bamboo, gradually entering cultivated  valleys. The trail passes through small hamlets and terraced farms, where locals work in their fields and greet trekkers with warm similes. The trek is easier than the high pass sections and feels more relaxing and scenic, with the sounds of rivers and birds accompanying you. Along the way, you may notice water mills, footbridges and prayer flags, marking the cultural essence of the region. By late morning or early afternoon, you reach Helok(1,800m), a small settlement offering a chance to rest, enjoy refreshments and prepare for the jeep ride to Taplejung. 

From Helot, a jeep or local vehicle takes you along a scenic road to Taplejung(1,540m). The drive lasts approximately 2-3 hours on winding mountain roads. You descend gradually, with occasional river crossings and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Villages, terraced fields, and dense forests line the route, giving a last glimpse of the rich eastern Nepalese Landscape before reaching the roadhead. Arriving at Taplejung, you complete the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek. Here, you can relax, celebrate your journey, and arrange onward transport to Bhadrapur or Kathmandu. 

On you final day in Nepal, after completing the unforgettable Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Gurkha's Mountain Adventure will ensure you have a comfortable and worry-free departure. You'll be picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu and transferred in a private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport(KTM). Depending on your flight schedule, our staff will assist you with timings, luggage handling, and ensure you reach the airport at least 2-3 hours before your international departure. 

Before leaving, the team will offer you warm farewells, traditional khata scarves, and a final expression of gratitude for trekking with us. Many trekker describe this as a touching moment, as it marks not just the end of a trek but also the beginning of lifelong memories and friendships.