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Rating: 5/5
Reviewed by: Timothy, Canada
Trek: Customized Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek (North and South Base Camp), Eastern Nepal
Guide: Jaybir Tamang | Porter: Race Tamang
I’ve trekked in several mountain regions, and I wanted something quieter than the famous routes. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the most remote treks in Nepal. It circles Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, and it takes you to both the North and South Base Camps in a single journey. Having done it, I can say it lives up to its reputation. I’m happy I chose Alliance Treks and Expedition to organize it.
My trip was customized rather than a fixed group departure. I could plan around my own dates and pace, and the Alliance Treks team handled the details: permits, transport, lodges and the logistics of reaching the trailhead in far eastern Nepal. Customizing a trek like this is a big advantage, because the region is remote and the journey from Kathmandu to Taplejung is long. Communication was clear before and during the trip, and I never felt left to figure things out alone. If you’re thinking of a private or customized Kanchenjunga trek, I’d recommend asking them.
The scenery changes constantly. You start in green hills with terraced fields, rivers, and suspension bridges, then move through forest and small Limbu villages, where the hospitality was warm and genuine. Higher up, the valleys open out and the trees thin. Around Ghunsa and Khambachen, the mountains feel close, and the views of Jannu and the snow ridges are among the best I’ve seen anywhere. I took the photo above in that area. The sky was a clear, deep blue, and I stood there for a long time just taking it in.
Reaching Kanchenjunga North Base Camp at 5,143 meters was a proud moment, and I felt it was worth every step. The South Base Camp felt very different and just as memorable. Seeing both sides of the mountain is what makes the Kanchenjunga Circuit special, and few other treks in Nepal offer it.
I’ll be honest: this is not an easy trek. The days can be long, the trails are rough in places, and above 4,000 meters you feel the altitude. The lodges get simpler as you climb, so go with realistic expectations and a good sleeping bag. But the pace was sensible, with proper time to acclimatize, and I never felt pushed beyond what was safe. What stayed with me most was the silence. Instead of crowds and busy lodges, there was wind, prayer flags, and huge mountains. For me, that peace was the real reward.
The people made this trek. Jaybir Tamang spoke very good English and explained the route, the culture and the mountains clearly. He kept a close eye on how I was feeling at altitude, and he knew when to slow down and when to keep going. He was also one of the most humble and kind people I have ever met. Race Tamang carried the load every day with a smile and was always ready to help. Together they made a tough trek feel safe, comfortable and enjoyable, and I’d happily trek with them again.
In my experience, Alliance Treks is one of the best and most experienced trekking agencies in Nepal. The planning was professional, the guides were skilled and friendly, and the service was reliable from the first message to the end of the trip. For a remote trek where good logistics and a good guide matter, that made a real difference. I would book with them again and recommend them to anyone considering Kanchenjunga or any other trek in Nepal.
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a demanding, beautiful and deeply rewarding journey. If you want to see one of the quietest, wildest parts of the Himalaya, and you have the time and preparation for it, go. Thank you to Jaybir, Race, and everyone at Alliance Treks and Expedition for an unforgettable experience.
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