Kanchenjunga Circuit and Drohmo Ri Trek - 19 Days

Kanchenjunga · 19 Days

Kanchenjunga Circuit and Drohmo Ri Trek - 19 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 6,100m (20,013 ft) on Drohmo Ri · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

19 Days

Max Altitude

6,100m (20,013 ft) on Drohmo Ri

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge + camping at high points

Overview

This 19-day trek combines the classic Kanchenjunga Circuit (north + south base camps, Sele Le pass) with the ascent of Drohmo Ri, a 6,100m walking summit above Lhonak that does not require a separate climbing permit. The result is one of the most complete eastern Nepal experiences available without entering technical mountaineering territory - both base camps of the world's third highest mountain, a high crossing, and a non-technical 6,000m peak in a single trip.

Drohmo Ri (sometimes spelled Drohmo or Dromo) sits on a moraine ridge directly above Pang Pema. It is occasionally confused with Drohmo Peak (6,881m), which is a separate, climbing-permit summit. The Ri (ridge/peak point) gives a near-aerial view down onto the Kanchenjunga north face and across to Jannu (Kumbhakarna 7,711m). Reaching it adds one day to the standard circuit itinerary but rewards with the highest accessible viewpoint on the route.

Highlights

  • Summit Drohmo Ri (6,100m) - non-technical 6,000m walking peak above Pang Pema
  • Stand at Pang Pema (5,143m) - the classic Kanchenjunga north-face viewpoint
  • Walk to the Yalung Glacier - the south base camp at Oktang
  • Cross the Sele Le pass (4,290m) linking the north and south sides of the mountain
  • See Kanchenjunga, Tent Peak, Nepal Peak, Jannu and the Three Sisters in one trip
  • Pass through Limbu, Rai, Sherpa and Tibetan refugee villages
  • Two acclimatisation days at Ghunsa and Cheram
  • Walk one of Nepal's least-trekked classic circuits
  • Senior guide and all permits arranged in advance
  • Exit via Ilam's tea gardens for a non-repeat finish

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, drive to Phikkal (1,595m)

⏱ Flight + drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning flight east, then drive up into the eastern hills to the tea village of Phikkal. Overnight hotel.

Day 2

Drive Phikkal to Sekhathum (1,509m) via Taplejung

⏱ Long road day 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue the road approach, ending at the lower Tamur trailhead.

Day 3

Sekhathum to Amjilosa (2,498m)

⏱ 4-5 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb steeply through forest to the Sherpa village.

Day 4

Amjilosa to Gyabla (2,730m)

⏱ 4-5 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A gentler day through bamboo, fir and rhododendron.

Day 5

Gyabla to Ghunsa (3,595m)

⏱ 6-7 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Past the Tibetan refugee village of Phale to Ghunsa.

Day 6

Acclimatisation day at Ghunsa

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rest, gompa visit, short walk to higher chorten.

Day 7

Ghunsa to Kambachen (4,145m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Alpine meadows, waterfalls, the valley opens up.

Day 8

Kambachen to Lhonak (4,800m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Moraine and slope walking to Lhonak.

Day 9

Lhonak to Pang Pema (5,143m) and return

⏱ 7 hours round trip 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk across the Kanchenjunga moraine to Pang Pema, ridge view of the north face, return to Lhonak.

Day 10

Summit Drohmo Ri (6,100m), return to Lhonak

⏱ 10-12 hours ▲ 6,100m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The big day. Pre-dawn start, long climb on rubble and possibly snow to the Drohmo Ri viewpoint, exceptional aerial view of the Kanchenjunga north face and Jannu. Return to Lhonak.

Day 11

Lhonak to Ghunsa (3,595m)

⏱ 6-7 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent back to Ghunsa.

Day 12

Ghunsa to Sele Le (4,290m)

⏱ 6-7 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb to the high crossing camp.

Day 13

Sele Le to Cheram (3,868m)

⏱ 7-8 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross the Sele Le pass and descend into the Simbuwa valley on the south side.

Day 14

Rest day at Cheram

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional walk up to Ramche for the south base camp viewpoint.

Day 15

Cheram to Ramche to Yalung Base Camp and return

⏱ Full day 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk to the Yalung Glacier - the south base camp - then return down the valley.

Day 16

Ramche to Tortong (2,980m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent through forest.

Day 17

Tortong to Yamphudin (1,692m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

To the mixed-ethnic village of Yamphudin.

Day 18

Drive Yamphudin to Ilam (800m) via Happukhola

⏱ 6-7 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jeep through hill country to the tea district.

Day 19

Drive to Bhadrapur, fly to Kathmandu

⏱ 3-hour drive + 40-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Final drive through tea gardens, afternoon flight back to Kathmandu.

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What's included

Included

  • Kathmandu-Bhadrapur return flights
  • Private jeep transfers from Bhadrapur to trailheads
  • 2 nights' Kathmandu accommodation (3-star, BB plan)
  • Twin-share teahouse rooms throughout the trek (camping at Drohmo Ri high camp if required)
  • All meals during the trek
  • Government-licensed senior English-speaking guide
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (20 kg load limit)
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) permit
  • Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
  • HHT company duffel and sleeping bag
  • Group first-aid kit and oximeter
  • All applicable government taxes

Not included

  • Nepal entry visa
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,500m with helicopter evacuation (mandatory)
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging in lodges
  • Bottled water and alcoholic drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for crew and drivers
  • Costs from weather or flight delays

Trek guide

Drohmo Ri

Drohmo Ri is a walking summit on the moraine ridge between Lhonak and Pang Pema. The peak point is approximately 6,100m - close enough to a clean 20,000ft for trekkers chasing the milestone. Conditions vary year to year: in dry autumns it is a long talus and rubble climb, in heavier-snow years there may be a short steep snow section near the top. No technical equipment is required, but the day is long (10-12 hours) and the altitude is real.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit

The standard circuit links the north base camp (Pang Pema) and south base camp (Oktang) via the Sele Le pass (4,290m). It is the only practical way to see both faces of Kanchenjunga in a single trek. Adding Drohmo Ri to the circuit extends the trip by one day and one altitude band.

Restricted Area

The Kanchenjunga region requires a restricted-area permit, mandatory licensed guide and minimum group of 2. We arrange permits in Kathmandu before departure.

Climate Zones

  • Days 1-3: Sub-tropical Terai and lower Tamur. Tea gardens, cardamom.
  • Days 4-7: Temperate. Bamboo, fir, rhododendron.
  • Days 8-10: Sub-alpine to alpine. Pine, juniper, moraine.
  • Day 10 (Drohmo Ri): Glacial. Loose rock and possibly snow above 5,500m.
  • Days 11-18: Reverse and southside descent.

Acclimatisation

Rest day at Ghunsa (3,595m), a sleep-low-after-high profile to Pang Pema, then the Drohmo Ri summit day from Lhonak (4,800m). Cheram (3,868m) provides a rest day on the southside before the descent.

Best Season

  • Spring (April-May): Rhododendrons in bloom, slightly warmer nights, occasional afternoon cloud
  • Autumn (October-November): Driest, clearest, coldest above 4,500m

Monsoon and winter not recommended.

Fitness

Strenuous. Real altitude above 6,000m, long days, basic lodges and a 19-day duration. Prior 5,000m+ trekking experience strongly recommended. 5 months of cardio and leg-strength training before departure.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -20C, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell, soft-shell trousers, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, base layers, 6 pairs hiking socks, beanie, sun hat, buff, insulated and liner gloves, summit-day mitts

Footwear: Waterproof high-ankle trekking boots, gaiters, micro-spikes for summit day if snow, camp shoes

Accessories: 40L daypack, 65L porter duffel, -20C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp + spare batteries, polarised sunglasses or glacier goggles, 2L water capacity, water purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with Nepal visa, insurance certificate, 4 passport photos

Medical: Diamox 250mg, painkillers, antihistamines, antibiotics (per doctor), blister care, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, rehydration salts

Frequently asked questions

Is Drohmo Ri a technical climb?
No - it is a long walking summit on loose moraine and (in some seasons) easy snow. No ropes or harnesses required. The difficulty is altitude and stamina, not technical climbing.

Is a climbing permit needed?
No. Drohmo Ri does not require a separate NMA climbing permit. The standard Kanchenjunga restricted-area and conservation-area permits cover it.

How does this differ from the standard 19-day Kanchenjunga Circuit?
Almost identical except for the extra Drohmo Ri summit day. The standard circuit has a rest/contingency day at Lhonak; we use that day to summit Drohmo Ri.

How fit do I need to be?
Strenuous-plus. The Drohmo Ri summit day is 10-12 hours at altitude with 1,300m of climbing. Prior 5,000m+ experience strongly recommended.

Can I skip the summit day and just do the circuit?
Yes - this is also offered as the 19-day Kanchenjunga Circuit without Drohmo Ri at a lower price.

What about altitude sickness on summit day?
Drohmo Ri at 6,100m is a real altitude. The Ghunsa acclimatisation day, Pang Pema climb-high-sleep-low and the slow climb profile all help. Diamox is recommended for the summit attempt.

Are the lodges all teahouses?
Yes - the standard circuit is teahouse-based. We may use a basic high camp at Lhonak for the Drohmo Ri summit day if conditions require.

How cold does the summit day get?
-15 to -25C at the high point in autumn, with wind chill significant. Down jacket, mitts and a -20C bag essential.

Can I combine with the south side properly?
Yes - this itinerary already includes the south base camp at Yalung after the Sele Le crossing. The complete loop sees both faces of Kanchenjunga.

What permits are required?
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and KCAP conservation area permit. Both arranged in Kathmandu.

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Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $2170

per person

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