Distractions: A rugged off-road drive deep into the mountains. You’ll follow the Tamor River, passing through small bamboo forests and remote settlements until you reach the trailhead at Sekathum.

• Distractions: The trek officially begins! You’ll follow a narrow, dramatic gorge and cross several suspension bridges. The trail is steep in parts, but the waterfalls and the thundering river below keep the energy high.

Distractions: Hike through beautiful forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. Gyabla is a picturesque Tibetan settlement perched on a hill, offering a quiet, serene atmosphere.

• Distractions: The valley opens up into a world of larch forests and high pastures. You’ll pass through the Tibetan refugee settlement of Phale before reaching Ghunsa, the largest and most vibrant village in the region, known for its wooden houses and ancient Gompas.

• Distractions: Today, you break the tree line. The trail heads into a wilder, alpine landscape. As you approach Khambachen, the sheer vertical face of Mt. Jannu (Kumbhakarna) dominates the skyline. It's one of the most intimidating sights in the Himalayas.

• Distractions: A "climb high, sleep low" day. We hike toward the base of Mt. Jannu for an up-close look at its massive glaciers and rocky spires. This is essential for your body before pushing toward the 5,000m mark.

Distractions: A walk through a high-altitude desert. The trail skirts the edge of the Kangchenjunga Glacier. Lhonak is a wide, sandy plain surrounded by icy giants.

• Altitude: 5,143m (Pangpema)
• Distractions: The First Climax. Trek to the North Base Camp, locally known as Pangpema. You are now standing face-to-face with the massive north wall of Kangchenjunga. It’s a silent, powerful place that few people ever see.

• Distractions: Retrace your steps back down the valley. Because you are dropping altitude, you’ll feel like you have "super-lungs." The air becomes thicker and the evening warmer as you return to Ghunsa.

• Distractions: A true "stop and smell the roses" day. Rest your legs, enjoy a hot drink, and interact with the local Sherpa and Tibetan communities before we cross over to the South side.

• Distractions: The Hardest Day. You will cross a series of high passes the Mirgin La and Sinelapche La. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu in the distance. Descend steeply to Tseram.

• Distractions: The Second Climax. Hike to the Oktang viewpoint to see the South Face of Kangchenjunga and the Yalung Glacier. It’s a completely different perspective from the North Side, equally massive and awe-inspiring.

• Distractions: A fast descent through some of the most beautiful, moss-covered ancient forests in Nepal. The air is rich with the scent of pine and rhododendron.

• Distractions: A long day of hiking through varied terrain, including the Lasiya Bhanjyang pass. You’ll finish in Yamphudin, a charming village where different ethnic groups live together in harmony.

• Distractions: Transition from the high mountains back to the foothills. This is the bridge between the wild wilderness and the tea-scented air of the lower districts.

• Distractions: A long drive through winding mountain roads. You’ll arrive in Kanyam, famous for its beautiful tea estates and a popular spot for domestic tourism. It's the perfect place to celebrate the end of your trek.

• Distractions: A final relaxing morning in the tea gardens before driving back down to the plains of Bhadrapur for your last night in the east.

• Distractions: A 45-minute flight back to the capital. Take one last look at the Himalayan range out the window. You've just completed one of the toughest circuits on the planet.