Highlights of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Several unique and rare species of flora and fauna can be seen.
Occasional sightings of the Snow Leopard and Red Panda.
Encounter the remote places of Nepal and the local livelihood.
Trek through a newly discovered trekking trail.
Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Kumbhakarna peaks.
Passing Through Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Overview

Lumba Sumba Pass trekking is 21 days trekking in the eastern part of Nepal. Newly discovered and pristine trekking to the rural settlement, this trek offers the mindblowing beauty, natural sceneries, and amusing Himalayan views. The Lumba Sumba pass trek takes you to the mindblowing Himalayan beauty beneath the Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Situated at an elevation of 5177 m above sea level, Lumba Sumba Pass is one of the best passes that offers the wonderful floral and faunal beauty alongside the wonderful sight of the Himalayas.

Trekking to Lumba Sumba Pass is wonderful as it showcases the astounding floral and faunal spectrums at the high altitude. Some rare and endangered species including snow leopard and red panda are observed in the Lumba Sumba Pass. The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek passes through the beautiful Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. Since the pass is in the high altitude, trekkers need to have a moderate level of fitness and some understanding about the high altitude trekking as there are high chances of high altitude sickness. Furthermore, trekkers need to obtain some permits to enter the Makalu and Kanchenjunga region as well as Tims card.

The spectacular views of the mountains and wonderful Makalu and Kanchenjunga are astounding during the trek. You will get an excellent chance to explore the forest, valleys and villages, lakes and waterfalls along with the diverse culture and traditions. The villages along the trail tp Lumba Sumba Pass are highly inhabited by Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Tamang and Gurung community. The vibrant cultural practices of these ethnic groups and their hospitality worth some exploration. The mindblowing Himalayan beauty is a major attraction of the Lumba Sumba Pass in itself.

You will get a wonderful chance to witness the monasteries and the Buddhist culture in the Makalu and Kanchenjunga region of Nepal. The mani walls, temples, chortens and the excellent practice of Buddhist traditions can be seen along the trek. Further, the lifestyle of people in the Himalayas is also a fascinating sight to explore.

The Lumba Sumba Pass features the wonderful eight-thousanders which include Mount Makalu and Mount Kanchenjunga. Also, the mountain views from Olangchung Gola is equally embracing part to explore during the trek. Numerous high altitude lakes during the trek sum up more beauty to the trek. Similarly, the Tamor and Arun River flowing in the mountain gorges are very wonderful. The alpine grasslands, dense temperate and subtropical forest throughout the trek and amusing low river valleys are amazing. The culture and traditions of the Makalu and Kanchenjunga Region while they are the major part of the trekking, it also features the excellent culture and traditions of the locals along with the warmth of the hospitality.

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek starts with a flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu valley. The further drive from Bhadrapur will take you to the amazing Phoomling village. Phoomling village is a wonderful place to stay in the Taplejung district of Nepal from where your trek will begin. Trekking through the banks of Tamor River to reach Mithlung and Chiruwa village is the best part of the day. The Thiwa village alongside will give you some glimpses of the rural lifestyle in the mountains during the trek.

Trailing further, you will reach Tapethok and Lelep village. The trek from Lelep will take you to the Olangchung Gola at an elevation of 3208 m. This place is considered to be the hotspot of red Pandas, so, there are high chances of spotting red pandas along the way. The steep walk to Selep Kharka through an amazing Rhododendron forest will take you to Upper Langmale and Chaurikharka. The early trek will help to cross the iconic Lumba Sumba Pass at 5200 m above sea level.

The further trek from Lumba Sumba Pass will take you to Thudam and Chamtang village from Yak Kharka. The beauty of Makalu Barun National Park during the trek will add some beauty to the trip and you will get an excellent chance to explore the amazing flora and fauna of the conservation area. From Yak Kharka, you will return back to Num village from where you will have a drive to Tumlingtar. You will have a scenic flight to Kathmandu from the amazing Tumlingtar.

The Lumba Sumba Pass trek is one of the best trekking to the crossing in the mountains of Nepal. The high altitude is challenging but the mindblowing beauty of the trek while exploring the amazing flora and fauna, culture and traditions and foremost the Himalayas is the best part of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival at Kathmandu, Transfer to hotel

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.

At 06:00 PM: In the evening we will meet for a coffee and will brief you the details of your trek program.
Elevation: 1,350M

Meal: Not Included.
DAY 2

Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley and Trek preparation day

At 10:00 AM: You will visit for a full day sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Besides sightseeing, you can do the required shopping for your trek.
Elevation: 1,350M

Meal: Breakfast Included.
DAY 3

Flight to Bhadrapur And Drive to Phoomling (Taplejung)

At 07:00 AM: We take you to the domestic airport to get an internal flight across the country to the southeastern part of Nepal. Bhadrapur is located in the tropical Terai region of Nepal. From Bhadrapur, We drive for approximately 6-7 hours through a fascinating landscape of rural fields and small towns which quickly turns into hills as we head north. With every turn, there are magnificent sights of a white snow-capped mountain. At the end of the road, we get a small town of Taplejung.
Elevation: 1,820M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 4

Trek to Mithlung

At 07:00 AM: The first-day trek starts from Phoomling. Sherpa village is the gateway to this trek. The trek passes through beautiful cardamom fields and Alnus trees until Hangdewa VDC which takes around two and a half hours. From Panisar, the trek is downhill until the suspension bridge that acts as a border between Hangdewa VDC and Furumba VDC. A walk of 10 minutes takes us to Pawa Village (1546m). The trek progresses along the bank of Tamor River to Mitlung – a walk of around two hours.
Elevation: 909M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 5

Trek to Chiruwa

At 07:00 AM: The trek passes along the banks of Tamor River. It is a pleasing walk until Furumba. From Furumba, the trail is uphill for half an hour then descends through Ulnus and Schima Wallachia mixed forest to Siwa Bazar (950m) at Linkhim VDC. The trek runs along the Tamor River until Tawa Village. The trek runs uphill from here until we reach the KCAP entrance gate (1300m) at Thiwa Village. From here, the trek gradually descends until Chiruwa- our destination for the day. It is a popular stopover for tourists and locals alike.
Elevation: 1,246M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 6

Trek to Lelep

At 07:00 AM: Today also the trek runs along the mighty Tamor river. At the start of the trek, there are two big stones with religious significance. The trek passes through Ulnus trees passes until we reach a big landslide that takes around half an hour to cross. After a walk from Chiruwa through beautiful cardamom gardens, we reach Tapethok (1340m). There is also a KCAP checkpoint at Tapethok. It is a pleasing walk for about an hour until Pembu. From Pembu, it is an uphill climb for about two and a half hours to Lelep
Elevation: 1,687M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 7

Trek to Illa Danda

At 07:00 AM: After breakfast, the trek runs along the bank of Tamor River through dense forest that offers good habitat for different wildlife species. We crossed a suspension bridge, it is an uphill climb through pine forest for about half an hour until we reach a monastery. From there, the trek gradually descends after about half an hour and we reach Gowatar (1800m). Near the village, there is a big stone and it is believed that only the religious people can move them. After a walk of around half-hour from Gowatar, we reach a place that offers spectacular views of two waterfalls about 100 meters tall. A walk of about half an hour from here takes us to Phedi. After crossing Tamor, River, it is an uphill climb for about 40 minutes until we reach a resting place known as Chautaroo in the local dialect. Another 20 minutes walk will take us to Illa Danda. The place offers a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks including the Small Kasturi Peak and Tamor River.
Elevation: 2,051M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 8

Trek to Selep Kharka

At 07:00 AM: The walk is pleasing as it passes through Ulnus and Rhododendron forest for about an hour until we reach a suspension bridge. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trek passes through dense bamboo groves. The place is popular among trekkers as the habitat of the red panda. If you are lucky, we might catch a sight of red panda from the trail itself. After a total walk of three and a half hours from El Danda, we reach Maguwa (2423m); the trail passes through maple and Ulnus forest. There is a big landslide on the way and trekkers must be careful while crossing it. After a walk of about one and a half hour, we reach Selep Kharka.
Elevation: 2,525M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 9

Trek to Olangchung Gola

At 07:00 AM: After breakfast, we walk along the bank of Tamor River leading to a place called Jongim (2641m), a flat land surrounded by snow-capped hills, after a walk of about an hour. After crossing the suspension bridge we enter into the rhododendron forest and climb for an hour to Ramite (2685m) there is more opportunity to spot red pandas as well on and we pass another beautiful waterfall created by Tamor River. Then we reach Sherpa settlement named Olangchung Gola.
Elevation: 3,208M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 10

Trek to Upper Langmale

At 07:00 AM: The trek in the next three days will pass through complete wilderness. However, piles of stones along the way act as sign posts, showing us our direction. The trek passes through pine and rhododendron forests. After a walk of two and a half hours, we reach a place called Jadak (3636m). A walk of three hours on snowy track will take us to Upper Langmale.
Elevation: 3,893M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 11

Trek to Pass camp

At 07:00 AM: This day trek can be interesting as snow leopards have been sighted numerous times from this trek. The trek runs along the Tamor River and on the other side of the river lies dense rhododendron forest. After a walk of about three hours, we reach Tangchetar (4203m) for lunch. Another three hours walk after lunch will lead us to Pass Camp.
Elevation: 4,747M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 12

Trek to Chaurikharka

At 05:00 AM: This would be the most difficult yet most memorable day of this trek. This day trek will pass through the Lumba Sumpa Peak (5200m). The trek climbs a bit up and again runs down. After a walk of about four and a half hours from pass camp, we climb the Lumba Sumba Peak and descend down to Charikharka.
Elevation: 4,595M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 13

Trek to Thudam

At 07:00 AM: The trek is downhill from Chaurikharka as we come back to civilization after tiring walk for three days. After a walk of about three and a half hours, we came across two roads. A walk of about three hours takes us to Thudam for the night. Thudam is a small village with around 30 houses of Sherpa people.
Elevation: 3,500M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 14

Trek to Yak kharka

At 07:00 AM: This day trek runs along the banks of Chujung Khola. The trail offers a panoramic view of peaks in the Makalu range. On the way, you will see lots of small bushes and bamboo groves-the best habitat for the red panda. After a walk of about six hours from Thudam, we reach Yak Kharka.
Elevation: 2,877M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 15

Trek to Chamtang

At 07:00 AM: After breakfast, we pass through dense rhododendron forest. As there is no village on the way and also there are numerous side trails. After a walk of about three hours from Kharka, we reach a place called Chaurikharka. From Chaurikhara, we can clearly see Chyamtang. The trek is all downhill for about three hours until we reach Arun River. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Arun, the trek is uphill for about an hour until Chyamtang.
Elevation: 2,229M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 16

Trek to Hatiya

At 07:00 AM: The trail passes through rhododendron forest. The walk is easy as the chirping of birds make you feel refreshed. The trail is one of the most popular places for birding as we are entering Arun Valley that is home to several bird species. A walk of about two and a half hours from Chyamthang take us to Glimber Village (1585m). Gimber Village offers a spectacular view of snow-capped peaks in the Makalu range. From Gimber, the walk is easy and after a trek of about three hours, we reach Hatiya. Hatiya is a small village of Bhote people. it is also the entry point to the Makalu National Park.
Elevation: 1,595M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 17

Trek to Gola

At 07:00 AM: We follow the trail through Arun River down to its confluence with the Barun River which carries the glacier’s water of Makalu range. we continue along the Arun River to the small village of Gola. A walk of around two and a half hours after lunch takes us to Gola. Gola is a very small village with 12 houses. Sherpa, Rai and Tamang people reside here.
Elevation: 1,128M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 18

Trek to Hedangna Gadi

At 07:00 AM: The trek passes through paddy fields. The walk is pleasing as the trail makes a short descent but again makes a short climb. After a walk of about two and a half hours from Gola, we reach Pathibhara (not to be confused with the Pathibhara temple in Taplejung district). Pathibhara (1524m) is a small Gurung village with tea shops, groceries and some hotels. The trail after lunch passes through agricultural land. We reach Gadi after a walk of around three hours from Pathibhara. Gadhi is a place of great historical significance as the Nepali Army fought bravely with the invading Tibetan Army at this place and chased them away.
Elevation: 1,179M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 19

Trek to Num and drive to Tumlingtar

At 07:00 AM: A walk of about two and a half hours from Gadi takes us to Num. From Gadi, the trek is about an hour downhill till the Arun River. After crossing the river, an uphill climb of about one and a half hour takes us to the Num village. As Num is linked with motorable road, we can take a drive to Khandbari. A drive of around 4-5 hrs takes us to Khandbari.
Elevation: 1,020M

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
DAY 20

Flight to Kathmandu

At 07:00 AM: After breakfast, we straight to the airport and fly to Kathmandu. Our office representatives waiting you at Kathmandu airport and transfer to Hotel.You will get shopping time in Kathmandu and we will have a farewell Nepali dinner together.
Elevation: 1,350M

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner Included.
DAY 21

Departure

You will be free until your flight time; we will drop you at Kathmandu Airport 3 hour before your flight.
Meal: Breakfast Included.

Cost Inclusion

All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.
Private transfer as mentioned in the itinerary.
Flight as mentioned in the itinerary.
2-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per the trek itinerary.
Flight to (Kathmandu/Bhadrapur/Kathmandu)
Daily breakfast throughout the trip.
Drive to (Phoomling/Tumlingtar)
Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.
All necessary paper works. (National Park Entry Permits and TIMS Card)
English speaking licensed trek guide.
Porter during the trek. (Can carry 20KG Baggage of 2 people)
Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.
One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.
All government and local taxes.
Guide and Porter’s salary, food and accommodation during the trek.
Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveller’s insurance company.
Sleeping bag, duffle bags and trekking route maps – if necessary.
Farewell Nepali dinner on your last night.