From Kanchenjunga to Makalu - The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The “Kanchenjunga to Makalu—Lumba Sumba Pass Trek” is a pure off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in a little-known remote region of the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal. The trek connects the two distinct areas, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, through the crossing of the high-altitude Lumba Sumba Pass (5200 M). Recently introduced to the trekking world, it is one of Nepal’s least explored and newer trekking trails. And thanks to that, one can have an authentic experience and more freedom to explore. The trail passes through beautiful villages, monasteries, rugged valleys, rivers, alluring mixed forests, difficult rocky terrain, and many more. The trek provides stunning views of Mt. Makalu (8463 M) and Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 M) including several other peaks, especially from the Lumba Sumba Pass. During the trek, you will walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park, some of Nepal’s richest and most diverse protected areas in terms of natural beauty, wildlife, and vegetation. The Kanchenjunga to Makalu via the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a wonderful opportunity to discover various ethnic groups of Nepal as well. The region is inhabited dominantly by the Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu. Gurung, Tamang, Newar, Brahmin, and Chettri also inhabit the region but in fewer numbers. You can experience their warm hospitality, culture, and daily lifestyle while on the trek. In the villages of the Sherpa people, you can find ancient monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. Overall, the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a full-on camping trek that gives the joy of trekking 2 to 3 decades ago when there were no proper lodges on most of the trekking trails. If you are one of those trekkers who love to have a wilderness experience while trekking in remote areas with very few people, this trek is a great one.

Highlights

Lumba Sumba Pass (5200 M), an adventurous pass with magnificent views of the giant Himalayan ranges A trek to a remote undiscovered region of Eastern Nepal lying between Kanchenjunga and Makalu region A trek to the naturally diverse Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park Olangchung Gola, a beautiful Sherpa village where you can see local hand-crafting carpets Stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and many more

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and Transfer to Hotel
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Rest after your flight and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead in the beautiful Himalayas of Nepal.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley’s cultural landmarks. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Prepare for the trek by finalizing gear, permits, and any last-minute preparations.

Day 03: Fly to Bhadrapur, then Drive to Phidim by Local Jeep (1780 M), 6 Hours
Fly to Bhadrapur, located in the southeastern region of Nepal. After arriving, drive by local jeep to Phidim, the starting point for the trek, passing through scenic countryside landscapes.

Day 04: Drive to Chiruwa (1245 M) via Taplejung
From Phidim, drive to Chiruwa, a village at 1245 meters, passing through the town of Taplejung. This 4-5 hour drive offers views of hills, valleys, and mountain ranges, gradually ascending as you reach Chiruwa.

Day 05: Trek to Lelep (1686 M), 7 Hours
Begin your trek by following the trail from Chiruwa to Lelep, a journey of approximately 7 hours. The route passes through forests and small villages, with views of the mountains gradually becoming more prominent.

Day 06: Trek to Ela Danda (2150 M)
Continue your trek to Ela Danda at an altitude of 2150 meters. The trail winds through the forested terrain, offering peaceful surroundings and spectacular views.

Day 07: Trek to Selep Kharka (2525 M)
Trek to Selep Kharka, which sits at an altitude of 2525 meters. This trek offers both forested and open landscape views, as well as glimpses of local flora and fauna.

Day 08: Trek to Olangchung Gola (3210 M)
Today, you’ll reach Olangchung Gola, a small village at 3210 meters. This is a historically and culturally significant area, home to the Sherpa and Rai communities.

Day 09: Rest Day
A rest day at Olangchung Gola, allowing you to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Use this day to explore the area or relax and prepare for the next stages of the trek.

Day 10: Trek to Upper Langmale Kharka (3890 M)
Begin your trek to Upper Langmale Kharka, located at 3890 meters. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Day 11: Trek to Base Camp (4745 M)
Trek to Base Camp, located at 4745 meters. This is a challenging trek, but the reward is the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka (4595 M) via Lumba Sumba Pass (5200 M)
Trek to Yak Kharka, passing through the Lumba Sumba Pass (5200 meters). The pass is a significant high-altitude crossing, offering amazing panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Day 13: Trek to Thudam (3500 M)
Descend to Thudam at 3500 meters, where you’ll experience the cultural and natural beauty of this remote village.

Day 14: Trek to Kharka (2875 M)
Trek to Kharka, a village at 2875 meters. The trail continues through forests, with glimpses of local wildlife and unique mountain landscapes.

Day 15: Trek to Chyamthang (2230 M)
Continue trekking to Chyamthang, located at 2230 meters. This village is nestled in a scenic spot, providing an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Day 16: Trek to Hatiya (1590 M)
Descend to Hatiya, a village situated at 1590 meters. The route offers diverse landscapes, with views of local agriculture and traditional village life.

Day 17: Trek to Gola (1128 M)
Trek further down to Gola at 1128 meters. The path is mostly downhill, and you’ll pass through villages and forests as you make your way to the town.

Day 18: Trek to Gadi (1179 M)
Continue your trek to Gadi at 1179 meters. Enjoy the lush greenery and mountainous scenery along the way.

Day 19: Trek to Num, then Drive to Tumlingtar (400 M)
Trek to Num and then take a local vehicle to Tumlingtar, situated at 400 meters. This drive offers fantastic views of the landscape as you descend to the lower altitudes.

Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu (1340 M)
Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, marking the end of the trekking adventure. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and take time to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

Day 21: Extra Day for Flight Delays Due to Weather
This day is reserved as an extra day in case of flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather conditions in the mountain regions.

Day 22: Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Take home lasting memories of your trek through the beautiful and remote areas of Nepal. Safe travels!

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