Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

You catch a morning flight from Kathamndu to Biratnagar via a domestic air service. While in the sky, you will have the stunning view of the eastern Himalayas including Kanchenjunga.

From Biratnagar, you begin the drive along the Mechi Highway that progresses along the green hills. Mostly, you will see the tea plantation areas on both the sides of the road. Occasionally, the road goes past some terraced fields cultivated with many seasonal crops and vegetables as well. Finally, you stop at Phidim, which is a small market area having some good teahouses and lodges. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Enjoying the amazing greenery of the eastern Nepal, you will drive through the pitched road up to Taplejung. From here, you will walk past Fungling, the first Sherpa Village. Then, the trail runs amidst the cardamom fields and alnus trees until you reach Hangdewa Village.

Crossing a suspension bridge over the Hangdewa Khola, you will move towards the Tamor River. Moving further, you will end up at Mitlung to spend the night at a tented camp.

Moving along the Tamor River banks amidst the paddy fields, you will continue the trip. By walking past a few villages like Siwa Bazar, Tawa and Thiwa, you will finally descend towards Chiruwa. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

The trail lead you further along the cardamom fields and paddy field on the Tamor River banks. Then, you will reach Tapethok Village, which is one of the largest village of Kanchenjunga region. Here, is the entry point of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP).

After getting the permits checked here, you walk towards Pemba Village situated in the middle of the cardamom fields. By crossing this village, you will reach Lelep in the end. It is a village having a police station, hospital and the headquarters of KCAP. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

Following the trail that progresses along the Tamor River banks and dense pine forests, you reach a small old monastery. It is called Syangbo Choling Gompa. Descending towards Gowatar Village, the trail takes you towards the Phedi Khola.

Ascending for a couple of hours from here, you reach Ela Danda.  From here, you will see the astounding view of Kasturi Peak and the Tamor River Valley. Overnight stay at a tented camp or local guesthouse according to the situation.

The trail runs through the alnus and rhododendron forests until you go across a suspension bridge over the Tamor River. Then, you happen to walk along the bamboo forests that are inhabited by red pandas.

Moving forward, you go across Maguwa surrounded by the alnus and rhododendron forests. As the trail across Maguwa is dangerous, you should walk carefully. Finally, you reach Selep Kharka to spend the night at a tented camp.

Moving across the Tamor River, you will reach Jongim Village surrounded by the snowcapped hills from all around. Afterwards, walking along the rhododendron and deodar forests, you will get to Ramite Village. You might have some glimpses of red pandas while on the walk!

Finally, you reach Olangchung Gola, a Sherpa village occupied by about 45 houses. You can visit a 465-years-old monastery preserving the golden manuscripts. This village has a KCAP office, police station, primary school and health post as well. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

Leaving the last human settlement area until next three days, you will continue the trip into complete wilderness. The trails are also not much clear as this is the least frequented section of KCAP. The trail penetrates through the pine and rhododendron forests, you will get to Jadak.

After that, you will move along the dense forests, you will end up today’s trek at Upper Langmale. Since the trail between Jadak and Upper Langmale is slippery, you should walk carefully. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

The trekking trail moves along the Tamor River banks first and then through the dense rhododendron forests. You are advised to walk with the group as the snow leopards are often seen on this section. Crossing Tangchetar, you will stop today’s trip at Pass Camp at a tented camp.

Today is the most interesting day of the entire Lumba Sumba Pass trek. You are going to cross the highest place of this trekking route. Don’t forget to keep the packed lunch in your backpack as there is no more teahouses en route.

Following the steep uphill and downhill trail amidst the dense forests, you will ascend towards Lumba Sumba Pass (5,160m). You should walk quite carefully as the trail is slippery. From the pass-top, you will have the wonderful sight of the snowcapped peaks and the whole KCAP.

Having your lunch sitting at the top while enjoying the enchanting view is a brilliant idea! After witnessing the astounding view from the top, you will descend towards Chaurikharka. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

Today, you will be walking past the human settlement areas after three days. After walking for about a couple of hours, you will arrive at the junction of two roads. One road towards Lyasa of Tibet while the other leads towards Thudam.

Following the bumpy and dusty road, you will end up at Thudam. It is a small Sherpa village having around 30 households. Overnight at a tented camp.

The trail runs through the banks of the Chhujung Khola by showing you the splendid view of the snowy peaks of Makalu region. The route moves along the bush and bamboo forests where you might also sight some red pandas. At the end of the day, you will reach Kharka for the night stay at a tented camp.

Walking along the dense rhododendron forests through the deserted land, you will reach Chaurikharka. This is not the Chaurikharka you walked past a few days back. It is one of the pasturelands for grazing cattle in the  higher elevation.

From here, you see Chyamtang, the Arun River, Ridha Village and the road leading to Kimathangka. Kimathangka is the border between Nepal and Tibet in the Eastern Part. After a couple of hours’ walk, you will reach the Arun River.

Then, you cross a suspension bridge and reach Chyamtang for the night settlement. It is also a small Sherpa village having small traditional houses. Overnight at a tented camp.

The trail passes through the rhododendron forests where you can hear chirping of many bird species. This is the entrance to the Arun Valley, which is the home for a large bird species. Witnessing the mighty mountains of Makalu region, you will walk past Glimbir Village.

From this village, you should walk for about 3 hours to reach Hatiya for the night station. The trail is easy and comfortable. Hatiya is a small village having an entry point to Makalu Barun National Park. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

Initially, the trail moves along the banks of the Arun River until it meets the Barun River. Then, you walk for about another 4 hours to reach Gola, today’s destination. It is a small mountain village having nearly 12 houses inhabited by the Rai, Sherpa and Tamang people. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

Walking along the lowland trail that continues through the paddy fields, you reach Pathibhara. This is not the one having Pathibhara Temple of Taplejung district. Here, you can find some hotels, groceries and teahouses.

Moving further leaving the terraced farmlands and natural waterfalls behind, you will wrap up the trek at Gadhi. This is one of the oldest fortresses of Nepal that was occupied by the Nepalese Army during their fight with the Tibetan forces. Therefore, it has carried some historical significance as well. The village has a local school, primary health post and a police station.  Overnight stay at a tented camp.

In the beginning, you descend along the Arun River banks and then ascend towards Num Village. From here, you will drive to Khandbari by sharing a private jeep with other fellow travellers. Khandbari is the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district. This is the last day of trekking and staying in Makalu Kanchenjunga region. Therefore, try to make it as memorable as it can be!

Morning flight back to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar nearby Khandbari. After landing at the Kathmandu Airport, relocation to the hotel. Shopping around Thamel Bazar. Handcrafted items: garments and relics are wonderful gifts to your people back in home country. By the agency, farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant as a part of hospitality.

The representative shifts you to the Tribhuvan International Airport according to the flight schedule.