Important Information

Region
Kanchenjunga Region Treks
Duration
20 Days
Max Altitude 5160m
Best Season April - November
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 4
Group Size
2 - 20 people
Transportation Flight - Jeep

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is part of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) which connects two trekking regions of Kanchenjunga and Makalu in eastern Nepal. This trek is a less-visited trek in Nepal because of the extreme remoteness and it is possible only with a camping trek. Himalayan Wander Walkers organize Lumba Sumba Trek by providing a veteran camping trek crew to make your dream trek a real Himalayan trip.  This trek needs really good preparation. The best time to do Lumba Sumba pass Trek is from April to May in spring and from late September to mid-November in autumn. Every year during November, the Futuk festival is celebrated in Olangchung Gola.

Although this trek is challenging the rewards are incomparable with other treks. This trek offers you the breathtaking vistas of giant mountains including the 8000s meters Kanchenjunga (8,586m) in the east and Makalu (8,463m) in the north. Besides mountain views, you will also get in touch with the Buddhist monasteries, the authentic culture of highland people, and the traditional villages of Olangchung Gola. This area is also home to snow leopards and rare red pandas. The pass Lumba Sumba (5177m) itself is a scenic viewpoint from where you will view the Makalu range and Kanchenjunga range extending from eastward to westward. 

Route of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek:

Lumba Sumba trek route starts by taking a flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplethok. Your trek starts from the Taplethok, a deep valley where the Ghunsa River flows, and heads toward the west via villages like Lelep and Olangchung Gola (one of the highlights of the trek). After spending a full day in Olangchung Gola, the route gets rough and wild where you will traverse the high pass of Lumba Sumba (5117m). Then the descending trek will enter the Makalu Barun National Park. You will pass through some cultural monuments like Chortens, monasteries, and Mani walls on the trekking route which are built to accumulate merits. Then slowly the altitude drops down and you will finish your trek at Num and drive to Tumlingtar. The next morning take a flight to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary ( 20 Days )

Day 1

Arrival in Nepal.

Arrival in Kathmandu and welcome assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel, rest at the hotel, and briefing about the trip.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 2

Sightseeing and trek preparation.

Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath), and the world's largest Buddhist stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide).

Overnight accommodation is in the same hotel as the BB Plan.

Day 3

Flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung. 7-8 hours.

Early morning, we will have our breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu and then we will forward to the airport and catch the flight over Bhadrapur which will takes 45 minutes to reach. After getting off the flight we will drive to Taplejung.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 4

Drive to Taplethok (1380m) and stay overnight.

You will have breakfast at Taplejunga and take a four-wheeler local jeep to Tapethok for 3 to 4 hours and lunch at Tapethok. The dirt road is dusty and suggests bringing a neck cover or handkerchief to cover your face.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 5

Trek to Ela Danda (2050m)

Leaving the main Kanchenjunga trek route at Lelep, we ascend to corn and millet country, camping in the last village for a couple of days. Note, the road is under construction here, however how far it reaches in 2020 is a bit of an unknown, a year out.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 6

Trek to Jongin (2600m)

Today you will trek to Jongin after your breakfast. It will take 4-5 hours at a slow pace. Your first camp away from villages.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 7

Trek to Olangchung Gola (3200m)

It is a lunch camp to this historic trading village but yak trains are now being superseded as there is a rough "road" from here to the Tibet border.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 8

Rest day at Olangchung Gola

Above 3000m/~10,000ft, we take a day to get acquainted with the village and gompa and acclimatize.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 9

Trek to Sanjung Kharka Camp’ (3910m) 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we set off following the trails used by Tibetan traders walking beside the Tamor to its convergence with Dinsamba Khola. Following the river belt we will have a Lunch and then crossing the river we reach a place named Langmale and continue to our overnight stop at the place known as Sanjung Kharka. It is one of the nice camping spots for trekkers where you can discover the beautiful mountain surrounding.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 10

Trek to Pass Camp (4700m 4 -5 Hours

We continue along the route of the Great Himalayan Trail towards the Lumba Sumba Himal. It is good to keep eyes out for snow leopard which have been sighted on the next section of the trek we also pass little yak pasture and beautiful landscape and few foothills to climb. Now we are in a totally wild country, the habitat of the snow leopard. Very few trekkers come this way to sense the remoteness themselves. Finally, we are at pass camp and we are above the green visitation and playing with the mountain. Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 11

Trek to Yak Kharka via Lumba Sumba La (5177m) 8-9 Hours

From our last camp before the pass, we climb the sharp ridge beyond to a prominent saddle toward the pass and we may encounter snow on this section of the trek. We reach a first pass adorned with prayer flags but this is not the top and it is necessary to cross below a peak to reach a slightly higher pass which is the actual Lumba Sumba La (5177m). The views are breathtaking, extending eastwards to Kangchenjunga and Jannu Himalaya range and westwards to Makalu Region. This is a very special place and weather consent, we may have longer broken here if the weather stable and perhaps eat our packed lunches. Now we have a descent of about 600 meters on a trail which is steep downhill at first, into a large valley and we stop at the first suitable camping spot at yak Kharka around 4595 meters.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 12

Trek to Jungle Camp (3350m). 6-7 hours

From our overnight stop, we set off down again, passing by many yak Kharkas with excellent views of Makalu ahead with the varieties of Rhododendrons tree. Then the trail bring together coming from the Umbak La, a 5200-meter pass by which means goods are traded with Tibet and Nepal, a 2-day journey from here. Reaching a village named Thudam (3500m) a Sherpa village of around 30 wooden houses which is linked with villages in Tibet, Where we plan to have Lunch and head west through a steep-sided valley, having to several landslip areas before climbing steadily to a pass (3370m). And finally, get to our Camp.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 13

Trek to Yak Kharka (2877m). 5-6 hours

We head west through a steep-sided landslide before climbing steadily and passes through a cavernous bamboo forest. The views of Makalu and its satellites are simply eye-catching. We continue descending to a small clearing at 2877 meters, where we make camp these days also require pack lunch.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 14

Trek to Lingam School (2320m). 5-6 hours

We continue descending through dense rhododendron forest and then climb to a place called Yak Kharka on a ridge overlooking the Arun Valley. We can see the river below and in the distance, our overnight stop in the Lingam School (2320m). After continuing downhill we will get to the Arun river where we crossed the suspension bridge and steadily uphill to Chyamtang where we plan to have lunch. After lunch, we pass by Chyamtang and get to the Lingam School.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 15

Trek to Hatiya (1595m). 5-6 hours

We are already decent at the altitude and back to a warmer climate. Today we pass few villages among trails with the songs of birds. At our lunch stop in the village of Gimber, we have more stunning views of the Makalu Himalayan Range. The afternoon's walk is relatively easy along a good trail to the Tibetan tribe village of Hatiya (1595m). This is the entry point to the Makalu-Barun National Park.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 16

Trek to Gola (1128m). 5-6hours

We follow the trail through Arun River down to its confluence with the Barun River which carries the glaciers water of Makalu range. After lunch, we continue among the Arun River to the small village of Gola (1128m). There are only around 12 houses here and the village is an interesting mix of Sherpa, Rai, and Tamang tribe

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 17

Trek to Hedanga Gadhi (1179m).

We make a short descent on a pleasant trail to the lowlands. We pass through fields of paddy as we follow the trail through the heaving hillsides above the Arun River. We stop for lunch at the small Gurung village by Pathibhara which boasts a number of local tea houses, shops, and homestay. Beyond Pathibhara, the trail continues through a rich agricultural landscape to Gadhi (1179m) the ‘fort’ in Nepali. This is the spot where the Nepalese Army faces up to invading forces from Tibet, eventually driving them back over the passes. Gadhi is surrounded by a market town with shops and hotels as well as a health post, school, and police station.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 18

Trek to Num (1572m), drive to Tumlingtar (450m).

We descend to the suspension bridge across the Arun River at Chiuribas After crossing the river marking at the end of our trek. Chiuribas is connected to the road by a jeep track and after taking some refreshment with the local tea houses here; we get on our waiting vehicles for the 4-5 hour drive along the ridge to Tumlingtar (450m). We spend our final night on a trek with our crew in the hotel at Tumlingtar Overnight Hotel.

Overnight at Lodge.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 19

Fly to Kathmandu

We take a morning flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, we check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free. On the last night of our trek, we will certainly have a farewell dinner at the boutique restaurant Overnight at the hotel.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

 

Day 20

Final Departure.

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport for an outbound flight back to your home country. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

 

Include

Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath and Pasupatinath) with city guide and necessary transport.
3 nights’ accommodation (2 persons per room) in Kathmandu in a 3* standard Hotel with breakfast.
Kathmandu - Bhadrapur & Tumlingtar – Kathmandu flight ticket.
All land transportations (a private car/bus)
Full Camping trek with all meals and hot drinks during the trek serve by Cook and staff. Tented accommodation with dining, table, chairs, toilet tent, and shower tent. Salary, insurance, food, accommodation for guides, and porters. Supporters’ staff, cook, porters.
Kanchenjunga special permits and national park entry permits.
Makalu valley restricted area entry permits and Makalu Barun national park entry permits.
Group First Aid Kit.
Company Duffle Bag for luggage

Exclude

Meals & drinks during the trek and in Kathmandu (unless stated otherwise under ‘The trip cost includes’)
Personal trekking equipment
Travel/medical insurance
Emergency rescue evacuation
Phone calls
Internet
International air ticket
Tips for your trekking guide & porters at the end of the trek
If you’re forced to extend your trek due to bad weather or natural disaster circumstances, we are not liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses you may incur
Anything not mentioned in the ‘includes section’
Nepal entry visa Fee.

Important Information

* The Price given here is per person based on a minimum of 2 pax. The price will be cheaper with an increase in the number of people.

* Single Supplement is applied (incase if you are single) 

CHECKLISTS FOR LUMBA SUMBA TREK

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Camping 
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - camping equipment, kitchen implements, food - are all carried by pack animals like mules, Yaks, and horses. Even Porters are common in Nepal. All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook, and usually at least one horseman or yak herder. With the surest footing; they lead trekking groups across the passes. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day. They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp. They set up tents, cook dinner, and ready the area for arriving trekkers. When trekkers reach the campsite they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours in the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter. For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are as welcome as they are delicious.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket Jumper or piled jacket Hiking shorts Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants T-shirts or blouses Underwear Sun hat

Rucksack Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional) Water bottle Torch, batteries, and bulbs