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Lumba Sumba Pass Trek - 21 Days

Trip Introduction


LUMBA SUMBA PASS
North Kanchenjunga with Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking takes you high and beyond the massive mountain range of Mt. Kanchenjunga, listed as the world’s 3rd highest and Nepal’s second high Mountain.
Where originally pronounced as Kanchenjunga “Kang-Chen-Zod-nga”, means “Five great treasuries of the snow”, but in fact, it has seven major summits. To the locals, Kanchenjunga, which stands at a height of 8585m and the third highest mountain in the world, it the abode of gods who bestow prosperity and goodwill on them and their lands, while to the climbers of this mountain the phrase “five great treasuries of the snow” takes on a slightly more ominous tone. The avalanches at Kanchenjunga are said to be the largest anywhere.
North Kanchenjunga – Lumba Sumba Pass trekking is a fabulous adventure that leads you to far and remote range at the end of Nepal Himalaya where few trekkers and adventurers seldom venture this unknown hidden country around Holung – Walungchung and Gola situated close on route to Eastern border of Tibet – China.
 
The Lumba Sumba pass trek is a newly opened trekking location in the Eastern region of Nepal, which is gaining momentum as one of the less trodden yet wildly spectacular experience. The entirety of the trek takes thrill-seekers from the Kanchenjunga region to the Makalu region through the Lumba Sumba Pass.
Rich in flora and fauna, the Lumba trek offers marvelous opportunities to sight wild animals like the red panda or the snow leopard. The three-week trek also passes through high mountain lakes like the Olangchung Gola. It covers two of Nepal’s best- protected areas, including the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. Passing along the sides of the Tamor and the Arun River, the trek showcases the beauty of both the Kanchenjunga and the Makalu peaks, standing in all its glory.
The moderately strenuous trek can be carried out by trekker with some previous trekking experience. The highest point of the trek is the passage through the Lumba Sumba Pass (5177 m). The major high lights include the chance to witness the views of the stupendously marvelous snow-capped peaks like Kanchenjunga (8586m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), and on clear days, the mighty Everest (8848m).
The along paths, untouched by the waves of modernization and urbanization. Get the chance to intermingle with the ethnic inhabitants like Sherpa, Magar, Tamang, Rai, Newar, and Limbu. Explore their heritage and traditions in this enthralling experience. Travel around alpine lands and thick forests. Trek away from the crowded area, into the serenity of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. Overlook at the diverse species of flora and fauna and live the experience of a lifetime with the carefully designed itinerary of the Lumba Sumba Trek.
 


Group Size : Minimum 02 pax Max - altitude : 4595m
Destination : Destiny Country Fitness level : Adventure
Arrival : Kathmandu Departure from : Kathmandu
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation : Double/Twin Sharing in Hotel/Lodge
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Rest day in Kathmandu
Day 03: Morning fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Ilam, Duration: fly 45 min, drive-5 Hrs
Day 04: Drive to Taplejung (1820m/ft), Duration: Drive-4 Hrs, Trek 4 Hrs
Day 05: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung/Sinuwa (980m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 06: Trek from Mitlung/Sinuwa to Taplethok (1380m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day O7: Trek from Taplethok to Ila Danda (2100m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 08: Trek from Ila Danda to Dharmasala (2500m)
Day 09: Trek from Dharmasala to Olangchung Gola (3291m)
Day 10: Rest day at Olangchung Gola
Day 11: Trek from Olangchung Gola to Yangetar (4203m), Duration: 4-5 Hrs
Day 12: Trek from Yangetar to Pass Camp (4453m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 13: Trek from Pass Camp to Chauri Kharka (4595m) via Lumba Sumba La, Duration: 7-8 Hrs
Day 14: Trek from Chauri Kharka to Thudam (3556m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 15: Trek from Thudam to Yak Kharka (2877m)
Day 16: Trek from Yak Kharka to Lingam (2250m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 17: Trek from Lingam to Barun Dovan (1110m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 18: Trek from Barun Dovan to Heydangna Gadi (12220m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 19: Trek from Heydangna Gadi to Num and drive to Khandbari/Tumlingtar (410m), Duration: 3-hour trek and 4-5 Hrs drive
Day 20: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Day 21: Final day and Fly back to Home country
Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences. For more information please contact us at [email protected]
 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu city, a director of Swagat Holiday Treks will receive you at the airport and accompany you to your five-star hotel. The end of the day will be marked by a welcome dinner organized by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition during which you will be introduced to the member of the team that will accompany you to the summit of Everest.
Included: Bed & Breakfast
 
Day 02: Rest day in Kathmandu
On the rest day, you are allowed to rest before making preparations for the upcoming venture. Swagat Holiday Treks and Expedition will provide you an elaborate presentation regarding the upcoming trip. You can even go shopping and meet friends. If you are interested, you can go sight-seeing inside the Kathmandu Valley. The company will arrange a private vehicle for the same.
Included: Bed & Breakfast
 
Day 03: Morning fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Ilam, Duration: fly 45 min, drive-5 Hrs
Our trek starts with the afternoon flight from Kathmandu Valley to Bhadrapur. This means that you will have a whole morning to go for the shopping of necessary trekking gear or any other necessary items. The flight will take about 45 minutes to reach Bhadrapur from Kathmandu airport. Then after, we will be enjoying a jeep ride for about 4 to 5 hours to reach the Ilam. Ilam is famous as a sloppy region famous for its tea garden, also well known as Tea Capital. We will stay overnight at Ilam.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 04: Drive to Taplejung (1820m/ft), Duration: Drive-4 Hrs, Trek 4 Hrs
Today the starting point of the Lumba Sumba trek is reached. Our journey continues with one more around 6 hours of ride to reach to Taplejung. The path which takes us through farmlands and forested area to Taplejung also offers the views of the icy mountain peaks like the Kanchenjunga, Makalu and ever the mighty Everest on a clear day.
Taplejung is the hub of this region of Nepal. It is complete with government offices, cobblestone streets, a police post, and a small hospital. Taplejung is both adequately supplied with modern equipment and has yet retained its age-old natural beauty. The roaring Tamor River diverges out from the southern part of Taplejung. We will stay overnight at the local lodge in Taplejung.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 05: Trek from Taplejung to Mitlung/Sinuwa (980m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
The actual trekking journey of the Lumba Sumba trek starts today. The trek follows a multi-track path and takes us up and down through forested ridges today. We descend from Taplejung to reach the Tamor River first. After crossing the suspension bridge from this point, the route is almost flat. Trekking along the banks of the roaring Tamor Koshi River, through fields of paddy, offers a one-in-a-million experience in itself. We pass jungles of cardamom plants and natural vegetation to reach an area where the village can be seen stretching at a far distance.
The village is called Mitlung. Mitlung is home to ethnic inhabitants living in complete harmony with each other; Chhetri, Limbu, Bahun, and Tamang inhabitants adorn the already beautiful village. The main occupation of these people is the business of cardamom. We will stay overnight at Mitlung.
 
Day 06: Trek from Mitlung/Sinuwa to Taplethok (1380m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
This day too we will follow the edges of the Tamor River all through the day. The path is quite a narrow, descending one today and passes through jungles. The jungles in this area are usually covered with cardamom and other crops. Small gardens of orange are also present along the way.
Through undulating paths and crossing, several streams, we finally reach an area with an easy flat land. Passing through the villages of Sinuwa and Limbu village of Chirwa we finally reach another large Limbu Village of Taplethok. We will stay overnight in Taplethok.
 
Day O7: Trek from Taplethok to Ila Danda (2100m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Tabletop is a small market with some tea shops. There is also a KCAP check post in this village. After checking in, we start with a walk towards the village of Pembu along the bank of the roaring Tamor River. The trail through dense forest continues on an uphill path from Pembu, taking us to the Leap. We reach a monastery next, after which the trail drops down to the village of Goldwater. Near to this small settlement with a few houses, is a bug stone considered to be religious by the inhabitants of the village.
After half an hour of walk from Gowatar, we are blessed with the views of two waterfalls, each about 100 meters tall. The wonderful opportunity to click the pictures in front of the waterfall will take us to Phedi. We cross the Tamor River from Phedi and continue upwards to the camping site of Ila Danda.
The Sherpa village of Ila Danda is home to the panorama of the beauty of the beautiful mountain peaks that adorn this eastern region of Nepal. The views of the snowcapped peaks, along with the views of the Kasturi Peak and the Tamor River underneath, calls for a perfect setting to spend the night in peace and tranquility. We will stay overnight at Ila Danda.
Day 08: Trek from Ila Danda to Dharmasala (2500m)
Today, we embark on a pleasing walk towards Dharmasala. The path is somewhat steep, alternated by the easy path, and passes through jungles of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo.
The start of the trek occurs with the passage through forests of Ulnas and rhododendron, we reach a suspension bridge now, crossing which we reach the area filled with dense groves of bamboo. This area is known best for being the habitat of the endangered species of red and, if you are lucky, you might spot one too.
After about three hours of walk from Ila Danda, we pass through the village of Magura through a forest of maple and Ulnas. A big landslide along the path requires the utmost attention for trekkers when crossing it. Apart from that, the path is comparatively easier. Through the Sleep Kharka, we reach Dharmasala, our destination for today. We will stay overnight at Dharmasala.
 
Day 09: Trek from Dharmasala to Olangchung Gola (3291m)
The path today will also be passing through areas known to be suitable habitat sports for the red panda. We walk along the banks of the roaring Tamor River and reach the jog Village. This is flat land, surrounded by the views of the snowcapped peaks. Another walk through rhododendron forests takes us to suspension bridges, following with we settle Ramit. Mixed forests of Deodar and rhododendron take us to a beautiful waterfall where we click pictures.
After some time of marveling at the beauty of the waterfall, we move forward to Olangchung Gola. Olangchung Gola is a beautiful Sherpa village where we spend our night and the next day.
 
Day 10: Rest day at Olangchung Gola
Today, we take off a well-earned day to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the beautiful Sherpa village of Olangchung Gola. It consists of 45 houses and a 467-year-old monastery. The monastery has some golden manuscripts in the Buddhist language. Olangchung Gola is also home to the KCAP office. A sub-health post and a primary school along with the border police station in Olangchung Gola make it a perfect town. Olangchung Gola consists of rhododendron forests. It is the pathway to Tibet and business between Nepal and Tibet that takes place here. This is where herbs are exchanged between Tibet and Nepal. People living in Olangchung Gola have yaks and blue sheep as pets, which assist them with their daily chores.
This day is a perfect opportunity to mix in with the inhabitants of the mid-Kanchenjunga Region and experience their culture and traditions.
 
Day 11: Trek from Olangchung Gola to Yangetar (4203m), Duration: 4-5 Hrs
The trek along the path in the next three days will pass through areas of complete wilderness and awesome natural beauty. You will not be lost in the mystical wilderness today as there are piles of stones that act as signposts to show us the direction towards our required destination.
Today, we start with a gradual uphill walk through forests of rhododendron, above the roaring Tamor River. We reach the village of Jadak for lunch and if lucky, might even get a chance to come across wild animals like snow leopard and musk deer. From here, we walk for some more time along snowy tracks to reach the bridge over the Tamor River.
After crossing the bridge, we come across the village of Lang male. Heading up alongside the riverside, the trail finally brings us to the village of Yangetar, which is our destination for today.
 
Day 12: Trek from Yangetar to Pass Camp (4453m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
This is yet another exciting day in the trek as there have been reported sightings of snow leopards in this track. This day too. We follow the roaring and the mighty Tamor River. we cross the river to a dense rhododendron forest to settle Tangchetar. After lunch there, we pass along rocky trails to reach the camping site of pass Camp.
Pass camp is the base camp of the Lumba Sumba Peak. We walk lesson this day, as it is important to acclimatize with the altitude to eliminate the possibility of Acute Mountain Sickness. The day is made more interesting by the views of the small peaks that are visible from the Pass Camp. We will stay overnight in Pass Camp.
 
Day 13: Trek from Pass Camp to Chauri Kharka (4595m) via Lumba Sumba La, Duration: 7-8 Hrs
This day is the highlight of the entire trekking journey as it involves the passage through the Lumba Sumba Peak. Apart from being highly memorable and adorned with beautiful views, the trail today is equally difficult and strenuous today.
We begin the trek with packed lunch and adequate bottles of water. The trail starts with an upward climb, followed by a downward path. From the last camp before the pass, we climb the sharp ridge beyond to a prominent saddle towards 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 Kanchenjunga and Jannu Himalaya range and westwards to the 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.
The final set up the Lumba Sumba peak is difficult because of the presence of glacial moraines and snow-covered path. The challenging part of the entire trek is today, so it is good to take good care of the footing when passing along the path today. The top of the Lumba Sumba peak offers the most memorable views of the entire trek. The mid-boggling beauty of the excellent mountain peaks like the Jannu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Khambachen, Baruntse, and Hongku makes the entire passage picture-worthy. The slide down to the Chauri Kharka is steep but also offers views of the fore mentioned peaks in its full glory... 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 m.
 
Day 14: Trek from Chauri Kharka to Thudam (3556m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Today, we tread along the right bank of the roaring Lapsi Khola to arrive at the destination of Thudam. From Chauri Kharka, the path is a downhill one. After a tiring walk, we come back down to civilization. Further along the path, we come across two roads. One road leads to Lyasha in Tibet while the other road carries on towards the Bhotiya village of Thudam.
The path today takes us through forests of juniper and rhododendron. Thudam is a Bhotiya village with inhabitants who are true descendants of Tibet. There are about 30 houses, inhabited by the ethnic Bhotiya people, who are welcoming. People here have adopted animal husbandry as their major profession. Thudam is also considered to be the border to Tibet and has a small school. We will stay overnight at Thudam.
 
Day 15: Trek from Thudam to Yak Kharka (2877m)
Today, the trail takes us through the banks of the Chujung Khola on Bamboo forests. We descend towards small bushes and bamboo groves being cheered along by the views of the panoramic Makalu range. Apart from the views of the mind-boggling white peak of Makalu, we might also get an opportunity to come across the endangered species of the red panda. Packed lunch works as our fuel in this grueling Path.
Yak Kharka is the destination for today. It is where yaks graze. The ethnic inhabitants living here do business with Tibet for a living. The trail to Yak Kharka is also beautified more by the presence of different types of rhododendron, on a clear day; Everest greets us with its true glory. We will stay overnight at Yak Kharka.
 
Day 16: Trek from Yak Kharka to Lingam (2250m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
After breakfast, like many other days in the trek, we will pass through dense rhododendron forests today as well. There are numerous side trails to follow and we follow the last walked one. From Yak Kharka, we climb along to another spot called Chauri Kharka, the best grazing spot for yaks. From here, the Chyamtang village, as well as the Ridha Village, Kimathanka, and the Arun River, appear down below. From here the trail follows as descent path to the bank of the Arun River.
We cross the suspension bridge over the Arun River and reach the village of Chyamtang after an uphill trek. Further upwards is the Lingam School. Lingam is the settlement of Bhote People, direct descendants of Tibetans.
 
Day 17: Trek from Lingam to Barun Dovan (1110m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
The destination for today is the confluence of the Barun and Arun rivers, called the Barun Dovan. Cheered along with the views of the aforementioned peaks, we follow the path out from Lingam to the Gimber Village. This village is the perfect spot for perfect views of the Makalu range in its full glory. The easy walk the follows, takes us to the settlement of Hatiya, the entry point of the Makalu National park.
We move further along the banks of the roaring Arun River to reach Barun Dovan. This is the destination for today and we set camp here.
 
Day 18: Trek from Barun Dovan to Heydangna Gadi (12220m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
We can see that we are in the lowlands a today the trail takes us through lush paddy fields. The pleasing walk offers a short descent, followed by a short climb. After a two and half hour walk from Gola. We reach the village of Pathibhara. This village should not be confused with the temple Pathibhara. Pathibhara village is inhabited by Gurung populations and is filled with groceries, tea, shops, and hotels.
After this, we pass along cultivable land towards the Heydangna Gadi. We will find several small settlements and plenty of water resources of our way to Gadi. Heydangna Gadi holds significance in the history of Nepal, as this is where the Nepali army chased away the Tibetan army during the Nepal-Tibet battle. Heydangna Gadi is equipped with a police station, a school, and a small health post. People living here have mixed ethnicity and are living in perfect harmony with each other. We will stay overnight at Heydangna Gadi.
 
Day 19: Trek from Heydangna Gadi to Num and drive to Khandbari/Tumlingtar (410m), Duration: 3-hour trek and 4-5 Hrs drive
The passage from the Heydangna Gadi to Num marks the end of the wonderful trek. We start with a downhill path today, onto the banks of the Arun River. Crossing the river is followed by an uphill climb to the village of Num. Num is linked with motorable roads and we take up this opportunity to drive to the headquarters of the Sankhuwasabha, District, Khandbari. The drive takes up about 4 to 5 hours. Tumlingtar is equipped with a small airport.
This day marks the end of our wonderful trekking journey. From Gadi, we descend to Num and then take a drive to Khandbari/Tumlingtar through bumpy roads. Khandbari is the district headquarters of the Sankhuwasabha district.
 
Day 20: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Today, we fly to the capital, leaving behind the scenery of the beautiful Kanchenjunga region. After breakfast, we head straight to the airport and fly back on a 35 minutes flight to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you have the entire afternoon to yourself, which can be utilized by strolling around to witness the nightlife of the beautiful capital. Buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home or relish the exquisite Nepali cuisine in the comfort of your hotels.
 
Day 21: Final day and Fly back to Home country
Our Lumba Sumba Trek comes to an end today. You may go for some last minutes souvenir shopping for you near and dear one in the native place. You shall be escorted to the Tribhuwan International Airport at least three hours before your flight schedule. A representative of Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition shall transfer you to the airport 3 hours before your flight back home. We hope that the adventure in this land of mysticism has created a strong and positive impression about this nation, enough to bring you back again.
 
“Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition” will try to keep day to day schedules as per the detailed itinerary but there might be some flexibility due to other factors beyond our control. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, difficulty with transportation, and politics can lead to enforced changes. So, it is not possible to guarantee as per the itinerary. In this case, the trip leader will manage it to minimize your inconvenience. “We wish you have a wonderful time with us!


COST INCLUDE
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (for both international and domestic flights).
  • Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
  • 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.
  • A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.
  • We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.
  • National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.
  • Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
  • All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.
 COST EXCLUDE
  • Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
  • All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
  • Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu
  • Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation
  • In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
  • Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation.
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.
     # Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.
 

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Important Note:
Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.
 Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Equipment and Gears
  • Duffle Bag\Rucksack Bag\ Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Swagat Holiday Duffle Bag that is to be returned after the trip)
  • One pair of a walking stick
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Sports shoes or sandals
  • Sun Hat/Cap
  • Basic Medical Kits
  • Head Lamp
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Trekking towels
  • Sunglasses (UV Protection)
  • Warm Hand gloves ( Inner & Outer)
  • Warm woolen cap
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Pullover or warm sweeter
  • Raincoat
  • 5/6 pairs of good quality socks
  • 2\3 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 3\4 pairs of trekking shirts
  • 5\6 pairs of underwear( non-cotton preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Good quality Sleeping Bag
  • Camera and Batteries
 

Trip Location Map