The Lumba Sumba pass trek is a challenging trek connecting Kanchenjunga to Makalu. Moreover, the hidden trek gives you a unique opportunity to travel through a remote part of Nepal.
You leave Kathmandu with a drive to Taplejung. Initially, the trail starts through the tropical part of Kanchenjunga with tropical forests. After Ghunsa, you leave the common trail and trek to Olangchun Gola. Beyond this point, it’s a few days of remote trekking. At the Lumba Sumba pass, you have the unique mountain view of Makalu in front of you, and Kanchenjunga literally behind you. Finally, at Chyamtang, you are back in the inhabited world for a resting day. After this well-deserved break, you will trek from village to village, ending at Num.
First, you travel by car to the starting point of this trek. Unfortunately, flying is not a faster or easier option. Next, the Lumba Sumba trek starts in the tropical rhododendron and bamboo forests.
Once arrive at Ghunsa, you can enjoy a well-deserved resting day. Indeed, this Sherpa village is nice to walk around in. Soon after you have left Ghunsa, you will continually climb towards the Nango La pass. After the crossing, the trail goes through local mountain streams. However, crossing the streams is easy and fun.
The wild and remote campsite at Yangma Khola is situated in the valley towards Olangchun Ghola with beautiful views. Olangchun Gola monastery is an impressive structure to see and well worth a visit. Once you climb to the monastery hilltop, you have a good look at the village and its surrounding area.
From here on, it will be a few days of remote trekking and camping. Throughout this section, you slowly climb towards the Lumba Sumba pass at an altitude of 5159 meters. From here, it becomes clear that the pass connects the Kanchenjunga region to the Makalu region. Truly, the views are very special and amazing. If you look behind you, you will see the mountain Kanchenjunga. If you look in front of you, you can see the characteristic mountain of Makalu.
Leaving the Lumba Sumba pass behind, it is easily descending to the hidden Tibetan village of Thudam. However, the trail after Thudam is not easy because it’s soon hard to find, as it’s overgrown by bamboo brushes. During this part of the Lumba Sumba pass trek, finding a campsite is challenging. Suitable campsites are scarce, and only a few small kharkas are available.
Emerging from the hidden trail, you will enter the small village of Chyamtang. In the coming days, you will trek from village to village on a non-tourist trail towards the Makalu region. Eventually, the Lumba Sumba pass trek ends at the village of Num, where a jeep will bring you to the airstrip of Tumlingtar. Here, you will take a plane back to Kathmandu.
You can extend this trek with a visit to Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Makalu Base Camp.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Final preparations for the trek
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Fikkal teagarden (12 hrs.)
Day 4: Drive Fikkal teagarden to Taplejung/ Suketar (1820m – 6,5 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Mitlung (921 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Chiruwa (1270m – 6 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Serkathum (1575m – 6 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Amjilosa (2308m – 6 hrs.)
Day 9: Trek to Gyabla (2730m – 5 hrs.)
Day 10: Trek to Ghunsa (3595m – 5 hrs.)
Day 11: Resting at Ghunsa for acclimatization
Day 12: Trek to Nango La High Camp (4776m – 4 hrs.)
Day 13: Cross over Nango La pass (4776m) and trek to Yangma Khola (3403m – 6 hrs.)
Day 14: Trek to Olangchun Gola (3191m – 8 hrs.)
Day 15: Resting day at Olangchun Gola
Day 16: Trek to Campsite Kharka (4050m – 5 hrs.)
Day 17: Trek to Pass Camp (4453m – 8 hrs.)
Day 18: Cross Lumba Sumba Pass (5159m) and trek to Thudam (3556m – 9 hrs.)
Day 19: Trek to Kharka (2700m – 8 hrs.)
Day 20: Trek to Chyamtang (2187m – 5 hrs.)
Day 21: Resting day at Chyamtang
Day 22: Trek to Hatiya (1595m – 6 hrs.)
Day 23: Trek to Gola (1100m – 5 hrs.)
Day 24: Trek to Hedangna Gadi (1120m – 5 hrs.)
Day 25: Trek to Num (1560m – 3 hrs.) and drive to Tumlingtar (400m – 4 hrs.)
Day 26: Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Day 27: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 28: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 4 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– 1 night in a guesthouse in Fikkal teagarden; breakfast included
– 1 night in a guesthouse in Taplejung; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Free use of tent equipment, including one tent for two persons and a light sleeping mattress
– Drive from Kathmandu to Taplejung; drive Num to Tumlingtar; flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu and transfer local airport to hotel
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage/ tent equipment / cooking equipment; 12 kg private luggage per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide, porters and the cooking staff
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner. Tea/ coffee/ hot water/ drinking water
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit, Makalu Barun National Park entrance fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
– All other beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide, porters and cooking staff
