Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Activity Overview

17-Day Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a long and challenging trek that connects Kanchenjunga and Makalu Barun National Park. The route lies between Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Mt. Makalu (8463m), and was first explored in 2012 by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal.

The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, followed by a jeep ride to Taplejung. From there, the trail gradually ascends, reaching the highest point at Lumba Sumba Pass (5,160m). The trek passes through remote hills, forests, and villages rich in biodiversity. Wildlife like red pandas and snow leopards can be seen.

This trek is suitable for fit and mentally prepared trekkers as it requires walking 5–6 hours daily for over two weeks in high altitude and rough terrain.

 

Highlights:

  • Cross the high and adventurous Lumba Sumba Pass (5,160m)
  • Stunning views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and Mt. Lhotse
  • Rich biodiversity in Kanchenjunga and Makalu-Barun areas
  • Meet local people and explore unique mountain cultures
  • Remote and peaceful route, away from crowded trekking trails

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Flight)

  • 45-minute flight from Kathmandu

  • Meet staff at Bhadrapur airport

  • Transfer to hotel and meet guide/porters

  • Trip briefing and preparation

Day 2: Drive to Taplejung

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Drive via Ilam tea gardens (Fikkal, Kanyam)

  • Reach Taplejung by jeep

Day 3: Trek to Chiruwa (1270m)

  • Walk along Tamor River

  • Pass Furumba, Siwa Bazaar, and enter Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

  • Reach Chiruwa and stay overnight in a teahouse

Day 4: Trek to Lelep (1687m)

  • Continue along Tamor River

  • Pass religious stone sites, Tapethok village

  • Climb to Lelep and stay in tent

Day 5: Trek to Illa Danda (2015m)

  • Walk through forest and suspension bridge

  • Visit monastery, then descend to Gowatar

  • Cross Tamor River and reach Illa Danda (tent overnight)

Day 6: Trek to Selep Kharka (2525m)

  • Walk through rhododendron and bamboo forest

  • Spot red panda habitat

  • Reach Maguwa and then Selep Kharka (tent overnight)

Day 7: Trek to Olangchung Gola (3280m)

  • Follow Tamor River

  • Pass forest, waterfall, and reach Sherpa village Olangchung Gola

  • Overnight at tea house

Day 8: Trek to Upper Langmale (3893m)

  • Walk through pine and rhododendron forest

  • Reach Jadak and continue on snowy trail

  • Overnight at tent in Langmale

Day 9: Trek to Pass Camp (4747m)

  • Walk along Tamor River

  • Reach Tangchetar, then Pass Camp (tent overnight)

Day 10: Lumba Sumba Pass (5177m) to Chaurikharka (4545m)

  • Cross the high Lumba Sumba Pass

  • Challenging trek, descend to Chaurikharka

  • Pack lunch and overnight in tent

Day 11: Trek to Thudam (3500m)

  • Walk through Dobato

  • Reach Thudam village (tea house overnight)

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka (2877m)

  • Walk along Chujung Khola

  • Pass bamboo groves

  • Reach Yak Kharka (tent overnight)

Day 13: Trek to Chyamtang (2229m)

  • Walk through rhododendron forest

  • Cross Arun River by bridge

  • Reach Chyamtang (tea house overnight)

Day 14: Trek to Hatiya (1595m)

  • Walk along Arun and Barun Rivers

  • Cross Gola village and reach Simma Gaun

  • Stay in tea house

Day 15: Trek to Simma Gaun

  • Continue trek to Simma Gaun

  • Tea house overnight

Day 16: Simma Gaun to Num, drive to Khandbari

  • Trek via Hedangna village and cross Arun River

  • Reach Num and drive to Khandbari

  • Say goodbye to porters and guide

Day 17: Drive to Tumlingtar and fly to Kathmandu

  • Morning drive to Tumlingtar Airport

  • Fly back to Kathmandu