Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek – 17 Days

The Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek is a hidden gem in eastern Nepal, offering an extraordinary blend of remote trekking, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. This 17-day journey traverses […]

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0 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Start from and End to
Min to Max Pax in a group

Highlights

  • Spectacular mountain views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest
  • Crossing the challenging Lumba Sumba La Pass (5,177m)
  • Remote and untouched trekking trails through lush forests and alpine landscapes
  • Rich cultural encounters with ethnic groups like Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu
  • Exploring Olangchung Gola, an ancient Tibetan-influenced village
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities, including red pandas and snow leopards
  • Tranquil and off-the-beaten-path experience away from mainstream trekking routes

Overview

The Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek is a hidden gem in eastern Nepal, offering an extraordinary blend of remote trekking, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. This 17-day journey traverses the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions, providing trekkers with an opportunity to witness pristine forests, high mountain passes, and traditional villages untouched by modern development. The trek features the challenging Lumba Sumba La Pass (5,177m), which rewards adventurers with stunning panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest. Along the way, trekkers encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like red pandas and snow leopards.

Best Time to Go To Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek

  • Spring (March to May): Blooming rhododendrons and clear skies make this a vibrant trekking season.
  • Autumn (September to November): Stable weather conditions and breathtaking mountain views provide the best trekking experience.

Difficulty Level

  • Challenging: This trek requires prior trekking experience and good physical fitness due to long walking hours, high altitude, and basic accommodations.

Worth to Visit

The Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek is a must-visit for adventure seekers looking to explore Nepal’s remote and less-traveled routes. It offers an unparalleled blend of stunning landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and high-altitude trekking challenges. This trek is ideal for those who wish to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of Nepal’s eastern Himalayas.

Itinerary

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Day 01

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur – Drive to Ilam

Duration 45 mins,4-5 Hours
Altitude 1,636m
The journey starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, a lowland city in southeastern Nepal. From there, a picturesque drive takes you through rolling hills, lush forests, and tea gardens to Ilam, known for its high-quality tea production. Ilam’s cool climate and green landscapes make it a refreshing stop before the trek.
Day 02

Drive from Ilam to Lelep via Taplejung

Duration 6-7 hours
Altitude 1,687m
The drive continues through winding mountain roads, passing through Taplejung, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region. The road follows the Tamor River, offering glimpses of terraced farmlands and small villages. Upon reaching Lelep, you will notice a shift in landscape as the forests become denser and the air crisper.
Day 03

Trek from Lelep to Ella Danda

Duration 5-6 hours
Altitude 2,051m
The trek begins with a gradual ascent through rhododendron and bamboo forests. As you walk along the Tamor River, you will pass through small settlements and enjoy views of the distant peaks. The day’s trek ends at Ella Danda, a beautiful ridge offering stunning mountain vistas.
Day 04

Trek from Ella Danda to Selep Kharka

Duration 6-7 hours
Altitude 2,525m
The trail leads deeper into the wilderness, with dense forests and waterfalls along the way. This section is rich in wildlife, and if you are lucky, you may spot red pandas or Himalayan black bears. The trek follows the river and reaches Selep Kharka, a remote clearing used as a pastureland for yaks and sheep.
Day 05

Trek from Selep Kharka to Olangchung Gola

Duration 7-8 hours
Altitude 3,208m
The trail follows the Tamor River, passing through rocky gorges and high cliffs. Olangchung Gola is a historic village with a rich Tibetan influence. The village is home to a 400-year-old monastery, prayer wheels, and traditional stone houses.
Day 06

Acclimatization Day in Olangchung Gola

Duration
Distance
Altitude 3,208m
A rest day to adjust to the altitude. You can explore the village, interact with the locals, and visit the ancient monastery. This is an important day to allow your body to acclimatize before ascending further.
Day 07

Trek from Olangchung Gola to Upper Langmale

Duration 6-7 hours
Altitude 3,893m
The trail gradually ascends through alpine meadows and rugged terrain. You will start to notice the thinning tree line and more open landscapes with snow-capped peaks in the background. Upper Langmale is a remote campsite offering incredible sunset views.
Day 08

Trek from Upper Langmale to Lumba Sumba Pass Camp

Duration 6-7 hours
Altitude 4,748m)
The terrain becomes more challenging as you gain altitude. The trail crosses moraines and glacial streams, with increasingly spectacular mountain views. Reaching the base camp of Lumba Sumba Pass, you will prepare for the next day's high pass crossing.
Day 09

Cross Lumba Sumba La Pass and Trek to Chauri Kharka

Duration 8-9 hours
Altitude 5,177m-4,598m
The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. The climb to Lumba Sumba La Pass is steep, but the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other Himalayan peaks make it worthwhile. The descent to Chauri Kharka is long and gradual.
Day 10

Trek from Chauri Kharka to Thudam

Duration 6-7 hours
Altitude 3,500m
The trail descends through rocky terrain and high-altitude pastures before entering the dense forests of Thudam. Thudam is a small and remote Tibetan-influenced village.
Day 11

Trek from Thudam to Kharka

Duration 5-6 hours
Altitude 2,880m
A gradual descent through thick forests and river valleys. The region is known for its biodiversity, with chances to spot Himalayan wildlife
Day 12

Trek from Kharka to Chyamtang

Duration 6-7 hours
Altitude 2,230m
The trail passes through terraced fields and scattered villages. Chyamtang is a beautiful settlement with a mixed culture of Tibetan and local Nepali communities.
Day 13

Trek from Chyamtang to Hatiya

Duration 5-6 hours
Altitude 1,600m
The descent continues through lush forests and riverside trails. Hatiya is a small but lively village with welcoming locals.
Day 14

Trek from Hatiya to Gola

Duration 6-7 hours
Altitude 1,130m
The trail becomes easier as you descend towards lower elevations. Gola is a peaceful village surrounded by farmland and forests.
Day 15

Trek from Gola to Hedangna Gadi

Altitude 1,180m
The trek passes through hilly landscapes and scattered villages, marking the final phase of the trekking journey.
Day 16

Trek to Hedangna Gadi and Drive to Tumlingtar

Duration 6-7 hours
A final short trek before driving to Tumlingtar, a small town with an airport.
Day 17

Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

Duration 45 minutes
A scenic flight back to Kathmandu, concluding the Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek. You will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and celebrate the successful completion of the trek.

Inclusions

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek – 17 Days

1. How difficult is the Lumba Sumba La Pass Trek?

The trek is rated challenging due to its high-altitude pass, long trekking hours, and remote terrain. Prior trekking experience and good fitness are recommended.

2. Do I need a special permit for this trek?

Yes, you need trekking permits for both the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park.

3. What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is Lumba Sumba La Pass at 5,177 meters.

4. Are there tea houses or do we need to camp?

There are basic tea houses along the route, but some remote sections may require camping.

5. What kind of weather can I expect?

Weather varies by season. Spring and autumn offer stable and clear conditions, while winter can be extremely cold and monsoon months bring heavy rain.

6. How do I prepare for this trek?

Training with cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and practice hikes at higher altitudes is recommended.

7. Is it possible to do this trek solo?

Solo trekking is not recommended due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail. A guide and porter are highly advised for safety and navigation.

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