Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Welcome to Nepal! When you land in Kathmandu, our staff will take you to the hotel from the Tribhuvan International Airport. Today is to rest and settle down. Then in the evening, there will be a briefing of your trip, an introduction of your trekking crew, and a welcome dinner with some delicious Nepali food.

Today, we will roam around the cultural marvels of Kathmandu. You will go to the distinguished places such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath with the help of a local guide. In the meantime, we will complete your permits and logistics. In the afternoon, you will have time to go shopping for last-minute trekking requirements. You will spend your night at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 starts with a scenic flight to Bhadrapur, then by motor vehicle into the north through the tea-covered hills and rural villages to Taplejung (Phungling). You will experience the transformation of the landscape itself: the plains will be replaced by the green, picturesque hills. In the late afternoon, we reach Taplejung and have a meal. You will stay this day at the lodge or camp in Taplejung.

We will descend through terraced fields and villages. Once beyond the Tamor River, we cross Panisar and Hangdewa, then arrive at Mitlung. It is a gentle start through cardamom orchards and leafy walks. We have camped tonight, by the river, and this is your first night in the tent--all the sounds of nature all around. Overnight stay in Mitlung.

Today we walk along the Tamor River and pathways between green hills. Rising and falling slightly, the trail has great points of view and includes a combination of forest and small villages. We pause at Siwa Bazaar, a pretty Limbu village with a handful of shops, then walk into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. After inspecting our permits at Thiwa, we descend through terraced fields, following the river to Chiruwa. We will go camping and have a nice campfire tonight.

We move further into the mountains today, along some wonderful bamboo and rhododendron forests. After one or two later, we will reach Tapethok, where there is a check of our restricted area permit. Further on, the path becomes more distant, and we will walk passing cardamom fields and a suspension bridge. Climbing through oak and pine forests provides a rewarding albeit steep drive to Lelep, a small, quiet village that is the headquarters of the conservation area. You will spend this night camping on Lelep.

Our journey starts with forests and a dramatic Suspension Bridge, after which we end up at the Gowata, which includes two amazing waterfalls. We relax and then ascend to Phedi, and then take a final ascent to Ila Danda - Cardamom hill. The view of this quiet meadow is superb, which makes the camping experience very serene. Take pleasure in the beauty of nature with trees. You will spend the night doing overnight camping at Ila Danda.

Today, we are off into deeper wildland. We will walk through rhododendron and alder forests, over a river, to Makuwa, having lunch. The path keeps growing through wild scenery with less evidence of humanity. In the afternoon, we will be at Selep Kharka, a large herd of pasture frequented by grazing yaks. A lovely, quiet place to camp tonight.

We walk through the magnificent rustling of the cedar forest and the rhododendron forest, and have a tea break at Ramite. Much of our way is marked by a beautifully falling waterfall and an old pine. In the first part of the afternoon, we reach Olangchung Gola-ana obscure Tibetan-populated village with wooden-built houses, an old monastery that is 400 years old. It is the final actual village before our entrance into the high Himalayas.

We will leave the last village behind and explore dense alpine country. The forest thins and is replaced by open meadows and rocky geography. We gradually climb through high pastures. We will then reach Langmale, a remote and rugged valley camp with dramatic peaks. You will do overnight camping here to spend the night.

You will spend this day acclimatizing. We will leave Langmale and follow the narrow Tamor River. The landscape becomes rocky with alpine grasses and glaciers as we move forward. We have a lunch break at Yangetar, then walk slowly to reach Pass Camp. The area nearby is barren though alluring, and located right below the pass. We rest and prepare for tomorrow’s big pass crossing.

We begin your hike earlier than the sun comes, with hot beverages, warm clothes, and mountainous switchbacks. The trail will pass upward and reach 5,177 m, where you get an amazing view of Makalu west, Kanchenjunga east. This is the perfect spot for a photographer. After enjoying the scenery for some time, descend to a peaceful yak pasture named Yak Kharka, where you spend the night.

This day's trek is easier compared to yesterday's trek. We will descend exposed slopes, passing juniper and rhododendron forest, where the air gets thicker, warmer. You will have lunch at Jungle Camp, then continue walking to the rhododendron forests. Later in the afternoon, we arrive at Thudam- an isolated Sherpa village that lies near the border of Tibet. We camp near the village and explore its surroundings.

We will follow the Chujung Khola through a wild, beautiful valley. The trail consists of an easy, narrow trail that is difficult, where previous landslides reveal scars along the hillside. As we move forward, the landscape changes and turns greener and more welcoming. After walking for half a day, we arrived at Kharka, a small pasture with a thatched shelter for a herder. We are camped here within wooded ridges.

Today, we move on down slopes in deep woods. The path is winding and meandering and crosses obscured clearings such as Chaurikharka. While walking, we will reach the Arun River, which is flowing wide, singing an amazing song. Finally, one last ascent is carried to Chyamtang, an ending village on the hillside. There are stone houses, smiling faces, and Makalu visions. We get into camp, outside the local school, and begin to taste the conditions of civilization.

Today, the trail is meandering through a forest of subtropical richness. We drive through small clearances, bird life, and terraced fields. We rest after a couple of hours in Gibla village, and proceed on a picturesque route over the Arun River. Before noon, we reach Hatiya, a Bhotiya village by the confluence of two rivers. We camp nearby and spend time walking around in the afternoon.

It is one of those easy walking days today. We leave Hatiya and walk along the Arun River, frequently utilized by locals. After three hours walking, we arrive at a very beautiful place where the Arun and Barun Rivers meet. From here, we will take a short walk down to the remote riverside village of Gola. You will reach Gola by lunch and enjoy the day resting or roaming around the nearby area.

Our final full day on foot begins with a gradual climb away from the river. We pass small farms and terraced hillside where you can see corn, millets, etc. growing. After an hour of walking, we will reach Pathibhara, an idyllic rural hamlet with panoramic views of the Arun valley. From there, we will walk through forests to Hedangna Gadha, a prehistoric fortification on a hilltop. The ruins are deteriorating, yet the location is special. Tonight we camp here and have a night outing under the stars--it is the last night that we shall camp in the mountains.

This morning we trek downhill for two hours to Num, where the road now reaches. This is the place where our trek officially ends. After saying goodbye to the porter team, we jump into jeeps and start the bumpy journey through a picturesque ride to Tumlingtar. The road passes across rivers and ridges, leading us to the airport. Then, we would take a short flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you will transfer to the hotel where you will rest.

Sadly, today marks the end of your amazing trip across the Lumba Sumba pass. After our breakfast this morning, you have free time to relax or do last-minute shopping for souvenirs if your flight is not until later in the day. We will provide a transfer to Tribhuvan Airport for your international flight departure. Say goodbye to Nepal and carry your memories of untouched valleys, towering peaks, and the uniqueness of experiences from the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. We wish you a safe flight home and hope to see you again in the Himalayas! Trip end.