Kanchenjunga To Makalu
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek:
This trekking area is situated to the east of Nepal, being remote and not always easy to get to you are very unlikely to meet other foreign trekking groups during your adventures.
This new trek runs through both the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. This area is not only the home of the Sherpa, Gurung, Tamang, Newar, Magar, Limbu, and Rai people but also home to the endangered red panda (days 6, 7 and 11) and snow leopard (days 8 and 9).
Trek This trek provides the opportunity to visit both Kanchenjunga and Makalu base camps and provides trekkers with the opportunities to encompass a wide variety of Nepalese environments, alpine grasslands, spectacular rock scenery, dense temperate and sub-tropical forests, and vibrant river valleys, as well as the harsher Himalayan terrain and the high mountain lakes in Olangchung Gola.
This trek descends to a lower altitude of 909m rising to 5200m.
The valleys of the Tamor River and Arun River systems add to the remoteness of this trek forming deep natural barriers to the outside world. These two rivers are the major tributaries of the Sapta Koshi River.
Leaving Kathmandu trekkers will travel to Fungling, the district headquarters of Taplejung, and then start their trek from Sherpa Tol.
Kanchenjunga To Makalu Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Grade: Strenuous
Time: Minimum recommended 20 trek days
Maximum height 5200m
Kanchenjunga to Makalu: Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Itinerary
This 22-day itinerary takes you on an epic adventure through the Himalayas, from the Kanchenjunga region to the Makalu region, crossing the challenging Lumba Sumba Pass along the way.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Arrive at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the day exploring the vibrant city of Kathmandu, visiting
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
- Get your permits and briefing for the trek.
- Do some last-minute shopping for necessary supplies.
- Enjoy a final delicious meal in Kathmandu before your journey begins.
Day 3: Fly to Suketar and Trek to Fungling
- Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar (2,320m).
- Begin your trek, descending to Fungling (1,777m) through charming villages and rhododendron forests.
Day 4: Trek to Mitlung
- Follow the Tamor River valley, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Arrive in Mitlung (909m), a small village with traditional houses and friendly locals.
Day 5: Trek to Chirwa
- The trail ascends through forests and rice paddies, offering glimpses of Kanchenjunga.
- Reach Chirwa (1,246m), a village known for its beautiful waterfalls and handicrafts.
Day 6: Trek to Lelep
- Continue your climb through diverse landscapes, including bamboo forests and meadows.
- Arrive in Lelep (1,687m), a Sherpa village with stunning views of Mount Jannu.
Day 7: Trek to Ela Danda
- The trail gets steeper as you enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
- Reach Ela Danda (2,051m), a scenic viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the Himalayas.
Day 8: Trek to Selep Kharka
- Hike through rhododendron forests and yak pastures, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
- Arrive in Selep Kharka (2,525m), a campsite with stunning views of Kanchenjunga.
Day 9: Trek to Olangchung Gola
- The trail becomes more challenging, with steeper climbs and rocky terrain.
- Reach Olangchung Gola (3,208m), a remote village with a unique Tibetan culture.
Day 10: Trek to Upper Langmale via Jadak
- Cross the Dudh Koshi River and enter the Makalu Barun National Park.
- Hike through a scenic valley to Upper Langmale (3,893m), a campsite with views of Makalu.
Day 11: Trek to Pass Camp via Tangchetar
- The ascent to Pass Camp (4,747m) is challenging, with switchbacks and rocky paths.
- Stop at Tangchetar (4,203m) for lunch and to acclimatize to the altitude.
Day 12: Trek via Lumba Sumba Peak to Chaurikharka
- Conquer the Lumba Sumba Pass (5,200m), the highest point of the trek, for breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and Makalu.
- Descend to Chaurikharka (4,594m), a campsite with yak pastures and traditional lodges.
Day 13: Trek to Thudam
- Follow the river valley, enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the Makalu region.
- Arrive in Thudam (3,500m), a small village with traditional stone houses.
Day 14: Trek to Kharka (2877m):
- Continue your descent along the Chujung Khola river, enjoying panoramic views of the Makalu range.
- Look out for red pandas in the bamboo groves along the way.
- After 6 hours of trekking, reach Kharka for the night’s stay, with limited access to drinking water, so pack a lunch.
Day 15: Trek to Chyamthang (2229m):
- Follow the river valley, passing through small Sherpa villages and yak pastures.
- Enjoy the diverse landscape, transitioning from coniferous forests to rhododendron bushes.
- Reach Chyamthang after 5 hours of trekking, a larger village with basic amenities.
Day 16: Trek to Hatiya (1595m) via Makalu National Park:
- Enter the Makalu Barun National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning scenery.
- The trail descends through forests and fields, offering glimpses of snow-capped peaks.
- Reach Hatiya after 5-6 hours of trekking, a village with traditional lodges and shops.
Day 17: Trek to Gola:
- The trail follows the Arun River, offering views of lush valleys and terraced fields.
- Pass through Sherpa and Rai villages, experiencing their local culture and way of life.
- Reach Gola after 6 hours of trekking, a small village with basic amenities.
Day 18: Trek to Gadhi (1800m) via Pathibhara Village:
- The trail ascends gently through rhododendron forests and cultivated fields.
- Visit the scenic Pathibhara Village, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Reach Gadhi after 5 hours of trekking, a village with stunning mountain views and comfortable lodges.
Day 19: Trek to Khandbari (1022m) and transfer to Chichila:
- Descend along a well-maintained trail, passing through diverse landscapes and villages.
- Reach Khandbari after 5-6 hours of trekking, a town with more amenities and options for transportation.
- Choose between trekking to Chichila (3 hours) or taking a local bus for a relaxing ride.
Day 20: Trek to Turlingtar (405m):
- Embark on the final leg of the trek, descending through terraced fields and villages.
- Enjoy the warm temperatures and lush greenery in the lower foothills.
- Reach Turlingtar after 4-5 hours of trekking, a small town with access to transportation.
Day 21: Flight from Turlingtar to Kathmandu:
- Take a scenic flight from Turlingtar to either Biratnagar or directly to Kathmandu.
- Relax and reflect on your amazing journey through the Himalayas.
Day 22: Contingency Day:
- This day is reserved for any unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays or weather disruptions.
- If everything goes smoothly, you can use this day to explore Kathmandu further or indulge in relaxation activities.
Note: This is a general outline, and the specific details of the itinerary may vary depending on the trekking company and weather conditions.
I hope this detailed description helps you understand the entire Lumba Sumba Pass Trek itinerary!
