Duration
22 days
Max. Elevation
m
Group size
2+ (Single Supplement $250 )
Day
1
On main arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal International airport, received by our guides, and staff for short transfer in the heart of Kathmandu city around Thamel area. Where your hotel is located, after getting refreshed in your lovely room and then join with other members of North Kanchenjunga Lumba-Sumba Pass Trekking. Our guide will provide a briefing that includes all information required for the trek as well your stay in Nepal for 18 days or more.
Evening a group welcome dinner in a nice restaurant, with a complete Nepalese ambiance, enjoy lovely Nepali dishes along with a folk cultural program to entertain while you have your nice dinner.
Day
2
Morning, depart from the hotel for exciting tour around Kathmandu at places of great interest, Kathmandu city and its valley steeped with historical and religious monuments temples and monasteries listed as World Heritage Sites.
After an interesting tour afternoon free to relax and preparation for Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking next early morning flight to Nepal Far South East around Terai belt.
Day
3
As per flight to reach Bhadrapur airport for the adventure, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping 45 minutes panoramic flight to land at Nepal Far South East at Bhadrapur. During air panorama of snow-capped mountains with views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
On landing at Bhadrapur airport where temperatures are much warmer of tropical climate, which is close to India border. At the airport received by our fields and camping staff then taking a local four-wheel drive to reach higher mid-hills. An interesting drive to Ilam town, famous for tea garden as well its nice tea flavor, at Ilam for overnight stop in a best available lodge and hotels. Afternoon with time to explore the interesting town of Eastern Nepal and to catch local culture.
Day
4
Start the morning with lovely views of Kanchenjunga, and beautiful landscapes of green hills with pine trees and a vast tea garden. As morning drive leads on rough jeep tracks thorough villages and farmlands with short and ups to reach at Suketar, a small town with an airport where flights are unpredictable due to mountainous location, and weather-wise.
From Suketar, get organized as our porters carry you bigger baggage then follow our guide for the first-day walk, with a short climb to reach Mitlung village, a nice farm area overlooking views of distant snow peaks. Overnight in tented camps near the village on fields and terraces.
Day
5
After a first overnight in tented camping and food served by our cook and kitchen staff, after breakfast ready for another day lovely walks, as morning route follows downhill towards Tamor River, fed from the glaciers of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jannu, and Kabru peaks.
Walk leads with short ups and downs to reach at Sinwa village from the river, and the again descends to Tawa village to cross few streams and walk past spread-out farm villages, to Chirwa for overnight camp. A nice moderate size village with mixed tribes, mostly Rai (Kirat tribe) the main mid-hill of eastern Nepal with some Magar, Tamang and Hindu Chettries, Brahmins including few Dalits.
Day
6
From Chirwa after a good breakfast, morning leads to Sukathum village, after reaching a riverbank within mixed country with large cultivation of cardamom spices that the area of Taplejung and Ilam are famous for.
Walk heads higher over many farm areas with short descend to overnight camp at Lungthang, a small farm village, from here air gets cooler with dramatic change of culture and landscapes as you enter within Tibetan Buddhist religion areas.
Day
7
After a pleasant overnight stop, morning having breakfast where the route leaves the main Kanchenjunga trail, heading due north within a cool shade of beautiful forest with tall rhododendron and pine trees.
Walk follows on the ancient route of Trans Himalaya Salt Trade route to Tibet that extends beyond Walanchung-Goal or Holung village.
Finally reaching our destination at Holung a large village surrounded by high mountains this village with two names Walangchung - Gola and Holung, a nice perfect spot for extra days to explore around impressive high and remote village interwoven with strong Tibetan Buddhism religion and fascinating culture of age-old heritage.
Day
8
An ideal place for rest day for acclimatization before heading towards Lumba-Sumba high pass, which forms a barrier between Makalu and Kanchenjunga areas. At Walangchung-Gola explore around the village of great interest as well as visit its monastery. The houses are built with stones and woods, the people here are of Bhotia indigenous tribe with strong Tibetan culture as they have migrated from southeast Tibet hundreds of years back. The native still travel to Tibet border exchanging or bartering goods on both sides.
Day
9
Enjoying wonderful rest days and soaking in local immense culture, morning walk starts heading towards the confluence of Dinsangpa River, later joins with Tamur River further downstream. A walk leads to cross a small wooden bridge and then climb for few hours into rhododendron, pines, oaks and magnolia tree forest,
From the top then down back to Dinsangba Khola / stream again passing through yak herder’s camp called as Kharka’s and then reach a large green valley, continue walk over a black rock band to reach another valley, as day completes for overnight camp a large grassy meadow.
Day
10
Today a big day for the climb and traverse to another scenic area of Makalu region, starting early morning for the long day walks climb on a faint path towards North West, where an icy stream flows from a high rocky cliff edge.
After few hours of good steady climb reach a small pond, from here climb over a plateau and beyond to Lumba Sumba-La pass at 5,160 meters. The highest point of the adventure. Rewards incredible views as far towards Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the closest Makalu, Khumba-Karna Himal with Mt. Kanchenjunga in the east direction.
From the top head downhill losing almost 600 meters of long descend to reach a wide valley, where overnight camp is set on a large pasture field at 4,500 m, the highest camping spot of the trek.
Day
11
From here onwards back into villages, after spending in complete wilderness for some days, from the camp walk leads towards Makalu area on gradual descend with short climb to reach at Thudam. A nice village of Tibetan style similar culture and tribe-like at Holung village.
Day
12
After being around remote parts of eastern Nepal, morning walk into the dense forest to camp at Kharka (Sheppard’s shelter), as route leads through thick vegetation of bushes and tall trees then downhill to the river, with short climb in between but with more descend to reach isolated spot around Yak herders camp known as Kharka for overnight camp.
Day
13
Another long day trek of the adventure to reach our next overnight camp at Chymatang. Start the morning much earlier and then heads for a short climb to reach a small village above Arun River. A walk and climb continues for some hours to cross over a small pass, facing grand views of surrounding dramatic landscapes with snow peak, and then a long descend on muddy and wet path to Arun River.
From here cross a bridge that leads to another steep climb to reach our overnight camp at Lhomi village and Chyamtang both villages are linked closely together.
Day
14
From the village of Chyamatang, morning walk leads on a nice moderate trail with short ups and down past spread-out rural farm villages to a village close to a big landslides section of 2012. Which damaged many houses and primary schools, from this village, a nice walk to Hon-Gaon for overnight camping near the village farmyard.
Day
15
A pleasant overnight stop at friendly and interesting Hon-Gaon, morning walk from this small village, where leads to low and warm areas as walk continues following Arun River downstream which is fed from the glaciers of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse Himal that flows near Tumlingtar tor join Sun Kosi on the flatland of Nepal Terai. Walk across several farmlands and villages to reach overnight camp at Hatiya village, a popular village located on the trade route to Tibet from the Makalu area within the Sankhuwa Sabha district.
Day
16
After a wonderful overnight stop at Hatiya village and its nice farmyard, morning walk through several smaller farm villages within heavily cultivated terrace of rice paddies, the walk continues following the main trail for five hours, and then descend with short steep up to Gola for overnight camp neat the farm village.
This is just Gola, don’t be confused with Walanchung-Gola of previous overnights before Lumba-Sumba pass.
Day
17
From Gols onwards within heavily cultivated farm areas and nice villages of mixed race of hill people with Kirat Rais, Magar, Gurung, Chettries, Brahmins and some Dalits as the culture blends among with the friendly warm villagers.
Walk gets more interesting passing many cheerful local as you pass by from one village to another on nice gradual trail to reach Gadhi-Danda / ridge for overnight stop, offers views of Jaljala rocky peaks with Milke Danda green rolling hills.
Day
18
The last day walk of the adventure as morning heads down to a river, and then climb up towards rural small villages with terraced farms, then enter the cool shade of the forest and then ending the day on reaching at Num village, located on a high ridge where trek to Makalu base camp and beyond begins from the lovely village.
In the past decade motorable road has reach this village that links to Tumlingtar and Khandbari, headquarter of the district and Makalu area.
Overnight in a local simple fine and well-kept lodge severs as Tea-Houses, with time here to explore this small village facing views of surrounding beautiful landscapes and snow-clad peaks.
Day
19
Our walk ends at Num village, as a morning drive on local transport jeeps or similar four-wheel drives takes you to the final last overnight stop in Tumlingtar, a nice town with a sub-tropical climate. From Num on rough mountain roads, past villages facing views of surrounding green hills and peaks. After few hours of drive reaching a large town of Khadbari, a major town and headquarter of Sankhuwa Sabha district and Makalu region. After a short refreshing stop continue to drive downhill to Tumlingtar for the last overnight stop before Kathmandu in the comfort of a nice lodge. Enjoy the last dinner and bid farewell to camping staff and porters with gratitude.
Day
20
Morning or by mid-afternoon as per the time for flight to Kathmandu, transfer to Tumlingtar airport, located on shelf above Arun River and short walking distance from the town. Then board in an aircraft for a sweeping scenic flight back to Kathmandu, overlooking views of Himalayan peaks as the plane lands at Kathmandu, and then transfer to your hotel.
Day
21
Reserved a free and spare as contingency day, in case of flight delay and cancellations which can happen sometimes even in good season of the year, due to bad and unfavorable weather condition. If all goes well according to our planned itinerary days, enjoy your last day in Kathmandu and Nepal for free individual activities and shopping, or take a tour around Kathmandu valley cities of great interest steeped with world heritage sites to enjoy.
Day
23
Last day in the land of high mountains and colorful culture, with your time for international flight depart from the hotel, our staff and guide transfer you to airport, enjoying great adventure and experience on North Kanchenjunga Lumba-Sumba Pass Trekking.
The trek is not hard and difficult as one might think, due to its remote location. Walk is normal on well-defined trails around villages, with few short ups and downhill. The only hardest section of the trek is going over the pass with a long steep climb and descend. But one can enjoy taking a slow and steady pace with rest in between. Some days are longer, but enjoyable walk as you take it slower with enough rest.
The lodge facilities only at Num and Tumlingtar, besides staying at Ilam town in the beginning. More or less it is a camping trekking overnights in tented camps where two people can fit in. Meals cooked in our separate kitchen unit tents and served in a large dining tent as per the group size.
Lodges that we stay are nice and simple with basic facilities with common toilets in most rural towns of Nepal Far Eastern Himalayas.
Safe to drink the water provided from in the camp, where drinking water is boiled-filtered to refill in your water bottles for the day and night. As you will be in tented camps, so all water is safe and hygienic.
Taking slow pace and taking advice of your group leader or guide, walking with frequent stops, and sleeping well as well drinking at least 2-3 liters a day.
Altitude sickness is common on high altitudes if one is not careful, like walking at fast speed and not having enough rest in between. On this trek we have rest days to get acclimatize before crossing the high pass of Lumba-Sumba, then all downhill with some small climbs but safe altitude wise.
Yes, it is a must and compulsory that you purchase Travel and Medical Insurance in your own country, in case of trip cancellation due to bad worse weather that stays longer. As well as roadblocks due to landslides, avalanches including political disturbance with roadblocks, strike, and arson can happen anywhere in the world apart from Nepal. For medical insurance in case of serious medical problems with high altitude symptoms that you might need immediate rescue by fastest means like Helicopter service.
Where all the expenses for not able to enjoy the whole journey due to above mention reason, where your insurance comes handy to get some re-fund or reimbursement. The local company can only help you by making a letter with a doctor's certificate to support the claim from your insurance company.
The only emergency that can happen due to personal health could be from own medical problem or sudden unavoidable circumstance arise like bad weather, heavy snow-fall or rock falls which can happen any time anywhere.
Where our guide are expert taking care and precaution for the whole group for safety and making secure with enjoyable holiday in Nepal. For very sick person needs to be evacuated as fast as possible, by any means of quick transportation.
Depends upon the trip package cost if it’s included or not, most trek that we run we provide warm four-season sleeping bags with inner liner. In case if it is not included, where one can hire or buy in Kathmandu with many stores that have good branded sleeping bags and other items required for trekking.
Not likely, depending upon the season of trekking but it is always safe and good and bring it along, especially over the high pass. It is just an option but usually, crampons are not required.
Very simple, in Kathmandu there are many big shopping malls and supermarkets as well trekking shops and stores, where you can buy almost any necessary items required.
Yes, we provide small rubber foam mattresses, which can be rolled easily to carry. But for extra comforts, one can bring or hire in Kathmandu like thermal inflatable mattresses as well small pillows.
You can store it in the hotel, or Trekking Planner will keep your extra stuff not needed for the treks in our office store, including any valuable that you want do not want to carry on treks, there safe deposit box at the hotel or leave it Trekking Planner for safekeeping.
Porters can carry over 30 to 40 kg, but due to PACT (Porters Act Prevention laws), on treks from 15 to 20 kg, in some circumstances up to 25 or 30 kg.
So when packing to be carried by the porters take advice of your guide, have baggage with over-weight which he can divide to other extra porters to carry.
All field staff, guides, porters camping crews including cook and kitchen hands are all well insured before the start of the trek to the end. In case of illness and accidents also. Trekking Planner provides warm gear for porters and staff also on high altitude trekking adventure.
Might be true with other smaller local companies, so far we Trekking Planner and other renowned companies always provide good shoes and boots that are comfortable for porters along with their load to carry.
Depends upon how you spend it, as most meals and accommodation are included in the trip cost, the only extra money for personal expenses like tipping, buying souvenirs, drinks on route etc…… About US 500.00. Equivalent to Nepalese Rupees. Can exchange money in banks at Kathmandu, Ilam, and in Tumlingtar at the end of the trek. Besides the places mentioned there are no facilities to change your money or for ATM.
Showers are available in Ilam, Num villages and at Tumlingtar town, besides these villages there are no facilities for shower except washing on streams and rivers or in villages public water spouts and taps.
Bathrooms facilities on lodges that we stay overnights in few places, during the day out in the nature till camp is reached where we have toilets tents with dug-out hole.
Only while around Ilam, onward Walanchung-Gola, Num and at Tumlingtar very few villages with hydropower electricity, needs to carry your own portable solar panel for this trek especially after Walanchung-Gola towards Lumba-Sumba.
Some small villages like Hatiya might have facilities which you can charge on paying some small fee for per item.
In the lodge at Ilam and Tumlingtar, but on the route to Walanchung-Gola till you reach at Tumlingtar town.
