The Lumba Sumba Pass trek was only opened in 2012 so it is a relatively unknown trek. The trek connects the Kanchenjunga region and Makalu region via the Lumba Sumba Pass, and runs through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park in the eastern part of the country and can be done in one of two directions: starting in either Kanchenjunga or in Makalu. Highlights of this trek include the Lumba Sumba Peak (5,300m); spectacular Himalayan landscapes of the Makalu and Kanchenjunga ranges; different ethnic villages (Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Gurung, Tamang); cultural heritage; endangered wild life such as the snow leopard and red panda; the base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Makalu, and major river systems. With the huge variety of landscapes and natural beauty, and its sometimes harsh and less than good condition trails, it is no surprise that this is a strenuous trek, therefore it is recommended people tackling this trek have prior experience.
While the majority of the trek passes through scattered pockets of human habitation in the form of villages, monasteries, markets and schools, there are days when trekkers are completely alone in the wilderness, particularly on the most difficult day – when they cross through the Lumba Sumba Pass. In order to cross the pass, the day starts very early as after noon, due to weather conditions, it is difficult to cross.
During these days off the beaten track there has been sightings of snow leopards, which would certainly add a new excitement to the journey! After crossing the pass, while hiking through the Arun Valley, there is opportunity for bird watchers to spot several unique and rare species. This is the ideal trek to enjoy spectacular mountain views and learn something about village life in eastern Nepal, throwing in a cultural mix of chortens, temples, monasteries and prayer wheels.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Flight) | 93 m | 1 hr |
| Day 2 | Bhadrapur to Taplejung (Drive) | 1820 m | 6 hr |
| Day 3 | Taplejung to Chirwa | 1,270 m | 6-7 hour |
| Day 4 | Chirwa to Lelep | 1860 m | 7 hr |
| Day 5 | Lelep To Illa Danda | 2051 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 6 | Illa Danda To Selep Kharka | 2525 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 7 | Selep Kharka To Olangchung Gola | 3208 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 8 | Acclimatization Day | 3208 m | 3 hr |
| Day 9 | Olangchung Gola To Upper Langmale | 3893 m | 7 hr |
| Day 10 | Upper Langmale To Lumba Sumba Pass Camp | 4748 m | 6 hr |
| Day 11 | Lumba Sumba Pass Camp To Chauri Kharka | 4598 m | 9 - 10 hr |
| Day 12 | Chauri Kharka To Thudam | 3500 m | 7 hr |
| Day 13 | Thudam To Kharka | 2877 m | 6 hr |
| Day 14 | Kharka To Chyamtang | 2229 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 15 | Chyamtang To Hatiya | 1595 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 16 | Hatiya To Gola | 1128 m | 6 hr |
| Day 17 | Gola To Hedangna Gadi | 1179 m | 7 hr |
| Day 18 | Hedangna Gadi To Num ToTumlingtar (Drive) | 1020 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 19 | Tumlingtar To Kathmandu (Flight) | 1380m | 50 min |
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