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Kanchenjunga to Makalu Traverse - The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The "Kanchenjunga to Makalu - Lumba Sumba Pass Trek" is a truly off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in the remote Eastern Himalayas of Nepal. The trek connects the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions by crossing the high-altitude Lumba Sumba Pass (5200 M), a part of the Great Himalayan Trail.

Duration
22 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5200 M
Group Size
2-12
Starts
Chiruwa
Ends
Num
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
Oct-Nov, Mid March-May

Recently introduced, the Kanchenjunga to Makalu - Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is one of Nepal's newest and rarely explored trekking trails, allowing complete solitude and calmness deep in nature. The trek is still unknown to many. Only those serious in exploring the unexplored undertake this remote yet extraordinary trek. The trek passes through vibrant villages, monasteries, rugged valleys, rivers, alluring mixed forests, rocky terrain, and many more. The trek provides stunning views of Mt. Makalu (8463 M) and Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 M), including several other peaks, especially from the Lumba Sumba Pass. During the trek, you will walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park, some of Nepal's richest and most diverse protected areas, full of natural beauty, wildlife, and vegetation.

The Kanchenjunga to Makalu Traverse via the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is itself a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture and hospitality of various ethnic groups of Nepal, like Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Gurung, etc. Imagine walking through traditional villages set aside the terraced farmlands and watching the daily lifestyle of the locals. In the villages of the Sherpa people in the higher parts, you can find ancient monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags.

The Lumba Sumba Pass is the first pass of the Great Himalayan Trail High Route, a 1700km long adventurous trekking route that spans all the way from the Kanchenjunga Region in the East to the Humla in the West of Nepal. The trek includes remote and pristine landscapes where only a handful of people have set foot. For around a week, you will be completely isolated and cut off from the rest of the world.

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a marvelous trek that includes both teahouse and camping. If you are one of those trekkers seeking to experience the wilderness of trekking in remote areas with very few people, this is a trek not to be missed. You will be rewarded with nature’s quietness, breathtaking mountain scenery, friendly locals, lively villages, and much more.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Itinerary

Our Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Itinerary is 22 days, which includes 15 days of walking. And the best thing is that our itinerary and the whole program can be customized to meet your fitness level, availability, comfort, needs, and preferences. Just let us know, and we will create the best one for you.

Kanchenjunga to Makalu Traverse - The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Detailed Itinerary

Starts Point: Chiruwa
Ends Point: Num
1Day

Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M)

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
2Day

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and trek preparation

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle
3Day

Fly to Bhadrapur then drive to Phidim by local Jeep (1780 M) 6 hours

Max Altitude: 1780 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 50 minutes flight and 5-6 hours drive
Mode of Transportation: Flight and Private Vehicle
4Day

Drive to Chiruwa (1245 M) via Taplejung

Max Altitude: 1245 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle
5Day

Trek to Lelep (1686 M)

Max Altitude: 1686 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
6Day

Trek to Ela Danda (2150 M)

Max Altitude: 2150 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
7Day

Trek to Selep Kharka (2525 M)

Max Altitude: 2525 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
8Day

Trek to Olangchung Gola (3210 M)

Max Altitude: 3210 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
9Day

Rest Day

Max Altitude: 3210 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Accommodation: Tented Camp
10Day

Trek to Upper Langmale Kharka (3890 M)

Max Altitude: 3890 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
11Day

Trek to Base Camp (4745 M)

Max Altitude: 4745 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
12Day

Trek to Yak Kharka (4595 M) via Lumba Sumba Pass (5200 M)

Max Altitude: 4595 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
13Day

Trek to Thudam (3500 M)

Max Altitude: 3500 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
14Day

Trek to Kharka (2875 M)

Max Altitude: 2875 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
15Day

Trek to Chyamthang (2230 M)

Max Altitude: 2230 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
16Day

Trek to Hatiya (1590 M)

Max Altitude: 1590 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
17Day

Trek to Gola (1128 M)

Max Altitude: 1128 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
18Day

Trek to Gadi (1179 M)

Max Altitude: 1179 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp
19Day

Trek to Num then drive to Tumlingtar (518 M)

Max Altitude: 518 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Lodge
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle
20Day

Fly to Kathmandu (1350 M)

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Duration: 50 minutes
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Flight
21Day

Extra day security in case of flight cancellation due to bad weather

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
22Day

Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle
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Cost Details

Includes

  • All airport and hotel transfers.
  • Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu flight.
  • Bhadrapur to Phidim, then to Chiruwa via Taplejung and Num to Tumlingtar on a local Jeep. 
  • 4 nights of shared accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu with a BB plan.
  • Tented accommodations during the trek.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • All the necessary camping equipment and Nepalese team members
  • All the staff salaries, insurance, equipment, transportation, meals, and accommodation.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork for the trek.
  • Kathmandu Valley sightseeing with a tour guide.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.

Excludes

  • Tips for the guide, porter, driver, etc (Tipping is expected).
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of an emergency, which is to be paid by your insurance).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • All that which is not included. 

Equipment List

Head
  • Capor Hat
  • Beanie
  • Sunglasses
  • Buff
Torso
  • Breathable and quick-drying full sleeve and half t-shirts
  • Waterproof/Windproof Jacket (Umbrella, or Raincoat for monsoon)
  • Down jacket (Around -5 to -15 degrees Celsius, depending on the seasons)
  • Thermal wear (merino wool or synthetic)
  • Fleece
Lower Body
  • Breathable and quick-drying pants and shorts
  • Thermal wear (merino wool or synthetic)
  • Waterproof pants (For monsoon)
Hands
  • Light and medium gloves
  • Warm, waterproof, and windproof gloves for winter, early spring, and late autumn seasons
Feet
  • Hiking socks
  • Hiking boots or shoes (Waterproof and ankle protection)
  • A pair of sandals
Others
  • Trekking poles
  • Passport
  • Trekking bag/Day Pack (25-30 liters)
  • Sleeping bag (Around -5 to -15 degrees Celsius, depending on the seasons)
  • Mosquito repellent (For lower altitudes)
  • Sun cream
  • Toiletries
  • Headlamp
  • Spare battery for camera, GoPro, headlamp, etc.
  • Power bank (Electricity is not available in every place)
  • First-Aid Kit and medicines
  • Local SIM card (NTC/Namaste preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Local currency
Download Equipments
Price Per Person
US$2750
  • No. of travelerPrice per person
  • 2 - 3 paxUS$2980
  • 4 - 5 paxUS$2750
  • 6 - 12 paxUS$2520