Lumba Sumba Pass - 18 Days

Free day in kathmandu or sightseeing yourself. Kathmandu valley includes several Hindu temples including of Pashupatinath, listed by UNESCO in World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist Stupa, Bouddhanath. You can also visit the Monkey Temple Swyambhunath, built some 2000 years ago, and visit Patan, city of fine arts. In theevening you will be meeting with your trekking guide, checking the equipments and further discussion.

From Kathmandu we will take our flight for Suketar (Taplejung) which takes about 35 min. It lies in northeastern part of Nepal. Taplejung has an airfield which helps to connect the flight with Bharatpur along the valley. For those who fly directly to Taplejung, you can use this day for sightseeing. Overnight in Taplejung.

We begin the trek by driving to Tapethok, which takes about 3-4 hours. After checking in at the KCAP checkpoint, we pass several villages. Reaching Pembu, it is anuphill climb for about two and a half hours to Lelep. There is a KCAP headquarters in Lelop, and various grocery stores and tea shops. We will stay in a homestay here.

After breakfast, the trek runs along the bank of Tamor River through dense forests, offering nice habitats for different wildlife. We cross a suspension bridge after a walk of about an hour from Lelep. It is an uphill climb through pine forest for about half an hour until we reach a monastery. From there ,the trekgradually descends after about half an hour and we reach Gowatar(1800m)for lunch. Soon, we reach a place with spectacular views of two waterfalls about 100 meters tall. Another couple hours walk will take us to the tea house in Ela Danda(2051m). The place offers panoramic view of snowcapped peaks including the Small Kasturi Peak and Tamor River.

We have a pleasant walk today as we pass through Ulnus and Rhododendron forests for about an hour until we reach a suspension bridge. After crossing it, the trek goes through dense bamboo groves. If we are lucky, we may find a red panda in its natural habitat. After a total walk of three and half hours from EI Danda, we reach Maguwa (2435m) for lunch. After a walk of about one and half hour, we reach Selep Kharka(2525m)-our destination for the day. There are no tea houses or homestays in the area, so we will be camping tonight.

Today, the trail runs along the banks of Tamor River leading to a place called Jongim, a flat land surrounded by snow capped hills. Another 40 minute walk through rhododendron forest from Jongim, we reach a suspension bridge. After an uphill walk of about an hour from the suspension bridge, we reach Ramite (2685m) for lunch. We see a beautiful waterfall after walking about an hour from Ramite. We catch the first glimpse of Olanchung Gola after walking around 45 minute from the waterfall. Finally reach the camping site of Olangchung Gola(3208m), a beautiful Sherpa village that has a 465 year-old monastery with a golden manuscript and KCAP office. There is also a health post, a primary school and a border police station at Olangchung Gola. Overnight in tea house.

For the next three days, we pass through complete wilderness. For this reason, it is better to hire a local guide to avoid getting lost. However, piles of stones along the way act as sign posts, showing us our direction. After a walk of two and half hours, we reach a place called Jadak (3636m) for lunch. A walk of three hours on snowy track will take us to Upper Langmale (3893m). Overnight at a camp site.

Keep an eye out for the elusive snow leopard, which have been sighted numerous times from this trek. The path runs along the Tamor River and on the other side of the river lies a dense rhododendron forest. After walking about three hours, we reach Tangchetar (4203m) for lunch. Another three hours after lunch will lead us to our camp site at Pass Camp(4747m). Overnight at campsite.

This is the most difficult and most memorable day of this trek. The trail passes through the Lumba Samba Peak (5200m). It is better to start early as it will be difficult to cross the peak after noon. We will take a packed lunch, as there are no good camping sites around. After about four and half hours from Pass Camp, we climb the Lumba Samba Peak and descend down to Chauikharka (4594m) for night’s stay. Overnight at camping site.

The trail is downhill from Chaurikharka and we come back to civilization after our three day wilderness walk. After about three and half hours, we came across two roads - one to lyasha in Tibet and the other towards Thudam. We have our lunch here. A walk of about three hours takes us to Thudam for the night. Thudam (3500m) is a small Sherpa village with around 30 houses. Overnight in homestay.

Today's trek runs along the banks of Chunjung Khola. The trail offers panoramic views of peaks in the Makalur range. On the way, you see lot of small bushes and bamboo groves-the best habitat for red panda. It is better to carry packed lunch, as it is difficult to find drinking water or food along the trail. After a walk of about six hours from Thudam, we reach Kharka(2877m) for the night. Overnight at camp site.

Today we pass through dense rhododendron forest. As there are no villages on the way and also there are numerous side trails, it is better to hire a local guide to avoid getting lost. After a walk of about three hours from Kharka, we reach a place called Chaurikharka for lunch. From Chaurikharka, we can clearly see Chyamthang (2229m), Arun River, Ridha Village and the road that leads to Kimathanka. After lunch, the trek is all downhill for about three hours until we reach Arun River. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trek is uphill for about an hour until Chamthang – our destination for the day. Chyamthang (2229m) is a small yet beautiful village with stone houses. 

Sherpas make up for most of the population in the village. Overnight at homestay.

Today's walk is easy, as chirping of birds make you feel refreshed. This trail is one of the popular places for birding. Arun Valley is home to various beauiful bird species. A walk of about two and a half hours from Chyamthang takes us to Gimber Village (1585m) for lunch. Gimber Village offers spectacular view of snow-capped peaks in the Makalu range. From Gimber, the walk is easy and after a trek of about three hours we reach Hatiya (1595m) for the night’s stay. Hatiya is the entry point to the Makalu National Park. Overnight at tea house or homestay.

We begin walking along the banks of Arun River. After a walk of about two and half hours from Hatiya, we reach the confluence of Arun and Barun rivers. After having lunch near the river confluence, the trek progresses toward Gola - our destination for the day. A walk of around two and half hours after lunch takes us to our camping site at Gola, a very small village with only 12 houses. Overnight at tea house homestay.

We are on lowlands now. The walk is pleasing as the trail makes a short descent, and again makes a short climb. After a walk of about two and half hours from Gola, we reach Pathibhara (not to be confused with the Pathibhara temple in Taplejung district) for lunch. Pathibhara (1524m) is a small Gurung village with tea shops, groceries and some hotels. After several more hours, we reach Tumlingtar, where we stay for the night.

you can take a flight back to Kathmandu. you will arrive to Kathmandu in the morning and have the rest of the day in Kathmandu to explore. Celebratory dinner in Kathmandu, whichever day you return.

We will transport you to the airport. Thanks for trekking with Adventure Himalayan Travels. We look forward to seeing you again!