Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be welcomed by a representative from our trekking agency and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll attend a detailed briefing about the Lumba Sumba Pass trek, including permit formalities, route overview, and gear check. If time allows, you can explore the lively streets of Thamel for any last-minute essentials.

Our trekking adventure starts with us taking a flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu. It is a quick flight of about 45 minutes only. After reaching Bhadrapur, we are going to drive to Ilam which is the heart of the tea plantation area of the country. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Ilam.

After watching a beautiful sunrise in Ilam, we will start our journey by driving through terraced fields and hills to reach Taplejung. We can visit different monasteries and Gompas when we are in Taplejung. We will stay overnight at a hotel.

The actual trekking starts from today as we leave Taplejung behind and trek to Chirwa on a rough trail. We’ll trek along the banks of the Thiwa Khola River, crossing a precarious wooden bridge. Chirwa is a quaint village situated in the Taplejung District of Nepal, in the eastern part of the country. It serves as an important starting point for trekkers and adventurers venturing into the stunning Kanchenjunga region.

The trek from Chirwa to Lelep is an early highlight of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, taking around 5 to 6 hours through a lush and culturally vibrant landscape. Following the Tamor River, the trail passes through dense forests, cardamom plantations, and several small villages inhabited by Limbu and Rai communities. With multiple suspension bridge crossings and occasional waterfalls, the journey offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural encounters. Lelep, at 1,750 meters, serves as a key checkpoint where trekkers officially enter the restricted area of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, marking a transition into more remote and rugged terrain ahead.

The trek to Illa Danda from Lelep typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, following a beautiful trail through dense forests and along the banks of the Tamor River. The route gradually ascends through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding hills and distant snow-capped peaks. Along the way, trekkers pass small settlements and grazing areas used by local herders. Illa Danda, located at around 2,050 meters, is a peaceful ridge-top spot with stunning views and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place to rest and take in the natural beauty of the eastern Himalayas.

The trek to Selep Danda from Illa Danda takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, following a gradually ascending trail through dense forests of pine, rhododendron, and bamboo. This stretch of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is rich in biodiversity and offers chances to spot wildlife such as red pandas, pheasants, and other Himalayan species. The trail runs close to the Tamor River, with several wooden bridges and occasional clearings that provide scenic views of the surrounding hills. Selep Danda, situated at around 2,520 meters, is a quiet, forested campsite used by herders and trekkers, offering a peaceful overnight stop in the heart of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

The trek from Selep Danda to Olangchung Gola takes around 6 to 7 hours, following a scenic and steadily ascending trail through dense forests and along the banks of the Tamor River. As the trail progresses, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote, with fewer settlements and a stronger sense of wilderness. Trekkers pass through beautiful alpine terrain and may encounter herders or wildlife along the way. Olangchung Gola, located at approximately 3,200 meters, is a traditional and culturally rich village inhabited primarily by Tibetan-descended communities. Known for its ancient monastery, stone houses, and warm hospitality, the village serves as an important stop for acclimatization and cultural immersion before heading toward the higher elevations of the Lumba Sumba Pass.

An acclimatization day at Olangchung Gola is essential for preparing to cross the high-altitude Lumba Sumba Pass. Situated at around 3,200 meters, this traditional village offers the perfect setting to rest, adapt to the elevation, and explore local culture. Trekkers can take short hikes around the village, visit the historic Deki Chholing Monastery, and observe the unique Tibetan-influenced architecture and lifestyle of the local community. Surrounded by forested hills and snow-capped peaks, Olangchung Gola also offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax and recharge before the more challenging high-altitude sections ahead.

The trek from Olangchung Gola to Upper Langmale takes around 6 to 7 hours, leading deeper into remote alpine terrain. The trail follows the Dingju Khola, gradually ascending through dense forests that give way to open yak pastures and rugged high-mountain landscapes. This section is sparsely populated, with occasional herders’ shelters, and offers increasing exposure to the raw beauty of the high Himalayas. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner and cooler, making this a physically demanding yet rewarding day. Upper Langmale, located at approximately 3,900 meters, is a basic camping site surrounded by dramatic scenery, and it serves as an important stop for further acclimatization before continuing toward the Lumba Sumba Pass.

The trek from Upper Langmale to Lumba Sumba Pass Camp takes around 6 to 7 hours and is one of the more challenging but rewarding days of the trek. The trail climbs steadily through high-altitude terrain with sparse vegetation, offering expansive views of surrounding peaks and valleys. As you ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and rugged, with rocky paths and possible snow depending on the season. Trekkers may encounter herds of yaks and see distant glaciers along the way. The Lumba Sumba Pass Camp, situated at approximately 4,450 meters, lies just below the pass and offers a dramatic alpine setting for an overnight stay before the crossing. Proper acclimatization is crucial at this stage, as the next day involves ascending to the trek’s highest point.

The trek from Lumba Sumba Pass Camp to Chauri Kharka is a long and challenging day, typically taking 8 to 10 hours, as it involves crossing the high and rugged Lumba Sumba Pass at approximately 5,160 meters. The ascent to the pass is steep and demanding, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and even distant Everest on clear days. After reaching the pass, the trail descends sharply through rocky terrain and high alpine valleys. As you lose altitude, the landscape gradually shifts from barren slopes to greener pastures. Chauri Kharka, located at around 4,200 meters, is a yak grazing area and a common campsite used by local herders, offering a remote and peaceful spot to rest after a tough but spectacular crossing.

The trek from Chauri Kharka to Thudam takes about 5 to 6 hours, descending gradually through beautiful alpine meadows and rhododendron forests. The trail winds along the valley, passing yak pastures and small herder settlements, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks like Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Thudam, situated at around 3,300 meters, is a charming Sherpa village known for its traditional culture and warm hospitality. It’s a great place to relax, experience local life, and prepare for the next stage of the trek toward lower elevations.

The trek from Thudam to Kharka takes around 4 to 5 hours and involves descending through lush forests and alpine meadows. The trail is peaceful and less frequented, passing through yak grazing areas and small, traditional villages. Kharka, located at approximately 2,700 meters, is a quiet settlement where trekkers often camp or stay in simple lodges. Surrounded by stunning mountain views and rich natural beauty, it’s an ideal spot to rest and soak in the serene Himalayan atmosphere before continuing the journey toward lower elevations.

The trek from Kharka to Chyamtang typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, descending gently through forested trails and terraced fields. Along the way, trekkers pass through small villages and agricultural lands, experiencing the daily life of local communities. Chyamtang, situated at around 1,900 meters, is a peaceful village known for its friendly people and traditional culture. It offers a restful stop with basic accommodations and beautiful views of the surrounding hills, making it a comfortable place to unwind before continuing the trek toward lower elevations.

The trek from Chyamtang to Hatiya takes around 4 to 5 hours, descending through lush forests, terraced fields, and rural villages. The trail is gentle and scenic, offering glimpses of traditional Himalayan farming life and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Hatiya, located at approximately 1,400 meters, is a lively village known for its warm local hospitality and cultural richness. It’s a great place to experience authentic village life and rest before concluding the trek or continuing onward to nearby towns.

The trek from Hatiya to Gola is a relatively easy and scenic journey of about 3 to 4 hours, descending further into the lower foothills. The trail passes through charming villages, terraced fields, and dense forests, showcasing the rich biodiversity and rural lifestyle of the region. Gola, situated around 1,000 meters, is a welcoming settlement that serves as a gateway to the lower hills and plains. It offers basic accommodations and local markets, making it a comfortable spot to rest before moving on to your next destination or transportation point.

The trek from Gola to Hedangna Gadi typically takes about 6 to 7 hours. The trail involves a steady and sometimes steep ascent through mixed forests, terraced farmland, and several small villages. This section is physically demanding due to the elevation gain and the length of the hike, so trekkers should be well-prepared and pace themselves. Hedangna Gadi, situated at around 1,300 meters, offers a peaceful stop with beautiful natural surroundings and local culture before continuing onward.

The trek from Hedangna Gadi to Num takes about 5 to 6 hours, following a mix of forested paths and rural trails through traditional villages and terraced fields. Num is a quiet village where trekkers can rest and experience local culture amidst beautiful natural surroundings. From Num, the journey continues with a scenic drive to Tumlingtar, which usually takes around 3 to 4 hours on winding mountain roads. Tumlingtar is a key gateway town with an airport offering flights to Kathmandu, making it a convenient endpoint for the trek and onward travel connections.

From Tumlingtar, you take a short domestic flight to Kathmandu, typically lasting around 40 to 50 minutes. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, rolling hills, and river valleys an unforgettable farewell to the remote eastern mountains of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, reflect on the incredible journey across the Lumba Sumba Pass, and enjoy some well-deserved comfort in the capital city.

As you prepare to depart for your home country, we will be there to assist you every step of the way. After completing the incredible Lumba Sumba Trek together, it’s time to say goodbye but not without ensuring a smooth and comfortable transfer to the airport. We’ll accompany you, help with your luggage, and make sure everything goes as planned for your flight.