The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a newly discovered trekking location in Nepal’s eastern region. This location is situated between two of Nepal’s most renowned destinations: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park. The highest altitude that this trek reaches is at Lumba Sumba Pass, which is at 5,177 meters above sea level.
This trek provides an opportunity to experience rich biodiversity as well as cultural diversity. Along this trek, you can experience various ethnic groups such as Tamangs, Gurungs, Rais, Limbus, Magars, and Newars, each having their own way of life. Along this trek, there are monasteries, chortens, temples, and prayer flags, which reflect the spirituality of this location. This trek also offers an opportunity to see beautiful mountain vistas such as the majestic peak of Lumba Sumba, as well as beautiful mountain lakes in a picturesque landscape. This location also offers an opportunity to see various wildlife, including the Snow Leopard and Red Panda, which are considered to be endangered species.
Highlights of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek:
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Your Lumba-Sumba Pass trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. For a better view, it is recommended that you book a seat on the right side of the window. This will allow you to get a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains in the northeastern horizon. The flight takes about 40 minutes. If you are taking a flight from Bhadrapur to Suketar on the same day, the flight will take about 30 minutes.
After landing at Suketar, you will exit the domestic airport, and then the trek to Phungling begins. This is a vibrant town inhabited by a variety of ethnic groups, including Newari, Chhetri, Tamang, Brahmin, and Sherpa. This is also the headquarters of the Taplejung District. Take a look around the town before checking into a lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Includes: Airfare, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Phungling.
After breakfast, your trek begins towards Mithlung from Phungling. First, the trek passes through a Sherpa village, which is considered the gateway to this trekking route. A nice walk through this route leads to cardamom plantations as well as Alnus forest, known as Uttis, before arriving at Hangdewa Village Development Committee, which requires a two-and-a-half-hour walk. During this time, there are tea stalls at Asangpati Junction where you can take a break.
From Panisar, a steep downhill walk leads to a suspension bridge, which separates Hangdewa and Furumba Village Development Committees. A 10-minute walk leads to Pawa Village at an altitude of 1,546m, where you can have your lunch. After lunch, a walk along the banks of the Tamor River begins, which leads to Mithlung through a gradual descent. Once you arrive at Mithlung, check into a lodge to relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Mithlung.
After breakfast at Mithlung, the trek to Chiruwa begins. The trail along the banks of the Tamor River is a nice walk until Furumba is reached. From there, it is a steep climb for half an hour, followed by a steep descent through mixed forests of Alnus (Uttis) and Schima Wallichii to Siwa Bazar (950 m), which is in Linkhim VDC. It is a small bazaar with a drug store, a grocery store, and a police post.
After lunch, the trek along the banks of the Tamor River leads to Tawa village, then an ascent to the entrance gate of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (1,300 m) at Thiwa Village. From there, it is a gradual descent until Chiruwa is reached. Chiruwa has a few lodges where one can check in and rest after a long day’s trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chiruwa.
After breakfast, you will proceed towards your next destination, Lelep. The trekking trail from Chiruwa starts with a pleasant walk along the banks of the Tamor River, where you will also get a glimpse of two large stones of religious value. After two and a half hours of trekking through beautiful cardamom gardens, you will reach Tapethok (1,340 m), a small market area with several tea shops, where you will have your lunch.
After lunch, the trekking trail continues with an easy walk to Pembu (1,486 m). From Pembu, the trail starts with an ascent towards Lelep. Once you reach Lelep, you will check into your lodge and take some much-needed rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lelep.
On the sixth day of your Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, you will walk through a thick forest that is known for its biodiversity and wildlife. On this day, you will walk down to a riverbank, cross a suspension bridge, and then walk through a pine forest to arrive at a monastery. From there, it’s a walk down to Gowatar village, offering a spectacular view of two beautiful waterfalls, each of which is 100 meters high.
After this, you will walk to Phedi, cross the Tamor River, and then walk up to Chautaroo, which is a traditional stopover for trekkers, after a 45-minute climb. A short walk of 20 minutes will take you to Ella Danda, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Kasturi Peak and the Tamor River. On arrival, check into a lodge and take a well-deserved rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Ella Danda.
After breakfast, your hike will start from Ella Danda. You will hike through a beautiful rhododendron forest for about an hour and then reach a suspension bridge. After crossing this bridge, your hike will continue through dense bamboo groves, which are known for the habitat of the rare Red Panda. With a little luck, you may be able to spot one on your hike.
After about three and a half hours of hiking from Ella Danda, you will reach Maguwa, where you will have your lunch. After lunch, your hike will continue through maple and ulmus forests. After about half an hour of hiking, you will reach Selep Kharka. Upon your arrival at Selep Kharka, you will check into your lodge and have some rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Selep Kharka.
After breakfast, you will start trekking towards Olangchung Gola via Selep Kharka. The trail begins along the Tamor River’s banks. After an hour’s walk, you will arrive at Jongim (2,641 m), a flat area surrounded by snow-capped mountains. From Jongim, you will descend towards the Tamor River and then climb towards Ramite for lunch. Ramite is famous for its deodar and rhododendron forests and beautiful waterfalls.
After trekking for about 45 minutes from Ramite, you will have your first view of Olangchung Gola. You will arrive in the village shortly after this. Olangchung Gola is a beautiful Sherpa village. You can visit a 465-year-old monastery in the village that contains a golden manuscript. You can spend time here and then check into a lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Olangchung Gola.
After breakfast in Olangchung Gola, you will begin your trek through pristine wilderness toward Upper Langmale. Stone piles along the trail serve as markers, guiding you toward your next stop, Sanjung Kharka. The path winds through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, offering serene views along the way.
After approximately two and a half hours of hiking, you will reach Jadak (3,636 m) for a lunch break. Following lunch, the trek continues for about three hours to today’s final destination, Upper Langmale (3,893 m), where you can rest and take in the surrounding mountain scenery.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Sanjung Kharka Camp.
After breakfast, the trek for the day will follow the course along the banks of the Tamor River. On the other side of the river, dense rhododendron forests are visible. If one is lucky enough, they might also get a glimpse of the rare Snow Leopard along the way.
After trekking for around three hours, lunch and a short rest will be taken at Tangchetar (4,203 m). After lunch and the short rest, the trek for the day will resume for another three hours to reach the final destination for the day – Pass Camp.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Pass Camp.
Today is the most challenging but unforgettable day of the trek. On this day, you will ascend and descend past Lumba Sumba Peak, where you will get a view of the most spectacular high-altitude scenery of the trek. It is recommended that you carry a packed lunch, as there are no camping sites on the way. After trekking for about four and a half hours from Pass Camp, you will ascend Lumba Sumba Peak and then descend to Chaurikharka, where you will spend the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chauri Kharka.
After breakfast, your descent from Chaurikharka will start. This is the day you will return to a human settlement after staying in the wilderness for the past three days. After trekking for about three and a half hours, you will reach a point where there is a junction of two routes. These routes lead to Lhasa, Tibet, and Thudam.
After reaching the junction, you will have your lunch. Then, your trekking will continue for about three hours to reach Thudam. This is a small settlement with about 30 houses built in the traditional Sherpa style. You will check into your lodge and then take your time to relax. Later in the day, if you wish, you may explore the area.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Thudam.
After breakfast, it’s time to start your trekking journey to your next destination, Kharka. Today’s trekking route will be alongside Chujung Khola and provide a wonderful view of various peaks in the Makalu mountain range. On your way, you will come across some small bushes and bamboo forests, which are the favorite habitats of the endangered species, the Red Panda. If you are a bit lucky, you may get a glimpse of this endangered species during your trekking journey.
It is recommended that you carry your lunch and drinking water with you because drinking water is not easily available during your journey. After six hours of trekking from Thudam, you will reach your next destination, Kharka.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kharka.
From Chyamtang, the route passes through a thick rhododendron forest. There are no villages along this route. After trekking for approximately three hours, you will reach the lunch stop at Chaurikharka. From this viewpoint, you will also be able to see the Chyamtang village, the Arun River, Ridha Village, and the route leading to Kimathanka.
From Chaurikharka, the route takes around three hours to reach the Arun River. Once you cross the suspension bridge, the route takes around one hour of uphill trekking to reach Chyamthang. This is your destination for the day. Chyamthang is a small village mostly inhabited by the Sherpa people. Once you reach this destination, check into your lodge and rest. Later, if you wish, you may also explore this area.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chyamtang.
After breakfast at the camp, you will start your trek towards Hatiya. The route is relatively easy and takes you through rhododendron forests in Arun Valley, which is home to a variety of bird species. After two and a half hours of trekking from Chyamtang, you will arrive at Glimber Village (1,585 m) for lunch. The village provides a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks of the Makalu range.
The route from Glimber is relatively easy, and after three hours of trekking, you will arrive at Hatiya. It is a small village mostly inhabited by Bhote people and is a gateway to Makalu Barun National Park. After your arrival at your camp, you will take some rest and then explore the area.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Hatiya.
After breakfast, you will start trekking alongside the Arun River for about two and a half hours until you reach the confluence of the Arun and Barun Rivers, where you will have your lunch. After a brief stopover, you will start ascending towards Gola.
After two and a half hours of ascending trekking, you will arrive at Gola. Gola is a small village that comprises about 12 houses and is occupied by the Sherpa, Rai, and Tamang ethnic groups. It gives you a glimpse into a simple way of living and allows you to observe and learn from the people living in their natural habitat. Then, you will camp in your tent and stay overnight.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Gola.
After breakfast, you will begin trekking through paddy fields, which will mark the beginning of your trek into the lowlands. The trekking trail includes a series of climbs and descents. After trekking for about two and a half hours, you will reach Pathibhara (1,524 m), where you can take a short break and have lunch. Pathibhara is a small Gurung village with tea stalls, grocery stores, and a few hotels.
After lunch, the trekking trail will take you through agricultural fields, and after three hours of trekking, you will reach Gadhi (1,800 m). This is a historically important place, as the brave Nepali Army once fought off the invading Tibetans. Gadhi is a small market village with a few water sources, a health clinic, a school, and a police station.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Hedangna Gadhi.
Today is the final day of your journey. Have your breakfast, and then start your trek towards Num, which would take you about two and a half hours. Your trek from Gadi to the Arun River would take about one hour, where you would have to go downhill. After a gradual walk, you would have to cross the river using a suspension bridge, then go uphill for about one and a half hours to reach Num village, which is at 1572 meters.
As Num is connected to a motorable road, you would have to drive to Khandbari, which is the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district. Khandbari would take you about four to five hours of off-road driving. After your arrival, you would have to check into a lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Khandbari.
After breakfast, pack your bags and head towards Tumlingtar Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On your way back, try to get a seat on the left side of the plane. From this side of the plane, you will witness the majestic sight of the mountains extending from north to east. The snow-capped peaks of the mountains glisten with the reflection of the sun’s rays.
After reaching Kathmandu, an office representative will receive you and drop you at the hotel. After reaching the hotel, take some time to rest. Later in the day, you may visit the Asian Heritage office and narrate your trekking experiences or simply take a stroll around the streets of Thamel and other areas.
Includes: Airfare, Breakfast, English-speaking trekking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
On this day, you are free to enjoy time spent in Kathmandu either at the pace you would like (relaxing at your hotel, going shopping for souvenirs for friends and family) or visiting the attractions of Kathmandu.
If you want to fill in your day with fun activities, you can choose from these optional activities:
This is the end of your 13 Day Highlight trip in Nepal, and it should provide some of the most remarkable experiences you will have enjoyed in Nepal and include many wonderful memories of culture, landscape, and heritage.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
