Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Today, we'll make our way to the airport, where we'll board a 30-minute flight to Biratnagar. From there, it's a six-hour drive until we arrive at Phidim, the central hub of the Panchthar District in the Mechi Zone of eastern Nepal.

The journey commences in Taplejung and proceeds through Hangedawa, culminating in Mitlung Village. En route, we traverse Asangpati Tole, Gaigode Tole, Panesar Tole, and Pawa village.

Today's hike spans approximately five to six hours, tracing the path alongside the Tamor River, leading us to Kurumba Village, and eventually reaching Mitlung. Along the way, we journey through several other settlements, including Tawa, Sinwa Bazaar, and then ascend to Thiwa Village, marking the gateway to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project. Subsequently, we descend to Chirwa, where we will spend the night.

Today, we track the path alongside the Tamor River to Tapethok, meandering through lush woods and cultivated cardamom fields. After a lunch break, we continue to Lelep, where we will spend the night. Lelep also serves as the central administrative hub of the KCAP.

Today's journey entails a trek lasting six to seven hours. Once more, we trace the Tamor River's course through thick woodland and cross a suspension bridge. We subsequently ascend through a pine forest, reaching the monastery before descending to Gowatar. Continuing our expedition, we traverse the Tamor River and arrive at Ela Danda, where we will lodge for the night.

On today's route, we first navigate through alder and Rhododendron forests, eventually reaching Maguwa. Along the path, we pass through thick bamboo groves, which serve as a potential spot to encounter the elusive red panda. Our journey culminates at Selep Kharka, where we will spend the night.

Our initial segment of today's hike leads us to Jongim Village, nestled amidst snow-capped peaks. We then proceed to Ramite Village, journeying through a forest of Rhododendron, and finally arrive at Olanchung Gola, where a 465-year-old monastery housing a golden manuscript awaits. We will lodge here for the night.

Our adventure for the following three days will take us through the untamed wilderness, with fewer villages and fewer people along the path. Our initial destination is Jadak, followed by a journey to Upper Langmale, where we will spend the night.

Today's trek spans approximately six to seven hours, tracing the course of the Tamar River until we arrive at Tangchetar, from where we will continue to the Pass Camp.

Today's journey requires greater physical exertion, involving a six to seven-hour hike that leads us to higher elevations, culminating at Lumba Sumba Peak (5200m). Afterward, we descend to Chaurikharka, where we will spend the night.

Today's path is less strenuous and predominantly downhill, ultimately converging at a juncture where one route heads toward Sasha in Tibet, while the other leads to the Sherpa community of Thudam, where we will lodge for the night.

A six to seven-hour trek today follows the banks of Chujung Khola (river). Along the trail we have some amazing panoramic views of the Makalu Range.. As we head to Kharka we pass through bamboo groves where we may see a red panda. We will stay overnight at Kharka.
 

We embark on a six to seven-hour hike, revisiting Chaurikharka while traversing dense Rhododendron forests. Our journey continues as we descend until we reach the Arun River. There, we cross a suspension bridge and proceed to Chyamthang Village, where we will spend the night.

Today's path leads us back to Gimber Village, once more taking us through the ever-present rhododendron forests. Along the way, we are treated to stunning vistas of the Makalu Range. Our next destination is Hatiya, a petite village inhabited by the Bhote people and serving as the gateway to the Makalu National Park. We will lodge here for the night.

We kick off the day by hiking alongside the Arun River until we reach the confluence of the Arun and Baru rivers. Our journey proceeds toward Gola, a settlement where Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai communities reside. We will spend the night here.

We commence the day by tracing the path to the diminutive Gurung village of Pathibhara, journeying through cultivated farmland until we reach the compact trading village of Gadhi, where we will lodge for the night.

Today, a significant portion of our time will be on the move. Initially, we embark on a trek downhill to the Arun River and then ascend to Num Village. Subsequently, we undertake a five-hour drive to Khandbari, the administrative center of the Sankhuwasavha district. From there, we can opt for a bus journey to Kathmandu via Dharan or Biratnagar. Alternatively, for those preferring air travel, it's possible to catch a flight back to Kathmandu from the Tumlingtar airstrip.

Today, we return to Kathmandu by air (a 30-minute flight), during which we'll be treated to some panoramic vistas of the snow-covered peaks that we encountered up close during our trek.