Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking

Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking is one of the new trekking routes explored by Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) in 2012. Lumba Sumba pass (5200m) is the major attraction of this route. Offering some of the most spectacular Himalayan landscapes, this trekking route is home to different ethnic groups like the Limbus, Sherpas, Rai, Gurung, Magars, Newars and Tamangs. The trek runs through Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) in the eastern Himalaya. Trekkers can explore the traditional farming practices and see different birds and wildlife species, including the endangered snow leopard and red panda, from the route. There are a number of high mountain lakes in Olangchung Gola. Through this route, we explore two of Nepal’s best preserved protected areas – the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. Through the route, one can also trek to the base camps of Mt Kanchanjunga and Mt Makalu. The Tamor and Arun Rivers are the major tributaries of the mighty Sapta Koshi River. The route encompasses alpine grass lands, rocky outcrops, dense temperate and sub-tropical forests, and low river valleys. Apart from natural beauty, trekkers can also explore cultural heritage like monasteries, chhortens, temples and prayer walls. And to add to the flavor, the festivals of all of these people living in harmony only serve to make the native culture livelier.

This is unexplored, high altitude trekking and thus for the experienced.  The terrain is harsh and trails are not always in a good condition. The remoteness, spectacular landscapes and amazing views of the Himalayas make this trek however an amazing and unforgettable experience. The trek begins in Phoomling, where we arrive after a 7 hour drive from Bhadrapur. We start trekking from Phoomling and pass through diverse ethnic groups, cultivated land and animal farms along the Lumba Sumba pass trek.

Nepal alternative trek has been operating Lumsumba pass trekking since it has opened in 2012. We have got high recommendation and positive feedback from them regarding this trip. 

FACT OF THIS TREK
Trip Duration      17 days Trekking 
Max. Altitude: 5200m./14716 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 1777m./5028ft.
Grade: Moderate
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee
Transportation: Plane/Overland 
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the week
Group Size: 1 person to 20 persons (maximum)
Best season: March, April, May, Sep, Oct & Nov.
Available Time: All months
Per day hiking: 5 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-on

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu-Bhadrapur ( Taplejung) by flight- Fungling ( 600m./1980ft.) 4 hrs. drive
We take a flight in the morning to Bhadrapur (Taplejung) then drive to Fungling and stay overnight there at hotel.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Fungling - Mitlung (909m./2999ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The first day trek starts from Fungling (1777m) – the headquarters of Taplejung district. Sherpa Tol is the gateway to this trek. The trek passes through beautiful cardamom fields and Alnus trees (Uttis) until Hangdewa VDC which takes around two and half hours. On the way, there are small tea shops at Asangpati Tole, Gaigode Tole and Panisar Tole that can be used for alternative accommodation as they provide home stay facilities. From Panisar, the trek is downhill until the suspension bridge that acts as a border between Hangdewa VDC and Furumbu VDC. A walk of 10 minutes takes us to Pawa Village (1546m) for lunch.  After lunch, the trek progresses along the banks of Tamor River to Mitlung – a walk of around two hours. Mitlung (909m) is our destination for the day as it has good camping sites with facilities like kitchen and dining hall.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:  Mitlung -Chiruwa ( 1246m./4111ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The trek passes along the banks of Tamor River on the second day. It is a pleasing walk until Furumbu – a 40 minute walk from Mitlung. From Furumbu, the trail is uphill for half hour then descends through Ulnus and Schima wallachiana mixed forest to Siwa Bazar (950m) at Linkhim VDC. We can reach Siwa Bazaar in three hours from Mitlung. Siwa Bazar is a good place for lunch. It is a small market with facilities like drug store, groceries and a police station.  After lunch, the trek runs along the Tamor River until Tawa Village.  Tawa Village (1146m) has a small tea shop. The trek runs uphill from here until we reach the KCAP Entrance Gate (1300m) at Thiwa Village. From here, the trek gradually descends until Chiruwa – our destination for the day. Chiruwa is a small market with couple of lodges and good camping sites. It is a popular stopover for tourists and locals alike.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Chiruwa - Lelep ( 1687m./5567ft.) 5 hrs. walk
This day also the trek runs along the mighty Tamor River. At the start of the trek, there are two big stones with religious significance. The trek passes through Ulnus trees passes until we reach a big landslide that takes around half an hour to cross. After a walk of two and half hours from Chiruwa through beautiful cardamom gardens, we reach Tapethok (1340m) for lunch. It is a small market with some tea shops. There is also a KCAP checkpoint at Tapethok. After lunch, it is a pleasing walk for about an hour until Pembu (1486m). From Pembu, it is an uphill climb for about two and half hours to Lelep – our destination for the day. The KCAP headquarters is in Lelep. Similarly, there is a police station, some tea shops, groceries and hotels. There are also some good camping sites in Lelep.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lelep - Ela Danda ( 2051m./6768ft.) 5 hrs. walk
After breakfast, the trek runs along the bank of Tamor River through dense forest that offers good habitat for different wildlife species. You can see some wild species if you are lucky. We crossed a suspension bridge after a walk of about an hour from Lelep. After crossing suspension bridge, it is an uphill climb through pine forest for about half an hour until we reach a monastery. From there, the trek gradually descends after about half an hour and we reach Gowatar (1800m) for lunch. Gowatar is a small settlement with a few houses. Near the village, there is a big stone and it is believed that only the religious people can move them. After a walk of around half hour from Gowatar, we reach a place that offers spectacular views of two waterfalls about 100 meters tall. A walk of about half an hour form here takes us to Phedi. After crossing Tamor River, it is an uphill climb for about 40 minutes until we reach a resting place known as chautaro in local dialect. Another 20 minutes walk will take us to our camping site at Ela Danda. The place offers panoramic view of snowcapped peaks including the Small Kasturi Peak and Tamor River.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ela Danda- Selep Kharka ( 2525m./8332ft.) 6 hrs. walk
The walk on the fifth day is pleasing as it passes through Ulnus and Rhododendron forest for about an hour until we reach a suspension bridge. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trek passes through dense bamboo groves (spread over around 5 hectares). This place is popular among trekkers as the habitat of red panda. If you are lucky, we might catch a sight of red panda from the trail itself. After a total walk of three and half hours from El Danda, we reach Maguwa (2435m) for lunch. After lunch, the trail passes through maple and Ulnus forest. There is a big landslide on the way and trekkers must be careful while crossing it. After a walk of about one and half hour, we reach Selep Kharka – our destination for the day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Selep Kharka- Olangchung Gola ( 3208m./10586ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The sixth day’s trek runs along the banks of Tamor River leading to a place called Jongim (2641), a flat land surrounded by snow capped hills, after a walk of about an hour. Another 40 minutes walk through rhododendron forest from Jongim, takes us to a suspension bridge. After an uphill walk of about an hour from the suspension bridge, we reach Ramite (2685m) for lunch. At Ramite, we can see mixed forest of Deodar and rhododendron. We see a beautiful waterfall after a walk of about an hour from Ramite. If you are lucky, you might be rewarded with the view of red panda from here. We caught the first glimpse of Olangchung Gola after a walk of around 45 minutes from the waterfall. After a climb of about 40 minutes, we finally reach the camping site at Olangchung Gola (3208m). Olangchung Gola is a beautiful Sherpa village with around 45 houses, a 465 years old monastery with golden manuscript and KCAP office. There is also a sub-health post, a primary school and a border police station at Olangchung Gola.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Olangchung Gola-Upper Langmale ( 3893m./12846ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The trek in the next three days will pass through complete wilderness. As the trek is in complete wilderness, it is better to hire a local Sherpa to avoid getting lost. However, piles of stones along the way act as sign posts, showing us our direction. The trek passes through pine and rhododendron forests. 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 our camping site at Upper Langmale.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Upper Langmale - Pass Camp (4747m./15665ft.) 6 hrs. walk
The eighth day trek can be interesting as snow leopards have been sighted numerous times from this trek. The trek runs along the Tamor River and on the other side of the river lies dense rhododendron forest. After a walk of about three hours, we reach Tangchetar (4203m) for lunch. Another three hours walk after lunch will lead us to our camping site at Pass Camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:Pass Camp - Chaurikharka ( 4594m./15160ft.) 4 hrs. walk
This would be the most difficult yet most memorable day of this trek. This day the trek will pass through the Lumba Sumba Peak (5200m). It is better to start early as it will be difficult to cross the peak after noon. The trek climbs a bit up and again runs down. It is better to take packed lunch, as there are no good camping sites around. After a walk of about four and half hour from Pass Camp, we climb the Lumba Sumba Peak and descend down to Chaurikharka for night’s stay.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:Chaurikharka-Thaudam ( 3500m./11550ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The trek is downhill from Chaurikharka as we come back to civilization after tiring walk for three days. After a walk of about three and half hours, we came across two roads – one to Lyasha in Tibet and the other toward Thudam. We prepared our lunch at this place. A walk of about three hours takes us to Thudam for the night’s accommodation. Thudam is a small village with around 30 houses of Sherpa people.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Thudam - Kharka ( 2877m./9494ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The eleventh day trek runs along the banks of Chujung Khola. The trail offers panoramic view of peaks in the Makalu range. On the way you see lot of small bushes and bamboo groves – the best habitat for red panda. If you are lucky, you can see this endangered species. It is better to carry packed lunch, as it is difficult to find drinking water along the trail. After a walk of about six-hours from Thudam, we reach Kharka for the night’s halt.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Kharka - Chyamthang ( 2229m./7355ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The twelfth day’s walk passes 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 form Kharka, we reach a place called Chaurikharka for lunch. From Chaurikharka, we can clearly see Chyamtang (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 over the Arun, the trek is uphill for about an hour until Chyamthang – our destination for the day. Chyamthang is a small yet beautiful village with stone houses. Sherpas are the dominant population in the village.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Chyamthang- Hatiya ( 1595m./5263ft.) 6 hrs. walk
The trail on the day passes through rhododendron forest. The walk is easy as chirping of birds make you feel refreshed. The trail is one of the popular places for birding as we are entering Arun Valley that is home to several bird species. A walk of about two and half hours from Chyamthang takes us to Gimber Village (1585m) for lunch.  Gimber Village offers spectacular view of snowcapped peaks in the Makalu range. From Gimber, the walk is easy and after a trek of about three hours we reach Hatiya for the night’s stay. Hatiya – a small village of Bhote people – is the entry point to the Makalu National Park.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Hatiya - Gola (1128m./3722ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The trek on the 14th day runs 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 progress 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.  Gola is a very small village with only 12 houses. Sherpa, Rai and Tamang people reside here.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Gola -Gadhi ( 1179m./3890ft.) 5 hrs. walk
The trek passes through paddy fields on the 15th day – a sign that we are at lowlands now. The walk is pleasing as the trail makes a short descent, but 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. The trail after lunch passes through agricultural land and we can find plenty of water sources and small settlements along the way. We reach Gadhi (1179m) – our destination for the day – after a walk of around three hours from Pathibhara. Gadhi (that means fort in Nepali language) is a place of great historical significance as Nepali Army fought bravely with invading Tibetan Army at this place and chased them away. Gadhi is a small village market with a health post, a school and a police station.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Gadhi - Tumlingtar overland and Kathmandu by flight
This is the last day of our trek. Drive to Tumlingtar airstrip and fly directly to Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast

Trek Ends

 

Makalu - Barun National Park fee

You must obtain Makalu- Barun national park fee to enter this trip. It is determined as the world heritage site by UNESCO. It’s main aim is to protect the wild life, flora and fauna in Makalu- Barun region. We can find there himalayan tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pika (mouse hare), weasel, jackal, black bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard. 193 species of birds including impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, red-billed chough, yellow-billed chough, snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon and lammergeyer birds are found in this national park area.  As the vegetation, pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, while above 3,500 m, forests are dominated by silver fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees . Entrance fees are fixed for SAARC nationals - NPR 1,500 per person per entry, foreigners - NPR. 3,000 per person per entry. Trekkers can apply to obtain it in Nepal tourism board ( NTB) or government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks or directly in entry point at spot. You are required to bring your passport copy, one passport sized pictures and fee in cash.  It is included in our package. 

Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Project ( KCAP)
The provision of  KCAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP)permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC NPR 3000 ( Three thousand  rupees) per person. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying KCAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in NPR 3000 ( Three thousand two rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. It is included in our package. 

Trekking Clothing Equipment

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 

- Light weight pants, shorts

- At night -track top, pants 

-  T-shirts. 

- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 

- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 

- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 

- Vaseline for feet and crutch.

- Water bottle - 2 liters.

- Sunglasses and strap 

- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch

- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 

- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 

- Small daypack - 25 liters. 

- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 

- Small towels 

- Warm down fiber filled jacket - 15 c  ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 

- A pair of gloves 

- Snow glasses and strap 

 Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel insurance companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). If you follow precautious and our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters)
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges and two men north face tents during the trip. We will provide shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) at lodges and our cook will prepare delicious varities of meals during camping and climbing period. There will be served breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your own choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Lumba Sumba pass trekking is medium type of trip, Suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5200 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trip successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past climbing experience would be an asset but no mandatory for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trip.

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TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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