Lumba Sumba Pass Trek: Kanchenjunga to Makalu Base Camp

Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Nepali Ghar or similar. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner. Overnight Nepali Ghar or similar. (Dinner)

Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you’ll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window.

In the afternoon, make final preparations for your Lumba Sumba Trek.

Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Today is a long day. If you do suffer from motion-sickness, a dramamine is recommended. Fly to Bhadrapur. Board a chartered vehicle for a long windy drive to Taplejung (9 hours). At first, we ascend steadily to the tea-gardens of Fikkal. Then make a descent to Mai-khola ascending slowly to Ilam.

The next day, continue driving to Rake from where the Kanchenjunga massif comes into view. We continue ascending to a little over 8,000 feet to Ranipauwa and then to Phidim, the district headquarters of Panchthar district. Then descend to the valley floor to almost 2,000 feet to cross the Khebang khola and then make another ascent to Gopetar at around 7,000 feet only to descend again to Hewa Khola from where we make our final ascent to Taplejung.

Overnight lodge. (All meals)

It used to be a 3-4 day trek to Sekathum from Taplejung. Now, a very rough jeep track has been built upto Sekathum. We board a jeep for a bumpy four hour ride to Ranipul (near Lelep). The drive is through relatively low altitude (between 3,000 and 4,000 ft.) Limbu villages of Mitlung, Sinuwa and Chirwa. The forests are lush and all along there are cardamom plantations which are watered by sprinklers as cardamom grows in a damp environment. Cardamom is one of the most profitable cash crop in Nepal. In between Tapethok and Hellok, at Margem, is one of the schools we’ve helped build.

Continue past Ranipul towards Ila Danda up to wherever the road is clear. The Nepal Government’s plan is to eventually link Olangchung Gola by road. From where the road ends, we begin our ascent to Olangchung Gola where an acclimatization day is planned.

Overnight lodge. (All meals)

ILA DANDA TO 1st CAMP

Distance: 4 miles/7 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 600m/1,969 feet
Descent: 200m/656 feet
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

1st CAMP TO OLANGCHUNG GOLA

Distance: 4 miles/7 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 950m/3,117 feet
Descent: 200m/656 feet
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

From Olangchung Gola, follow the jeep track along the river for about an hour. The jeep track then proceeds towards Tibet which is about a day’s walk. However, we continue on a trail heading West. Cross a wooden bridge and begin a slow ascent towards our camp at Sanjung Kharka. Kharka means pasture in Nepali and you will cross many pastures on this trek (Yak and sheep pastures).

An extra day is planned at Sanjung Kharka to allow for better acclimatization.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

OLANGCHUNG GOLA TO SANJUNG KHARKA

Distance: 5.81 miles/9.35 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 797m/2,614 feet
Descent: 37m/118 feet
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

You will notice that the tall trees have been replaced by shrubs and azalea bushes. We ascend from Sanjung Kharka for about a couple hours over a couple of ridges to reach a large wide valley (see above).

Continue further to our camp at the base of the pass (phedi). There are several options for the high camp. The one in the photo above is upper most one where the final ascent to the Lumba Sumba passes starts. Shortly before reaching the camp you can ascend the slopes direction north east and easily get up to 4.900 meters with a perfect overview of the Lumba Sumba climb,

Overnight Tents (All meals)

SANJUNG KHARKA to LUMBA SUMBA PHEDI

Distance: 2.77 miles/4.46 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 318m/1,044 feet
Descent: 3m/10 feet
Total Time: 3 to 4 hours

Mount Makalu dominates the view to the West. We follow the Lapsi Khola crossing it a couple times. There are a number of small streams to cross and we contour around and down sometimes across small bridges. After descending to around 4.000 meters you enter the forest. Descending to the Tibetan village of Thudam, our camp for the night, takes another two hours on a good trail.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Distance: 7 miles/12 kilometers approximately
Descent: 1,300m/4,265 feet
Total Time: 5 to 6 hours

We begin today’s hike early as the trail is very challenging. You will cross a landslide area with rock fall danger. You will also walk on a long slippery trail. There is also a steep section with a steep exposure. While the total mileage today is only around 9 miles, extra care has to be taken crossing these sections and hence it can take up to 9 hours to reach our camp at Yak Kharka. There is talk of making improvements on the trail.

From Yak Kharka camp, the trail is through dense forest. Ascend a short distance and then begin descending. Soon Chyamthang can be seen in the distance. Descend to the Arun Valley on a steep, muddy and slippery trail. The trail soon becomes less steep and less muddy. Cross a bridge over the Arun river and make an ascent to Chyamthang village.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

THUDAM TO YAK KHARKA

Distance: 9 miles/14 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 1,000m/3,281 feet
Descent: 1,850m/6,070 feet
Total Time: 8 to 9 hours

YAK KHARKA TO CHAMTHANG

Distance: 6.5 miles/10 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 500m/1,641 feet
Descent: 930m/3,050 feet
Total Time: 5 to 6 hours

The stage to Hongon is longer and more strenuous than it appears on the map. After two hours of hiking you see Hongon for the first time. It is still far away and it takes another three to four hours to get there. It’s a permanent up and down high above the Arun river and the Arun gorge. You cross extended agricultural areas and pass several small villages with friendly locals. Before the final ascent to Hongon you cross a valley over an impressing and long suspension bridge.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

CHAMTHANG TO HONGON

Distance: 8 miles/13 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 1,200m/3,937 feet
Descent: 1,060m/3,478 feet
Total Time: 6 to 7 hours

You leave Hongon in north west direction following a water pipeline until a dirt road. A short while later you leave the road to the left into the forest and here things start to get considerably rougher. The trail is mainly over stones / large pebbles which are mostly stable, but not all. Some have a good grip, others not. Meaning that you have to be very careful at every step you take. Poles give an excellent support.

The forest and the nearby rushing river are beautiful. Above 3.000 meters the forest gets less dense and first pastures turn up. Another hour later you reach the small campsite at Bakkhim Kharka.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

HONGON TO YAK KHARKA

Distance: 4 miles/6 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 850m/2,789 feet
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

From Bakkhim Kharka the trail climbs to a flat area with chortens. And then to Molun Pokhari (lake). We camp near the lake.

There are several beautiful lakes in this area and there are good options for side trips. It would be a nice place to be further explored on an extra day if you have the time and the weather allows. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

YAK KHARKA TO MOLUN KHARKA

Distance: 4 miles/6 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 850m/2,789 feet
Total Time: 4 to 5 hour

Continue climbing past the lake to a pass and then a second pass. Then descend to Dhunge Kharka which can also be used as a camping site. We continue 4 hours from Dhunge Kharka to reach Khola Kharka Khola walking a couple kilometers in the valley. This day is either more relaxed if you decide to camp in Dhungge Kharka or very long and tough if you continue the four hours to Khola Kharka Khola.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

MOLUN KHARKA TO KHOLA KHARKA KHOLA
Distance: 9 miles/14 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 1,050m/3,445 feet
Descent: 1,800m/5,906 feet
Total Time: 9 to 11 hours

Today is another tough hike through dense forest although much shorter than the day before. First you descend the Khola Kharka Khola valley and continue descending the Dhungge Kharka valley until you reach Sadim Khola. The trail is the same as the day before i.e. narrow, stony and muddy in between. You cross the river over a scary bridge which consists of a single log and some wooden bars which should help prevent you falling into the river should you slip. You might  consider to fix a rope for more assistance. 

It just takes another hour for the ascent to Cave Camp (in the picture above). This campsite is very special. It’s just three minutes off the main trail but not visible from anywhere. It provides perhaps two rather flat places for pitching a tent. Your staff team might decide to sleep under the stars protected by a steep wall. It’s not an option for larger groups, though. They would need to find a suitable place further down in the forest. Beware of leeches.

Overnight tents. (All meals)

KHOLA KHARKA TO CAVE CAMP

Distance: 4 miles/7 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 300m/984 feet
Descent: 350m/1,148 feet
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

Next day, we arrive at Kalo Pokhari (black lake in picture above) where we camp. This is another tough hiking day. Good thing is that you don’t need to struggle through dense forests and cross scary bridges. Instead you’ll face an arduous, very steep ascent starting immediately after Cave Camp. Sure-footedness is a must. Wet conditions make it worse.

The initial section is through bushes. Further up it’s through shrubs, some of which have spiky thorns. You’ll reach a saddle at 4.000 meters. The path ascends further, however, not as steep as before. Full attention is still required for crossing very steep slopes with a tricky landslide. This section would be awkward in snow. You’ll climb up to a pass at 4.250 meters. However, you are still not done. The next part is an up and down through shrubs (spiky) with a challenging descent over mossy boulders.

Finally, after climbing the fifth or so hill you’ll arrive at the campsite with the Kalo Pokhari lake below.

Overnight tents. (All meals)

CAVE CAMP TO KALO POKHARI

Distance: 5 miles/8 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 1,200m/3,937 feet
Descent: 150m/492 feet
Total Time: 5 to 6 hours

Good news – the hike is much easier from here on compared to the previous days. You’ll cross two passes at 4.400 and 4.480 meters. Surprisingly, the descents of both passes are meticulously stair-cased. It’s over size for the few people using the stairs and there are certainly different opinions if such stairs are convenient for hikers, protect the countryside or destroy nature trails or whatsoever. Anyways, they are there and you are definitely faster and safer compared to the original trails.

After the second pass you descend to a lake and further on to a Kharka with a stone hut. If you still have time and motivation you can easily walk up the valley over Yak pastures (kharka) until its end.

Overnight Tent. (All meals)

KALO POKHARI TO KHARKA

Distance: 6.5 miles/10 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 500m/1,641 feet
Descent: 620m/2,034 feet
Total Time: 6 to 7 hours

After the kharka you ascend 100 meters by crossing some slopes through bushes before you enter the forest and descend to the Barun river. The descent itself is quite steep and muddy. It’s not slippery though and some parts are stair-cased. Thus, it’s a pleasant walk.

Again you are in the middle of an amazing forest with very old, mighty and gnarled trees. The only issue of this day is the final bridge which crosses the Barun river and connects you to the Makalu base camp trek. The crossing requires full attention and a solid confidence. Don’t step on the stones as those tend to fall into the river through the gaps between the logs of the bridge. You will cheer up and feel a huge relief after you succeeded the crossing of the bridge.

Overnight Tent. (All meals)

KHARKA TO YANGLE KHARKA

Distance: 6 miles/10 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 400m/1,312 feet
Descent: 840m/2,756 feet
Total Time: 5 to 6 hours

From Yangle Kharka, it is a moderate walk to Langmale Kharka as we trek through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. On either side of the valley floor are incredible granite cliffs some which are revered by Hindus and Buddhists. Your trail is mostly along a cobbled trail which can be quite tough walking in hiking boots. Trek past the pastures of Yangle Kharka to arrive at Merek after around 2 hours. From Merek, it is another 2 hours to Langmale Kharka which is another large pasture with one lodge.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

YANGLE KHARKA TO LANGMALE KHARKA

Distance: 8.04 kilometers/5 miles approximately
Ascent: 2,166 feet/660 meters
Descent: 45 feet/14 meters
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

Begin the day by making a gentle ascent. After a couple of hours, reach a flat area called Shersong (4,630m/15,200ft) and then reach a wide sandy valley. Continue by making a gentle ascent and soon Makalu and Makalu Base Camp comes into view. The day should take around 4-5 hours.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

LANGMALE KHARKA TO MAKALU BASE CAMP

Distance: 8.5 kilometers/5.32 miles approximately
Ascent: 1,353 feet/413 meters
Descent: 235 feet/72 meters
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

You have an extra day to explore the Makalu Base Camp area. You may climb to the ridge (5,300m/17,400ft) above base camp for panoramic views. Or climb higher to around (5,800m/19,000ft) along the route to Sherpani Col. From this viewpoint you can see Kharta valley in Tibet, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse as well as close-up, dramatic views of Makalu.

An option is to climb the slope to the east of base camp. You can reach up to (5,800m/19,000ft). After camp you will reach a flat area after ascending around 30 minutes. There is a trail with cairns but it is quite difficult. From here, the trail is distinct up to 5.400 meters and then faint again until the top of the slopes. Substantial sections of the trail are on scree. The final 5 meters requires some climbing over solid rocks. The photo above with Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Baruntse was taken on the top of the slopes.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Retrace trail to Langmale Kharka and then to Yangle Kharka. Follow the Barun river on a trail with multiple landslides before you begin ascending steeply to Dobate. Past Dobate are stairs all the way to Thulo Pokhari (Big lake) which is reached by crossing Keke La at 4,170m/13,700ft.

Overnight Tent. (All meals)

YANGLE KHARKA TO DOBATE

Distance: 10 kilometers/6.19 miles approximately
Ascent: 2,174 feet/662 meters
Descent: 1,200 feet/365 meters
Total Time: 6 to 7 hours

Today is a long descent day – almost 7,000 feet of descent! The trek begins with an ascent out of Thulo Pokhari on stone steps to reach Shipton La pass at 4,200m/13,800ft where there are two small tea houses. Descend to Sano Pokhari (Small lake) at 4,105m/13,500ft and then ascend to the second pass. Continue descent to Khongma, another pasture, and then through rhododendron and oak forests to Tashi Gaon.

Overnight Tents. (All meals)

DOBATE TO KHONGMA

Distance: 4.85 miles/7.8 kilometers approximately
Ascent: 2,019 feet/615 meters
Descent: 2,734 feet/834 meters
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

KHONGMA TO TASHI GAON

Distance: 5.85 kilometers/3.64 miles approximately
Ascent: 203 feet/61 meters
Descent: 4,488 feet/1,367 meters
Total Time: 3 to 4 hours

From Tashigaon we follow a jeep track to the village of Seduwa where we stop for the night. Here you exit the Makalu Barun National Park here where permits will be checked. Tonight is your last dinner with your staff who you have trekked with for more than a month. Fresh meat curry and alcoholic beverages are in order. 

Num can be seen right across from Seduwa but to get there involves a steep descent followed by a steep ascent. The day begins with a big and steep descent through forests, cardamom fields and terraced farms to the Arun River followed by a slog to Num. Continue on a winding road to Chichila, a small Gurung village and then on a winding road to Khandbari – the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district. We continue further to Tumlingtar to the spend the last night in a lodge.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

TASHI GAON TO SEDUWA

Distance: 8.7 kilometers/5.4 miles approximately
Ascent: 193 feet/59 meters
Descent: 2,062 feet/628 meters
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

SEDUWA TO CHAMLE KHARKA 

Distance: 4.9 kilometers/3.04 miles approximately
Ascent: 1,055 feet/321 meters
Descent: 2,581 feet/786 meters
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours

Depart mid-morning on a 35 minute flight to Kathmandu. The Tumlingtar airport is perched on a wide valley and unlike Lukla airport isn’t affected by the vagaries of weather. A larger 72-seater twin prop ATR will fly you back to Kathmandu.

The day is free in Kathmandu for shopping or resting.

Overnight Nepali Ghar or similar (B)

After breakfast visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). The temple is located on a hillock in the Kathmandu valley and is the most important shrine for the Buddhist Newars of the Kathmandu valley.

Continue to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the city of devotees. Drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window.

A farewell dinner is planned in the evening.

Overnight Nepali Ghar (All meals)

Transfer to the airport for flight home. (Breakfast)