Trip Highlights
Nepal is home to 8 of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, attracting visitors from all over the globe. Isolated between two of these giants—Kangchenjunga and Makalu—the Lumbasumba trek is an 18-day journey on foot. There are not lodges every night, so we carry tents. The trails are rarely used, and below 3,000 meters the jungle atmosphere is incredible. The local populations—mainly Bothe, then Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu—are very welcoming. You experience an “authentic” agricultural Nepal, still largely untouched by modernity, across different vegetation zones. At the double Lumbasumba pass, you can see: On one side: Kangchenjunga and Jannu On the other: Makalu A trek for experienced and physically fit hikers.
At a Glance
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Duration 26 days
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Transportation Flight/Drive
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Trip Grading Moderate to Challenging
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Max. Elevation 5,177
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Accommodation Tea houses / Lodges and comping trek
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Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Best Season March – May & September – November
Highlights Point
- The trek’s highest point is the Lumbasumba Pass (5,177 m / 16,985 ft).
- Offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of Himalayan giants, including:
- Mount Kanchenjunga
- Makalu
- A challenging but rewarding crossing with snowfields and rugged terrain.
- Requires camping in remote sections (limited teahouses).
- Less developed trails—ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude.
- Navigation and logistics are more demanding than popular routes.
- Remote and uncrowded trails Immersion in authentic Himalayan cultures Spectacular biodiversity from jungle to high mountains Crossing a 5,000+ meter Himalayan pass Unique traverse between two major mountain regions
Trip Overview
The Lumbasumba Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and adventurous Himalayan journeys, connecting the isolated regions between Mount Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Designed for trekkers seeking true wilderness, this trek offers an unparalleled blend of dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and authentic cultural experiences.
The adventure reaches its highest point at the breathtaking Lumbasumba Pass (5,177m), where trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and untouched alpine terrain. Along the way, the trail passes through the pristine forests and protected ecosystems of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to rare wildlife such as the Red Panda and Himalayan blue sheep.
This off-the-beaten-path trek also offers deep cultural immersion. You will explore traditional villages like Olangchung Gola, where Tibetan-influenced lifestyles, ancient monasteries, and warm local hospitality provide a unique glimpse into life in the high Himalayas.
Due to its remoteness, the Lumbasumba Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with basic accommodations and camping in certain sections. The journey typically takes 18–22 days and requires a good level of physical fitness and a spirit of adventure.
Whether you are drawn by solitude, raw natural beauty, or the thrill of crossing a high Himalayan pass, the Lumbasumba Trek promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience far from the crowded trails of Nepal.
The Lumbasumba Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and least-crowded trekking adventures, located in the far eastern Himalayas. It connects the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions and offers a raw, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Trip Itinerary
We begin with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Badrapur, with possible views of Everest, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Jannu if weather permits. Then an 8-hour jeep ride to Taplejung through tropical hills and tea plantations, passing towns like Fikkal and Ilam. Overnight in a hotel.
5-hour jeep drive along mountain tracks across pre-Himalayan ridges and valleys. Start trekking at Sekathum, following the Ghunsa Khola to Hitary. 1 hour walk. Overnight in a lodge.
Continue up the valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing scattered farms growing cardamom. 4.5 hours walk (optional extension). Comfortable lodge.
We begin to climb gradually after 10 minutes of walking. A balcony and aerial path. We gradually leave the distance with the valley floor. There are several successions of descents and ascents. In front of us, numerous waterfalls, more or less enlarged by the melting of the snow, are discovered as we progress. We cross several trails with different landscapes in the rhododendron forests. Camp at the hamlet of Gybla. There are two villages up and down or the old and new village. Opportunities to visit the old village after lunch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Walking time: 4h to 4h30 Accommodation : in lodge Height Difference: +554m/-234m
We progress to the bottom of the gorge, surrounded by rhododendron forests, to the hamlet of phere and its two beautiful gompas. We have lunch at Phale 3215m. Afterwards, we visit the monastery. We pass many Buddhist monuments. A few fields of potatoes that resist the altitude well dot the bushes along the path before crossing deep gorges. We arrive in the largest and most beautiful village in the region at Gunsa. It is a large village with many Buddhist monuments. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Walking time: 5h to 5h30 Accommodation : in lodge Height Difference: +967m/-272m
>Rest day to acclimatize. We go up to Boktoh point view (4135m). We climb into the beautiful forests and into the mountain pastures with a beautiful view of the mountains. It’s a great day out and back with great hiking. We have lunch at Gunsa and after lunch rest and visit the village. Free time after lunch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Walking time: 4h Accommodation : in lodge Height Difference: +/-733m
Leave the Kangchenjunga region heading west toward Lumbasumba. Camp in a beautiful alpine meadow near a shepherd hut. 5 hours walk. Tent.
3-hour ascent to Nango La pass (4770 m) with views of glaciers and moraines. Long descent to forest camp. 7.5 hours walk. Tent.
Descend through forests of cedar, rhododendron, and bamboo with many ups and downs. Reach Olangchung Gola. 8.5 hours walk. Lodge.
A beautiful Sherpa village (about 52 families) near the Tibetan border. Visit the 770-year-old monastery dedicated to Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of compassion). Rest day. Lodge.
Ascend the valley, meeting herders preparing for winter. Camp near a shepherd hut with fire. 5 hours walk. Tent.
Gradual ascent through alpine pastures to high camp with a small shelter. 5.5 hours walk. Tent.
Early start to cross the double Lumbasumba pass (5100 m and 5150 m). Views: Kangchenjunga & Jannu Makalu Long descent to camp. ~10 hours walk. Tent.
3-hour walk to a remote wooden village of about 20 houses. Stay in a local home or tent.
Long descent through jungle terrain. 8 hours walk. Lodge (shepherd hut).
Cross a small pass, descend, then climb to Chyamtang village with terraced fields (millet, maize, bananas). Lodge.
Village visit and rest day.
Follow a rough track occasionally used by tractors. 7 hours walk. Lodge.
Pleasant descent through farmland and rice fields. 4 hours walk. Lodge.
Final jungle descent along the river. Jeep transfer to Num (5 hours). Lodge.
4.5-hour jeep ride along panoramic ridge roads. Hotel.
Extra day in case of delays or bad weather.
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon free.
Free day (sightseeing, shopping, optional excursions).
Return to France
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
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