Max. Elevation
Makalu to Kangchenjunga via Lumba Sumba La Trek
Itinerary
Expand AllArrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and meet our representative. Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax after your international journey.
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Meals: Welcome/assistance; meals not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
A full day in Kathmandu for trek preparation, equipment checks, permits and briefing. You can also explore the surrounding area if time permits.
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. This is a spectacular mountain flight with views toward Makalu and the eastern Himalayan ranges. From Tumlingtar, continue by private vehicle toward Num on rough mountain roads.
- Transport: Flight + Jeep, approximately 5–6 hrs total
- Altitude: 1,500 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
Drive a short distance to the end of the road, then begin trekking. Descend through forest toward the Arun River, cross the suspension bridge and climb through agricultural land and cardamom plantations to Seduwa.
- Walk: Approximately 4 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +950 m / -235 m
- Altitude: 1,670 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
A relatively moderate day following trails through villages and cultivated hillsides. The trail gradually climbs toward Tashigaon, one of the important settlements before entering the higher Makalu region.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain: +600 m
- Altitude: 2,100 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
This is one of the first demanding days. The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and forest before reaching the Kongma Danda ridge. The final section opens into higher alpine terrain.
- Walk: Approximately 8 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,400 m / -50 m
- Altitude: 3,580 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
Cross two important passes today. Climb toward Shipton La (4,250 m), descend past Kalo Pokhari and then climb again to Keke La (4,180 m). Continue downhill through rhododendron vegetation to Dobato.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +950 m / -630 m
- Altitude: 3,896 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
Descend toward the Barun Khola and enter increasingly wild forest. The trail follows the river through rugged terrain with several ups and downs before reaching Yangri Kharka.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -600 m
- Altitude: 3,660 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camp/lodge
Follow the Barun Valley through forest and increasingly alpine surroundings. The trail gradually gains elevation toward Langmale Kharka, with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
- Walk: Approximately 4 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -35 m
- Altitude: 4,430 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camp/lodge
Continue through alpine meadows and glacial terrain toward Makalu Base Camp. As you approach higher ground, the massive Makalu massif becomes increasingly dominant. Arrive at Base Camp and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery.
- Walk: Approximately 3 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +520 m / -100 m
- Altitude: Approximately 4,850 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
A spectacular acclimatization and exploration day. Climb toward the eastern moraine and, if conditions and fitness allow, continue toward Makalu Pattar at approximately 5,795 m. From the high viewpoint there are exceptional views of Makalu, surrounding glaciers and the Everest region. Return to Base Camp.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -1,000 m
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 5,795 m
- Overnight: 4,850 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camp/lodge
Descend from Base Camp through Langmale Kharka and follow the Barun Valley back toward Yangri Kharka. This is primarily a downhill day and provides a good recovery after the previous high-altitude excursion.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +100 m / -1,400 m
- Altitude: 3,530 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camp/lodge
Return along the Barun Valley before taking a more remote trail. The route includes river crossings, rocky sections, forest and narrow terrain. Continue into a broad alpine valley where camp is established near a stream.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / -50 m
- Altitude: 4,095 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
The trail climbs across rugged alpine terrain and rhododendron-covered slopes. After crossing a rocky section and a steep passage, you reach viewpoints with impressive views toward Kangchenjunga and Jannu. Continue to the Kalo Pokhari area.
- Walk: Approximately 4 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +580 m / -530 m
- Altitude: 4,145 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
A remote and adventurous day. Cross rocky and occasionally frozen sections before descending through an avalanche-prone valley. Cross the Saldim Khola and climb through primary forest to the open meadows of Kholakharka.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +520 m / -1,520 m
- Altitude: 3,200 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Follow the trail toward the Dungge Khola and enter a remote highland region filled with alpine lakes. Continue toward Tin Pokhari, meaning “three lakes,” where camp is established.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / -200 m
- Altitude: 3,910 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
An isolated and less-traveled section of the trek. Follow old yak and herder trails through alpine lakes and rocky ridges. Cross Popti La and continue past Molun Pokhari before descending to Bakhim Kharka.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +650 m / -1,300 m
- Altitude: 3,260 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
A shorter day descending through pine and rhododendron forests toward Hongong. The afternoon can be used to rest and explore the local Tibetan-influenced village.
- Walk: Approximately 3 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +40 m / -960 m
- Altitude: 2,340 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Continue through agricultural landscapes above the Arun Valley. The trail alternates between broad village paths and narrower sections along steep terrain before reaching Chyamtang.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -790 m
- Altitude: 2,250 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Descend to the Arun River and cross a long suspension bridge. A substantial climb follows, gaining more than 1,000 m before reaching the forested ridge and Yak Kharka.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,100 m / -600 m
- Altitude: 2,750 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Descend toward the river before entering the bamboo forest and remote mountain terrain. The trail becomes narrow and rugged, with steep mountainsides and dramatic views toward Makalu. Camp is established beside the river.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,380 m / -850 m
- Altitude: 3,080 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Continue to the remote settlement of Thudam. After visiting the village, follow the valley higher toward Samne Kharka, where the landscape gradually becomes more alpine.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +890 m / -50 m
- Altitude: 3,920 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Follow the Lapsi Khola deeper into the mountains. The trail gradually climbs through several kharkas before a final steep section leads to the West Base Camp of Lumbasumba La.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / -20 m
- Altitude: 4,800 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
The major pass-crossing day. Start early and climb toward Lumbasumba La at 5,155 m. From the pass, enjoy spectacular views of Kangchenjunga to the east and Makalu behind you to the west. Descend across rugged terrain into the Dingsamba Khola Valley and establish camp.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +430 m / -600 m
- Maximum altitude: 5,155 m
- Altitude at camp: 4,630 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
The Lumbasumba La is the only pass on this itinerary above 5,000 m
Continue descending through the Dingsamba Khola Valley until reaching the Tamor Khola. Follow the new track for a short distance before arriving at the beautiful traditional village of Olangchung Gola. Time permitting, visit the local monastery.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +70 m / -1,510 m
- Altitude: 3,190 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Follow the Tamor Khola before turning into the Yangma Khola Valley. Continue through increasingly high and open terrain until reaching Langjong Kharka.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -470 m
- Altitude: 3,730 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Climb approximately 1,000 m to cross Nango La at 4,776 m. From the pass, there are impressive views toward Jannu and the mountains along the Nepal–India border. Descend to Yak Kharka for the night.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -570 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,776 m
- Altitude at camp: 4,160 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Descend through the Yangma Samba Khola Valley and visit Phale, a traditional Tibetan refugee settlement. Continue along the valley to Ghunsa, an important village for the Kangchenjunga section.
- Walk: Approximately 4 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +100 m / -780 m
- Altitude: 3,500 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
A rest and acclimatization day at Ghunsa. Explore the village, visit the local monastery and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.
- Altitude: 3,500 m
- Activities: Rest, acclimatization and village exploration
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Follow the Ghunsa Khola north toward Khambachen. The trail enters increasingly rugged alpine terrain with spectacular mountain scenery. Khambachen is a traditional high-altitude settlement beneath the Jannu region.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +850 m / -200 m
- Altitude: 4,100 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Continue north along the Tamur Valley and the Kangchenjunga glacier moraine. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Lhonak.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -100 m
- Altitude: 4,760 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
One of the highlights of the entire journey. Trek toward Pangpema, the Kangchenjunga North Base Camp, at approximately 5,150 m. Continue slightly higher for panoramic views of the northern face of Kangchenjunga and surrounding glaciers before returning to Lhonak.
- Walk: Approximately 7 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +550 m / -550 m
- Maximum altitude: 5,150 m
- Overnight: 4,760 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
The original itinerary describes Pangpema as one of its principal highlights and returns to Lhonak the same afternoon.
Retrace the trail south along the Ghunsa Khola. This is a long descent from the high alpine environment back toward the more sheltered Ghunsa Valley.
- Walk: Approximately 8 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +300 m / -1,600 m
- Altitude: 3,500 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Begin crossing the Sele¬le mountain range. The trail climbs through forest and then opens onto high ridges before reaching the Sele¬le area.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +980 m / -200 m
- Altitude: 4,210 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
A challenging pass-crossing day. Cross Sinion La (4,650 m) and Mirgin La (4,660 m), followed by another high pass. Enjoy exceptional views of Jannu, Makalu and the eastern Himalayan range before descending steeply toward Tseram.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +730 m / -1,050 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,660 m+
- Altitude: 3,890 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
A shorter and easier day after the previous high-pass crossing. Descend through forest and open meadows along the Sambuwa Khola to Tortong. The afternoon is free for rest.
- Walk: Approximately 3 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +200 m / -900 m
- Altitude: 2,880 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Continue through dense forest before climbing toward Lamite Bhanjyang at around 3,406 m. Cross the ridge and descend through rhododendron forest toward Bhotegaon.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +880 m / -1,650 m
- Altitude: 2,000 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Continue through villages and forest toward the warmer lower valleys. Pass agricultural settlements and climb through forest to reach Phomphe Danda.
- Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -800 m
- Altitude: 1,740 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
A pleasant trekking day through forests, small settlements, and agricultural terraces. Continue west toward Sinchewa Bhanjyang, with views toward the Kangchenjunga range.
- Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -700 m
- Altitude: 1,780 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/camp
Final trekking day. Follow local trails through villages and farmland toward Lali Kharka. Climb through forest to Deorali Pass (approximately 2,600 m) before descending to Suketar.
- Walk: Approximately 7 hrs
- Elevation gain/loss: +780 m / -1,180 m
- Altitude: 2,440 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
This completes the 36 days of actual trekking from Num to Suketar.
Early departure by private vehicle. A long road journey takes you from the hills down toward the Terai plains and Birtamod.
- Drive: Approximately 10 hrs
- Altitude: Approximately 380 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Drive to Bhadrapur Airport and take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu. The flight offers another excellent mountain panorama. Arrive in Kathmandu around midday and enjoy a free afternoon.
- Transport: Private vehicle + domestic flight
- Flight: Approximately 1 hr
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
A free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation. This day also serves as a valuable contingency day in case of delays during the trek.
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Free time until your international departure. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.
- Meals: Breakfast
Arrive at your home destination and conclude the Makalu–Lumbasumba–Kangchenjunga Traverse.
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.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport-hotel transfer – Airport (Pick-up and Drop).
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis.
WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist-standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
PERMITS : All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including KCAP and special permit, Makalu Barun National Park permit.
SPECIAL PERMIT : Kanchenjunga restricted permit.
STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP : Eastern Nepal's
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : (Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlintar - and while returning from Tumlintar - to Kathmandu, and land transportation as per itinerary.
MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING : Meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation on a sharing basis in a tea house/camp during the trek.
GUIDE : Government-licensed guide (English-speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.
PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff and porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food, and clothing.
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit
Excluded Points
AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu)
NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE : The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 50 for 30 Days.
LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (for any other reason) other than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE POLICY : Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue and air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu, but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE : Not included during the trek and the expedition.
TIPS : Tips for the staff.
EXTRA : Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Trip Information
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
- Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and the leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
- Assistant Guide actively helps clients under the leader’s direction and sets up camp.
- A porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Ramoda: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Makalu to Kanchenjunga via Lumbasumba Trek
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
- During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price), but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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