Addres:
Thamel - Kathmandu - Nepal
E-mail:
info@alpinistclub.com
Contact No:
+977 9843603583
1 Person From:
$
2 Person From:
$
Max. Elevation: 5,795 M
Best Season: Spring- Autumn
Duration: 45 days
Trip Grading: Hard
Activity: Trekking
Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel- Tea house-Tent
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Availability Status: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Explore the remote Makalu to Kangchenjunga via the Lumbasumba La Trek, crossing the 5,155 m Lumbasumba La Pass and visiting Makalu Base Camp, Olangchung Gola, Ghunsa and Pangpema, the North Base Camp of Kangchenjunga.
The Makalu to Kangchenjunga via Lumbasumba La Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, challenging and rewarding high-altitude trekking adventures. This spectacular journey connects two of Nepal’s great Himalayan regions—Makalu and Kangchenjunga—while crossing the remote Lumbasumba La Pass at 5,155 meters.
The trek begins in the eastern hills near Num, after a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. The trail gradually climbs through traditional villages, lush forests, alpine meadows and remote mountain valleys before reaching the spectacular Makalu Base Camp at around 4,850 meters.
After exploring the Makalu region, the route continues through some of the most isolated parts of eastern Nepal. Trekkers cross high passes, remote yak pastures and glacial valleys before reaching Lumbasumba La (5,155 m). From the pass, the trail descends toward Olangchung Gola, a historic Tibetan-influenced settlement in the Kanchenjunga region.
The journey then continues toward Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lhonak, eventually reaching Pangpema (approximately 5,150 m), the North Base Camp of Kangchenjunga. From here, trekkers enjoy magnificent views of the world's third-highest mountain and its surrounding peaks and glaciers.
The return journey crosses another series of high passes before descending through forests, villages and terraced farmland toward Suketar, from where the group travels by road and flight back to Kathmandu.
| Makalu & Kangchenjunga in one epic trek |
| Cross Lumbasumba La (5,155 m) |
| Visit Makalu and Kangchenjunga Base Camps |
| Explore Olangchung Gola, Ghunsa & Khambachen |
| Spectacular views of Makalu, Kangchenjunga & Jannu |
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU ( 1,350 M)
Arrive 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.
DAY 2: PREPARETION FOR TREKKING AND EXPLORE KATHMANDU ( 1,350 M)
A full day in Kathmandu for trek preparation, equipment checks, permits and briefing. You can also explore the surrounding area if time permits.
DAY 3: FLIGHT KATHMANDU– TUMLINGTAR – NUM ( 1,500 M)
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.
DAY 4: NUM – SEDUWA ( 1,670 M)
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.
DAY 5: SEDUWA– TASHIGAON (2,100 M)
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.
DAY 6: TASHIGAON– KONGMA DANDA ( 3,580 M)
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.
DAY 7: KONGMA DANDA – SHIPTON LA – KEKE LA – DOBATO ( 3,896 M)
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.
DAY 8: DOBATO – YANGRI KHARKA ( 3,660 M)
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.
DAY 9: YANGRI KHARKA – LANGMALE KHARKA ( 4,430 M )
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.
DAY 10: LANGMALE KHARKA– MAKALU BASE CAMP ( 4,850 M)
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.
DAY 11: MAKALU BASE CAMP – MAKALU PATTER– MAKALU BASE CAMP ( 4,850 M)
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.
DAY12: MAKALU BASE CAMP – LANGMALE KHARKA – YANGRI KHARKA (3,530 M)
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.
DAY 13: YANGRI KHARKA – PHEMATHANG KHARKA – KHORLANGUE KHARAKA ( 4,095 M)
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.
DAY 14: KORLANGUE KHARKA - KALO POKHARI CAMP ( 4,145 M)
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.
DAY 15: KALO POKHARI – KHOLAKHARKA CAMP (3,200 M)
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.
DAY 16: KHOLAKHARKA – DUNGGE KHOLA – TIN POKHARI (3,910 M)
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.
DAY 17: TIN POKHARI – POPTI LA –MOLUN POKHARI – BAKHIM KHARKA (3,260 M)
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.
DAY 18: BAKHIM KHARKA – HONGONG ( 2,340 m)
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.
DAY19: HONGONG – CHYAMTANG (2,250 M)
Continue through agricultural landscapes above the Arun Valley. The trail alternates between broad village paths and narrower sections along steep terrain before reaching Chyamtang.
DAY 20: CHYAMTANG – YAK KHARKA (2,750 M)
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.
DAY 21: YAK KHARKA – MEDOK CHHEJE KHOLA CAMP ( 3,080 M)
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.
DAY 22: MEDOK CHHEJE KHOLA – THUMDAM– SAMNE KHARKA (3,920 M)
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.
DAY 23: SAMNE KHARKA – LUMBASUMBA WEST BASE CAMP ( 4,800 M)
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.
DAY 24: LUMBASUMBA WEST BASE CAMP– LUMBASUMBA LA EAST BASE CAMP ( 4,630 M)
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.
DAY 25: LUMBASUMBA EAST BASE CAMP – OLANGCHUNG GOLA (3,190 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.
DAY 26: OLANGCHUNG GOLA – LANGJONG KHARKA ( 3,730 M)
Follow the Tamor Khola before turning into the Yangma Khola Valley. Continue through increasingly high and open terrain until reaching Langjong Kharka.
DAY 27: LANGJONG KHARKA– NANGO LA – YAK KHARKA ( 4,160 M)
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.
DAY 28: YAK KHARKA – PHALE – GHUMSA ( 3,500 M)
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.
DAY 29: ACCLIMATIZATION / REST IN GHUNSA (3,500 M)
A rest and acclimatization day at Ghunsa. Explore the village, visit the local monastery and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.
DAY 30: GHUNSA – KHAMBACHEN ( 4,100M)
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.
DAY 31: KHAMBACHEN – LHONAK (4,760 M )
Continue north along the Tamur Valley and the Kangchenjunga glacier moraine. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Lhonak.
DAY 32: LHONAK – PANGPEMA – LHONAK ( 5,150 M)
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.
The original itinerary describes Pangpema as one of its principal highlights and returns to Lhonak the same afternoon.
DAY 33: LHONAK– GHUNSA ( 3,500 M)
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.
DAY 34: GHUNSA – MANI BHUK / SELE CAMP ( 4,210 M)
Begin crossing the Sele¬le mountain range. The trail climbs through forest and then opens onto high ridges before reaching the Sele¬le area.
DAY 35: MANI BHUK – SINION LA – MIRGIN LA – TSERAM (4,660 M)
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.
DAY 36: TSERAM – TORTONG (2,880 M)
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.
DAY 37: TORTONG– LAMITE BHANJYANG – BHOTEGAON ( 2,000 M)
Continue through dense forest before climbing toward Lamite Bhanjyang at around 3,406 m. Cross the ridge and descend through rhododendron forest toward Bhotegaon.
DAY 38: BHOTEGAON– PHOMPHE DANDA ( 1,740 M)
Continue through villages and forest toward the warmer lower valleys. Pass agricultural settlements and climb through forest to reach Phomphe Danda.
DAY 39: PHOMPHE DANDA – SINCHEWABHANJYANG ( 1,780 M)
A pleasant trekking day through forests, small settlements, and agricultural terraces. Continue west toward Sinchewa Bhanjyang, with views toward the Kangchenjunga range.
DAY 40: SINCHEWA BHANJYANG – LALI KHARKA – SUKETAR ( 2,440 M)
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.
DAY 41: SUKETAR– BIRTAMOD
Early departure by private vehicle. A long road journey takes you from the hills down toward the Terai plains and Birtamod.
DAY 42: BIRTAMOD – BHADRAPUR– KATHMANDU ( 1,350 M)
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.
DAY 43: KATHMANDU – CONTAINGENCY/ FREE DAY ( 1,350 M)
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.
DAY 44: KATHMANDU – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
Free time until your international departure. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.
DAY 45: ARRIVAL HOME
Arrive at your home destination and conclude the Makalu–Lumbasumba–Kangchenjunga Traverse.
AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport-hotel transfer – Airport (Pick-up and Drop).
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 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 : WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist-standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
PERMITS : PERMITS :
All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including KCAP and special permit, Makalu Barun National Park permit.
SPECIAL PERMIT : SPECIAL PERMIT :
Kanchenjunga restricted permit.
STAFF INSURANCE : STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP : MAP :
Eastern Nepal's
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
(Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlintar - and while returning from Tumlintar - to Kathmandu, and land transportation as per itinerary.
MEMBER LUGGAGE : MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING : 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 : GUIDE :
Government-licensed guide (English-speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.
PORTER : PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff and porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food, and clothing.
MEDICAL KIT : MEDICAL KIT :
Comprehensive Medical kit
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.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
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).
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
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:
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.
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.
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.