Great Himalaya Trail 2026

Starting in Olangchung Gola with a simple section along a dirt road. Then the trail becomes much more difficult to follow. In the upper elevations the trail can be completely obscured by deep snow.

• TODO check: Seems to be a too long track for one day

Crossing the second pass, Lumba Sumba Pass towards Thudam. In the upper elevations the trail can be completely obscured by deep snow, but I believe the route follows a reasonable path across the pass.

The trail traverses a steep hillside, and rather dangerous in places. However, not too difficult to follow despite the warnings online of navigational blunders by previous hikers.

The trail was relatively well maintained and easy to follow.

The trail was mostly well maintained and easy to follow.

The trail was tricky to follow, and obscured by snow at higher elevations. The upper part of the valley that leads to the lake, and the traverse around the lake are extremely dangerous when covered in snow. I didn't have crampons which made matters worse.

Robin's guidebook explains how to find a bridge over the Kholakharka Khola, but despite hours of searching Dave didn't manage to find it. I eventually stayed overnight in the shelter at the source of the river, where it's easy to cross. The next day I tried to follow the river downstream on the east bank, but found no trail and dense undergrowth. I gave up and called a helicopter. Craig (2019) got further by scrambling over rocks in the river gully, only to find the pass impossible the next day - he too ended up calling a helicopter.

Suvi (2019) managed to find a way across the river, and I've added a waypoint with her approximate crossing point... However I'd only recommend crossing the river if there's a bridge.

Dave has updated this route from Mike (2025) with his accurate track. He didn't find a way across the river, so he also hiked north into the valley, and crossed at the source like I did. He managed to find a way down on the other side. It seems most people are doing this route, so I'd recommend following this option unless you can find an obvious way across the river lower down.

Dave skipped this section, but he has updated this route from Mike (2025) with his accurate track.

Suvi (2019) reported that the trail is extremely tricky to follow with steep sections and sections of bushwhacking.

Dave skipped the first half of this section, but he has updated this route from Mike (2025) with his accurate track.

Mike (2025) added that there are several sets of steep stone steps going down from passes after Kalo Pokhari and in April/May they may be very snowy/icy. Micro spikes required at a minimum.

Suvi (2019) reported that the trail is extremely tricky to follow with sections of bushwhacking. The second half of this leg (starting when you reach the Barun Nadi river) is reasonably easy to folow.