Taplejung to Jiri via Lumba Samba Pass, Sherpani and West Cols, and Amphu
Lapsta (October-November 2012):
1. Taplejung to Olangchun
Gola (4 days)
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We drove (2 days) from Kathmandu to Taplejung, where we started our trek. From Taplejung we first hiked down to the Tamor
Nadi river, which we followed up to Lelek. In Lelek we left the
Kanchenjunga BC trekking trail and went straight north toward the remote
village of Olangchun Gola. Most of this itinerary
lies at relatively low elevation. |
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In the streets
of Taplejung.
Rice fields
between Taplejung and Mitlung.
Man along the trail between Taplejung
and Mitlung. (Matt Scott
photo)
Approaching Mitlung.
Limbu woman sitting at the entrance of her house in Mitlung. (On the right, Matt
Scott photo)
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Scenery
between Mitlung and Chirwa.
Street scene
in Siwan.
Tamor Nadi river
between Siwan and Chirwa.
Reaching Chirwa.
In Chirwa.
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On the trail
between Chirwa and Lelep.
Collecting cardamom pods (from dried cardamom). Cardamom (the third most
expensive spice by weight, after saffron and vanilla) is a major source of
income in this area of Nepal. Note also the cylindrical beehives against the
walls. (Second, third, and fourth photos by Matt Scott)
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Spectacular waterfall and bridge along the trail between Iladanda and
Olangchun Gola (video). (Fourth photo
by Matt Scott)
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Crossing
a steep landslide before reaching Olangchun Gola (video).
Reaching
Olangchun Gola (3190m), where we spent two nights for acclimatization.
Links to all sections of
the trek:
1.
Taplejung to Olangchun Gola
(4 days)
2. Olangchun Gola (1 day)
3. Crossing
Lumba Samba pass (3 days)
4. Tudham to Hongon (3 days)
5. Hongon to Yangla Kharka (5 days)
6. Yangla Kharka to Sherpani Col High Camp (4 days)
7. Crossing
of Sherpani and West Cols (1 day)
8. Hongu basin to Namche across Amphu Lapsta (3 days)
9. Namche to Jiri (5 days)