Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a guided camping trek. It is a 20-day expedition in the remote Himalayan wilderness of eastern Nepal. This route was officially surveyed and promoted as a trekking trail in 2012 and established a connection between the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. It is part of the Great Himalayan Trail, which has difficult yet interesting hiking among a variety of natural environments.
The path rises above the sub-tropical valleys up through the alpine meadow to the high Lumba Sumba Pass at approximately 5,177 meters high. On a clear day, there are views of the Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) and Mt Makalu (8,485 m). The path features forests, rocky highlands, and an opportunity to witness rare wildlife such as snow leopards and red pandas.
On its route, the trekkers traverse small remote villages like the Olangchung Gola and Thudam, where different ethnic communities live, including Limbu, Sherpa, and Rai. Such villages are an expression of the Buddhist past of the region with monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens. Cross-cultural exchanges join the experience with the understanding of distant life in the Himalayas.
The trek is an entirely camping trek since there is a shortage of a teahouse setting. The package will cover guides, licenses, porters, permits, meals, tents, flight, and mode of transportation. The package integrates everything so that the travelers can give their full attention to the trek and the wilderness of the northeastern part of Nepal that very few visitors have visited.
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a difficult adventure that can be undertaken only by an experienced trekker. Its challenge is caused by the elevation of the pass (it is more than 5,100 meters), the duration of the walk (nearly three weeks), and the wilderness of its location.
Trekkers must gradually acclimate, particularly at the elevations of the passage. Although the expedition does not entail the use of technical climbing expertise, psychological and physical stamina are equally important.
With a good physical condition, good cardiovascular strength, and a readiness of mind to go off the road, this trek will be highly rewarding. The correct training, such as cardio workouts, practice hikes, and a gradual pace, will put you in the right position to tackle this breathtaking but challenging trail.
The best times to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek are in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons. The spring trekking time provides brilliant rhododendron flowers, great weather, and mild temperatures. March and April are spectacular months.
Late spring is also great because you can expect warmer days, lovely flowers, an occasional quick shower, and some bright sunny mornings for mountain views and pass crossings. Autumn is generally more accepted to be the ideal trekking season, with stunning views and stable weather with crystal clear skies.
The clean and fresh air is ideal for this type of high-altitude trekking, and the dry trails are prepped after the wet summer monsoon season made them fat and muddy. Late September to early November has less traffic on the trails and good conditions for trekking.
Welcome to Nepal! When you land in Kathmandu, our staff will take you to the hotel from the Tribhuvan International Airport. Today is to rest and settle down. Then in the evening, there will be a briefing of your trip, an introduction of your trekking crew, and a welcome dinner with some delicious Nepali food.
Today, we will roam around the cultural marvels of Kathmandu. You will go to the distinguished places such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath with the help of a local guide.
In the meantime, we will complete your permits and logistics. In the afternoon, you will have time to go shopping for last-minute trekking requirements. You will spend your night at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3 starts with a scenic flight to Bhadrapur, then by motor vehicle into the north through the tea-covered hills and rural villages to Taplejung (Phungling). You will experience the transformation of the landscape itself: the plains will be replaced by the green, picturesque hills. In the late afternoon, we reach Taplejung and have a meal. You will stay this day at the lodge or camp in Taplejung.
We will descend through terraced fields and villages. Once beyond the Tamor River, we cross Panisar and Hangdewa, then arrive at Mitlung. It is a gentle start through cardamom orchards and leafy walks. We have camped tonight, by the river, and this is your first night in the tent--all the sounds of nature all around. Overnight stay in Mitlung.
Today we walk along the Tamor River and pathways between green hills. Rising and falling slightly, the trail has great points of view and includes a combination of forest and small villages. We pause at Siwa Bazaar, a pretty Limbu village with a handful of shops, then walk into the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. After inspecting our permits at Thiwa, we descend through terraced fields, following the river to Chiruwa. We will go camping and have a nice campfire tonight.
We move further into the mountains today, along some wonderful bamboo and rhododendron forests. After one or two later, we will reach Tapethok, where there is a check of our restricted area permit. Further on, the path becomes more distant, and we will walk passing cardamom fields and a suspension bridge. Climbing through oak and pine forests provides a rewarding albeit steep drive to Lelep, a small, quiet village that is the headquarters of the conservation area. You will spend this night camping on Lelep.
Our journey starts with forests and a dramatic Suspension Bridge, after which we end up at the Gowata, which includes two amazing waterfalls. We relax and then ascend to Phedi, and then take a final ascent to Ila Danda - Cardamom hill. The view of this quiet meadow is superb, which makes the camping experience very serene. Take pleasure in the beauty of nature with trees. You will spend the night doing overnight camping at Ila Danda.
Today, we are off into deeper wildland. We will walk through rhododendron and alder forests, over a river, to Makuwa, having lunch. The path keeps growing through wild scenery with less evidence of humanity. In the afternoon, we will be at Selep Kharka, a large herd of pasture frequented by grazing yaks. A lovely, quiet place to camp tonight.
We walk through the magnificent rustling of the cedar forest and the rhododendron forest, and have a tea break at Ramite. Much of our way is marked by a beautifully falling waterfall and an old pine. In the first part of the afternoon, we reach Olangchung Gola-ana obscure Tibetan-populated village with wooden-built houses, an old monastery that is 400 years old. It is the final actual village before our entrance into the high Himalayas.
We will leave the last village behind and explore dense alpine country. The forest thins and is replaced by open meadows and rocky geography. We gradually climb through high pastures.
We will then reach Langmale, a remote and rugged valley camp with dramatic peaks. You will do overnight camping here to spend the night.
You will spend this day acclimatizing. We will leave Langmale and follow the narrow Tamor River. The landscape becomes rocky with alpine grasses and glaciers as we move forward.
We have a lunch break at Yangetar, then walk slowly to reach Pass Camp. The area nearby is barren though alluring, and located right below the pass. We rest and prepare for tomorrow’s big pass crossing.
We begin your hike earlier than the sun comes, with hot beverages, warm clothes, and mountainous switchbacks. The trail will pass upward and reach 5,177 m, where you get an amazing view of Makalu west, Kanchenjunga east.
This is the perfect spot for a photographer. After enjoying the scenery for some time, descend to a peaceful yak pasture named Yak Kharka, where you spend the night.
This day's trek is easier compared to yesterday's trek. We will descend exposed slopes, passing juniper and rhododendron forest, where the air gets thicker, warmer.
You will have lunch at Jungle Camp, then continue walking to the rhododendron forests. Later in the afternoon, we arrive at Thudam- an isolated Sherpa village that lies near the border of Tibet. We camp near the village and explore its surroundings.
We will follow the Chujung Khola through a wild, beautiful valley. The trail consists of an easy, narrow trail that is difficult, where previous landslides reveal scars along the hillside. As we move forward, the landscape changes and turns greener and more welcoming. After walking for half a day, we arrived at Kharka, a small pasture with a thatched shelter for a herder. We are camped here within wooded ridges.
Today, we move on down slopes in deep woods. The path is winding and meandering and crosses obscured clearings such as Chaurikharka. While walking, we will reach the Arun River, which is flowing wide, singing an amazing song.
Finally, one last ascent is carried to Chyamtang, an ending village on the hillside. There are stone houses, smiling faces, and Makalu visions. We get into camp, outside the local school, and begin to taste the conditions of civilization.
Today, the trail is meandering through a forest of subtropical richness. We drive through small clearances, bird life, and terraced fields. We rest after a couple of hours in Gibla village, and proceed on a picturesque route over the Arun River. Before noon, we reach Hatiya, a Bhotiya village by the confluence of two rivers. We camp nearby and spend time walking around in the afternoon.
It is one of those easy walking days today. We leave Hatiya and walk along the Arun River, frequently utilized by locals. After three hours walking, we arrive at a very beautiful place where the Arun and Barun Rivers meet.
From here, we will take a short walk down to the remote riverside village of Gola. You will reach Gola by lunch and enjoy the day resting or roaming around the nearby area.
Our final full day on foot begins with a gradual climb away from the river. We pass small farms and terraced hillside where you can see corn, millets, etc. growing.
After an hour of walking, we will reach Pathibhara, an idyllic rural hamlet with panoramic views of the Arun valley. From there, we will walk through forests to Hedangna Gadha, a prehistoric fortification on a hilltop.
The ruins are deteriorating, yet the location is special. Tonight we camp here and have a night outing under the stars--it is the last night that we shall camp in the mountains.
This morning we trek downhill for two hours to Num, where the road now reaches. This is the place where our trek officially ends. After saying goodbye to the porter team, we jump into jeeps and start the bumpy journey through a picturesque ride to Tumlingtar. The road passes across rivers and ridges, leading us to the airport. Then, we would take a short flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you will transfer to the hotel where you will rest.
Sadly, today marks the end of your amazing trip across the Lumba Sumba pass. After our breakfast this morning, you have free time to relax or do last-minute shopping for souvenirs if your flight is not until later in the day. We will provide a transfer to Tribhuvan Airport for your international flight departure. Say goodbye to Nepal and carry your memories of untouched valleys, towering peaks, and the uniqueness of experiences from the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. We wish you a safe flight home and hope to see you again in the Himalayas! Trip end.
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek accommodation is all camping-based, but limited teahouse options exist in places like Olangchung Gola and Thudam. We have all the necessary camping equipment in our trekking package that includes a two-person tent, a sleeping mat, a dining tent, a kitchen tent, and minimal cooking gear.
You will spend the night before and after the trek in 3-4 star hotels or the local guesthouses, particularly in Kathmandu, Taplejung, or Tumlingtar. When camping on the trek, a camp is normally established in the vicinity of some small villages or pasturelands, and our support team does the work of establishing and deforesting the camp.
The Lumba Sumba Pass trek requires one to get various permits since it involves entering the restricted areas and national parks. These are the Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, the Makalu Barun National Park Permit, and the Restricted Area Permit of Sankhuwasabha District.
This trip will include domestic flights, all permits, meals, camping gear, trekking staff, and accommodations in Kathmandu and the trailhead towns. The trip doesn’t include personal expenses, travel insurance, entry visa fees for Nepal, or gratuities for staff. It is more expensive than teahouse-type treks, but a good deal for this remote trek with support.
Altitude sickness is a major threat in this walk, particularly after Olangchung Gola, as the path ascends rapidly with an altitude above 5,100 meters. You can experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue in case you climb at an excessively rapid pace. We have acclimatization days in our itinerary to curb these risks.
Use the rule of climbing high, sleeping low when you can, and checking your oxygen level with oximeters. There is the availability of Diamox, and our guides are trained in first aid. In a worst-case scenario, emergency helicopters can be used to evacuate individuals, and as a result, high-altitude trekking insurance is required. The thing is to stay hydrated and not to rush.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the meals of Lumba Sumba Trek- this is filled with full-board meals per day. A fresh, hygienic meal is prepared by our skilled cook and kitchen staff, combining Nepali and Western food to maintain the trekkers’ energy levels throughout the challenging days.
Breakfast can be porridge, eggs, or pancakes. Lunch can be packed or hot food cooked on the way, depending on what is on the plan. Hot food is served at dinner, and is often rice, pasta, potatoes, and vegetables, and occasionally canned meat. The water is boiled or filtered, and special diets are accommodated.
The Lumba Sumba Trek is an awe-inspiring experience of the Kanchenjunga and Makalu ranges. On a clear day, trekkers at the summit of the Lumba Sumba Pass are able to see distant Himalayan giants such as Everest. The Snowy peaks are illuminated by sun rays in golden colors, thus leaving incomparable sight scenes each time it rises.
Two ecologically rich conservation areas, Kanchenjunga and Makalu-Barun, are found along the trail. The wildlife in these safeguarded areas, such as the red panda and the snow leopard, is rare. Although they are not common, sightings of the paw prints are common among the trekkers. On the trail, you are more likely to see Himalayan tahr, musk deer, marmots, pikas, and several birds.
All trekkers on the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek must have travel insurance; trekking can be undertaken at very high altitudes where the area is very remote. The insurance policy must cover trekking at high altitudes (up to 5,500 meters) and include emergency helicopter evacuation (this may be your only hope in the case of altitude sickness or injury). You will want your insurance policy coverage to be between $100,000–$500,000.
Besides evacuation and medical coverage, your insurance would also include trip cancellation, flight delays, and lost/stolen baggage. We ask that you provide proof of insurance before the trek so we can respond quickly in an emergency. Just use a provider like World Nomads or Global Rescue and don’t ever underestimate the importance of travel insurance
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Treks: Instead of the west route toward Makalu, trekkers can opt to stay entirely in the Kanchenjunga area. The Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp treks, either as stand-alone or combined as the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek, are stunning 20-24 day journeys to the very feet of the world’s third-highest peak. Teahouse infrastructure is basic, and a more remote cultural experience with the Limbu and Sherpa villages.
Makalu Base Camp Trek: On the western end is the Makalu Base Camp trek (about 16-20 days), which would lead from Tumlingtar up to the base of Mt. Makalu. This route is challenging, indeed, but it yields mesmerizing views of Everest and Lhotse at the same time. If you have the time, you could also connect a leg of the Lumba Sumba route and the Makalu BC as well (extreme adventurer via the Sherpani Col pass).
Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) segments: The Lumba Sumba Pass, in fact, is part of the GHT high route. There is a great deal of opportunity for avid trekkers who want to do an extended section of the GHT, including traversing east-west…for example, you could depart from the Lumba Sumba and opt to continue west on the GHT towards the Arun Valley trek or even link up with the Everest region. To the east, you could start in the Kanchenjunga region.
Shorter Off-brand Treks: In the neighborhood, examples of other off-brand treks are the Tamang heritage trails in eastern Taplejung, or the Milke Danda ridge, famous for rhododendrons (shorter and lower altitude). These treks are more modest than Lumba Sumba but offer a great cultural immersion.
Mainstream Treks: If you fell in love with Nepal but would like something a little less of a logistical undertaking for your next trek, you might consider mainstream treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or Manaslu Circuit. They offer a majority of lodges and personal comforts, but also considerably more trekkers.
Each of these alternatives offers certain appeal. For the wilderness lover, the Kanchenjunga and Makalu region trek will remain the premier contender. We can help with your process of elimination based on your desired preferences, such as whether you would like to trek to the highest mountain, have a cultural experience, or find solitude, and even create a customized itinerary including alternate or side trips or combining sections/regions if you have extra days.
A licensed guide should be employed because the hike will go through restricted zones and will include camping in the wild.
It is a complete camping and walking trek, but the trek starting point has a few teahouses.
At high camps, the temperature may fall below -10°CC to -15 °C.
Yes, you have to pay a little money for electricity or charging at the teahouse.
We do provide drinking water that is safe to consume. However, you should bring a refillable bottle.
Breakfast is usually porridge, eggs, and toast. Lunch and Dinner consist of dahl bhat (rice and lentils), noodles or pasta, hot soup, tea, and some snacks from time to time.
You will require the RAP, the KCA permit, the Makalu-Barun permit, and the Sankhuwasabha RAP.
Yes, this is a journey that is only appropriate to those who are experienced trekkers because of its remoteness and high pass.
The expedition traverses its maximum height at the Lumba Sumba Pass of 5,177 m.
The guide will monitor your oxygen level with the help of an oximeter, and in extreme situations, the evacuation with a helicopter is organized.
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