Max. Elevation
Overview
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is one of the most adventurous and remote trekking routes in Nepal, connecting the Kanchenjunga region with the Makalu region through the spectacular Lumba Sumba Pass at 5,177 meters (16,985 feet). This challenging Himalayan trek takes you through untouched mountain landscapes, traditional villages, dense forests, alpine valleys, and the pristine wilderness of eastern Nepal. It is an excellent choice for experienced trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure away from Nepal's busy trekking trails.
The highlight of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is crossing the high-altitude Lumba Sumba Pass, surrounded by magnificent Himalayan scenery and spectacular views of peaks in the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions. Along the route, you will explore remote settlements such as Olangchung Gola and Thudam, experience the traditional lifestyles of eastern Nepal's ethnic communities, and discover the cultural heritage of the Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, and other local groups.
This remote trek offers an incredible diversity of natural landscapes, from subtropical forests and pristine rivers to alpine meadows and rugged Himalayan terrain. The region is also rich in biodiversity, providing habitat for rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard. With limited infrastructure, challenging trails, river crossings, and long stretches through isolated wilderness, the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek requires good physical fitness, proper preparation, and previous trekking experience.
Itinerary
Expand AllFrom the moment you arrive in Kathmandu, a crew member will warmly welcome you at the airport. You'll be brought to the hotel for some much-needed rest after that. After a briefing of the trek's progress and presentation, there is scheduled free time. If you get here early, you'll have the entire day. This can serve as a spot for visitors to unwind or to freely explore the surroundings. It's the ideal chance to enjoy the local food and learn everything there is to know about Nepalese culture.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Dinner
- Elevation:1,440 m
- Activity: Hotel Transfer
We start the Kanchenjunga expedition preparations in Kathmandu, where your experience starts. In addition to equipment checks and, if necessary, last-minute gear purchases, the day will feature a thorough briefing by your guide. Additionally, we'll take care of any required permit paperwork. Before the trip, you can take advantage of some spare time to explore Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Dinner
- Elevation:1,440 m
- Activity: Preparation day
We will take a flight to Suketar from Kathmandu early in the morning. The flight will take approximately 30- 35 minutes. We will take our bus towards the Taplejung. Depending upon the traffic and the road, the journey will take nearly 6- 8 hours. We rest for the night in one of the tea houses or lodges.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:1,442 m
- Activity: Flight and drive
We will begin our journey to Thapethok early in the morning with the 4- 5 hour drive. Later on, we will trek through the dense forests of rhododendrons and various suspension bridges. We will explore the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA). We need to take the entry permit for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area before entering at Lelep. We find peace here at Lelep, far from the modern world.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:1,456 m
- Activity: Drive and 6 hours of walking
The next day, we continue through the bank of the Tamor River. We will be mesmerized by the beauty of this region. We come across terraced fields, farms, and pine forests during the trail. Gradually, we will ascend and take a break at one of the Buddhist monasteries. Furthermore, we will trek ahead towards Gowatar and finally reach Ela Dada.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:2,051 m
- Activity: 7 hours of walking
We will begin our exciting journey toward Selep Kharka today. After an hour of walking, we cross the suspension bridge where the bamboo forests start. The place is well known for the Red panda. After four hours of walking, we reach Maguwa for lunch. We would reach Selep Kharka for the night approximately 1.5 hours from Maguwa. There aren't many tea establishments here, so you might have to camp.
- Accommodation: Tea house or Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:2,525 m
- Activity: 5 hours of walking
Our destination for today is Olanchung Gola. It is a beautiful, small Sherpa village comprised of KCA offices, 465-year-old Buddhist monasteries, and lovely people. You will be delighted by the heartfelt hospitality offered by these local people. The trek will continue crossing Jongim and Ramite. We stop here to have our lunch and restart our trek towards Olanchung Gola.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:3,208 m
- Activity: 6 hours of walking
After trekking for three consecutive days, you will arrive at the stunning alpine landscape. You arrive in Jadak for a peaceful lunch after the hike. Starting from Jadak, the route may be snowy as we move ahead towards Upper Langmale. Once we reach there, we will be staying overnight.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:3,893 m
- Activity: 6 hours of walking
We begin our trek towards the base of Lumba Samba Pass with a gradual ascent. The hike will take almost 6 hours along the Tamor Khola ( river ). Throughout the trail, there are high chances of seeing snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and other animals. We will have lunch at Tangchetar, and finally, we will be staying overnight here at Pass Camp.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:4,747 m
- Activity: 6 hours of walking
Our adventure began early in the morning after having breakfast. It will be one of the memorable treks as it includes the ascent of the Lumba Samba pass. We will explore the Lumba Sumba pass. It is one of the most challenging yet the most rewarding. The trail provides one of the most spectacular stunning views of peaks and later descends to Chaurikharka.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation: 4,594 m
- Activity: 6 hours of walking
We descend downhill towards the Thudam. The trail will lead to the human settlements, ending the wilderness of the trek. We reach Dobato after 3- 4 hours of trek, which is the intersection of the two roads. One leads to the Thudam and the other to Lyasha in Tibet. We continued our walk until we reached Thudam.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation: 3500 m
- Activity: 7 hours of walking
The hike today follows the Chunjung Khola River, passing through bamboo groves and tiny shrubs while offering breathtaking views of the Makalu mountain. Experience the natural beauty and traditional cuisine on the route from Thudam to Kharka.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:3,500 m
- Activity: 6 hours of walking
Chyamthang is a small mountain village dominated by the Sherpa community. We will be trekking towards and staying here overnight. We hike upward to reach our Chyamthang today after continuing our journey downhill till we reach the Arun River and cross it over on a suspension bridge.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation: 2,877 m
- Activity: 7 hours of walking
We will enter the Arun Valley to trek towards Hatiya. The Arun valley offers diverse flora and fauna, especially because it is heaven for the bird lover. We will stop by Gliber village for lunch, which offers a few of the grand snow-capped mountains. The trekking experience is enhanced by the tweeting and chirping of the birds. At night, you will be welcomed by the Bhotia people in Hatiya. This is the entry point to Makalu National Park.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation: 2,877 m
- Activity: 7 hours of walking
The trek destination for today is the Gola village. It is a small yet beautiful village consisting of 12 houses only. Ethnic people reside here, such as Sherpa, Rai, and Tamang. After two and a half hours of hiking, we entered the Arun and Barun rivers. We will have our lunch and continue our trek towards Gola. The trek will continue for two more hours. We will stay overnight here at Gola.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:1,595 m
- Activity: 6 hours of walking
The trek begins early in the morning with a short descent and a short climb. We will hike for two and a half hours from Gola, we will reach Pathibhara for lunch. It is a small Gurung village with tea shops, groceries, and hotels. We will start our hike for hours until we reach Tumlingtar. We stay here for the night.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation:1,128 m
- Activity: 7 hours of trekking
We'll take a direct flight to Tumlingtar Airport to reach Kathmandu, where we may take in the picturesque views of the surrounding hills. After checking into the hotel, we will have one final chance to experience traditional Nepalese food.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation: 1,400 m
- Activity: Fly
Today, you have the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate or explore Kathmandu at your leisure, which may include shopping or engaging in any activity of your choice. Feel free to make the most of this day according to your preferences and interests.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Elevation: 1,440 m
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Activity: Rest day
Depending on the departure time of your flight, our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to provide our services to you again.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Elevation: 1,440 m
- Meal: Breakfast
- Activity: Departure from the international airport
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 and 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, TIMS Card and conservation entry fee.
Special permit : Kanchenjunga restricted permit.
Staff insurance : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
Map : Manaslu Region Trekking map.
Member Transportation : (Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur - and while returning from Bhadrapur - 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 and Lodging : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
Guide : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
Porter : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
Staff Salary and 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 and 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.Note saftey Measures:
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, 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:
- The 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.
- The Assistant Guide actively helps clients under the leader’s direction and sets up camp.
- The 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 stay 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, a bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Lumba Sumba Pass 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, Tibetan bread 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 (Hydrochlorothiazide, 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 participation in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoying 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. The 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.
Less MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Expand AllIn eastern Nepal, the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a less traveled and relatively new hiking route. It leads you through isolated and pristine areas with breathtaking Himalayan views, a variety of plants and animals, and a chance to learn about the rich local cultures.
Your safety is our top priority. We never sacrifice your safety while trekking, and all of our guides are adequately qualified and prepared to look out for our clients' safety, especially on high-adventure routes.
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek. Long walking days, hard climbs and descents, and traversing high mountain passes are all part of it. It is advised to have prior hiking experience and to be in good physical condition. We do not recommend this trek for beginners.
Depending on the schedule and the group's speed, the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek often takes 19 to 25 days to finish.
Trekking in the Lumba Sumba region requires a special permit known as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP). Additionally, you must get the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card as well.
As the Lumba Sumba Pass trek is an underdeveloped route, there are limited options for tea houses and lodges. We recommend you carry your camping gear and food.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the ideal seasons to complete the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. Clear skies, consistent weather, and excellent mountain visibility during these months give you the best trekking experience.
Since the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek will take you to high elevations, there is a chance that you could get altitude sickness. Drink lots of water, pay attention to your body's cues, and acclimate yourself appropriately. A doctor's advice is also advised before starting the trek.
While there are luxurious restrooms in the city, the Lumba Sumba Trekking area does not have the same conveniences. Typically, there are basic facilities that must be shared with other tourists.
In the more rural Lumba Sumba Trekking zone, communication services are unpredictable and heavily impacted by both climatic and topographical factors. As a result, maintaining flexibility is still necessary.