Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek connecting the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) housing the world’s third-highest, Kanchenjunga (8598 m) and Makalu Barun National Park which is home to the fifth-highest peak, Makalu (8485 m). It is one of the new trekking routes that is first explored in 2012 and offers a wilderness trekking experience along the GHT (Great Himalayan Trail).
This 20-day-long journey walk begins in the subtropical region and goes all the way to the alpine region. It is filled with many difficulties having you traverse through high mountain passes, untamed environments, and isolated valleys and terrains. Numerous floras and faunas are encountered on the routes. The major mentions are snow leopard and red panda.
One of the many highlights of this Lumba Sumba Pass Trek journey is the stunning Nanga La Pass. The route offers extraordinary wilderness and mountain experiences. The wilderness experiences of the mountain are the reason we will find no settlement during the trek in several days along the path to Lumba Sumba pass. The Tamor and Arun river system is also another high attraction. These two rivers are the major tributaries of the mighty Sapta Koshi River. The route goes on through alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, dense temperature and subtropical forests, and low river valleys.
Lumba Sumba Pass at 5160 meters above sea level is the major attraction of this off-the-trail trekking route but you will also be rewarded with spectacular landscapes, a breathtaking topography, and the culture of different ethnic groups like the Limbus, Rai, Sherpas, Magars, and Tamang. It delivers cultural aspect side by side with natural beauty. Monasteries, Chortens, temples, prayer flags, and numerous prayer walls add flavor to the trek. The culture and lifestyle is a thing of interesting aspects.
Major Highlights of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek:
- Embrace the original path to Everest that is used by early mountaineers in Nepal
- Great opportunities to get the sights of the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Black Bear
- Pass through some of the most isolated Nepalese villages such as Olangchung Gola and Thudam
- Breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Mount Kumbakarna
- Experience the GHT (Great Himalayan Trail) trekking from east to west of Nepal
- Traverse past the least explored but one of the most beautiful mountain pass, Lumba Sumba at 5160 meters
- Enjoy the unique culture, tradition, customs, and hospitality of the Sherpa people
- Habitat for endangered species such as Snow Leopards and Red pandas
- Get one of the best camping trek experiences
- Discover various kinds of floras, faunas, birds, and landscapes
- Come across beautiful waterfalls, small streams, and rivers
Difficulty Level of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a lengthy and challenging walk, but it is not impossibly arduous that connect Kanchenjunga and Makalu trails. Many key factors, including high altitude, prolonged duration, unpredictable weather, off-the-beaten-path travel, and beautiful landscape, contribute to the difficulty level of a trek. This multiday trek also takes place in the high Himalayas and follows a difficult terrain with numerous ascents and descents. Due to the length of time required, this walk is also difficult. You will be trekking through rural communities for more than two weeks, which calls for extreme physical and mental stamina.
The walk starts at 2000 meters in Taplejung and gradually gains altitude until it reaches the highest point, Lumba Sumba Pass, at 5,160 meters. On the journey, you'll pass through a number of challenging high mountain passes. As a result, at such a high altitude, altitude sickness is a serious danger. One should be proactive when it comes to this sickness and alert the guide as soon as symptoms like a headache, nausea, fatigue, etc. develop. A helicopter rescue service is constantly on call to facilitate emergency evacuation in the event of a critical situation.
You'll need to walk for 6-7 hours every day in order to complete 10 to 11 kilometers. While regular fitness may help you build confidence while trekking, technical training is not required. So, months before leaving for the trip, we advise you to work out aerobically by running, jogging, backpacking, swimming, or going to the gym.
Best time for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Autumn/fall is considered the best period to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek because of the stable weather and pleasant temperature. The autumn starts in mid/late September and lasts till November with bright, sunny, and warm days and crystal clear Himalayan views and landscape vistas. As the monsoon door closes and winter comes to an end, autumn ushers in an ideal trekking environment. Many wildlife can also be spotted during this time basking in the warmth of the sun.
Another best time to go for this trek is during the spring season when the temperature is moderate. The first spring month March could be a little colder than the other spring months as it is the post-winter month. As the winter slowly concludes for the year, the vegetation also slowly comes to life with different blossoms. It's that time of year when lush forests, colorful rhododendrons, and an abundance of greenery line the trails in the Himalayan highlands. You may unwind and savor the peace and quiet of the mountains, the transparency of the sky, and the perfect climate. The paths will be drier during these months, and both the weather and the scenery are excellent.
Trekkers should not worry about crowds even if these are high seasons because this Lumba Sumba Pass trail sees very few tourists.
Trekking to Lumba Sumba Pass Trail should be avoided during the rainy season because of the slippery pathways and impassable roads caused by the severe rains. Additionally, due to the heavy snowfall, impassable paths, and unfavorable weather, trekking is frequently impossible during the winter.
Permits required for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Lumba Sumba trek is one of the diverse trekking destinations in Eastern Nepal. The trail expands through Kanchenjunga and Makalu restricted areas where a traveler needs a special permit to explore the trekking regions. The permits required for exploring Lumba Sumba Pass Trek are:
- Kanchenjunga Special Permit
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) Entry Permit
- Makalu Barun National Park Entrance Permit
- Restricted Area Permit for Sangkhuwasabha District
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| September 20 - January 1 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by one of the Everest View representatives. Then you will be transferred to your designated hotel and escorted through your hotel check-in process. After you have freshened up and rested for a bit, you will have a short briefing session regarding your Lumba Sumba Pass Trek at your hotel lobby. Later, if you are interested, we can have a short strolling time around the Thamel market. You will be introduced to the local lifestyle and surroundings. During our Thamel street exploration, we will come across many small Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines, and stupas.
Note: If you arrive in Kathmandu by noon and you do have jet lag, you can opt for the half-day Kathmandu sightseeing where you will be taken to one or two of the UNESCO-enlisted heritages of Kathmandu depending upon the time and your interest.
Fly to BhadraPur ,Scenic Drive to Taplejung.
We will take the earliest flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu today. After a 45 minutes flight above the diverse hills and terrains, we land at Bhadrapur Airport where you will meet your supporting crew. From the airport, we will drive directly to Taplejung for the night. The drive on the blacktop road goes past the vast landscapes, high hills, and small mountains passing through the beautiful lush tea garden of Kanyan and Fikkal in Ilam. As we approach our guesthouse in Taplejung we are welcomed by the black/big cardamom forests. Taplejung is the biggest producer of the spice called black/big cardamom in the world. Once at our lodging, we rest and look forward to the trip.
(Note: If the flight gets delayed, we will stop at Bhadrapur for the night. If so, our Taplejung drive will be scheduled tomorrow morning extending the trip days.)
Trek to Chiruwa
Today marks the beginning of our trekking days towards the Lumba Sumba Pass. The trek begins alongside the Tamor River with a moderate walk to Furumba then a climb up then descent to Siwa Bazaar. The trail leads uphill till the checkpoint of Kanchenjunga Conservation then gradually descend to Chiruwa. The freshwater and presence of fertile land make this region crucial farmland of the valley. After 5-6 hours of trek, we will enjoy the beauty of Chiurwa
Trek to Lelep
Today as well trek rungs along the mighty Tamor River. You will encounter two big stones with religious significance at the start of the trek. The trek passes through Ulnas trees. After a walk of two and a half hours through beautiful cardamom gardens, we reach Tapethok. It's a small market with local tea shops where you rest a bit. You cross the checkpoint and start walking uphill to reach your destination today. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area headquarter is also in Lelep which we will be exploring upon reaching there and a bit of freshening up. There are also groceries, tea-shops where you can enjoy.
Trek to Ila Danda
After breakfast, we move our way towards Ila danda through a dense forest that offers good habitats for different wildlife species. You need to be highly lucky to witness snow leopards. We cross the beautiful suspension bridge and climb uphill through the pine forest until we reach the monastery. After paying a visit and resting bit in the monastery, we start descending until we reach Gowatar, a small village settlement. After a half-hour walk from Gowatar,
We reach a place that offers breathtaking views of two waterfalls about 100m tall. Enjoying the view and bidding farewell to waterfalls we continue our hike crossing the Tamor river we reach Chautaroo (Chautaroo is the traditional place where people rest). Another half an hour’s walk leads to our destination, Ila danda. The place offers a majestic view of snow-capped peaks. Overnight stay at Tented Camp
Trek to Selep Kharka
Today after breakfast, we pass through a lush rhododendron forest. After an hour of walking, we reach the suspension bridge from where the dense bamboo forest starts. The place is popular for Red Panda. If you are lucky you might witness Red Panda. After walking for about 3 and a half hours, we reach a place Maguwa. The trail passes through maple and Ulnus forest. Walking through woods for about one hour from here, we reach our destination today. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Olangchung Gola
After breakfast early in the morning, we head towards Jongim along the bank of the Tamor River. Jognim is a flat land surrounded by snowcapped hills. The trail passes through a rhododendron forest and a suspension bridge. After an uphill walk of about an hour, we reach Ramite. Here, we can see a mixed forest of Deodar and rhododendron. We see a beautiful waterfall after a walk about an hour onwards from Ramite. We will catch a faraway view of beautiful Olangcgung Gola village after 45 mins walk from the waterfall. Upon reaching Olangchung Gola we can explore the monastery with the golden manuscript and KCAP office. It's a beautiful Sherpa village. We spend overnight at a tented camp.
Trek to Upper Langmane
Today after breakfast we start our trek through the wilderness of this region. However, piles of stones along the way act as signposts, showing our direction. The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forests. After a walk of two and half hours, we reach a place called Jadak where we rest a bit and walk onwards through the snowy track until our destination arrives.
Today after breakfast, we start our trek through the wilderness of this region. However, piles of stones along the way act as signposts, showing our direction. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Pass Camp
Today, the trek runs along the Tamor River, and on the other side of the river lies a dense rhododendron forest. After a walk of about 3 hours, we reach a place called Tangchetar. Another 3 hours of walk until we reach our destination today. O/N at tented camp
Trek to Chaurikharka Via Lumba Sumba Pass
Today is exciting day since we are about to explore Lumba Sumba Pass (5177 M). This would be difficult yet rewarding. The trail today climbs upwards and downwards. We pack lunch for today. After a challenging about 5 hours of walk from pass camp, we reach Lumba Sumba Pass. We tackle the altitude with no rushing steady walking and staying hydrated. We descend towards Chaurikharka overnight after the exploration of the Lumba Sumba Pass. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Thudam
We descend towards Thudam after breakfast today. End of the complete wilderness we start seeing civilization. After a walk of about three and a half hours, we come across Dobato (which is generally a junction of two roads/ways/trails). One leads us towards Lyasha in Tibet and another to our destination. We walk onwards until we reach Thudam village. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Yak Kharka
Today, we walk along the Chujung Khola. The trail today offers a panoramic view of the Makalu range. The trail follows by small bushes and bamboo groves. It is also famous for Red Panda. If you are lucky enough you can see endangered Red Panda grazing in the bamboo. We carry a full water bottle today since there is less water facility available. After walking six hours and getting lost in the woods for six hours, we reach our destination today. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Chyamtanng
Today after breakfast early in the morning, we start our journey toward Chyamtang. The trail passes through dense rhododendron forest. After a walk of about three hours from Yak kharka, we reach a place called Chaurikharka from where we can see the faraway view of beautiful Chyamtang. We continue our journey downhill until we reach the Arun River where we cross a suspension bridge over the Arun and the trek is uphill until we reach our destination today. Upon reaching Chyamtang we can see Sherpa culture and lifestyle. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Hatiya
After breakfast early in the morning, we walk through rhododendron forests with birds chirping pleasant sounds. The trail is one of the most popular for bird watching as we are entering ARUN VALLEY which is home to different species of birds. A walk of about two and a half hours leads us to Glimber village where we rest a bit overviewing snow-capped mountains in the Makalu Range. Onwards from Glimber, it is an easy walk of about three hours to reach Hatiya (a small village of Bhote people). Hatiya is also the entry point to the Makalu National Park. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Gola
Today we complete 2nd week of trekking collecting and making memories. We memorize the memories created together and walk along the bank of the Arun River. After a walk of about two and a half hours, we reach the confluence of the Arun and Barun rivers. Sightseeing this beautiful place we head towards Gola. In about two and half-hour we reach Gola. Upon reaching Gola we can experience the culture, and lifestyle of the Rai, sherpa, and Tamang people. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Hedang Gadhi
The trek passes through paddy fields - a sign that we are on lowlands. After a walk of about two and a half hours, we reach Pathivara where we see Gurung village with tea shops, groceries, and some hotels. The trail offers agricultural land and human settlements. After walking for three hours we reach our destination today. Gadhi is a historically significant place where Nepali Army fought with invading Tibetan army in the past. O/N at tented camp.
Trek to Num & Drive to Tumlingtar
Today is the last day of our trek. We stop hiking until the next journey after two and half hours of walking from Gadhi. The trek is downhill till the Arun River. After crossing the river, an uphill of about one and a half hours takes us to Num village. Here we pack the bag tied and load it into the jeep and make our way toward Tumlingtar. The drive offers colorful terraced fields. A 4-5 hour scenic drive takes us to Tumlingtar. O/N at guesthouse/hotel.
Flight to Kathmandu
We transfer you to the Tumlingtar Airport for the flight to Kathmandu after breakfast. You will again get to enjoy a magical aerial view of giant hills and landscapes. Once in the capital and at hotel check-in, you are on your own. You can opt. for the guided Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing or visit one of the spa centers in Thamel to unwind from the long trekking days. In the evening, we will have authentic Nepalese cuisine as a farewell dinner with the team.
Departure from Kathmandu
You will be transferred to the airport after breakfast or 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight back to your home country or onward destination.
Includes/Excludes
- All Airport Transfers (pick up & drop off) on a private vehicle
- 3* category standard accommodations on a twin/double sharing basis in Kathmandu
- All domestic transfers (KTM-Bhadrapur & Tumlingtar-KTM)
- Best Available Accommodation in Bhadrapur and Tumlingtar
- Tented accommodations during the trek as mentioned above in the itinerary
- Daily Breakfast at Hotel in Kathmandu and Bhadrapur/Tumlingtar
- Full Board Meals(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner) & 3x(Tea or Coffee)
- An Experienced Trekking Guide during the trek
- All Wages such as Meals, accommodations, salary, insurance, and equipment for Supporting Crew members
- National Park/Conservation/TIMS Permits and Fees
- A Comprehensive First Aid Kit
- Welcome/Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- International airfares and airport tax
- Nepal Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Bhadrapur
- Personal Clothing/Trekking Equipment
- Personal expenses such as laundry, liquor, room service, hot showers, phone bills, and others Alcoholic beverages (Not suggested during the trekking journey)
- Tips to Guide, Porter, and Driver
- Any cost occurs from unfavorable conditions such as landslides, bad weather, flight cancellation, etc.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the included section