Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is one of the relatively new trekking adventures in the eastern part of Nepal, which was only opened in 2012. The treks in the eastern part of the Himalayas in Nepal are famous as long-route explorations that are not traveled frequently. Farther from the mainstream trekking hubs, this exciting Himalayan pass adventure will reward you with a tranquil experience and the opportunity to connect with the untamed wilderness. One of the fascinating things about trekking Lumba Sumba Pass is that you will explore two of the most popular trekking regions in the eastern part of Nepal, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu, as this pass sits right between them. So, if you are fond of the off-beaten trekking trails and want to take a break from your busy schedules to embrace the arms of nature, nothing comes closer to this remote and immersive exploration.

You will gradually follow the inclining trekking trails, passing across beautiful high-altitude ancient settlements of the different ethnic groups and experiencing their unique culture, traditions, and Himalayan lifestyle. Similarly, the natural allure of the region and the unspoiled, raw Himalayan beauty is another aspect to look up to in this journey. Also, this trek doesn’t lag behind when it comes to thrill factors either, as you will be taking on some of the thrilling Himalayas passes in the far-easter part of the country. Thus, overall, Lumba Sumba trekking is a fascinating journey that introduces you to the beautiful nature, exhilarating culture, traditions, thrills, and challenges of the eastern Himalayas

Highlights of Lumba Sumba Trek

• A newly introduced trekking route that is less frequently traveled
• Remote off-beaten trekking experience
• Crossing the Lumba Sumba Pass (5,177 meters) that connects Kanchenjunga and Makalu region
• Unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle of diverse ethnic groups in the region, such as Sherpa, Tamang, Lepchas, Rai, and Limbu
• Breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks like Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu, Yalung Kang, Kabru, Baruntse, Chamlang and many others
• Opportunity to experience the rich bido-diversity of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park
• Taking on the part of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) from the far-eastern part of the country

Lumba Sumba Trek Facts

• Destination: Lumba Sumba Trek
• Starting Point: Kathmandu
• Ending point: Kathmandu
• Maximum Altitude: 5177m/16984 ft
• No of Days: 28 days
• Best time: Spring and Autumn
• Group size: 1-12 max

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Itinerary

• Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu (1360m/4461 ft)
• Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1360m/4461 ft)
• Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur(91 m/298 ft) (45 minutes) and Drive to Illam (1627
• m/5334 ft) 4/5 hrs
• Day 4: Drive from Illam to Taplejung (1820m/5971 ft) (5 hrs)
• Day 5: Drive to Chirwa (3-4 Hrs) And trek to Sekthum (1585 m/5200 ft) 5/6 hrs
• Day 6: Trek from Sekhtum to Amjilosa (2510m/8234 ft) 5/6 hrs
• Day 7: Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730m/8956 ft) 6/7 hrs
• Day 8: Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa (3595m/11794 ft) 6/7 hrs
• Day 9: Acclimatization day in Ghunsa (Explore Tibetan Village Ghunsha Lake) 4000m/13123 ft
• Day 10: Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen (4050m/13287 ft) 5/6 hrs
• Day 11: Side trip to Janu Himal Base Camp (4500 m/14763 ft) 7 hrs
• Day 12: Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak (4785m/15698 ft) 5 hrs
• Day 13: Trek to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (5143m/16873 ft) and Back to Lhonak (4785m/15698 ft) 8 hrs
• Day 14: Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa (3595m/11794 ft) 7 hrs.
• Day 15: Trek from Gunsa to Nangala high camp 4160m/13648 ft) 4/5 hrs
• Day 16 : Trek from Nangala high camp to Yangma Khola 3406/11165 ft) 6 hrs
• Day 17 : Trek from Yangma Khola to Olangchun Gola (3208/10525 ft) 6/7 hrs
• Day 18: Acclimatization day in Olangchun Gola (3208/10525 ft)
• Day 19: Trek from Olangchun gola to Kharka  (4010 m/13156 ft) 6/7 hrs(campsite)
• Day 20: Trek from Kharka to Camp pass (4700m/15420 ft) 5 hrs
• Day 21: Trek from Camp Pass to Yak Kharka (4595m/15075ft) Via Lumba Sumba Pass (5177m/16984 ft) 7/8 hrs
• Day 22: Trek from yak kharka to Jungle Camp (3350m/10990ft) 6/7 hrs
• Day 23: Trek From jungle Camp to Yak Kharka (2870m/9416ft) 5/6 hrs
• Day 24: Trek from Yak Kharka to Linggam (2250m/7381 ft)  5/6 hrs
• Day 25 : Trek from Linggam to Hatiya (1595m/5232 ft) 5/6 hrs
• Day 26 : Drive to Tumlingtar (450m/1476ft) 8/9 hrs
• Day 27 : Flight to Kathmandu (1360m/4461 ft) 40 mins
• Day 28: Final Departure

Best Time for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is one of the incredible experiences in the far eastern part of the country. For taking on such a high altitude and long-haul trek, you need to choose the most appropriate time period to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the journey. So, the most appropriate period for this long Himalayan adventure would definitely be during one of the high seasons, such as spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these periods, your trek will be accommodated by pleasant climatic conditions and stable weather. But there is more to that if you do this trek in one of these peak seasons. The spring is considered the powerhouse of nature, as wherever you look, you will find nature at its peaks.

Be it the lush woodlands, the cultivated farmlands, wildflowers spread across the trail, the high-flowing river and waterfalls thanks to the melting snow, or the abundant Himalayan flora and fauna; the spring season doesn’t miss out on anything. As for the autumn season, it is mostly popular for the balance and sense of stability it brings, as you can expect the most stable weather throughout the year during this period. The trails are dry and comfortable, the view of the mountains is clear and stunning, and temperatures are pleasant. Similarly, autumn is also the most popular season to experience the incredible festivals in the country, as some of the biggest celebrations in the country occur during this period.

Who Can Do This Trek?

Although the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek may seem like a challenging endeavor due to its long route and significant altitudes that the trekkers have to overcome, this trekking journey has been graded at a moderate level. This means that the trekkers don’t have to navigate their way across any challenging technical parts en route or even physically strenuous sections. This newly introduced trekking route in the far-eastern Himalayas is actually a pleasant and slow-paced adventure where you will be able to explore the unspoiled parts of the Himalayas that still have preserved their wilderness factors. So, taking on this long, thrilling route won’t be a challenge if you have prepared enough, have basic fitness, and are in good health.

However, as trekkers have to overcome several physically demanding sections during the trek, including some of the significant Himalayas passes, this trek is not recommended for beginners. More than the physically challenging part of the trek, the long duration at the remote part of the Himalayas can be a bit discomforting for trekkers who are not experienced with remote explorations. Still, it doesn’t mean that beginners are not allowed to do this trek; if they have confidence in themselves backed up by good fitness and health, they can certainly take part in these remote explorations. That goes for everyone willing to do this trek, as there are no age restrictions at all or specific physical fitness requirements.

How Do I Prepare for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?

The preparation requirement for this marvelous Lumba Sumba Pass Trek will depend on your physical fitness and strength level. Normally, for trekking adventures in Nepal, a 3 to 6-week training time frame is recommended. This training period will give the trekkers enough time to be ready for the trek even if they aren’t that physically active in their daily lives. However, this Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a long, high-altitude journey that lasts almost a month. So, to ensure your comfort on such a long trail, it will be wise to put in some more effort to enhance your physical aspects. You are not required to have a top fitness level, but you should at least be able to walk multiple hours during each day of trek on uneven roads.

To have a better understanding of the terrain conditions, you can do some practice hiking around the steep region nearby. There are two benefits to doing this: one, you can understand the terrains and what aspects you need to work on and second, you will be able to test your trekking gear. You should primarily emphasize your strength and endurance level, which will be put to the test during the trek. Similarly, focusing on core strength will help you find balance, and cardiovascular/stamina training will improve your body’s ability to adapt to higher altitudes.

Altitude Sickness

Considering the high-altitude nature of the trek, you might also be concerned about the risk of altitude sickness during the trek. However, you don’t need to worry about its risk as you will not traverse the core region of the trans-Himalayan region (above 5,000 meters). So, the only major risk of altitude sickness in this route is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which is a milder form. You will begin your trekking part from Chirwa (1,270 meters), and the highest point of this trek that you will reach is Lumba Sumba Pass (5,177 meters). The overall altitude gain in this trek comes to 3,907 meters (12,818 feet); compared to other high Himalayan passes, the altitude gain isn’t that significant.

Still, NMA Nepal will follow all the precautionary methods to avoid any hassles related to altitude sickness during your trek. This Lumba Sumba Pass Trek package has been designed with the help of industry experts to trek slowly following a gradual ascend. So, you will ascend properly even on the trekking trail; on top of that, our package also includes enough acclimatization days at the most appropriate transitioning destination to neutralize the risk of altitude sickness.

What Makes This Trek Special?

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a newly introduced trekking route in the Nepali Himalayas. If you are a trekking enthusiast, you might have already heard about the major trekking routes in the country that are popular across the world. So, what will make your experience really special in this trekking route is the fact that it is less known which means it is also less traversed. If you are looking for a distinct experience away from the mainstream routes in the country, this is the sweetest deal. You will be able to explore the remote part of the Himalayas, which have been untouched by modernization.

So, not only this less-traversed trekking route will provide an unparalleled tranquil experience, but you will also be able to secure an authentic Himalayan trekking experience. During this trek, you will explore a diverse range of settlements from the low-land to all the way to alpine zones as this transits slowly across the driving route. The exhilarating cultural experience will then be backed by the serene atmosphere of the Himalayan wilderness, majestic vistas, and the alluring landscape that makes you feel like you have entered a different realm.

Food and Accommodation

The far-eastern region is one of the most isolated parts of the country. As it is, it is neither a mainstream trekking route nor is it close to one; you shouldn’t expect services like those regions if you have trekked in Nepal before. During the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, you will enjoy a decent level of food and accommodation facilities as you slowly move across the traditional settlements enroute. As you will also be camping at some sites during your trek, your crew will carry all the necessary equipment to set up the campsite and prepare meals. As for the food at the teahouses, you will receive healthy and nutritious meals; the teahouses generally offer popular traditional dishes.

Besides those, you will also be able to taste other Asian culture-inspired dishes at the teahouses, mostly Tibetan and Indian, and of course, some of the star continental menus. You don’t have to worry, even if you are vegan or vegetarian; you will be able to enjoy both meal options during this trek. 

Permit and Fee Required for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek will not only take you across the remote part of the far-eastern Himalayas but also across a major conservation area and restricted areas. So, you will have to get the required permits to access those regions on the mountain. You will need the following permits for this exhilarating Himalayan trek.

Permits for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
• Kanchenjunga Restircted Area Permit
• Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
• Restircted Area Permit for Sankhuwasabha

As this trek follows the trail of the popular Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions, getting these permits is mandatory. The four VDCs in the region, Yamphuding, Olangchung Gola, Lelep, and Paping of Kanchenjunga, have been designated as restricted areas by the Nepali authorities. So, you will need a restricted area permit to enter this part of the trail, which will cost around US$ 20 per person. Similarly, the permits to enter the conservation area of Kanchenjunga will cost around US$ 20 per person. The Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit costs it is about US$ 30 per person and the Restricted Area Permit for Sankhuwasabha US$ 20 per person for the first four weeks.

**Note: NMA Nepal will collect all the necessary permits for this trek; just submit the requested copies of the documents and photographs**

Guide and Porters

Although it is not impossible to do the long route high altitude trek to the Himalayas without a guide and porters, it is extremely difficult and severely affects your overall experience. The guide and porters are integral parts of any successful trekking adventure. Guides handle so many aspects of your trek, from all the logistic details, evaluating situations, providing information, and working as translators to taking care of your safety/security and comfort. So, it is a hard job to manage a trekking adventure to such a remote location without the help of a guide. Similarly, the porters are also equally important aspects of this Lumba Sumba Pass Trek as guides.

They will carry your luggage, and you will be able to travel more freely, truly enjoying the experience. Similarly, the porters also carry the tent equipment and food ingredients to prepare a proper tent and food during the exploration of the remote section of the mountain.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. You will have to get insurance to even apply for the permits. The travel insurance plans provide various coverages for medical care, lost baggage, evacuation, delays, etc. So, if you get an insurance plan, you will be able to travel more assuredly and enjoy the overall experience. There are different types of travel insurance that you can get during your visit to Nepal, and the cost of the package will depend on the overall coverage plans.

**Note: If you are looking for travel insurance, consider taking the insurance plan which has emergency evacuation included. You will be trekking at a high altitude where you won’t have access to the road so helicopter evacuation will be the only option for evacuation.**

Packing for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

As trekking is a four-season adventure in Nepal, the packing list for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek will depend on what kind of season you have chosen. If you are doing this trek during one of the peak seasons, such as spring and autumn, just light and comfortable clothes for different altitudes and appropriate gear will be sufficient for your trek. You can light layers for the lower region as the temperatures at such altitudes are generally warm, insulated layers and heavy outer layers for alpine zones and above as the climate is generally chilly. Gear like a trekking pole, sleeping bag, backpack, power bank, headlamp, GPS, etc will make your journey more convenient.

However, if you are planning this trek during any of the off-seasons, such as monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February), you will need to bring weather-appropriate gear and clothes. The monsoon is a rainy season with unpredictable weather, so rainproof outer layers, raincoats, waterproof covers for bags, non-slipper boots, etc., should be your top priority for the winter season, which is the pinnacle point of the Himalayas; warm and insulated layers should be your top priority. Similarly, you should also prepare your trekking boot with a microspike to easily walk over the snow, and other gear like a gaiter, insulation for the boot, neck buff, heating pad, etc. will be really helpful for the trek.