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Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Based on 10 reviews
duration
Duration

19 Days

difficulty
Trip Difficulty

Moderate

max-altitude
Max. Altitude

5,070m

destination
Destination

Nepal

group-size-icon
Group Size

2-16

accommodation
Accommodation

Teahouse, Camping

transportation
Transportation

Flight, Jeep

meals
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Explore more facts about the trip

Overview of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a 19-day adventure that offers one of the most remote and rewarding trekking experiences in eastern Nepal. This remote high-pass route became accessible to trekkers in recent years through regulated permits and links the Kanchenjunga region with the Makalu region via the high Lumba Sumba Pass (5,070 meters). It is a real wilderness trip and passes through Kanchenjunga Conservation area as well as Makalu Barun National Park. The path is appropriate to those trekkers who are fond of quiet trails, spectacular mountain landscapes, and pure culture experiences outside of the popular trekking destinations.

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a 19 days fully supported trek organized by Morning star treks as a camping expedition aimed at trekkers who can comfortably work the long walking days and the shifting weather. The journey starts with a flight to Bhadrapur and then gradually ascends through traditional Rai and Sherpa villages toward higher alpine landscapes. This trip has a natural progression of subtropical forests and river valley to high mountain rocky landscapes as the trip advances.

The Lumba Sumba Trek provides a rare opportunity to witness some of the world’s highest peaks from a less explored route. On clear days, you may see Kanchenjunga and Makalu, along with other surrounding Himalayan peaks. The landscape varies continuously on the path. Lower parts are green hills, terraced farmland and suspension bridges and high parts are rocky moraines and snow-covered tracks and secluded yaks pastures. This contrast makes Lumba Sumba Pass trekking visually impressive and physically demanding.

This trek is characterized by cultural experiences. You travel through such villages like Olangchung Gola, Thudam where there are still strong traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The spirituality of the local people is depicted by prayer flags, mani walls and monasteries. The isolation of the region has facilitated the continuation of the traditional ways of life which are founded on agriculture, pastoralism, and small-scale trade.

The Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary is well designed with sufficient acclimatization in order to ensure safe adjustment to the altitude before the high pass is crossed. The trek has an expedition-like feel since the main activity is accommodation which happens to be mostly camping. This is a trip that suits seasoned trekkers who want to be challenged, experience unspoiled landscapes and have a significant experience between two Himalayan legends.

  • Safety first, always
  • Best prices guaranteed
  • Expert travel team
  • Easy booking, no extras
  • Customize your journey
5.0

Based on 10 reviews

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Have Questions?

+977 9767224414

Trip Highlights

  • Cross Lumba Sumba Pass at 5,070 meters, which is one of the high and remote passes in the eastern part of Nepal.
  • Trek between the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions on one remote high-pass route.
  • View close-ups of Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and other surrounding Himalayan peaks on sunny days.
  • Have a fully facilitated camping adventure in a serene Himalayan place.
  • Stroll in Kanchenjunga conservation area and Makalu Barun national park.
  • Tour classical Rai and Sherpa villages with a high concentration of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Take a less travelled trekking path accessible to visitors in 2012.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Detail Itinerary

itinerary-icon

Today we will begin our Lumba Sumba Pass Trek with a morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. During the flight we will see changing landscapes from valley towns to wide plains and distant hills. After landing we will meet our team and proceed by jeep towards Ilam. The drive takes us through tea gardens, small markets and through green countryside roads. As we ascend gradually and slowly to higher land the environment becomes cooler and more peaceful. Upon arrival to Ilam, we will check into our teahouse and take time to rest. In the evening, we will go through the plan of the trekking days.

activity-small

Activity: Flight and scenic drive, 45 minutes flight and 3 to 4 hours drive

altitude-small

Max. Altitude: 1,200m/3,937ft. (Illam)

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Meal: Lunch & Dinner

accommodation-small

Accommodation: Teahouse


If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.

Includes and Excludes

What’s Included?

  • Private vehicle transportation from Kathmandu to the airport and airport transfers as per the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek itinerary
  • Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trek
  • Camping accommodation during the trek with full camping support
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu hotel, and three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) each day during the trek
  • Professional, English speaking trekking guide and required porters
  • Trekking guide salary, insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
  • Seasonal fresh fruit during the trek
  • All necessary trekking permits, Restricted Area Permit, and conservation area entry fees
  • Basic medical kit and safety equipment during the trek
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, walking poles, duffel bags (you have to return after the trek)
  • Certificate of achievement at the end of the journey
  • Government taxes and agency service charges

What is not Included?

  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa fees upon arrival
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi Fi, and device charging
  • Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation (above 5,000m)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
  • Extra hotel nights caused by flight delays, early arrival, or late departure
  • Extra cost caused by natural or political disturbances beyond our control

Trip Information of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Weather and Season for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is best enjoyed during spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. The weather is normally stable in these seasons, there is a clear view of the mountains, and the daytime temperatures are pleasant. During spring, the forests are in blossom with rhododendron flowers and the hills look fresh and colourful. Fall is usually characterized by clear air and long visibility, and thus, it is the best time of the year to take photographs and have long hiking days.

During the higher sections of the Lumba Sumba Trek, mornings and evenings can be cold, especially near the pass. It can be done during winter, although it will be colder and may have snow in higher places. The monsoon season from June to August brings rainfall, cloudy skies, and slippery trails, which may affect parts of the Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary. For most trekkers, spring and autumn remain the most suitable seasons for Lumba Sumba Pass trekking.

Trip Difficulty

The 19 days Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is graded as strenuous due to its length, remote setting, and high altitude crossing at 5,070 meters. The days of trekking last between five and seven hours of walking although there is one day when a longer day is experienced during the pass crossing. The route consists of woody routes, rocky routes, slow inclinations, and glacial sections in the higher areas.

No technical climbing is involved and no special mountaineering hard equipment is necessary. But good physical fitness, strength and some previous experience in trekking at high altitude is highly advisable. The key challenges of the Lumba Sumba Trek include long walking distances, simple camping accommodation, and limited facilities in remote areas.

It becomes possible and rewarding when the trip is properly prepared and paced. Careful planning within the Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary helps support gradual acclimatization and safe progress.

Altitude Sickness and Recommendations

The highest point of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is 5,070 meters, so there is a possibility of altitude related discomfort. During Lumba Sumba Pass trekking, we follow a gradual ascent and include an acclimatization day to support safe adjustment. All people respond to altitude in different ways, it is better to listen to your body and report to the guide in case some symptoms occur.

Early symptoms of altitude discomfort may include headache, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. We suggest the middle to slow pace of walking, keeping hydrated, and avoidance of alcohol. In case of need, more rest can also be organized depending on the circumstance.

The structured design of the 19 days Lumba Sumba Pass Trek helps reduce risk by allowing proper adjustment time before crossing the high pass. Most of the trekkers would be able to complete the trip safely and comfortably under guidance and awareness.

Food and Drink during the Trip

During the Lumba Sumba Trek, we provide three meals per day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lower regions will have meals such as rice, lentils, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and simple local food. Our kitchen department also cooks fresh and healthy food in more advanced camping areas to keep the energy levels up during the trek.

Safe drinking water is important during Lumba Sumba Pass trekking. We promote the use of boiled or treated water to drink and we also promote the use of reusable bottles. They usually serve tea and warm beverages in the evenings and in higher elevation where the temperatures are lower.

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for strength and acclimatization throughout the Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary. Easy, yet healthy foods aid in sustaining your body in this 19 day trip in remote mountainous areas.

Visa and Permits for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

To join the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, you will need a valid Nepal tourist visa and the required trekking permits. The majority of the travelers are able to get a visa at Kathmandu International Airport and this requires a passport photo and the corresponding fee. This route passes through restricted and regulated trekking areas, so special permits are required.

The Lumba Sumba Trek includes permits for Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park. A Restricted Area Permit is also required because some sections fall under regulated trekking zones. The paper work is done before the trek starts and hence you do not have to deal with the paper work on your own.

During Lumba Sumba Pass trekking, your passport may be checked at various checkpoints, so carrying it is important. Proper permits ensure that the 19 days Lumba Sumba Pass Trek operates legally and responsibly.

Health and Safety

Your safety remains a priority throughout the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. It is a distant camping adventure, and proper planning and consciousness matter. We have a team of guides, who check on the group health every day and carry first-aid kit. We follow a gradual pace according to the Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary to reduce fatigue and altitude related risk.

Our advice would be to keep the body clean, to consume treated water, and to report any form of discomfort to the guide. At the higher altitudes, alcohol is not encouraged to facilitate appropriate acclimatization. Emergency evacuation can be planned in case of emergency. During the Lumba Sumba Trek, teamwork and communication play an important role in maintaining safety. With steady pacing and responsible decision making, Lumba Sumba Pass trekking can be completed in a safe and organized manner.

Transportation

Transportation for the 19 days Lumba Sumba Pass Trek includes domestic flights and overland drives. The trip starts with a flight between Kathmandu and Bhadrapur after which one drives to the starting point of the trek. We then drive out of the road head at the end of the trek to Tumlingtar and fly back to Kathmandu.

The roads in eastern Nepal may be either paved or mountain roads in the rural areas. These routes are controlled by experienced drivers. All airport transfers related to the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek are arranged in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience. The air and road tours will enable us to make a linkage between Kanchenjunga and Makalu territories. Transportation planning is an important part of the overall Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. The high altitude trekking above 5,000 meters and emergency helicopter evacuation should be included in your insurance policy. Medical cover, trip interruption as well as evacuation coverage are significant because of the remoteness of this route.

Since Lumba Sumba Pass trekking takes place in isolated mountain terrain with limited road access, proper insurance provides peace of mind. We encourage the need to have insurance prior to coming to Nepal because local policies might not be that effective in covering high altitude. Keeping a copy of your insurance details accessible during the 19 days Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is important in case of emergency. Proper organization will make you capable of staying concentrated on enjoying the ride.

Language and Communication

During the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, you will encounter a mix of local languages including Nepali, Rai dialects, and Tibetan influenced languages in higher villages. A few of the teahouse owners and your guide in low settlements are able to learn simple English. In remote sections of the Lumba Sumba Trek, communication facilities are limited and mobile network coverage may be weak or unavailable.

Internet access is not guaranteed during Lumba Sumba Pass trekking, especially in camping areas. This has restricted connectivity so you can entirely enjoy the mountain atmosphere without digital distraction. Your guide will help, in case of translation and local communication. Simple greetings such as Namaste and Dhanyabad are appreciated by local communities and help build respectful interaction throughout the Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek passes through culturally sensitive villages and protected conservation areas. The local traditions and the nature are highly respected. We promote simple clothes in the villages and removal of shoes prior to entering homes or monasteries. It is also worth asking before capturing photos of people or places of worship.

During Lumba Sumba Pass trekking, we follow responsible waste management practices and carry back non-biodegradable items. Direct distribution of money or sweets to the children is not advisable.By remaining with the group and following the guide instructions, it is possible to be safe and at the same time be respectful of the area.Responsible behavior helps preserve the environment and culture along the Lumba Sumba Trek for future visitors.

Photography and Drone Rules

The landscapes along the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek offer many opportunities for photography. The mountains of snow, the alpine valleys and the ancient traditional villages make a pleasant memory. We support considerate photography whereby we seek consent before we take photographs of people or places of worship.

The use of drones in Nepal is subject to special government permission. Without official permits, drones are not allowed in conservation and restricted areas included in the Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary. In the camping areas, the charging facilities are few and thus it is better to carry spare batteries and power banks. During the 19 days Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, responsible photography ensures that we capture memories without disturbing wildlife or local communities.

Tips for First Time Visitors

For those joining the Lumba Sumba Trek for the first time, physical preparation is important. Regular walking, light cardio exercise, and stamina training before arrival will help make Lumba Sumba Pass trekking more comfortable. Proper clothes should also be packed which are used at different weather conditions.

It is helpful to maintain a steady pace, stay hydrated, and follow the structured Lumba Sumba Pass trek itinerary carefully. It should also be flexible as the place of the mountain and the trail conditions may require minor adjustments in the schedule. Most importantly, take the journey patiently and with a clear mind. The 19 days Lumba Sumba Pass Trek offers a rewarding experience through remote landscapes and cultural villages when approached with preparation and awareness.

 

Most Asked Questions

General General

Preparation & Fitness Preparation & Fitness

Insurance and Visa Insurance and Visa

Accommodation and Facilities Accommodation and Facilities

Food and Drinks Food and Drinks

Weather & Seasons Weather & Seasons

Health & Safety Health & Safety

Booking & Payment Booking & Payment

Transportation & Flight Transportation & Flight

  • Safety first, always
  • Best prices guaranteed
  • Expert travel team
  • Easy booking, no extras
  • Customize your journey
5.0

Based on 10 reviews

profile-exp

Have Questions?

+977 9767224414