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Flight + Private Vehicle
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Max 10
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5177
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Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping
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Moderate to High
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Kathmandu
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Kathmandu
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Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
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Live Personal Trekking Guide
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Trekking
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English
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Includes (BLD)
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Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card.
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a 20-day wilderness traverse linking the Kanchenjunga region in the east with the Makalu Barun region, crossing the 5,177m Lumba Sumba Pass. The route follows a section of the Great Himalayan Trail through some of Nepal’s least-visited territory, passing through the Limbu village of Yamphudin, the Sherpa villages of Olanchung Gola and Thudam, and the Lumbha Samba high camp at 5,177m. The trek offers a rare combination of cultural immersion and high-altitude wilderness, with the dramatic crossing of the Lumba Sumba Pass itself linking the Tamur and Arun river systems. Trekkers see Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jannu, and a host of lesser-known 6,000m peaks along the way, and walk through forests that harbor red panda and Himalayan black bear.
Highlights
- Cross the remote Lumba Sumba Pass (5,177m) linking the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions.
- Walk a section of the Great Himalayan Trail through Nepal's least-visited territory.
- Visit the Sherpa villages of Olangchung Gola and Thudam, rarely seen by outsiders.
- Witness panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jannu, and Peak 6.
- Trek through pristine forest habitat of red panda, blue sheep, and Himalayan black bear.
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek – 20 Days Itinerary
Arrival, transfer to hotel, welcome dinner and briefing.
Scenic morning flight east to Bhadrapur, then drive up the Tamor valley to Taplejung.
Drive to Sekathum, then begin walking along the Tamur river to Mitlung.
Continue along the Tamur through Limbu villages to Siwa (also known as Sirijangha).
Walk up the Tamur through cardamom plantations to Tapethok, gateway to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.
Continue through forest and terraced fields to Lelep, a Limbu village.
Climb steeply out of the Tamur valley through forest to Yamphudin, the last village before the high country.
Cross the Omje Khola and climb through forest to Torongden, a small grazing settlement.
Climb toward the Lumba Sumba Pass to a high camp at Lhakpaling where tents are set up.
Early start for the long climb over the Lumba Sumba Pass (5,177m) with views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Jannu. Descend to a grazing meadow camp at Yangile Kharka.
Descend through forest to the remote Tibetan-Sherpa village of Thudam, one of Nepal's most isolated communities.
Rest day with village exploration and a visit to the local monastery. Chance to meet local yak herders.
Continue through forest and over a small pass to Olangchung Gola, an ancient Tibetan-Sherpa village with a 600-year-old monastery.
Climb up the Yangma Khola valley to Upper Langmale, a seasonal herding camp.
Continue to Langmale Base Camp, the staging point for the next pass.
Cross the Nango La (4,460m) with spectacular views back toward Makalu, then descend to Num.
Descend to the Arun river, cross the bridge, and climb to Sedua.
Climb to Tashigaon, then a long jeep ride down to Khandbari for a proper meal and bed.
Drive to Tumlingtar airstrip, then morning flight back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
What is Included in the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
- All airport pickups and drops in private vehicle
- Kathmandu hotel (3 nights, B&B) with welcome and farewell dinners
- Domestic flights where applicable to itinerary
- All ground transport in private vehicle
- All necessary permits (TIMS, National Park, Conservation Area, Restricted Area where applicable)
- Three meals daily (BLD) during the trek with tea/coffee
- Tea house or camping accommodation during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide for groups of 6+
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers, 15kg luggage allowance) with full insurance
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffel bag (refundable deposit)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Satellite phone for emergency communications
- All government and local taxes
- Full camping crew and equipment for high sections
What is Not Included in the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days)
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, and alcoholic beverages
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost)
- Costs from unforeseen events (weather, flight delays, route changes)
Things to Carry for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Headwear
- Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
- Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
- Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
- Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow
Upper Body Layering
- 2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
- 1x mid-layer fleece jacket
- 1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
- 1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
- 1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)
Lower Body
- 2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
- 1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
- 1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
- 2x merino wool underwear
- 1x swimwear (for hot springs)
Hands
- 1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
- 1x insulated waterproof gloves
- 1x expedition mittens for passes above 5,000m
Footwear
- 1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
- 1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
- 4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
- 2x pairs liner socks
- Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud
Sleeping Gear
- 1x 4-season sleeping bag rated to -20C (we provide rental for USD 30)
- 1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)
- 1x inflatable sleeping pad
Trekking Equipment
- 1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
- 1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
- 1x 20-30L day pack
- 1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
- 1x dry bag for electronics
- 1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)
First Aid & Health
- Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
- Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
- Ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Imodium for stomach issues
- Rehydration sachets (ORS)
- Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
- Antiseptic wipes and bandages
- Lip balm with SPF 30+
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
- Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
Electronics
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
- Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
- Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
- Headphones
- eReader or book
Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
- Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 5177m)
- Flight tickets
- Credit cards and USD cash
- Emergency contacts
What We Provide (Rental)
- 4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
- Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
- Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
- Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
- Water purification tablets
- Satellite phone on remote treks
Related Packing Guides
Read our detailed packing guides: Ganja La Pass Gear And Support Needed, Gear Bring Australia Ganja La Pass Trek, Annapurna Circuit Packing List Warm Valleys Cold Pass, Island Peak Technical Gear And Rental In Nepal.
Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.
Know Before You Book – Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Information
Trip Name: Lumba Sumba Pass Trek – 20 Days
Duration: 20 days
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum Altitude: 5177m
Group Size: Max 10
Difficulty & Fitness
This trek is rated Hard. Hard treks involve 6-8+ hours of walking daily at high altitude. Previous high-altitude experience strongly recommended. The maximum altitude is 5177m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.
Read our difficulty guides: Mohare Danda Difficulty Vs Beginner Treks Nepal, Arun Valley Trek Operator Eastern Nepal Experience.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Read our seasonal guides: Best Season Climb Island Peak Nepal, Renjo La Pass Best Season Views.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.
Food and water guides: Community Eco Lodge Trek Nepal Mohare Danda, Teahouse Vs Camping Treks Remote Nepal.
Transportation
Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.
Flight and transport guides: Australians Buffer Days Nepal Lukla Flights Trek, Ganja La Pass Trek Itinerary Customized Australia Flights.
Required Permits
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.
Permit guides: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Permits Visa From Nepal, Guided Renjo La Pass Trek Cost Permits Teahouse Included.
Altitude Safety
Maximum altitude is 5177m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Altitude safety guides: Guided Remote Trek Eastern Nepal Safety, Limi Valley Remote High Altitude Nepal Safety.
Training & Preparation
Read our training guides: Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions, Three Passes Trek Mixed Fitness Group.
Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 5177m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.
Insurance guides: Nepal Trekking Travel Insurance, Nepal Peak Climbing Travel Insurance Australians Check.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.
Culture guides: Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds, Nepal Treks Mountain Views Village Culture.
Booking & Payment
To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
What is Not Included
International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.
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