Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Transportation
Flight + Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 10
Maximum Altitude
5177
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
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.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card.
Destinations
Eastern Nepal Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Hard

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.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival, transfer to hotel, welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 02 :

Fly to Bhadrapur & Drive to Taplejung

Scenic morning flight east to Bhadrapur, then drive up the Tamor valley to Taplejung.

Day 03 :

Drive to Sekathum & Trek to Mitlung

Drive to Sekathum, then begin walking along the Tamur river to Mitlung.

Day 04 :

Trek to Siwa

Continue along the Tamur through Limbu villages to Siwa (also known as Sirijangha).

Day 05 :

Trek to Tapethok

Walk up the Tamur through cardamom plantations to Tapethok, gateway to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Day 06 :

Trek to Lelep

Continue through forest and terraced fields to Lelep, a Limbu village.

Day 07 :

Trek to Yamphudin

Climb steeply out of the Tamur valley through forest to Yamphudin, the last village before the high country.

Day 08 :

Trek to Torongden

Cross the Omje Khola and climb through forest to Torongden, a small grazing settlement.

Day 09 :

Trek to Lhakpaling via Lumba Sumba Base

Climb toward the Lumba Sumba Pass to a high camp at Lhakpaling where tents are set up.

Day 10 :

Cross Lumba Sumba Pass to Yangile Kharka

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.

Day 11 :

Trek to Thudam

Descend through forest to the remote Tibetan-Sherpa village of Thudam, one of Nepal's most isolated communities.

Day 12 :

Rest Day in Thudam

Rest day with village exploration and a visit to the local monastery. Chance to meet local yak herders.

Day 13 :

Trek to Olangchung Gola

Continue through forest and over a small pass to Olangchung Gola, an ancient Tibetan-Sherpa village with a 600-year-old monastery.

Day 14 :

Trek to Upper Langmale

Climb up the Yangma Khola valley to Upper Langmale, a seasonal herding camp.

Day 15 :

Trek to Langmale Base Camp

Continue to Langmale Base Camp, the staging point for the next pass.

Day 16 :

Cross Nango La to Num

Cross the Nango La (4,460m) with spectacular views back toward Makalu, then descend to Num.

Day 17 :

Trek to Sedua

Descend to the Arun river, cross the bridge, and climb to Sedua.

Day 18 :

Trek to Tashigaon & Drive to Khandbari

Climb to Tashigaon, then a long jeep ride down to Khandbari for a proper meal and bed.

Day 19 :

Drive to Tumlingtar & Fly to Kathmandu

Drive to Tumlingtar airstrip, then morning flight back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.

Day 20 :

Final Departure

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

How difficult is the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek and what fitness do I need?

This trek is rated Hard and requires excellent fitness and previous high-altitude experience, 6-8+ hours daily. 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. Consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.

What permits and documents do I need?

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. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5177m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal.

Related permit guides: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Permits Visa From Nepal.

When is the best time to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory.

Read our altitude safety guides: Guided Remote Trek Eastern Nepal Safety, Limi Valley Remote High Altitude Nepal Safety.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list.

Packing guides: Ganja La Pass Gear And Support Needed.

Highlights