LUMBA SUMBA PASS TREK
LUMBA SUMBA PASS TREK
An unearthly feeling of complete isolation in this remote and stunningly beautiful wilderness!
The Lumba-Sumba trek is Nepal’s latest great escape into the wilderness of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Known for its remoteness, natural beauty and enormous snow-covered peaks. This trek was only opened in 2012 and is still unspoiled by a mass influx of trekkers. The trek connects the Kanchenjunga region and Makalu region via the Lumba Sumba Pass (5160m), and takes you to the high altitude Lumba Sumba Peak (5200m) where the views are mind-boggling! The region is home to various ethnic groups: Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Gurung Magar, Newar, and Tamang. The higher altitude villages tend to be mostly Tibetan Sherpa people. The trek runs through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park in the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal.
The trek offers sightings of a number of indigenous species, such as the red panda and the elusive Snow Leopard. The birdlife in this region is abundant as you trek through dense rhododendron, juniper, and pine forests.
The trail also leads to a number of pristine alpine lakes near Olanchung Gola, through the snowy Nango La Pass, to Pang Pema, or north Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The Lumba Sumba pass (5160m) offers magnificent eye-popping views of Kanchenjunga (8598m – world’s 3rd highest peak) in the west, and Mt. Makalu (8485m – world’s 5th highest peak) in the east, the third and fifth highest peaks in the world
We venture to base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu. There are numerous raging mountain rivers that cascade down from the mountains, such as the Arun and Tamor rivers, and the more impressive Sapta Koshi (river). You can see Yak razing in the alpine pastures and follow trails through the dense subtropical and temperate forests at lower altitudes and trek along deep valleys passing small villages adorned with prayer flags, chortens, Mani stones and Buddhist temples.
Highlights of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
- Remote Arun Valley – alone in the wilderness.
- Cross the Lumba Sumba Pass (5160m).
- Cross the Nango La Pass to Pang Pema (or north Kanchenjunga Base Camp).
- Dazzling views of the Mt, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Kumbakarna mountains.
- Remote mountain villages are rich in Tibetan Sherpa culture.
- A sense of isolation unlike any other trek in Nepal.
- Sightings of the Himalaya Black Beer, Snow Leopard, and Red Panda.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
A representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After arriving at your hotel you can rest and explore Thamel and buy anything you require for the trek. We will go over things you may need along the way and introduce you to your trek leader. Please make sure you bring your passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting please be prepared to clear the due balance., if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
Day 2 : Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar & drive to Phidim. Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we head to the airport and take our 30 minutes to Biratnagar and then have a six-hour drive until we reach the municipality of Phidim, the headquarters of the Panchthar District in the Mechi Zone of eastern Nepal.
Day 3 : Drive to Taplejung & trek to Mitlung (9,09m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The trek starts from Taplejung and continues on to Hangedawa and ultimately Mitlung Village. Along the route we pass through Asangpati Tole, Gaigode Tole, Panesar Tole, and Pawa village.
Day 4 : Trek from Mitlung to Chirwa (1,246m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trek today is about five to six hours as we follow the Tamor River to Kurumba Village and then on to Mitlung, Proceed We pass several other villages, such as Tawa, Sinwa Bazaar and then climb to Thiwa Village which is the entrance to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project. We then descend to Chirwa where we stay the night.
Day 5 : Trek from Chirwa to Lelep (1,687m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we follow the trail along the banks of the Tamor River to Tapethok passing through dense forest and cultivated cardamom fields. We stop for lunch and then proceed to Lelep where we stay the night. Lelep is also the headquarters of the KCAP.
Day 6 : Trek from Lelep to Ela Danda (2,051m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We have a six to seven-hour trek today, again following the Tamor River through dense forest and then cross a suspension bridge. We then ascend through a pine forest until we reach the monastery and then descend to Gowatar. Heading on, we cross the Tamor River and reach Ela Danda where we stay the night.
Day 7 : Trek from Ela Danda to Selep Kharka (2,525m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The trail today initially takes us through alder and Rhododendron and on to Maguwa passing along the way through dense bamboo groves which is a likely place to see red panda. We finally reach Selep Kharka where we stay the night.
Day 8 : Trek from Selep Kharka to Olanchung Gola (3,208m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Our first leg of the trek today takes us to Jongim Village which is surrounded by snow-covered peaks. We then head to Ramite Village passing through Rhododendron forest and then come to Olanchung Gola which is home to a 465-year-old monastery with a golden manuscript. We will stay here for the night.
Day 9 : Trek from Olanchung Gola to Upper Langmale (3,893m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Our journey for the next three days is through the wilderness with fewer villages and people on the trail. We first head to Jadak and then to Upper Langmale where we will stay overnight.
Day 10 : Trek from Upper Langmale to Pass Camp (4,747m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
our trek today is for about six to seven hours following the Tamar River until we reach Tangchetar from where we head off to Pass Camp.
Day 11 : Trek from Pass Camp to Chaurikharka (4,595m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today is more physically demanding with a six to seven hour trek as we head to higher altitudes and to Lumba Sumba Peak (5200m) and then descend to Chaurikharka where we stay the night.
Day 12 : Trek from Chaurikharka to Thudam (3,500m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
The trail today is less demanding and is nearly all downhill and reaches a crossroad where one road leads to Sasha in Tibet and the other to the Sherpa village of Thudam where we stay overnight.
Day 13 : Trek from Thudam to Kharka (2,877m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
A six to seven-hour trek today follows the banks of Chujung Khola (river). Along the trail we have some amazing panoramic views of the Makalu Range.. As we head to Kharka we pass through bamboo groves where we may see a red panda. We will stay overnight at Kharka.
Day 14 : Trek from Kharka to Chyamthang (2,229m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
A six to seven-hour trek takes us to Chaurikharka again passing through dense Rhododendron forest. We continue and descend until we reach the Arun River where we cross a suspension bridge and then on to Chyamthang Village where we stay the night.
Day 15 : Trek from Chyamthang to Hatiya (1,595m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail today heads to Gimber Village again passing through the ever-present rhododendron forests and along the trail we have fantastic views of the Makalu Range. We then head to Hatiya, a small village inhabited by the Bhote people. It is also the entry point to the Makalu National Park. We will stay here overnight.
Day 16 : Trek from Hatiya to Gola. Duration: 5-6 hours.
We begin the day trekking along the banks of the Arun River until we reach the junction of the Arun and Baru rivers. We continue towards Gola, a village inhabited by Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai people. We will stay here for the night.
Day 17 : Trek From Gola to Gadhi (1,800m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
We start the day following the trail to the small to Gurung village of Pathibhara passing through cultivated farmland until we reach the small trading village of Gadhi where we stay the night.
Day 18 : Drive from Gadhi to Khadbari (1022m) & drive to Biratnagar (80m) Duration: 8-10 hours.
Today we spend most of it on the road, but first have to trek down to the Arun River and then up to Num Village. A drive or about five hours takes us to Khandbari, the district headquarter of Sankhuwasavha district. From here we take a bus to Kathmandu through Dharan or Biratnagar. If we wish to fly back to Kathmandu, this can be done from Tumlingtar airstrip.
Day 19 : Fly from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.
Today we fly back to Kathmandu (30 minutes) and on this short flight will have some distant views of the snow-clad peaks that we saw close-up on our trek.
Day 20 : Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure and explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.
SERVICES
Costs included in your package.
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle
- Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (2 nights only)
- Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a guesthouse in Biratnagar including breakfast (1 night only)
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
- All standard meals - 3 meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek prepared by our expert camping cook and kitchen team
- Tented camp accommodation for the trek (We will provide full water/wind-proof twin-share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, etc.)
- Local Sherpa Expedition and Trekking licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
- Biratnagar to Phidim and Khadbari to Biratnagar transportation by Sharing Jeep.
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff
- All special trekking permits & fees
- Down jacket and sleeping bag by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking (which need to be returned after the trek)
- Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Kathmandu airfare with airport departure tax
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- Excess baggage of more than 20 kg for Biratnagar flight.
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Hotel and Accommodation:
We offer you 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3 nights) and Lodge/Teahouses during the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with blankets and a pillow. All accommodation is on a twin share basis except at the higher elevations or after Kambachen, where you will enjoy homestay style accommodation. The Kanchenjunga trek is situated in some very areas so you may not have the same level of comfort as lower down the mountain. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide you down jackets, sleeping bags, and duffle bags (which need to be returned after the trek).
Meals and drinks during the trek:
Breakfast will be served in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. Food along the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is much like it is elsewhere in Nepal, with a heavy reliance on rice, lentils and vegetable curries. We suggest you bring a water purification pill to avoid stomach problems from drinking the local water. Bottled water is sometimes available if you prefer.
Transportation:
We provide a private car for the airport transfers and sightseeing tour of Kathmandu on the day you arrive. Flights from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and return is also included. You will travel by jeep from Bhadrapur to Suketar.
Physical condition and past experience:
Kanchenjunga circuit trek is graded as highly challenging and a tough trek due to the terrain and high altitudes. This trek takes you to many less-traveled and undeveloped areas, making it difficult in places to traverse rockfalls, moraines and streams Trekking in these remote areas can sometimes be difficult due to landslides. The roads at the beginning and end of the trek can also be affected too. It is recommended that you prepare yourself beforehand and get physically prepared. This will make it easier to manage the difficult terrain and high altitudes.
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide and will be provided by Sherpa Expedition & Trekking. The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek can be modified according to your time, budget, and requirements. What we offer here is a tea house style trek and can be modified as a purely camping trek as well. Contact us for the latest updated information and price for the varied options available.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What is the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a relatively new and less crowded trekking route in eastern Nepal. It takes you through remote and pristine landscapes, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse flora and fauna, and an opportunity to experience the rich culture of the local communities.
How difficult is the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is considered to be a challenging trek. It involves long days of walking, steep ascents and descents, and crossing high mountain passes. Previous trekking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended.
How long does it take to complete the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek usually takes around 15-30 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekking group.
What is the best time to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
The best time to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and good visibility of the mountains.
Do I need a permit for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
Yes, you need a special permit called the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) to trek in the Lumba Sumba region. You also need to obtain the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.
Are there any altitude sickness risks on the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness on the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, as you will be reaching high altitudes. It is important to acclimatize properly, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body's signals. It is also advisable to consult with a doctor before undertaking the trek.
Are there tea houses or lodges along the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek route?
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a remote and less developed trekking route, so there are limited tea houses and lodges along the route. Camping is often required, and it is recommended to carry your own camping equipment and food supplies.
Is it possible to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek independently?
Yes, it is possible to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek independently. However, due to the remote and less developed nature of the route, it is recommended to hire a local guide or join a guided trek to ensure safety and proper navigation.
What should I pack for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek include warm clothing, hiking boots, a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, waterproof clothing, sun protection, a first aid kit, and a water purifier. Additionally, you will need camping gear if planning to camp along the route.
Is travel insurance necessary for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. It should cover emergency medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, and trip cancellation. Make sure to check the policy details and ensure that it includes trekking activities at high altitudes and remote areas.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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Based On 11 Reviews
Lisa Neeley
Australia
November 14, 2023
Cherishing Memories and Grateful for the Experience
Completing the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek with Sherpa Expedition was an experience we will cherish for a lifetime. The memories created, the friendships formed, and the stunning beauty of the region will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We are grateful to Sherpa Expedition for providing us with an extraordinary adventure.
Molly Ann Ely
Australia
October 17, 2023
Delicious Meals to Fuel the Trek
The meals provided by Sherpa Expedition during the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek were delicious and nutritious. Despite the remote locations, the team managed to prepare a variety of meals that kept us energized and satisfied throughout the journey.
Judy Holzer
Australia
September 19, 2023
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Reflection
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is not just a physical journey but also a journey of self-discovery and reflection. The solitude and tranquility of the mountains provide ample opportunities for introspection, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
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