Lumba Sumba Pass Trek - The Great Himalaya Trail Connection

Lumba Sumba Pass

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is one of Nepal's newest and most challenging trekking routes. Developed as part of the Great Himalaya Trail, it serves as a spectacular bridge connecting the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in the east with the Makalu Barun National Park. This demanding 21-day journey takes you far off the beaten path, through isolated villages, dense forests, and alpine pastures. The crux of the trek is crossing the formidable Lumba Sumba Pass (5,159m), which rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views encompassing both the Kanchenjunga and Makalu mountain ranges. This trek is suitable for highly experienced trekkers looking for wilderness, solitude, and authentic cultural encounters in some of Nepal's most remote mountain communities.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

Cross the challenging Lumba Sumba Pass (5,159m) connecting two major regions.

Witness panoramic views of both the Kanchenjunga and Makalu massifs.

Trek through extremely remote and pristine wilderness areas.

Experience the traditional lifestyles of Limbu, Sherpa, and Bhotiya communities.

Trek a section of the legendary Great Himalaya Trail (GHT).

Trail Logs & Itinerary

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and take a long drive to Taplejung to begin the trek. We embark on a scenic journey today, taking either a spectacular domestic flight or a drive along winding mountain roads, passing lush terraced fields, fast-flowing rivers, and traditional hillside villages. The changing scenery guides us closer to the starting point of our trek in the heart of the Himalayas.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Descend to the Tamor River and trek through villages and terraced fields.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Walk along the Tamor River through cardamom fields and Limbu settlements.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Leave the main Kanchenjunga trail and follow the Tamor River towards the northwest.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Trek through thick pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional views of the river gorge.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Walk through bamboo forests and cross suspension bridges, arriving at a clearing used as a pasture.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Arrive at the historical and culturally rich village of Olangchung Gola. Visit the ancient 400-year-old Diki Chholing monastery.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Take a much-needed rest day to acclimatize to the higher elevation. Explore the village and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Trek completely in the wilderness. The trail passes through alpine landscapes and grazing lands.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

A strenuous climb towards the base of the Lumba Sumba pass. The terrain is rocky and barren. Today is the ultimate challenge. We wake up under a freezing, starlit sky and begin our ascent, using ropes, crampons, and ice axes as we navigate steep snow and ice slopes. Reaching the summit rewards us with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the world's highest peaks, a moment of pure triumph.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

The most challenging day. Start early to cross the pass. Enjoy views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga before a steep descent.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Descend to the remote Sherpa village of Thudam, nestled deep in a valley.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

The trail follows the banks of the Chujung Khola. It involves crossing landslides and navigating difficult terrain.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Walk through dense rhododendron forests to reach Chyamtang, a village inhabited by the Bhotiya people.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

The trail drops down to the Arun River. Follow the river to Hatiya, an entry point to the Makalu Barun National Park.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Walk along the banks of the Arun River, passing small settlements and lush vegetation.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Continue along the Arun River valley, passing through terraced farmlands.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Cross the Arun River one last time and undertake a steep climb up to the village of Num. Today is the ultimate challenge. We wake up under a freezing, starlit sky and begin our ascent, using ropes, crampons, and ice axes as we navigate steep snow and ice slopes. Reaching the summit rewards us with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the world's highest peaks, a moment of pure triumph.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Take a jeep drive back to Tumlingtar along a bumpy mountain road. We embark on a scenic journey today, taking either a spectacular domestic flight or a drive along winding mountain roads, passing lush terraced fields, fast-flowing rivers, and traditional hillside villages. The changing scenery guides us closer to the starting point of our trek in the heart of the Himalayas.

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,159m

Take a flight from Tumlingtar back to Kathmandu. We embark on a scenic journey today, taking either a spectacular domestic flight or a drive along winding mountain roads, passing lush terraced fields, fast-flowing rivers, and traditional hillside villages. The changing scenery guides us closer to the starting point of our trek in the heart of the Himalayas.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle.
Standard teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trekking guide.
Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (TIMS, National Park Fees).
A comprehensive medical kit carried by the guide.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate the successful trek.

Exclusions

International flight airfare.
Nepal entry visa fee (obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu airport).
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory).
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters).
Tips for guide and porters (customary but not mandatory).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are accommodations in remote regions very basic?

Yes. Unlike popular regions like Everest or Annapurna, remote regions (like Manaslu, Dolpo, or Kanchenjunga) have simpler teahouses or require camping. Facilities are basic, featuring shared squat toilets and limited hot water.

Do I need a special restricted area permit?

Many remote borders require Restricted Area Permits (RAPs) and must be hiked with a registered guide and a minimum of two trekkers. Our agency handles all permit processing for you.

Is electricity charging and Wi-Fi available?

Charging is mostly solar-powered and available at lower teahouses for a fee. Wi-Fi is rare or non-existent in remote villages. We recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank and a local SIM card.

How difficult are the trails in remote regions?

The trails are less developed, more rugged, and see very few tourists. You should expect steep ascents, high mountain passes (like Larkya La at 5,106m), and long walking days over challenging terrain.

How much cash should I carry for a remote trek?

Since there are absolutely no ATMs in remote regions, you must withdraw sufficient cash in Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu. We recommend budgeting at least 2,500 Rupees ($20 USD) per day for personal expenses.

What should I pack for an off-the-beaten-path trek?

You should pack high-quality gear: a warm sleeping bag (rated to -15°C), broken-in trekking boots, thermal layers, water purification tools, basic toiletries, and a small personal first-aid kit with altitude medication.