Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Lumba Sumba Pass trek was only opened in 2012 so it is a relatively unknown trek. The trek connects the Kanchenjunga region and Makalu region via the Lumba Sumba Pass, and runs through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park in the eastern part of the country and can be done in one of two directions: starting in either Kanchenjunga or in Makalu.

Highlights of this trek include the Lumba Sumba Peak (5,300m); spectacular Himalayan landscapes of the Makalu and Kanchenjunga ranges; different ethnic villages (Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Gurung, Tamang); cultural heritage; endangered wild life such as the snow leopard and red panda; the base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Makalu, and major river systems. With the huge variety of landscapes and natural beauty, and its sometimes harsh and less than good condition trails, it is no surprise that this is a strenuous trek, therefore it is recommended people tackling this trek have prior experience.

While the majority of the trek passes through scattered pockets of human habitation in the form of villages, monasteries, markets and schools, there are days when you are completely alone in the wilderness, particularly on the most difficult day – when you cross through the Lumba Sumba Pass. In order to cross the pass, the day starts very early as after noon, due to weather conditions, it is difficult to cross.

On this off-the-beaten-track trek there has been sightings of snow leopards, which would certainly add a new excitement to the journey! After crossing the pass, while hiking through the Arun Valley, there is opportunity for bird watchers to spot several unique and rare species. This is the ideal trek to enjoy spectacular mountain views and learn something about village life in eastern Nepal, throwing in a cultural mix of chortens, temples, monasteries and prayer wheels.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Outline Itinerary

Includes

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Map

Location of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek starts when you fly into Bhadrapur in the far east of the country.  At the end you then fly out from Tumlingtar, the gateway to the Makalu Barun National Park.

You will be trekking through landscapes with high mountains, green pastures and forests, and with the possibility of spotting great wildlife.  You will trek through the Kanchenjunga Region and the Makalu Region, which are joined by the Lumba Sumba Pass itself.  As well as the Makalu Barun National Park, you will be hiking in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Trek Difficulty

This is a strenuous camping trek taking place over 19 days, with 15 days of actually hiking for an average of 6 to 7 hours a day.

You will also be trekking and sleeping at high altitudes for 7 days.  The highest point you will reach is crossing the Lumba Samba Pass at 5,160 m / 16,929 feet.  The highest altitude you will be sleeping at is at the Lumba Sumba Pass Camp (4,748 m / 15,577 ft).  It is not to be underestimated how hard it is on the body to trek and hike at altitudes over 3,000 m /   9,842.5 ft, never mind over 4,500 m / 14,763.7 ft. 

 This is a camping trek and that adds to the challenge.  It is best if you have previous camping experience and camping at high altitude.  The camp sites in Nepal are not equipped with facilities like some are in other countries.  Basically, you will be bringing your own tents (well, our porters will be providing them for you), and there will be a toilet tent and a dining tent as well.

How Fit Should You Be?

You should be very fit, with a high stamina level to complete this trek.  Previous high altitude trekking experience will definitely stand you in good stead. 

How to Prepare for the Trek

 If you are seriously considering this fantastic trek through this remote area you must already be physically and mentally fit, with a great level of stamina!  You can also improve your fitness level just before you come, just to be sure you will be comfortable on the trek.

• Increasing your cardio capacity will stand you in good stead at high altitude. 
• Increasing your leg muscles will be great on the ups and downs of the Himalayas.
• Having a positive attitude when things go wrong – and there is always some minor upset – will keep you focussed and calm during your adventure.

Highlights of the Lumba Sumba Trek

• Breathtaking Views: There are many stunning mountains to be seen on this trek.  The biggies are Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga.
• Diverse Landscapes: At lower altitudes this trek offers  lush forests, exciting river crossings, green pastures, and alpine landscapes.  When you reach higher elevations the landscape becomes drier and rockier, with moraine and scree to hike over as well as glaciers, snow and ice.  You will be trekking through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area,  and the Makalu Barun National Park, both with equally stunning landscapes and peaks.
  People and Culture: You will meet Rai and Sherpa people on this trek, along with some Gurung and Tamang communities. Overall, the people in this area are Buddhists with their own unique cultures and practices.
  Unique Wildlife: The Makalu Barun National Park and Kanchenjunga Conservation area are both home to a wide variety of species of flora and fauna including the snow leopard and red panda.

Makalu Barun National Park

The Makalu Barun  is home to 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds and 75 species of mammals including the snow leopard, red panda, musk dear, wild boar, wild yak and the Himalayan thar.

It was established in 1992 as the eastern extension of Sagarmatha National Park.  According to Wikipedia it is the only protected area in the world with an elevation gain of more than 8,000 m / 26,000 ft.  This means it has tropical forests and snow-capped mountains.  It shares a border with the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

Established in 1997, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area covers 2,035 km² (786 miles²) in the Taplejung district of the country.  With elevations ranging from 1,200 m / 3,937 ft to 8,586 m 28,169 ft, its biodiversity is wide-ranging. It also shares a border with the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet and is part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, of the Wild Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

It is home to the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and red panda as well as other species of mammals.  Bird species include several pheasants and other rare and not to rare types.

Similar to the Makalu Barun National Park, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area comprises of forests, pastures, rivers, high altitude lakes and glaciers as well as cultivated lands around human settlements.

What to Expect on the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

You will be flying  to Bhadrapur in the eastern Terai (lowlands) area of the country then driving up to  Taplejung from where you start trekking.  At that point you are on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek route, and shortly enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

There are rivers to cross, pastures to walk through as well as forests and more rugged dry landscapes with scree and moraine underfoot. The most challenging, yet also the most exciting day, is crossing the Lumba Sumba Pass at 5,160 m / 16,929 ft. Starting pre-dawn you cross snowfields to climb up to the pass where you get fantastic views of the snow-covered peaks including the Kanchenjunga Massif and Makalu.  When you descend on the other side of the pass you are entering the Makalu  Barun region.

This is a remote camping trek so expect to be alone (not entirely as you have your guide and camp crew!) on the mountains.  Camping is one way to access this remote area where there are few settlements, and even fewer trekking lodges.

With your great level of fitness and willingness to achieve new adventures, camping out on the high Himalayas should be a dream come true, not a chore! 

An Average Day on the Trek

Tea and hot water for washing your face will be served in your tent while breakfast is cooking in the kitchen tent.  The camp chef will also prepare a packed lunch to eat on the trail while you get yourself ready for the day’s trek.

On an average day you will walk 6 to 7 hours.  Perhaps through lush forests, and green pastures, or perhaps over mountain passes with snow and ice. 

When you arrive at your next overnight camp the chef will prepare light snacks for you while he gets on with preparing dinner.  There is plenty of time to reminisce about the day’s events with fellow trekkers or with the guide and ask what is about to happen tomorrow.

Then it’s early to bed.

Safety First on the Trail

We want you to enjoy your experience in Nepal and go away with only happy memories.  Keeping you safe is therefore a priority of ours.

As you will be walking and sleeping at high altitude, we must consider the possibility of altitude related illness.  It would be advisable for you to research a little on this topic before coming so you know what symptoms to look out for.  In this itinerary we have built in a gradual ascent in altitude and an acclimatization day.  There are also some things we all can do to reduce the possibility of suffering from any altitude related problems. 

We recommend a lot of short breaks, drinking plenty of water and not walking too fast.  Please tell your guide even if you have a slight headache, slight dizziness or any other unusual feeling. Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognising signs of altitude so do not hesitate to inform him if you are feeling unwell.

On another topic, using the correct trekking gear will help keep you safe from falls.  Hiking poles are a must.  Crampons (when and if needed) should be on your packing list too. 

Never go off to explore the mountains alone!  Please tell your guide if you are heading out to look around on your own.  He may advise you not to do this. Please listen to him as there is probably a good reason (wildlife, landslide area, loose scree or ice) for him saying this.

Safety  Tips on the Trek:

We expect if you are thinking about this trek, you are an experienced trekker, but here are some reminders:

• Bring trekking poles for stabilizing yourself on risky trails.
• Wear crampons when and if needed.
• Do not go off on your own at the rest/ overnight stops without telling your guide.
• Drink at least 4ltrs of water per day. While camping you will be provided with boiled drinking water.
• Do not skip meals, you need the energy.
• Do tell your guide if you feel even slightly unwell.
• Have the correct insurance.
• Wear the correct gear. Bring waterproof gear in case of rain or snowfall even when it’s not forecast.
• Bring your own regular medicines and a medical kit.
• Pay attention to the guide in tricky or dangerous areas such as scree slopes.

When is the Best Time to Hike the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

**We suggest doing the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek during March to May or June to September.**

Spring: (March to May) Spring is one of the best times to trek in Nepal. It is a good time for this trek as it will not be too cold at the higher altitudes. 

Autumn: (September to November)  Autumn is the other season which is excellent for trekking in Nepal. September and October are probably best before the cold starts to settle in. 

Monsoon: (June – September) Monsoon can bring heavy rain. Walking while wet is not pleasant at all!  Flights may be delayed or cancelled due to the weather and  rivers may overflow making the trails hazardous. Trails will become slippery and more dangerous. We also don’t like to camp on wet and soggy ground, so we suggest not doing the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek during the monsoon. 

Winter: (December – February)  There will be snowfall at the higher altitudes, and we do not recommend winter for this trek. 

Permits Required for This Trek

Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit:

Cost: SAARC citizens – Nrs 1,500 per person, per entry.

Other nationalities – Nrs 3,000 per person, per entry.

Makalu Rural Municipality Permit:

Cost: Rs2,000 per person per entry.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit:  

Cost:  USD30 per person per trip

**We will have these permits issued on your behalf.**

Why Do You Need Permits?

There are two main reasons for these permits.

1) The fees from the permits go back into conservation and cultural preservation of the area to help keep the ecosystem for future generations.

2) It is a way to keep track as to where trekkers are in the area.  When you go through a checkpoint it is noted down; invaluable should you get lost between checkpoints. 

Camping Treks in  Remote Areas

Unlike the busy, well-established trekking routes in, say, the Annapurna and Everest Regions, here in the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions there are few villages, and even fewer trekking lodges/  teahouses.

So, to experience these great trekking routes we have to bring our own accommodation with us.   

At the campsite you will have a comfortable tent and sleeping mat.  There will be a toilet tent and dining tent.  Of course, the chef will have his kitchen tent from where he will prepare good, wholesome food and safe drinking water for you.

While we will try to make this camping experience as comfortable as possible for you, we cannot predict the weather at these elevations, so come prepared!

Food at the Camp Sites

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner are provided at the camp site.  While breakfast, afternoon snacks and dinner are eaten at the campsite, lunch will be packed and taken on the trail. 

Our camp chef is excellent and will produce a range of good food for you (and the rest of the crew).  But we think it a good idea to remind you to bring some snacks such as dried fruits and nuts, power bars, chocolate bars etc with you.  Your own personal stash! 

Possible Menu While Camping:

Breakfast may be porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flat bread)

If available in nearby settlements, perhaps eggs on the menu.

Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.  

Afternoon snacks may be fried potatoes and popcorn.

We will not be buying ‘fresh’ meat on the way (in case it is less than fresh) but will bring some canned meat / tuna fish. There will be vegetarian food available at every meal.  

Tea/ coffee/ hot water is available with  powdered milk and sugar. Unfortunately, the coffee will be instant – we just couldn’t find an espresso maker that runs on batteries! 

We will not carry alcohol as we do not recommend its consumption at altitude as it can mask symptoms of altitude problems.  Like alcohol, soft drinks will not be available because of the weight and space they take up.

Drinking Water While Camping

The kitchen tent will provide you with boiled water for drinking.  A Lifestraw is probably a good idea to bring from home as it filters out some, not all, larger bacteria. Spring water is drinkable if you add  sterilizing drops/ liquid.

What to Bring for a Camping Trek

Take a look at our list of trekking equipment / gear  you need on any trek.  We suggest a few additional items for a camping trek, such as:

High altitude warm clothing for night.

Portable solar panel (one which hooks onto your day pack) to recharge equipment.

• Headtorch with batteries and extra batteries.
• Medicines – any ones you take regularly plus items such as headache tablets, stomach tablets etc.  Your guide will be carrying a first aid kit but it’s a good idea to bring a small one yourself also.
• Four-season sleeping bag. This can be rented in Kathmandu.
• Toiletries in small, travel sized containers.
• Things for blisters and a few bandages in case of sprains.
• Nepali rupees in case there is something you wish to buy on the trek.  There will be limited places to spend money on this trek, but you will need money for donations at monasteries, and in the very few places that have a shop.
• Your favorite snacks from home.  You will find some imported goodies in Kathmandu also.

Who is Carrying Your Gear?

Porters will be carrying the tents, kitchen equipment and food for this trek.  It is also possible for them to carry your gear.  Please be considerate and keep your gear down to a sensible weight of essentials! 

What Happens Before the Trek?

Your Arrival in Kathmandu

We can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival, if you let us know on the booking form.  There will be a small charge for this service, but it will make arrival easier for you. 

Your Hotel in Kathmandu

Please book your own Kathmandu hotel (although we can advise you if you wish.) Booking.com and hostelworld.com will give you a selection of hotels and we suggest the area of Thamel as it is  geared up for tourists with lively cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. Our office is also in Thamel which again makes things easier.

Go Explore Kathmandu

There is so much to see in Kathmandu on a tour or simply by exploring yourself. The main highlights of any tour are Boudhanath (Tibetan area), Swayambhunath (also a Buddhist stupa) and Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and ghats).  Those three alone will pretty much fill up a whole day.  There are three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley, dating back to when there were three kingdoms in what is now Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.  These are among the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are filled with temples and palaces. And there is so much more to see and do.

Visa for Nepal

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site.   Complete the form, print it out and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days or 3 months and costs: 

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD
•  

What is Included and Not Included in the Cost of Your Trek

Transport: Two domestic flights and public road transport are included in the cost of your trek.

Accommodation: Tented accommodation is included in the cost.  One night in a hotel at Bhadrapur is also included.  (it says 2 nights)

Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks are provided by your great camp chef.

Permits: The permits required for this trek are included in the cost of your trip.

Tips: Tips are not included in the cost of your trek.  Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters.  Tips can be in Nepali rupees or other currencies.

Before you come expenses:  .

• Trekking / camping gear, good  trekking boots, crampons and trekking poles. 
• Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance.

Expenses You May Encounter on the Trek

The cost of the trek, namely, food, accommodation, guide, chef, and porters is already calculated in the total amount you pay. 

You won’t really find many places to spend money on this trek outside of Bhadrapur on arrival and Tumlingtar on departure. But we advise you to bring some Nepali Rupees just in case. 

For example, you will need money for donations at the monasteries (gompas) you visit.  Around Ns150-500 is good, with some extra if you light butter lamps.

We can suggest you bring around USD5-10 per day, in Nepali rupees.  You can always spend them in Kathmandu if you do not spend them on the trek.  Remember to bring money to tip the crew also.

Tipping the Guide, Chef and Porters

It is normal to tip your guide, chef and porters on any trek. 

This is a long trek with challenging terrain even for locals (which most of our porters are) when carrying weight.  Your appreciation of these strong and amazing men is appreciated.  Your guide is also working hard to keep you safe, supported, and informed.  And you could not do this trek without the camp chef!

Please note we do not deduct any of your tips from our support staff.  100% of your tips go to them.

We suggest the following for tips:

• Tip the guide 10% of the trip cost. 
• It is normal to tip  porters around USD150  for each porter.
• Tip the chef USD200 as the norm.

The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip.  The larger your group, the less you pay as an individual!

Your Personal Travel Insurance

Travel insurance should include trekking up to 6,000 m / 19,685 ft. It should cover helicopter evacuation, just in case.

Magical Nepal provides  insurance for our guides, porters and other staff.  Due to the rules of the Government of Nepal, we cannot cover the insurance of clients. Foreign tourists cannot buy insurance in Nepal. Please organise your insurance before coming to Nepal.

Group or  Private Trek –  What is the Difference?

A group trek is where you will be with a few other trekkers, not previously known to you, who wish to visit the same trek.  The group treks will not be more than xxxx people.

A private trek is where you know everyone on the trek because you brought them with you!  If you are traveling with family or friends, around 3 or 4 of them, this is the type of trek to choose.

If you are traveling solo it might be difficult to provide you with a guide for a private trek, but you can ask us, and we will see what we can do.

The price per person remains the same whether it is a group trek or a private trek.    The only exception to this is if you wish to hire private road transport rather than go on the public road transport as included in the trek cost.  

Packing Tips

Download our packing list PDF here.

Bring clothes to layer:  It may be quite warm at the start and end of this trek, but it will be cold at the higher altitudes. Bring clothing that can be layered

Pack Smart: Keep your pack light for carrying. The porters are only human, and these trails are high and demanding.   

Toiletries: Bring what you need in travel sized containers.  Note, it is not necessary to shower (in a bucket at the campsite) every day while on a trek.   

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Diversity – Equality – Inclusion: Keys to a Great Experience

We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly trained travel enthusiasts.  

We started Magical Nepal in 2017 and pride ourselves in growing a great team. From our climbing guides, trek guides, and liaison staff to our camp staff, porters and camp chef, we all love to explore and travel in the Nepal Himalayas. We also love to introduce our beautiful country to our clients.

We are committed to human dignity, security, and safety for all – for our clients and for the communities we visit. We are also committed to the environmental sustainability of the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.

We also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.

Please check the reviews from our past clients to see what they say about us.

FAQs For Lumba Sumba Pass Trek:

Related Trip in Makalu Region

Makalu Base Camp Trek | Sherpani Col Pass Trek