Introduction to 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.
he 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 Trek Highlights
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Flight) to Ilam (Drive)
Bhadrapur – 93 m / 305 ft – 1 hr
After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your airport and take you to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu.
Arriving in Bhadrapur your guide will again take a bus to Illam. When you reach Illam your guide will brief you on what is to come. You may also have time to explore this low land eastern town.

Bhadrapur
Day 2: Bhadrapur to Taplejung (Drive)
Taplejung – 1820 m / 5971 ft – 9 hrs
It’s a long day on the road today as you drive up through switchback bumpy and dusty roads to reach Taplejung. There will be stops for tea and lunch on the way.
On arrival at Taplejung you will meet your camping crew who will come to pick up the gear that your guide has brought with him from Kathmandu. Their first task is to set up the campsite and get dinner underway for you.

Taplejung
Day 3: Taplejung to Chirwa
Chirwa – 1270 m / 4166 ft – 6 hrs
A day of firsts! After your first campsite breakfast comes the first day of actual hiking! You are heading to Chirwa today, which is also part of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek so it is likely you will see other trekkers over the next couple of days.
You will cross dense forests and meadows with some steep inclines today. You will also cross a suspension bridge over the Tamor River.

Chirwa
Day 4: Chirwa to Lelep
Lelep – 1860 m / 6102 ft – 6 hrs
You will be entering the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area today and get your permits checked at Tapethok village which has a few shops and tea shops where you can relax over a cup of tea while exploring the village. You will see the headquarters of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in this village.
On the way to Lelep, you will hike through cardamom gardens and can soak up the scenery and atmosphere of this lovely area.

Lelep
Day 5: Lelep To Illa Danda
Illa Danda – 2051 m / 6729 – 6 hrs
Today you should keep an eye out for birdlife as this area is just perfect for the many species that live in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. You will hike through dense forests, which may also hide some of the mammals found here such as musk deer and langur monkeys. At higher altitudes you will be able to add the more rare animals to this list.
After crossing a suspension bridge and climbing uphill you reach a monastery which you can spend a little time at before heading downhill to Gowatar village. Shortly after the village there is a huge 100 m / 328 ft waterfall. Then its another short hike to Illa Danda with its great views of the peaks.

Illa Danda
Day 6: Illa Danda To Selep Kharka
Selep Kharka- 2525 m / 8284 ft 6 hrs
After crossing a suspension bridge today, the dense forests recede a bit as more meadows and grazing pastures can be seen, perhaps with sheep and yaks on them. As the trail ascends there are fantastic views of the mountains.
Your campsite tonight is in fact one of these high altitude meadows and has amazing mountain views.

Selep Kharka
Machhermo
Day 7: Selep Kharka To Olangchung Gola
Olangchung Gola – 3208 m / 10524 ft – 7 hrs
The trekking is beginning to get a bit more intense today as the altitude is beginning to rise. But you have had plenty of time to adjust so enjoy the hike as you pass through more meadows and pastures and cross the Tamor River again. You will also be hiking through rhododendron forests, which are spectacular when in bloom in the spring.
Olangchung Gola is a high altitude pasture with amazing views of the snowy peaks, including the Kanchenjunga Massif. Here you will camp for the night and enjoy the beauty of the mountains surrounding you.

Olangchung Gola
Day 8: Acclimatization Day
Olangchung Gola – 3208 m / 10524 ft – 2 hrs
To prepare yourself for the high altitude to come, today is an acclimatization day.
There is a monastery in Olangchung Gola which is reportedly over 400 years old. You can spend some time exploring it and the Sherpa village which is Olangchung Gola.
Otherwise, this is a chance to relax and rest and take stock of what is to come.
Day 9: Olangchung Gola To Upper Langmale
Upper Langmale – 3893 m / 12772 ft – 7 hrs
You are rising considerably in altitude today, one of the reasons for yesterday’s acclimatization day. The trail starts out with pastures but then becomes more rugged with scree and moraines. At this altitude, the winds can become high and chilly. There may even be some snow patches on the trail. Care is needed both in terms of the altitude and the loose/ slippery ground under your feet.

Upper Langmale
Day 10: Upper Langmale To Lumba Sumba Pass Camp
Lumba Sumba Pass Camp – 4748 m / 15577 ft 6 hrs
Your path follows the Tamor River today. Perhaps you will stop near the village of Tangchetar for lunch before walking the same distance again to reach your overnight destination.
Your guide will brief you over snacks and tea as to what to expect when you cross over the Lumba Sumba Pass at 5,177 m / 16,984.9 ft.
Try to rest as much as possible tonight in preparation for the big day tomorrow.
Overnight at Lumba Sumba Pass Camp – camping.
Day 11: Lumba Sumba Pass Camp To Chauri Kharka
Chauri Kharka – 4598 m / 15085 ft – 10 hrs
This is a long and demanding day as you climb over the Lumba Sumba Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft). You will be starting off very early – at dawn or pre-dawn – in order to cross the pass by the time the high winds come in, normally in the late morning.
The first part of the trek sees you crossing snowfields, which could be pretty deep and treacherous.
From the top of the pass, you will see amazing views of the Kanchenjunga Massif, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and many more peaks and glaciers. As you descend down, you will have views of the Arun Valley as you enter the Makalu Barun region.
Make your way slowly and carefully to your overnight camp

Chauri Kharka
Day 12: Chauri Kharka To Thudam
Thudam – 3500 m / 11482 ft – 7 hrs
Today you drop down considerably in altitude and the landscape returns to one of more vegetation and some Sherpa villages.
You will see the Chhujung Khola (river), bamboo forests and the overhead peaks of the mountains in the Makalu region. You are also now quite close to the Tibet border.

Thudam
Day 13: Thudam To Kharka
Kharka – 2877 m / 9483 ft – 6 hrs
Again, today you are following the Chhujung river through bushes and bamboo. It is another opportunity to do some bird watching if you like. Also be on the look out for the red panda. This elusive creature lives in the Makalu Barun National Park and beyond, but it is extremely difficult to spot.
Crossing cultivated land is a sign that this area is more inhabited due to the lower elevation.
Overnight at Kharka – camping.
Day 14: Kharka To Chyamtang
Chyamtang – 2229 m / 7312 ft – 6 hrs
You are back into thick rhododendron forests and heading towards the Arun River. Again, it is mostly downhill today, but after crossing a suspension bridge you ascend into the Sherpa village of Chyamtang.

Chyamtang
Day 15: Chyamtang To Hatiya
Hatiya – 1595 m / 5232 ft – 6 hrs
Now in the Arun Valley, you will enter Makalu National Park when you reach Hatiya.
Having descended through forests which are cool and shady, the landscape is transitioning to lower foothills and terraced fields.
Hatiya is a community of mainly Bhote people. The Bhote or Bhotiya people are native tribes’ people from the Himalayan Belt.

Hatiya
Day 16: Hatiya To Gola
Gola – 1128 m / 3700 ft – 6 hrs
You trek past the confluence of the Arun and Barun rivers today as you head to the small village of Gola.
Overnight at Gola – camping.

Gola
Day 17: Gola To Hedangna Gadi
Hedangna Gadi – 1179 m / 3868 ft – 7 hrs
After a couple of hours hiking through terraced rice fields, you come to Pathivara, a Gurung village. There are some shops and tea shops here, which is quite different from the villages you have been seeing on your remote area trek. Enjoy a soft drink and some local cookies here if they have them. This is the last day of hiking, so yes, maybe have two soft drinks!
Further down the trail you come to Hedangna Gadhi where you stop for the night.

Hedangna Gadhi
Day 18: Hedangna Gadi To Num To Tumlingtar (Drive)
Tumlingtar – 1020 m / 3346 ft – 6 hrs
After breakfast, it’s a short hike down to Num where you get a public jeep to drive you to Tumlingtar where you will catch a flight to Kathmandu.
Tonight enjoy the last night with your camping crew, your last dinner made by your fantastic camp chef, and the last gossip with your guide.

Tumlingtar
Day 19: Tumlingtar To Kathmandu (Flight)
Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft – 50 mins
Your final breakfast in camp today and your final goodbyes before you board a plane back to the capital city.
On arrival in Kathmandu, your guide will help you to your hotel and say his farewells.
Note: All kilometers/miles are approximate. On a mountain trail, it is better to adjust your mind to hours of walking rather than to mileage.
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Includes
Veg
Wide variety of Vegeterian food is available on the trek
Vegan
Wide variety of Vegan food is available on the trek
Packing List for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Items | Details | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Underwear | Underwear Breathable synthetic | 3 |
Socks | Wool BYO | 3 |
Bra | Sports BYO | |
Base layers – Pants | Merino wool BYO | 1 |
Trekking shirt | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase it in Kathmandu | 2 |
Rain pants | Synthetic lightweight Frogg Toggs are excellent | 1 |
Trekking pants | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase in Ktm | 2 |
Hiking Shoes/Boots | BYO Salmon Quest 4D or Xultra 3 or 4 | 1 |
Camp shoes | Down booties BYO or purchase in Ktm | 1 |
Gloves | One pair of thin merino wool. 2nd pair thick insulated | 2 |
Hat | Sun hat or peak cap with neck protection. BYO | 1 |
Down Jacket | BYO | 1 |
Wind Breaker | BYO | 1 |
Note: Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu, while all other trekking equipment can be easily purchased. We at Magical Nepal will assist you in getting all your essentials sorted, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.
Kathmandu to Bhandrapur Flight
The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur takes about 45–50 minutes and is the main access point for eastern treks like Kanchenjunga and Makalu. It’s more reliable than mountain flights but can still face weather delays, especially in monsoon and winter. Magical Nepal arranges backup transport if needed.
Read Before your book Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a remote and challenging route that connects the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions via the high Lumba Sumba Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft).
This trek is best suited for experienced trekkers ready for long hiking days, basic teahouses, and occasional camping.
With limited infrastructure, no mobile signal, and unmarked trails, a licensed guide is essential. Magical Nepal takes care of all permits, logistics, and safety, making it possible for you to enjoy this wild and culturally rich Himalayan journey.
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.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to do the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. The weather is warmer, and it’s not too cold even high up in the mountains. The skies are usually clear, and the views are amazing. You’ll also see beautiful flowers blooming along the trail!
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is also a great time to trek. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the sky is often bright blue. September and October are especially nice before winter starts. This is a very popular time for trekking in Nepal.
Monsoon (June to early September)
We don’t recommend trekking in the monsoon. It rains a lot, and walking with wet clothes and gear is no fun! The trails get slippery, rivers may get too full to cross safely, and flights can be delayed or canceled. Plus, no one likes camping on wet and muddy ground.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is too cold for this trek. There’s often heavy snow at higher altitudes, making it hard to cross the Lumba Sumba Pass safely. We recommend choosing spring or autumn instead for a safer and more enjoyable trip.
To trek through the remote and beautiful Lumba Sumba Pass, you’ll need several permits that allow access to the protected conservation areas along the route. At Magical Nepal, we take care of all permit arrangements for you—so you don’t need to worry about a thing.
Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit
SAARC citizens: NPR 1,500 per person per entry
Other nationalities: NPR 3,000 per person per entry
Makalu Rural Municipality Permit
All nationalities: NPR 2,000 per person per entry
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
All nationalities: USD 30 per person per trip
Magical Nepal will arrange all of these permits on your behalf before your trek begins.
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!
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 Life straw 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.
Porridge
Tibetan bread
Pancakes
Tea
Chapatis
Garlic Omelets
Boiled Eggs
Boiled Potato
Tibetan bread
Omlet
Tea
Dal Bhat
Rice, lentils & veggies
Momo
Tibetan dumplings
Thukpa
Noodle soup
Chowmein
Fried noodles
Macaroni/Pasta
With egg or vegetables
Soups
Vegetable, garlic
Fried Rice
With egg, vegetables, or tuna
Noodles
with Vegetable, Egg
Fried Rice
With egg or vegetables
Curry
Vegetable, Egg, Potato
- Let us know the dietary restriction and your food preference
- We will try our best to add the best meal selection for you.
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!
We’re happy to offer free airport pickup from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel when you arrive in Kathmandu. Just let us know your flight details on the booking form, and one of our team members will be there to greet you—making your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Your Hotel in Kathmandu
Please book your own hotel in Kathmandu. We’re happy to recommend options if needed. We suggest staying in Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants, and trekking shops—perfect for travelers. Plus, our Magical Nepal office is located in Thamel, so it’s easy to connect with us before and after your trek. You can find good hotel deals on sites like Booking.com and Hostelworld.
Go Explore Kathmandu
Kathmandu is full of rich culture and fascinating sites. Whether on a guided tour or exploring at your own pace, highlights include:
- Boudhanath – a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhists
- Swayambhunath – also known as the Monkey Temple
- Pashupatinath – Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple
These three can fill a full day. You can also explore the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur—ancient royal cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites brimming with temples, palaces, and history.
Visa for Nepal
Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu airport. We recommend completing the form in advance via the Immigration Department of Nepal website and bringing a printout. Be sure to carry exact USD cash for payment at the airport.
Visa Fees:
- 15 Days – USD 30
- 30 Days – USD 50
- 90 Days – USD 125
Have questions about your arrival or planning? Just ask—we’re here to help every step of the way!
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. and food for this trek.
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Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Map
