- Home »
- Nepal »
- Trekking in Nepal »
- Off Beaten Path »
- Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Overview & Highlights
Trip Facts
- AccommodationCamping / Tea house
- Max Altitude4700 m
- Best SeasonAutum/ Spring
- Trip GradeHigh Advance
- MealsAll inclusive
- Group Size2- 12
"Embrace the journey, conquer the heights, and let the beauty of Lumba Sumba Trek etch itself in your heart forever."
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is among the recently discovered hiking paths, first explored in April 2012. The primary attraction along this route is the Lumba Sumba Peak (5200m). Providing some of the most stunning Himalayan scenery, the Lumba Sumba Trekking trail is inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Limbus, Sherpas, Rai, Gurung, Magars, Newars, and Tamangs. This trek passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) in the eastern Himalayas. Travelers have the opportunity to observe traditional farming methods and encounter various bird and wildlife species, including the endangered snow leopard and red panda, during their journey. Olangchung Gola boasts several high mountain lakes. This route allows for exploration of two of Nepal's most well-preserved protected areas: the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. Additionally, trekkers can reach the base camps of Mt. Kanchanjunga and Mt. Makalu along this path. Moreover, the Tamor and Arun River systems are captivating attractions for tourists, as these two rivers are the primary tributaries of the powerful Sapta Koshi River. The route encompasses alpine meadows, rugged cliffs, dense temperate and sub-tropical forests, and low river valleys. In addition to its natural beauty, trekkers can delve into cultural heritage, including monasteries, chhortens, temples, and prayer walls. Furthermore, the harmonious coexistence of these diverse communities adds vibrancy to the native culture, especially during their festivals.
Highlights Of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
- Isolated Arun Valley - solitary in the wild.
- Traverse the Lumba Sumba Pass (5160m).
- Navigate the Nango La Pass to reach Pang Pema (or the northern Kanchenjunga Base Camp).
- Breathtaking vistas of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Kumbakarna peaks.
- Secluded mountain communities abound with Tibetan Sherpa traditions.
- A feeling of seclusion unparalleled by any other trek in Nepal.
- Spottings of the Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, and Red Panda.
Equipments
The next details will provide you with a basic understanding of what you should carry for the trek. It's crucial not to overlook the necessary items, as they will impact your comfort and safety during the hike. It's just as vital not to weigh yourself down with unnecessary gear during the trek.
- A pair of half-golves
- A pair of Woolen shocks
- A wool jacket or pullover, Water and Windproof shell jackets
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Windproof and Waterproof Trousers (warmer), Comfortable trekking pants
- Water Trekking Boots/ Pair of sandals
- First Aid kits and Medicine
- Backpack with rain cover
- Water Bottle
- Headlamp or torch
- Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sunhat
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking Poles
- Chapstick
- Camera & Batteries
- Power adapter and chargersTravel Towel
- Toiletries
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek – 20 Days – Group Pricing (Per Person in USD)
| Group Size | Budget (Small Margin) | Standard (Medium Profit) | Premium (High Profit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person (Solo) | $1,180 | $2,250 | $3,250 |
| 2 People | $1,120 | $2,080 | $3,050 |
| 3–7 People | $1,070 | $1,980 | $2,920 |
| 8–12 People | $1,020 | $1,880 | $2,800 |
| 13–20 People | $970 | $1,780 | $2,680 |
— Budget = small margin (local bus, guide only, no meals).
— Standard = balanced, medium profit (domestic flights, jeep, porter, meals, 3-star hotel).
— Premium = high profit (luxury hotels, private jeeps, cultural dinners, extra gear).
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day plan for your journey.
Today, we'll make our way to the airport, where we'll board a 30-minute flight to Biratnagar. From there, it's a six-hour drive until we arrive at Phidim, the central hub of the Panchthar District in the Mechi Zone of eastern Nepal.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
The journey commences in Taplejung and proceeds through Hangedawa, culminating in Mitlung Village. En route, we traverse Asangpati Tole, Gaigode Tole, Panesar Tole, and Pawa village.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
909 m.
Today's hike spans approximately five to six hours, tracing the path alongside the Tamor River, leading us to Kurumba Village, and eventually reaching Mitlung. Along the way, we journey through several other settlements, including Tawa, Sinwa Bazaar, and then ascend to Thiwa Village, marking the gateway to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project. Subsequently, we descend to Chirwa, where we will spend the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
1246 m.
Today, we track the path alongside the Tamor River to Tapethok, meandering through lush woods and cultivated cardamom fields. After a lunch break, we continue to Lelep, where we will spend the night. Lelep also serves as the central administrative hub of the KCAP.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
1687 m.
Today's journey entails a trek lasting six to seven hours. Once more, we trace the Tamor River's course through thick woodland and cross a suspension bridge. We subsequently ascend through a pine forest, reaching the monastery before descending to Gowatar. Continuing our expedition, we traverse the Tamor River and arrive at Ela Danda, where we will lodge for the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
2051 m.
On today's route, we first navigate through alder and Rhododendron forests, eventually reaching Maguwa. Along the path, we pass through thick bamboo groves, which serve as a potential spot to encounter the elusive red panda. Our journey culminates at Selep Kharka, where we will spend the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
2525 m.
Our initial segment of today's hike leads us to Jongim Village, nestled amidst snow-capped peaks. We then proceed to Ramite Village, journeying through a forest of Rhododendron, and finally arrive at Olanchung Gola, where a 465-year-old monastery housing a golden manuscript awaits. We will lodge here for the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
3208 m.
Our adventure for the following three days will take us through the untamed wilderness, with fewer villages and fewer people along the path. Our initial destination is Jadak, followed by a journey to Upper Langmale, where we will spend the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
3893 m.
Today's trek spans approximately six to seven hours, tracing the course of the Tamar River until we arrive at Tangchetar, from where we will continue to the Pass Camp.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
4747 m.
Today's journey requires greater physical exertion, involving a six to seven-hour hike that leads us to higher elevations, culminating at Lumba Sumba Peak (5200m). Afterward, we descend to Chaurikharka, where we will spend the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
4595 m.
Today's path is less strenuous and predominantly downhill, ultimately converging at a juncture where one route heads toward Sasha in Tibet, while the other leads to the Sherpa community of Thudam, where we will lodge for the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
3500 m.
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.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
2877 m.
We embark on a six to seven-hour hike, revisiting Chaurikharka while traversing dense Rhododendron forests. Our journey continues as we descend until we reach the Arun River. There, we cross a suspension bridge and proceed to Chyamthang Village, where we will spend the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
2229 m.
Today's path leads us back to Gimber Village, once more taking us through the ever-present rhododendron forests. Along the way, we are treated to stunning vistas of the Makalu Range. Our next destination is Hatiya, a petite village inhabited by the Bhote people and serving as the gateway to the Makalu National Park. We will lodge here for the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
1595 m.
We kick off the day by hiking alongside the Arun River until we reach the confluence of the Arun and Baru rivers. Our journey proceeds toward Gola, a settlement where Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai communities reside. We will spend the night here.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
We commence the day by tracing the path to the diminutive Gurung village of Pathibhara, journeying through cultivated farmland until we reach the compact trading village of Gadhi, where we will lodge for the night.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
1800 m.
Today, a significant portion of our time will be on the move. Initially, we embark on a trek downhill to the Arun River and then ascend to Num Village. Subsequently, we undertake a five-hour drive to Khandbari, the administrative center of the Sankhuwasavha district. From there, we can opt for a bus journey to Kathmandu via Dharan or Biratnagar. Alternatively, for those preferring air travel, it's possible to catch a flight back to Kathmandu from the Tumlingtar airstrip.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Elevation
1022 m.
Today, we return to Kathmandu by air (a 30-minute flight), during which we'll be treated to some panoramic vistas of the snow-covered peaks that we encountered up close during our trek.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accommodation
Lodge/ Tea House
Trip Cost & Services
Luxury Package Service Includes
Accommodation
3 nights in 4–5-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Best available lodges/homestays during trek (attached bathrooms where possible)
Transport
Domestic flight Kathmandu → Bhadrapur
Private luxury jeep Bhadrapur → Taplejung
Private luxury jeep return trek end point → Bhadrapur
Domestic flight Bhadrapur → Kathmandu
Luxury airport & city transfers
Welcome & farewell dinners in Kathmandu
Meals
All meals during trek (wide menu options)
Breakfast in Kathmandu hotel
Welcome & farewell cultural dinners
Guide & Porter
Senior trekking guide (Kanchenjunga–Makalu region expert)
Porter service (20–25 kg per porter)
Staff insurance included
Permits & Fees
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
TIMS card
Extras
Loaner trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles)
Emergency evacuation support (insurance required)
Daily health monitoring with oximeter
Optional sightseeing in Kathmandu
Luxury Package Service Excludes
International airfare
Nepal visa fees
Comprehensive travel insurance
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
Alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks
Tips for guide, porter, driver
Optional upgrades (helicopter, single supplement)
Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Standard Package Service Includes
Accommodation
3 nights in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Tea house/homestay during trek (twin-sharing)
Transport
Domestic flight Kathmandu → Bhadrapur
Private jeep Bhadrapur → Taplejung
Private jeep return trek end point → Bhadrapur
Domestic flight Bhadrapur → Kathmandu
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu hotel
All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
Guide & Porter
Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers, 15–20 kg)
Permits & Fees
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
Extras
Pre-trek briefing
First aid kit with oximeter
Standard Package Service Excludes
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Personal trekking equipment (rentable in Kathmandu)
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (extra)
Travel insurance
International airfare & Nepal visa fees
Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
Tips for guide, porter, driver
Extra costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Budget Package Service Includes
Accommodation
Basic tea house/homestay during trek (simple twin-sharing)
Transport
Local bus Kathmandu → Taplejung (trek start)
Local bus return trek end point → Kathmandu
Airport pick-up in Kathmandu
Meals
Not included – trekkers pay directly at lodges
Guide & Porter
Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
No porter service (optional, extra cost)
Permits & Fees
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
TIMS card
Extras
Pre-trek briefing
Basic first aid kit with guide
Budget Package Service Excludes
Meals during trek & in Kathmandu
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
Porter service (optional)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, jacket, poles, etc.)
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (extra)
Travel insurance (mandatory)
International airfare & Nepal visa fees
Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
Tips for guide, porter, driver
Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Altitude & route map
Select a preview for a full-width, zoomable view.
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Altitude Profile
Trip visual
Similar Trips
Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2026.



