Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking
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Explore Tours
Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking offers an exclusive blend of diverse natural beauty and a vivid glimpse into the indigenous cultures of eastern Nepal. Nestled between the famous Kanchenjunga and Makalu Base Camp treks, this newly discovered route remains largely off the beaten path.
Recognized by the Nepal Trekking Association and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Lumba Sumba Pass trek was unknown to most until 2012. Local communities from Olangchun and Thudam have historically crossed this high-altitude pass for generations, using it to visit relatives and move yaks to high pastures. The people of Thudam also cross here to access Tibetan markets about 20 km from Olangchun Gola.
While overshadowed by the more popular Kanchenjunga and Makalu treks—both mountains ranking as the world’s third and fifth highest peaks—Lumba Sumba offers a unique and rugged adventure through the beautiful Tamor River valley and alpine terrain inside Kanchenjunga Conservation and Makalu Barun National Park.
Cultural and Natural Highlights:
- Experience rich Nepalese cultures including Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Bhutias, Sherpa, Gurung, and Chhetri communities
- Witness the coexistence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Kirat, and Christianity within the lower valleys
- Spot rare and endangered wildlife such as red panda, snow leopard, blue sheep, mountain goats, langur monkeys, and diverse bird species
- Walk through rhododendron forests and vibrant wildflower meadows within pristine national parks
Trek Difficulty and Route of Lumba Sumba Pass Trekking:
The Lumba Sumba Pass trek is physically demanding and suited for experienced trekkers ready to explore Nepal’s unexplored frontier. It can be linked with Kanchenjunga and Makalu Base Camp treks, and adventurous travelers may extend their journey along the Milke Danda route for even more exploration.
Logistics and Itinerary:
- The trek begins in Kathmandu with options to reach Phungling or Taplejung by road or flight
- From Phungling, a jeep ride along rough dirt roads brings you to Thapethok or Sekhathum, where trekking begins
- The trail ascends steadily to Lumba and Sumba Pass, passing through traditional villages and alongside the mighty Tamor River, often crossing it multiple times and trekking near stunning waterfalls
- The descent leads through forests, abandoned villages, and varied landscapes along the Arun River valley
- The trek concludes with a jeep ride from Barun Dovan or Num to Khandbari or Tumlingtar, followed by an overnight stay and return flight or road journey to Kathmandu
This trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in untouched Himalayan wilderness and cultural richness far from the crowds.
Tour Amenities
Our airport representative will be waiting at the Tribhuvan International Airport arrival gate holding a sign with your name. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy leisure time until the official meeting in the evening.
Includes: Accommodation, airport transfer, soft or hot drinks at meeting.
Early morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport, then a one-hour flight to Bhadrapur, located in eastern Nepal near India. Team members coming from India’s West Bengal via Kakarvitta border (30 min from Bhadrapur airport) will be received there. From Bhadrapur, take a jeep drive (approx. full day) to Phungling/Taplejung, passing stunning tea gardens at Kanyam Ilam and reaching the mountain town surrounded by Himalayan landscapes.
Includes: Flight, jeep drive, breakfast, lunch, dinner with hot drinks, guesthouse/lodge accommodation.
Begin the trek with a jeep ride to Thapethok through cardamom and rice farms, enjoying scenic cultivated landscapes and views of the Tamor River valley. Trek starts after permit checks, following the west bank of the river through cardamom farms and villages to Lelep. Time permitting, explore Lelep village and learn about local indigenous culture.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), hot drinks, guesthouse/teahouse accommodation.
Trek alongside the beautiful Tamor River crossing vibrant white river streams, through dense bamboo forests and tropical trees. Spot wildlife and birds, and enjoy views of waterfalls and Kasturi Peak. Gradual ascent through mixed vegetation to camp at Ila Danda, where limited homestay accommodation is available.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), hot drinks, guesthouse/teahouse accommodation.
Long trekking day with no villages or teahouses in between. Carry sufficient food and water. Trail ascends gradually through dense bamboo forest with chances to spot Red Panda and enjoy stunning waterfall views. Olangchun Gola offers comfortable accommodation and rich Buddhist cultural influences.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), hot drinks, teahouse accommodation.
Explore the authentic Buddhist village with Tibetan cultural influences. Visit the ancient Diki Chholing Monastery, one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist monasteries. Village shops offer snacks and soft drinks. Opportunity for a hot shower before continuing to more remote areas.
Includes: Meals (B|L|D), hot drinks, accommodation.
Trek on a motor road connecting to Tibet before veering onto a side trail through pine and rhododendron forests, alpine shrubs, and medicinal herbs like Picrorhiza Kurroa and Yarsagumba. Encounter minimal human activity except for yak grazing. Camp overnight with meals prepared by staff.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), tented camping.
Transition from green forest to alpine terrain with dwarf mountain herbs. Trek across moraine landscape with excellent mountain views and possibility of spotting snow leopards. Set camp on a large open meadow below the ridge.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), tented camping.
A challenging day crossing two high passes early morning to avoid windstorms. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Makalu, and other peaks. Descend to Thudam, a traditional mountain village with about 40 houses, main income from livestock. Option for alternative campsite with Yak Kharka and Makalu views.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), hot drinks, homestay/teahouse accommodation.
Trek along the wild Chujung Khola, through forested terrain with birdlife and barking deer. Camp on yak grazing meadows with staff preparing meals.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), tented camping.
Descend into dense mixed forests and cross ridges. Trek alongside the Arun River valley, reaching Chyamthang village inhabited by Sherpa and Bhote communities, many now Christian. Village includes health post, schools, and police station.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), homestay/lodge/teahouse accommodation.
Descend through diverse villages and terraced farms. Cross suspension bridges and enjoy mountain views. Permit check for Makalu and Lumba Sumba trekking.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), homestay/lodge/teahouse accommodation.
Follow a trail into the valley where Arun and Barun rivers meet. Lunch at Barun Dovan with spectacular green valley views. Encounter mixed ethnic cultures (Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Tamang, Bhote, Sherpa).
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), lodge/teahouse accommodation.
Trek over paddy fields, small jungles, and villages to camp at Gadhi.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), hot drinks, lodge/teahouse accommodation.
Trek to east bank of river and take jeep to Khandbari. If no jeep, trek 1.5-2 hours uphill to Num village, then jeep to Khandbari. Enjoy off-road drive through hills and scenic landscapes. Overnight in Khandbari, district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha.
Includes: Trekking, meals (B|L|D), hot drinks, jeep drive, guesthouse accommodation.
Fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoy panoramic mountain views during the 45-minute flight, possibly spotting Mt. Everest. Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali food and live cultural performances.
Includes: Breakfast, farewell dinner, hotel accommodation.
Choose from:
- Cooking class (3-4 hours) learning Nepali dishes like Mo Mo and Daal Bhat with locals.
- Visit Newari villages for cultural experience and lunch.
Full-day sightseeing: Swayambhunath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple.
Or rest, shop in Thamel, and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, accommodation.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours before flight. End of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Includes: Breakfast and airport transfer.
