Lumba Sumba Pass Trek - 20 Days

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek was newly discovered in 2012 and is still unknown to many adventurers. To trek Lumba Sumba Pass, you have to cross both Kanchenjunga and Makalu Region via Lumba Sumba Pass. You will be crossing both the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park.

You will experience the real experience as you will be camping during the trek. Do not be surprised when you will see diverse endangered floras and faunas. This trek also drives you through the different ethnic villages.

What to expect at Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?

The biggest reason to do this trek is the grand view of the gigantic mountains that you see. You do not just see a single summit, but more than five summits can be visible. You will fall in love with the beautiful face of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lumba Sumba Peak. That's a lot for any trekking, especially for such a virgin land.

It is no wonder that adventurers consider Lumba Sumba Pass Trek to be the off-the-beaten trek in Nepal. This trek shows a brilliant close-up of the 3rd highest mountain in the world - Kanchenjunga. This trek also offers a breathtaking view of the mountain ranges while crossing the pass.

There will be days when trekkers are entirely alone in the wilderness in the dense forest. You will cross through the lush Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. Those dense forests are rich in endangered wildlife like snow leopards, red pandas and others.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek in Nepal passes through scattered pockets of human habitation. It is in the form of monasteries, settlements, and schools. You will witness different ethnic people, including Limbu, Rai, Gurung, and Tamang.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek  gives you a thrilling experience of the Himalayas and discover amazing sights. The best time to do Lumba Sumba Pass Trek for 11 days is spring (March to May) and Autumn ( September to November).

We have departure dates to join this trek in the Spring and Autumn  You can join any dates that suit best to you. If you desire to have a personal trek and customize the Itinerary, we are flexible to customize it.

Also, there are other amazing alternative wilderness routes that are seeking greater challenges. You can choose any trip from Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, and Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek. For the diverse Kanchenjunga Region Package, you can explore more exclusive tour packages.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek 20 days Itinerary

Our trek starts with the scenic flight to Bhadrapur and the long drive to Phungling. Our exciting trekking starts from Phungling along the banks of Tamor River. The next day, we will reach Mitlung and then Chirwa. On the way to Chirwa, you will see the Entrance gate at This Village.

The next day, you will pass through Ulnus trees and cardamon gardens which take you to Lelep. After an hour's walk from Lelep, we will cross the suspension bridge and reach Gowatar. During the walk, you will also see beautiful waterfalls and green hills.

After the walkthrough of Maple and Ulnus forest, we will get Selep Kharka. Today you will see a mixed forest of Deodar and rhododendron. As we walk further, we will see a glimpse of Olangchung Gola. You may experience the snowy track, which makes the trek somehow challenging.

As you reach higher, there is also a high chance of experiencing many snow leopards. After some walk, we will get to our camping site called Langmale and then further Yangetar. Today is the most adventurous day of this trek.

Today you will pass through Lumba Sumba Peak and then start descending early. It is better to start early as we have to run down. After 4-5 hours of challenging walk from Pass Camp, you will reach Lumba Sumba Peak and stay at Yak Kharka.

From this point, the trail starts to descend towards Thudam, Kharka, and Chyamtang. The trail further passes through the rhododendron forest, and the walk will be somehow easy. Before reaching Hatiya, you will see the entry point to Makalu National Park.

Further, you will reach Gola, Gadi, and then your trekking ends at Num. From Num, you will have to drive to Khandbari and then to Tumingtar. From there, you will be transferred to Kathmandu.

How difficult is this trek?

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek has long trekking days and climbs quickly. So, it is rated as a challenging trek because it requires a lot of endurance and exposes you to the risk of AMS.

Getting to the details, this 21-day trek climbs from 921 m to 5,422 m. That is almost an altitude gain of 4500 m. This climb is one of the challenges during the trek. It reveals the chance of altitude sickness if you are not alert. When on this trek, be very cautious of how your body is responding to the altitude.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Himalayan mountains in this pass climb rapidly. The trek goes to almost the 3rd and 5th highest mountain bases in the world.

You gain about 700 m in the first five days, but there will be a drastic change in height after that. This rapid increase in altitude and the trek's strain make trekkers very sensitive to AMS. At Lumba Sumba Peak on day 13, you have to climb too high at 5422 m. To safeguard yourself from AMS, you must take good rest.

In case you feel sick or not at ease, do not ignore it or take it lightly. Attend to your uneasiness and take curative measures. Check oxygen levels, go on a curative course of Diamox, drink water, and rest. If you do not feel normal after a few hours or overnight, do not proceed further on the trek.

Safety advice: As Lumba Sumba Peak has a high risk of AMS, understand AMS, its causes, signs, and symptoms well before stepping foot on the trek.

What will be the cost for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek?

When you are thinking about exploring the Pass, there will be many factors to consider, like route, best time, and how fit we need to be? But one of the essential confusion will be, "How much does Lumba Sumba Pass cost?"

Whether you are budget-dependent or not, it is essential to consider how much you want to pay for the trip and the actual cost. The baseline cost of the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek will depend on the number of variables. Your price will change based on how comprehensive you want your trip to be.

On average, the trek will generally be 20-25 days, and the cost is generally somewhere between USD 3647 to USD 3804. This price includes domestic flights, trekking permits, meals, professional trekking guides, porters, accommodation, entry fees, and others. You will get some discounts if you are in groups. The cost of this trek highly depends upon traveling in private or in a group.

Lumba Sumba Pass Permit Cost

The permit cost for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek depends on the seasons and the number of days you will spend in this region. To trek, you will need three kinds of permits issued by the Government of Nepal.

• Kanchenjunga Area Permit Cost

Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit costs USD 40 per person, for two week.

• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP)

The entry fee for SAARC is USD. 5 per person, and for other Nationals, USD.20 per person.

• Makalu Barun National Park

For SAARC USD.15 per person, the entry fee per person, and for other Nationals USD.30 per person.=

Highlights

• Newly discovered trekking route with authentic high Himalayas experience.
• Be in the remote Olangchu Gola village.
• Opportunity to experience the Tibetan people and their activities from near.
• Camping experience in the Himalayan existence.
• Find inner peace in the dense forest of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park.
• Experience diverse wildlife and vegetation.

We focus on our valuable client’s safety and satisfaction while travelling with The Himalayan Odyssey Treks. Your safety is our paramount concern. On every trip, our teams will be carrying useful and necessary equipment as well as the medical kit.

Yet, during Lumba Sumba Pass Trek; natural calamities, climate irregularities, health conditions, politics, transport, or other factors, that are beyond our control may change our cancel itinerary for safety. But, our guide holds full right to change or even drop the itinerary if it is necessary due to safety concerns.

In this case, you need to be flexible with your planned itinerary and take after the guideline as told by the guide.

Note:- We do everything to reduce the effect, but we won’t be responsible for any result of modifications on itineraries or any delays due to unexpected circumstances.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is compulsory for all the trekkers who are going to participate in Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. We highly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance package to all our clients, the insurance must cover helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes. It will be assisted protection tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and any kind of illness will be covered.

The Himalayan Odyssey Treks kindly ask any of our travellers to send a reliable travel insurance copy through email once you book the trip with us. Your travel insurance must include personal accidents, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation.

Having good travel insurance will not only assure your peace of mind while you trek with us but also provide you with full coverage for anything that may go wrong.

Some Tips for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Guide and a Porter in Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

It is always a good and safe option to trek with a guide and porter for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. Lumba Sumba Pass Trek has an experienced trekking guide and 1 porter for 2 trekkers. A guide will always be there to support you throughout your trip. The guide will assist you to locate the trail, makes it easy to interact with local people, and also helps to book nice tea houses. He is also well educated about the terrain, wildlife, and vegetation inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Thus, choosing a guide and porter would be the best choice for a relaxed trekking experience.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek takes you to the highest point of your trek is goes 5,422 meters above sea level. Trekking below 3000m is not a problem but above there the low levels of oxygen will sometimes make breathing complex. While you are at a high altitude, you need to trek slowly, steadily, and keep your body hydrated. If you are walking fast to succeed in your destination in less time, the probability you will suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the mildest form and it is very common at higher altitudes. The symptoms can appear – dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea. Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may go for mild cases. Drinking sufficient fluids like water, tea, soup, etc. will help to stay away from altitude sickness.

If the condition is worsening then, one may need to return to a lower elevation and receive medical help. Teams should make sure that the condition will not worsen and should take precautions quickly. If there is a worst-case scenario then the air evacuation should be arranged to receive medical care. If AMS is untreated or ignored, it can take your life.

Our Lumba Sumba Pass Trek itinerary has been designed to reduce the Altitude problems and make the trekking smooth. The itinerary is well-paced and enables your body to adapt your body levels of oxygen within the mountain air.

Extra personal expenses for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

All your foods are included in your package including Lunch, Breakfast, and Dinner. The food will be served as per the package and besides that cost will be extra if you extend the trip more than the schedule of our package. We would also like to suggest that our client carry some snacks like energy bars, snickers, waters, chocolates, cookies, and personal belonging materials like passports, battery chargers, etc. during the trek.

Best Time To Do Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

There are two distinct seasons for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek – March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn).

Observing this trek in only one season is like getting to understand just a part of it. That's because the route is set in the Kanchenjunga National Park and Makalu Barun National Park, home to some vibrant varieties of flora amidst its mossy forest. And the forest transforms colours in different seasons.

So, in different seasons, the whole colour palette of the trek changes. Even the way the trek lights shift with the seasons. While Spring is known for its romantic, surreal look, autumn is loved for its fine views.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek in Spring

The beauty of this trek in Spring lies in witnessing the blossoming rhododendrons, especially in April. In Spring, the misty forests on the Lumba Sumba Pass trail come alive with varied shades of pink and scarlet.

The Rhododendrons start from around Kanchenjunga National Park. Their variety increase as you reach higher, and after that, you are in for a treat of a lifetime. Sunlight diffuses, filtering in from the colorful flowers, which add a magical touch to your experience.

During the walk, you can hear the chirping sound of birds and insects all the time. That creates a very harmonious vibe.

You may also witness a chance of snowfall during this season. And when that happens, the entire meadows get displayed in white.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek in Autumn

In autumn, there are no colourful flowers. But now, something else gives color to the trek – it's the dark, mossy forest under the brilliant blue sky. The vibrant colors are inching towards deep greens, reds, and browns.

The air is washed clean of the mist. So when you step out of the sunshade, you see excellent views of beautiful nature and landscape. You also witness a sharp star-lit sky during this season. And it is a great time to be on Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, especially if you are interested in night-sky photography.

Equipment Checklist for Lumba Sumba Pass

Every trekking requires certain preparation of gears and types of equipment for the journey to make your trip more comfortable. It is recommended to carry the necessary and light things so that it will be easy while you are walking. The following belongings are recommended that should be brought, although we concede that our clients have their own decision for the clothing. To know what to expect in the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek, we have prepared some useful clothing & gear during the trek.

Travel Documents

• Airline tickets (confirmation and itinerary)
• Nepal Visa form (may be obtained at Kathmandu Airport)
• Travel insurance policy documents
• Valid passport
• Copy of passport (2 copies, first page only)
• Passport photos (4)

Travel Equipment

• Duffel bag (100 liters; no wheels or rigid handles)
• Lightweight, duffel bag
• Luggage locks
• Travel wallet
• Passport/money belt
• Sleeping bag liner
• Travel plug adapters
• Electrical converter

Travel Clothing

• Quick-dry undergarments
• Synthetic or wool T-shirt
• Long-sleeve, travel-friendly shirt and pants
• Casual shoes
• Mid-weight wool or synthetic socks

Trekking Equipment

• Day pack (25–35 liters)
• Sleeping bag comfortable to 0°F (dependent upon season, weather forecast and personal preference)
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Camp shoes (down booties or running shoes)
• LED headlamp with extra batteries
• Trekking poles

Trekking Clothing

• Wool or synthetic T-shirts (2)
• Mid-weight fleece or soft-shell jacket (2)
• Mid-weight down or synthetic parka with hood
• Convertible hiking pants
• Fleece pants or insulated pants
• Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants
• Mid-weight waterproof and fleece gloves or mittens
• Sun hat
• Mid-weight wool or synthetic socks (3 pairs)
• Liner socks (optional)
• Glacier sunglasses
• Neck gaiter, balaclava, Buff or bandana

Food

• Energy bars
• Electrolyte replacement drink mix
• Snacks (cookies, GORP, Snickers, etc.)