The Lumba-Sumba Pass Trek is Nepal’s latest great escape into the wilderness of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Known for its remoteness, natural beauty and enormous snow-covered peaks. This trek was only opened in 2012 and is still unspoiled by a mass influx of trekkers. The trek connects the Kanchenjunga region and Makalu region via the Lumba Sumba Pass (5160m), and takes you to the high altitude Lumba Sumba Peak (5200m) where the views are mind-boggling! The region is home to various ethnic groups: Limbu, Sherpa, Rai, Gurung Magar, Newar, and Tamang. The higher altitude villages tend to be mostly Tibetan Sherpa people. The trek runs through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park in the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal.
The trek offers sightings of a number of indigenous species, such as the red panda and the elusive Snow Leopard. The birdlife in this region is abundant as you trek through dense rhododendron, juniper, and pine forests.
The trail also leads to a number of pristine alpine lakes near Olanchung Gola, through the snowy Nango La Pass, to Pang Pema, or north Kanchenjunga Base Camp. The Lumba Sumba pass (5160m) offers magnificent eye-popping views of Kanchenjunga (8598m – world’s 3rd highest peak) in the west, and Mt. Makalu (8485m – world’s 5th highest peak) in the east, the third and fifth highest peaks in the world.
We venture to base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu. There are numerous raging mountain rivers that cascade down from the mountains, such as the Arun and Tamor rivers, and the more impressive Sapta Koshi (river). You can see Yak razing in the alpine pastures and follow trails through the dense subtropical and temperate forests at lower altitudes and trek along deep valleys passing small villages adorned with prayer flags, chortens, Mani stones and Buddhist temples.
Trip Description
The Lumba Sumba-La Pass Trek was officially opened in 2012 by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). This newly explored route was first navigated in April by a 20-member team, led by Rana Bahadur Khadka, the 1st Vice President of TAAN.
One of the main highlights of the Lumba Sumba Trek is the Lumba Sumba Peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan landscapes. The trek also takes you through the homeland of several ethnic groups, including the Limbus, Sherpas, Rai, Gurung, Magar, Newar, and Tamang.
The trail passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), a rich cultural and natural heritage site in the eastern Himalayas. Along the way, trekkers can explore traditional farming practices, observe unique wildlife like the endangered Snow Leopard and Red Panda, and enjoy sightings of a variety of bird species. Notably, the area is home to many high-altitude lakes, especially around Olangchung Gola.
