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| 2–3 trekkers | $2,500 |
| 4–6 trekkers | $2,475 |
| 7–9 trekkers | $2,450 |
| 10+ trekkers | $2,425 |
This trip is fully customizable
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote trekking routes, connecting the iconic Himalayan regions of Kanchenjunga and Makalu. This off-the-beaten-path trail leads you through hidden valleys, alpine forests, yak pastures, and high mountain passes, including the breathtaking Lumba Sumba Pass at 5,160 meters.
Ideal for adventurous trekkers, the Lumba Sumba Trek passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park, home to rare species like the red panda, snow leopard, and vibrant Himalayan birdlife. Along the way, you'll visit traditional villages like Olangchung Gola and Chyamtang, experiencing the rich cultures of the Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities. This trek offers a genuine sense of wilderness and solitude, with fewer trekkers on the trail and limited but growing access to basic teahouse accommodation. The journey begins with a flight to Bhadrapur, followed by a scenic drive to Selep, and ends in Tumlingtar after crossing the Lumba Sumba Pass.
With the right preparation, experienced guides, and a moderate to high fitness level, the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek rewards you with unspoiled mountain views, deep cultural encounters, and a true Himalayan adventure far from the crowds.
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Take time to rest or explore the city before your trek briefing in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
While your Kanchenjunga and Lumba Sumba trek permits are being processed, enjoy optional sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa are popular highlights.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Flight Time: 1 hour | Drive Duration: 4–5 hours
Fly to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal and drive to Ilam, a picturesque hill town known for its tea estates and views of the eastern Himalayas.
Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Ilam
Drive Duration: 8–9 hours (off-road)
Depart Ilam and head north via Taplejung, passing through remote hillside villages and dense forest roads. Eventually, you reach the small settlement of Selep, situated by the Tamor River. This marks the end of the rough jeep track and the starting point for trekking into the high Himalayas.
Overnight: Teahouse in Selep
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Begin trekking through dense rhododendron and bamboo forest, ascending gradually toward Ela Danda. The trail passes over small wooden bridges and along steep slopes, offering increasing views of the Himalayan terrain as you gain elevation.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ela Danda
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Climb steadily through alpine forest and pastures to reach Jongin Kharka, a seasonal yak herder's camp. The location provides a quiet resting point between Ela Danda and Olangchung Gola, helping you acclimatize effectively before crossing into higher terrain.
Overnight: Basic teahouse or camping in Jongin Kharka
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Continue along a remote trail, crossing wooden bridges and ascending through pine and juniper forests. As you approach Olangchung Gola, the valley opens up, revealing stone houses and prayer walls. This ancient Sherpa village is culturally rich and historically significant.
Overnight: Teahouse in Olangchung Gola
Explore the historic village, interact with locals, and visit the 465-year-old Deki Chholing monastery. Essential rest day for altitude adjustment.
Overnight: Teahouse in Olangchung Gola
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Begin the wilderness section of the trek, following yak herders' trails through alpine terrain and pine forests.
Overnight: Camping at Langmale Kharka
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Ascend to Pass Camp below the Lumba Sumba Pass. Dramatic glacial scenery surrounds you.
Overnight: Camping at Pass Camp
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Early morning ascent to Lumba Sumba Pass with views of Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Steep descent to the yak pastures of Yak Kharka.
Overnight: Camping at Yak Kharka
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Descend through subalpine terrain to the secluded Tibetan village of Thudam, one of the last settlements before the Arun Valley.
Overnight: Basic teahouse in Thudam
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Enter lush valleys and forested hillsides, crossing multiple suspension bridges. Chyamthang is a Rai and Sherpa settlement.
Overnight: Teahouse in Chyamthang
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Continue down the Arun Valley through dense forest and small farmlands, observing changing landscapes and cultures.
Overnight: Teahouse in Hatiya
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Reach the warmer lowlands of eastern Nepal through subtropical forest and rice fields.
Overnight: Teahouse in Gola
Trek Duration: 4 hours | Drive Duration: 5 hours
Final trek to Gadhi village. From there, take a jeep to Tumlingtar for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Lodge in Tumlingtar
Flight Time: 50 minutes
Fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoy your final day relaxing, shopping, or sightseeing before departure.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the international airport for your departure. If you’re extending your stay in Nepal, your guide can help with additional travel arrangements or sightseeing plans.
End of Trek.
October 10, 2025
““Jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter” We have had the absolute pleasure to trek with “above and beyond” on 2 occasions (3 passes trek 2019 and manaslu circuit 2025). I would recommend Sam and his company to anyone as the ONLY way to trek in Nepal. For the 3 passes we trekked with the absolute gentleman Gopal and we had an incredible experience doing the very challenging passes. Gopal was always kind, encouraging and knowledgeable with his information. For Manaslu we trekked with the legend that is Sam himself - not only was the trek beautiful, we had epic company in Sam! He was fantastic at telling us about the local area, ensuring we had great places to stay, pacing us on the walk, providing great encouragement and brilliant entertainment. He even helped us learn some more Nepali and compose some trekking songs, most notably “jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter!!””
November 2, 2025
“Having sampled trekking in Nepal last year on a section of the Everest trail one view of our son and daughter-in-law’s pictures of their Manaslu trek was enough to make us want to give it a go. Sam at Above and Beyond had been their guide and so on their strong recommendation we contacted him to help us on this trip. From the very start it was clear our kids had given us very good advice. Keeping in touch with Sam during the booking process was easy and he took care of all the necessary permits and advised on equipment for the trek so that all we had to do was turn up in Kathmandu at the right time. From there he had all transport, accommodation and portering sorted. The trek itself is amazing, walking along side thundering rivers through a changing landscape as you climb from 900 metres to over 5000 metres during the course of this adventure. It is a true experience on so many levels. The scenery is breathtaking; you gain an insight into Nepali life; you face a testing physical challenge. Throughout this Sam is there as much as a friend as a guide, helping us to get the most out of our journey. So if you would like to do something that is truly special email Sam and ask him to take around the Manaslu circuit.”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”
