Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Difficulty
The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is quite a difficult to challenging trek due to various factor that include high altitude, long walking days, remoteness of the area and crossing difficult pass that requires lots of efforts.
Altitude is the main problem when trekking in high altitude. You can walk through tough terrain and steep paths, but you cannot walk with altitude sickness. The height of this Lumba Sumba Pass Trek itinerary goes above 5,000, which is associated with the risk of altitude sickness when moving without careful, low air pressure and lower temperature, which is why proper acclimatization is very important.
The length of trekking days will also be challenging. Several of them last from 6 to 9 hours, through unmarked trails with many ups and downs. Along with remoteness the limited facilities, lack of tea houses, occasional camping makes Lumba Sumba Pass Trek a true challenge.
But who this trek is for? Well, for trekkers who have some experience of trekking at high altitudes, trekkers who have already done trek such as Everest Base Camp, Manaslu or any other treks like this. For absolute beginners this trek may be very challenging not due to its technical side but due to the combination of altitude, distance and isolation all together.
Preparation for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Preparation for Lumba Sumba Trek requires a bit more consideration than other trekking. Preparation is something that you have to done ahead of trek time, not like improvising as you trek.
From the physical point of view, you should have good cardiovascular endurance, well-developed leg muscles to walk up and down continuously, and sufficient mental endurance to face with unpredictable weather and simple facilities. When you are well-prepared and experienced, the difficulty of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek becomes a part of your adventure.
As for equipment, layering is everything to handle temperature difference that occurs during the trek. Thermal layers, down jacket, waterproof boots, trekking poles and a warm sleeping bag are some of the necessary equipment’s.
Permits and Documents also need to be sort out beforehand. You will need a Restricted Area Permit, Conservation Area permit and Tims card which can be easily obtained through Epic Trek Nepal, once you book with us.
Best Time to Trek
The right time for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek actually plays an essential part when trekking in such a remote and high-altitude route. There are mainly four seasons, and each differ from each other.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is certainly one of the best seasons to go on Lumba Sumba Trek because the weather is mostly stable and moderate, allowing people to have clear sky that will give you magnificent views of mountain in Kanchenjunga and Makalu region.
Autumn (September to November)
This time is the most preferred season and there a reason for this. As the monsoon ends, you will have clear weather and perfect mountain views. Temperature is cool, the trails remain dry and it is the reliable time for Lumba Sumba Pass Trek.
Winter (December to February
Winter season is very cold, especially at the higher altitudes when the temperature can drop below freezing point. Crossing the pass is very difficult due to heavy snowfall and chilly environment. But for those who are used to treks, it is possible but requires more equipment, more caution, and adaptability.
Monsoon (June to August)
For the monsoon season, it is best not to go. There will be high chances of landslides due to the heavy rains, making trails slippery and decreasing visibility, and also because of the presence of leeches.
Accommodation and Food on the Trek
Due to the remoteness of this path, accommodation on the Lumba Sumba Trek is a combination of teahouses, lodges and tented camp. It better to have a better idea of how the accommodation will be, so you won’t be disappointed after you reach there.
The first and final stage of the trek pass through places like Lelep, Ilam, Hatiya and Tumlingtar where you can find teahouses and lodges that provide you with simple rooms and home cooked meals. The trek is more developed in the beginning and in the end, so you will have comfortable point to start and finish.
Further on the Lumba Sumba trek, especially between Olangchun Gola, Sanjung Kharka, Pass Camp and Yak Kharka, camping is the only option you have at that point. We set up a camp with sleeping tents, dining tent, and kitchen crew preparing food for you along the way. It’s far from luxury, but it works perfectly well, and it’s quite an experience to wake up right next to the mountains.
The meals on the entire Lumba Sumba Pass Trek are healthy and high energy food like dal bhat, noodles, soup, porridge and other similar food that ensure you have enough energy to walk for long hours. There is more variety in food when you visit the villages, but if you camp during the trek then food will be freshly made for you by the trekking crew.
So, you should know that this is not a teahouse trek. It is an authentic trekking expedition, and the camping are a big part of the Lumba Sumba Trek experience.
Permit required for Lumba Sumba Trek
The Lumba Sumba Pass trek covers two protected area and one restricted border area, so it requires a lot of paperwork compared to ordinary trek.
It includes permit such as Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) Entry Permit, Makalu Barun National Park Entrance Permit, Restricted Area Permit for the district of Sankhuwasabha and TIMS Card.
A permit for the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area requires NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals and NPR 3,000 for other countries per person and a Makalu Rural Municipality Permit costs NPR 2,000 per entry.
The Kanchenjunga permit is also similarly structured in terms of price, which increases with the duration of the trek. Because this trek goes through a restricted zone designated by the government, solo trekking is not permitted, but a trekking agency and a guide are required.
To obtain all this, we will arrange all permit requirements for you at Epic Trek Nepal including Kanchenjunga permit, KCA permit, Makalu Barun National Park entry, Sankhuwasabha Restricted Area permit, and even the local fee. All you have to do is provide us with your original passport and photos prior to your trek.
Safety and Altitude
Safety of your physical and mental health is very important on the Lumba Sumba Pass trek, since the altitude of this pass goes above 5,000 meter which is enough to fail your trek.
Some basic things that need to be kept in mind:
Acclimatization. Acclimatization is very important. The rest day at Olangchun Gola (at 3,208 meters) is for the purpose of acclimatization itself. To skip this would be a major mistake and could lead to altitude sickness.
Look out for symptoms. Headache, nausea, dizziness and extreme fatigue are all symptoms of altitude sickness. If you have slight feeling of this, tell your guide immediately.
Hydration and pace. Proper hydration along with a consistent and relaxed pace allows your body to adjust to the high altitude much more effectively.
Dress in layer to control the temperature change. While days might be hot during walking, the night can get quite cold. Layering will help in controlling the day’s hot and night’s cold temperature.
Follow your guide’s advice. Guides who have worked on this route for years and knows what to do in every situation. Don’t try to avoid the decision of your guide.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance on Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is not an option, but very important thing. Since this trek involves crossing above 5,000 meter in one of the remotest areas, you will require an insurance coverage plan for this particular trek.
Your insurance should cover:
Trekking at high altitudes up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance companies have altitude limitations of 3,000-4,000 meters and you need to check yours before making a purchase.
Helicopter emergency evacuation. Considering how remote certain areas of this trek are, particularly between Olangchun Gola and the other end of the pass, evacuation by helicopter is the only option in case of a medical emergency.
Cancellation and delay. Weather, flight delays to either Bhadrapur or Tumlingtar, and poor road conditions can affect the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek itinerary. This will help to protect your investment.
Medical expenses abroad, including stays at the hospitals in Kathmandu following your trek.
Share
