The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a trekking trail opened recently by the Nepal government. The trail was announced by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. The trek starts from Phoomling, where we arrive after a 7 hour drive from Bhadrapur. We start trekking from Phoomling and pass through diverse ethnic groups, cultivated land and animal farms along the Lumba Sumba Pass trek.

This trek follows a route from Kanchenjunga to the Makalu region via the Lumba Sumba Pass, which at a height of 5,177m above sea level is the highest point of the trek. The three week trek ends at Num, from where we drive to Khandbari and then to Tumlingtar Airport where the flight to Kathmandu awaits us.

The Lumba Sumba Pass trek area is rich in flora and fauna and one can see different birds and wildlife species along the route, including the endangered snow leopard and red panda. There are a number of high mountain lakes in Olangchung Gola. The route goes through two of Nepal’s best preserved protected areas: the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barun National Park. From the route, one can also trek to the base camps of Mt Kangchenjunga and Mt Makalu. The Tamor and Arun River systems can be another attraction for travelers. These two rivers are the major tributaries of the mighty Sapta Koshi River. The route encompasses alpine grass lands, rocky outcrops, dense temperate and sub-tropical forests, and low river valleys. Apart from natural beauty, trekkers can also explore cultural heritage such as monasteries, chhortens, temples and prayer walls. And to add to the flavour, the festivals of different ethnic people living in harmony only serve to make the native culture livelier.