The Blue Sheep Trek
A wildlife-rich circuit through both Kanchenjunga base camps and the historic Lumba Sumba La crossing
The Blue Sheep Trek overview
The Blue Sheep Trail combines a full circuit of Kanchenjunga's two base camps with a crossing of the historic Lumba Sumba La (5,159 m) into the remote Arun valley, following alpine terrain where herds of blue sheep (naur) graze the open grasslands and scree slopes above the tree line. Starting from Taplejung, the route follows the Tamor and Ghunsa rivers into the high Kanchenjunga sanctuary, visiting both Pang Pema (North Base Camp) beneath the mountain's sheer north face and Oktang (South Base Camp) above the Yalung Glacier, linked by the demanding Sele La pass complex. From Yamphudin the trail turns west, climbing through increasingly remote Limbu villages to cross Lumba Sumba La, the historic trading link between the Kanchenjunga and Arun valleys, before descending through little-visited forest and river villages to Tumlingtar for the return flight to Kathmandu. Over 26 days, the trek combines Nepal's most remote 8,000 m approach with genuine high-alpine wildlife habitat and a rarely-crossed connecting pass.
Country
Nepal
Duration
32 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,140 m (Pang Pema / Kanchenjunga North Base Camp)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung, then trek down to the roadhead and along the Tamor and Ghunsa rivers through Sekathum and Amjilosa to the Tibetan-influenced village of Ghunsa.
Price includes
- Emergency high-altitude rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance with high-altitude coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking and camping gear
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from