Rolwaling Trekking is a less traveled trekking spot in Nepal located close to the Everest trekking routes. The Rolwaling trek offers an adventure in isolation, stunning mountain scenery, a variety of plant and animal life, and vibrant local traditions. Trekking in the Rolwaling region is among the best high mountain valleys in Nepal. Situated west of Khumhu and directly on the Tibetan border, there lies a remote, desolate high valley known as “Rolwaling,” referred to as “the grave” by the local Sherpas due to its position, nestled between towering ice giants. A perfect opportunity for trekkers seeking to avoid large crowds while still appreciating nature, stunning Himalayan vistas, and discovering picturesque waterfalls, Tso Rolpa Lake, monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. Rolwaing treks navigate through a remote and stunning region of Nepal, passing charming Sherpa, Tamang, and Chhetri villages with their characteristic terraced fields, traversing thick, dark ancient forests, and crossing wide bridges with breathtaking vistas. Trekking in the Rolwaling region is regulated in Nepal, requiring a specific Rolwaling trekking permit from the Department of Immigration of Nepal. A minimum of two individuals is required to obtain the Rolwaling trek permit from a government-registered local trekking agency in Nepal. The cost for the Rolwaling trekking permit is USD 20 per person, and a Gauri Shankar National Park permit is also required.
Treks in the Rolwaling region, located west of the Everest trek route and close to the Tibetan border, provide an intriguing experience that begins in Barabise, traverses the Tinsang La pass, and descends to Bigu Gomba, home to Buddhist nuns. The path leads down to the Bhotekosi River and veers into the Rolwaling valley, known as one of the most secluded, enigmatic, and captivating areas in the Rolwaling trekking region. The region is rich with legends of the yeti, the enigmatic snow man of the world, and it is where some climbers organized expeditions to seek yetis in previous times. Beding is the final permanent settlement, while Na Gaun, the highest point of the trek, serves only as a summer settlement. Starting from Na village (4,183m), the path rises through a grassy valley to Tso Rolpa, then crosses the moraine on the northern side of the valley, leading to the front of the Tram Bau Glacier that supplies the Rolwaling river. Currently, treks in the Rolwaling region are feasible in tea houses. The cost of the Rolwaling trek varies based on the number of participants and the selected destination.
The Rolwaling route trek to Pachhermo peak at 6,273m is very crevassed. In the Sherpa Language, Biku translates to “Seed.” There exists a Sherpa village. The Gaurishankar (7,145m), Melungtse (7,181m), and various mountains, beautiful scenery; the village of Beding (3,690m) along with its monastery, the village of Na (4,183m); Tso Rolpa lake are key highlights of the Rolwaling trekking tour. Following the assault, the path descends to Thame, and then the trail alongside the Bhote Kosi river continues to Namche Bazaar, eventually reaching Lukla for a flight to Kathmandu; however, if time permits, you can also undertake the Everest Base Camp trek. Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass is another demanding trek in the Nepal Himalayas. We at Him-Trail provide the Rolwaling trek itinerary as outlined below, but trekkers can modify or extend it according to their needs. Recommended that all travelers undertake the Rolwaling valley trek with a government-registered local trekking company, as advised by the Lonely Planet Nepal travel guide, for safe journeys in the Himalayas.
Main Highlights
Welcome to Nepal. Our representatives will be waiting for you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. They will pick you up and drop you at the hotel. Enjoy the evening strolling around the nearby market. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we drive to Gonggar via Dolakha. Along the way, we can encounter the views of Sunkoshi and Bhote Khosi rivers. Driving past Dolakha, Pikhuti, Suri Dobhan, and Manthali alongside Tama Koshi River, we arrive in Gonggar. From Gonggar, we trek past a Sherpa village through the rhododendron forest to reach Simigaon. We will have an alluring panorama of Mount Gaurishankar (7134m) from Simigaon. Overnight at a lodge in Simigaon.
Descend downhill to a steep trail and go around the edge by climbing the vertical stone steps. Enter the rhododendron forest and walk through the trail to reach the Rolwaling River. Then, climb uphill through the forest along with the view of Mount Gaurishankar (7134m). Ascend uphill till the trail becomes flat and smooth to reach Dongang. Overnight at a lodge in Dongang.
The trail walks through lush rhododendron forest with ascents and descents until reaching Nyamare village. Then with a panoramic view of Mount Gaurishankar (7134m), we walk to Beding, the largest Sherpa village of Rolwaling region. There is a Gompa at the entry of the village and the holy Gaurishankar Temple a little above the village. Overnight at a lodge in Beding.
Today is a day set apart for acclimatization. We can either rest or go for the short excursion. We hike up to Menlung La Pass (5616m) walking on the moraines. From the top of Menlung La, a remarkable view of snowy mountains including the holy Mount Gaurishankar (7134m), glaciers, and the lush forest in the Beding valley can be seen. Overnight at a lodge in Beding.
After breakfast, we start by a slow ascend on the bank of Rolwaling River until we reach Dhogre. After walking further, the valley slowly opens to a huge Mani stone wrapped with prayer flags and a large rock with an image of Bodhisattva painted on it. Finally, we reach Na Gaon situated on the bank of the Rolwaling River. Overnight at a lodge in Na.
We take another day for acclimatization. We walk through the icy and slippery trail of Yalung Base Camp, which is an excellent exploration for acclimatizing. An amazing view of snowy peaks and the surrounding glaciers. We then hike back to Na Gaon. Overnight at a lodge in Na.
After breakfast, we leave Na Gaon and cross the wooden bridge over the Rolwaling River. We move on somewhat steep trail uphill. We trek on the moraines of Rolwaling Glacier to reach the majestic glacial lake. Tsho Rolpa Lake is the biggest and one of the most popular lakes in Nepal that is situated at the altitude of 4540m. The deep blue lake hosts an amazing reflection of the surrounding hills and snowy-peaks as it envelops the vicinity in tranquility. Overnight at a tented camp in Tsho Rolpa Lake.
Although short, distance-wise, the trek will be tough today as we are required to walk through the icy and challenging trail of Trakarding Glacier throughout the day. With a view of several mountains like Rolwaling Kang (6664m), Takargo (6671m), and Jabou Ri (6166m) among others, we climb on a rocky terrain to reach Trakarding. Overnight at a tented camp in Trakarding Glacier.
The trail goes uphill through some rock climbing and a slow walk on the glacier. We now leave the trail of Trakarding Glacier and walk through Drolambau Glacier. This will be a difficult day because we walk on slippery trails. The scenic beauty will be amazing to experience as we will be seeing snow all around us. Walking on Drolambau Glacier, we arrive in Tashi Labcha Phedi. Overnight at a tented camp in Tashi Lapcha Phedi.
Steep climb from Tashi Lapcha Phedi to Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755m) will lead us to Tashi Lapcha Camp (5665m), which is also known as Tashi Lapcha Phuk. After a hard climb, we reach the top of Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755m), which separates Rolwaling region from Khumbu region. We now enter Sagarmatha National Park and descend for a short time to reach Tashi Lapcha Camp. Overnight at a tented camp in Tashi Camp.
Today, we will be experiencing relatively easier glacier walking as the trails are smooth and downhill. Descending from Tashi Lapcha Camp, we arrive in Ngole, whose trail is full of snow and ice. Then we descend on the trail to reach Parchemuche Tsho, a glacial lake in the Khumbu region, en route to Thyangbo. With a view of Pasang Lhamu Chuli (7350m and Cho Oyu (8201m), we arrive in Thyangbo. Overnight at a tented camp/lodge in Thyangbo.
Early morning, we walk through yak pastureland and arrive at the yak herder's temporary huts. This trail is bumpy and slowly goes downhill. We will follow a small stream throughout the way as we relish the beauty and calmness of the environment. We arrive at the Power House before entering the village of Thame. In the evening, we will visit the Thame Monastery and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Overnight at a lodge in Thame.
The trail descends slowly to Samde. Get the sights of great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Taboche (6367m), and other peaks of Khumbu region. Crossing several villages and monasteries, the trail descends to Syangboche before reaching Namche Bazaar. Then, following the trails of Bhote Koshi River, we arrive in the commercial hub of Namche Bazaar. The Sherpa town is vibrant with tourists from all around the world. Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Leaving behind Namche Bazaar, we trek with Bhote Koshi River and Dudh Koshi River on our every side. Reaching the confluence of these two rivers at Larja Dobhan, we descend to Jorsalle and exit Sagarmatha National Park. Then, we trek alongside Dudh Koshi River as we cross many villages, monasteries, Mani walls, and prayer wheels to arrive in Lukla. Overnight at a lodge in Lukla.
We take an early flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (40 minutes) over the spectacular mountain peaks. On arrival, you will be taken to the hotel so that you can rest and freshen up. Later, you can wander around the streets of Kathmandu and do some shopping for your loved ones back home. Feel free to get the taste of local food and lovely ambiance of Kathmandu. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
In case your flight gets delayed or canceled from Lukla, you can extend this one day on your trip. The cancellation can be due to bad weather. You can explore the place and try to get along with the locals. You can meet the local people and hear different stories from them. Try their traditional food and enjoy the day along with the amazing surrounding. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Farewell. We will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours before your flight time. We hope to see you again!
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