Rolwaling trek
Trip Overview
Upper Rolwaling Trek
The Upper Rolwaling Trek is a remarkable adventure that takes you through the stunning Rolwaling Valley in Nepal, offering a unique and less-explored trekking experience. In this challenging journey, you'll be captivated by the beauty of the Himalayas, encounter remote Sherpa villages, cross high-altitude passes, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking alpine landscapes.Scenic Beauty Sightseeing during Upper Rolwaling Trek
The trek typically begins in Kathmandu, where you embark on a scenic drive to the town of Barabise. From there, the real adventure starts as you step into the Rolwaling Valley. The trail gradually ascends, taking you through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. You'll have the chance to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including rare Himalayan wildlife.Peaks Sightseeing During Upper Rolwaling Trek
As you venture deeper into the valley, the surrounding peaks begin to reveal themselves. The mighty Gauri Shankar (7,145 meters) dominates the skyline, while other prominent peaks like Melungtse (7,181 meters) and Ramdung (5,925 meters) grace the horizon. These towering giants create a breathtaking backdrop throughout the trek.Tashi Lapcha Pass
The highlight of the Upper Rolwaling Trek is undoubtedly the Tashi Lapcha Pass. This high-altitude pass, standing at approximately 5,755 meters, tests your endurance and offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding Himalayan panorama. Crossing the pass requires careful acclimatization and the assistance of experienced guides to navigate the challenging terrain.Tso Rolpa Glacial Lake
Another gem of the trek is the enchanting Tso Rolpa, a glacial lake nestled amidst the mountains. Its pristine turquoise waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a truly magical sight. Taking time to explore the lake's serene shores is a memorable experience that allows you to soak in the tranquility of the Himalayas.Cultural Experience and Accommodation
Throughout the trek, you'll encounter warm and hospitable Sherpa communities. Interacting with the locals and learning about their unique culture and way of life adds depth to the journey. The tea houses and lodges along the trail provide simple yet comfortable accommodations and delicious Nepalese meals, offering a chance to rest and rejuvenate after long days of trekking.Conclusion and Summary
The Upper Rolwaling Trek is an adventure that requires physical fitness, previous trekking experience, and a spirit of adventure. The rewards, however, are immeasurable—breathtaking mountain vistas, remote and pristine landscapes, and a sense of accomplishment. It's a journey that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas.Trip Highlight
- The Rolwaling Valley Trekking offers a wealth of captivating highlights that make it a truly unforgettable Himalayan adventure:
- Embark on a journey through unspoiled landscapes, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of the Rolwaling region, far from the typical tourist trails.
- Revel in breathtaking panoramic vistas of towering peaks, including Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, and Ramdung. The ever-changing mountain scenery provides a stunning backdrop throughout the trek.
- Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Tsho Rolpa, a glacial lake surrounded by dramatic mountain terrain. Camping by its shores offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience.
- Interact with local Sherpa and Tamang communities in traditional villages like Beding and Na. Immerse yourself in their customs, traditions, and way of life.
- Conquer the challenging Tashi Lapcha Pass, a high-altitude crossing that rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views and a true sense of accomplishment.
- Traverse diverse landscapes, from lush forests and alpine meadows to glacial moraines and rocky terrains. Each day brings new terrain and a sense of adventure.
- Experience the thrill of trekking in a lesser-known region, away from the crowds, and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.
- Camp in remote areas under starry skies, surrounded by nature’s tranquility, creating a genuine connection with the wilderness.
- Capture stunning photographs of the Himalayan vistas, glacial lakes, and picturesque villages, creating lasting memories of your trek.
- Test your limits with challenging ascents and descents, and experience personal growth as you overcome obstacles in a rugged environment.
- Spot a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna, from colorful alpine flowers to elusive wildlife like the Himalayan tahr and red panda.
- Learn about local beliefs and practices, visit ancient monasteries, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural fabric of the Himalayan communities.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival our Airport representative from Friendship World Trek will pick up you and transfer to Hotel. After check in, you can take a rest, hang around in the city, visit our office; it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will provide Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.
After breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks include the World Heritage Sites: the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. NTA briefs you regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure.
From Kathmandu, we head northeast on the Friendship Highway which connects Kathmandu with Lhasa. A Lamosangu, we leave the Friendship Highway and take another way to Jiri. Earlier the motorable road used to be only upto Dolakha. But nowadays because of the Tamakoshi hydropower construction works, we can drive upto Shigati. From Shigati we trek to Suri Dobhan for our overnight stay.
Trek along the river, and then continue on the flat land. We cross several streams and jungles with varieties of orchid, rhododendron and other vegetation. Cross the suspension bridge to reach Jagat, a small town with people of different ethnicities.
At first, we follow the normal flat path, and then the trail ascends and descends through the jungle. The trail follows the river bank. As the valley narrows, we cross the suspension bridge over the river. A steep climb takes us to the Sherpa village of Simigaon, spread on the terrace of the mountainside. The village is mostly inhabited by Buddhists and there are also a few Hindus.
We pass by a few more Sherpa settlements. On a clear morning the views of Gaurishankar above the Rolwaling Valley is fascinating. From the ridge top at Simigaun , we continue towards the Rolwaling Valley. The trail climbs a rocky, wooded ridge with beautiful pine forests. Descent again to the river of Rolwaling Khola.
Our trail ascends uphill through different varieties of plants and Rhododendron trees. Continue alongteh left bank of the Rolwaling Khola. Continuing along the deep river valley, we arrive at a tributary river from Gaurishankar. Enjoy the unfolding views of the Gaurishankar. The trail rises further until we come across an easy and relatively flat terrain. Finally, we arrive at the Sherpa village of Beding located by the river.
An easy walk along the norther bank of the Rolwaling River begins our today’s trek. We pass across the summer village of Beding, several yaks grazing and people busy in their fields of buckwheat and barley. The crestline formed by the 6000ers such as Chekigo, Bamango, and Konyklemo rise on the immediate left of the village. We arrive at a monastery believed to be a meditative place of the Buddhist Guru Padma Sambhava. Walking along the valley floor, we finally reach the summer village of Na surrounded by potato fields.
At first trek through the leveled plane and gradually ascend to witness the Himalayan Lake filled with the chilling water of the glaciers. The views of Menlung and Tibetan Side Mountains add glory to the unfolding vista. We trek along the right bank of the river and then cross the river to climb up the rocky lateral moraine of the Glacier. We then walk to Tso Rolpa for the night.
Early morning trek to head toward Trakarding glacier. Walk past the glaciers throughout the day and explore the beauty of the surrounding. The trail will still be ascending through some rock climbing and a gradual walk on the glacier moraine, occasionally passing rocks overhangs.
The walk follows high slopes above the glacier to avoid the lower section, but further up we have to trek along the centre on the hard rocky glacier. Steady walk leads us to the lowest point of the icefall and then climbing to the easiest point to gain the Drolambau glacier. Here we will be surrounded by superb high mountain scenery. Continuing further downhill, we camp at Tashi Lapcha Pedi Camp at the foot of Tashi Lapcha, surrounded by absolutely grandiose mountains over 6000m with 360 degree panorama.
Continue trekking to Trashi Lapcha Pass (5755m). From the pass, the view of senior Khumbu peaks is magnificent. Some hundred meter downhill trek under overhanging rock, we camp at a superb location, with magnifiscent sunset views.
We climb again to the neck of Trashi Lapcha and from there we start the ascent of Pachermo. The snow slopes lead us to the final ridge, sometimes requiring fixed ropes. From the Pachermo summit, enjoy the fantastic views of the Khumbu peaks including Everest, Makalu among others. Descend to Col then to Thengpo. The Pachermo ascent takes about 5 to 6 hrs and then another 3 to 4 hrs descends takes us to Thengpo.
There is no such guarantee that we can get quite a favorable weather especially on our planned day for the Parchemo summit, so this day is used as a contingency. If weather became exceptionally unfavorable we wisely have to postpone the program of summiting the peak. Sometimes somebody in the group may get some problems in acclimatizing well enough; then the day can be used in that condition too.
Today you will be experiencing a bit easy walking; the walk from here will be enjoyable most of the way to Thame. A gradual descend brings us to Thame Village, the first hint of civilization since Beding. There is a very old and interesting Monastery at the upper end of the village. Now you have a glimpse of first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru.
At Thame, the old trade route over the Nangpa-la into Tibet branches north, following the Bhote Koshi, which incidentally is the 2-3 river so named on this trek. The trail descends gently at first and then steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell the Tibetan goods. The way from Sanasa to Namche has small ups and downs with view of forests, scenery and mountains.
legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. On arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on their faces.
We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. If get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing your adventure.
Today is the day for your return to your home. We will arrange a private vehicle to take you to the Tribhuvan International airport of Kathmandu 3 hours before your departure time. If you want to explore more of the Beautiful regions of Nepal, We hope that you enjoyed the Rolwaling Valley Trekking trip at Fullest. Please connect with us for your next tour.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
5. 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3/4/5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast)
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from the trail head.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for the staffs.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Trekking staffs wages etc.
13. 1 hr. trekker massage after your trek.
14. Welcome and Farewell dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Flight Ticket Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
16. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
17. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
18. Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
19. All Government and Local Taxes
20. International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
21. Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
Price Excludes
1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and handbag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu and Pokhara.
10. Domestic Ticket Etc.
11. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Best Season for Rolwaling Valley Trekking
The best seasons for Rolwaling Valley trekking are Spring, which is the pre-monsoon Period, and autumn or fall, which is the post-monsoon period. However, if you are a daring traveler with a taste for some thrill. If you possess an early trekking experience in the high altitude and mountainous terrain of Nepal, you can do this trek in winter and summer also.
The pre-monsoon months in Rolwaling Valley are from March to May so there is no or low probability for heavy rainfall. The days are long, the sky is clear blue, and the temperature is moderate, from 28- 32 degrees Celsius in the daytime. Your 5 to 7 hours of hiking during the day becomes pleasant in these months. Moreover, you can walk through the vibrant rhododendron forests and dense vegetation.
Likewise, September, October, and November follow the post-monsoon period. The forest vegetation transformation into a yellowish haze, the unobstructed views of mountains in the morning, and the fine weather during the days make this the perfect time for Rolwaling Valley trekking.
In December, January, and February, however, the trail to the valley is covered in snow. The daytime temperature can be 0.9°C, dropping to -15.1°C at night, creating a snowy wonderland. In June, July, and August, heavy rainfall accompanies the day with foggy and cloudy weather. In addition, the trail can be slippery with the probability of avalanche and leech infestation.
With proper equipment, an experienced guide and porter, and proper preparation, you can carry out this trek all year round.
Difficulty of Rolwaling Valley Trek
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking is categorized as moderately difficult trekking in Nepal, requiring 5 to 7 hours of walking each day. In addition, our trek involves the highest altitude gain of 4580 m when we explore Tsho Rolpa Lake and Dudh Kunda Lake.
At this altitude, trekkers, especially if they are new to high-altitude trekking, can suffer from altitude sickness. The trail we will be hiking through often comprises slippery, narrow routes, stony steps, and rigged terrain.
In addition, weather conditions in such high altitudes can be quite unpredictable at times. Therefore, checking weather conditions before beginning the trek is often necessary. Plus, the right gear to deal with rain or low temperatures is a must.
Those who are not accustomed to remote region trekking, who can’t stay in basic accommodation with fewer amenities, can feel this trek a bit tiresome. If you are a nature lover and wish to see unspoiled nature and want to lose yourself in the serene natural atmosphere, this trekking is perfect for you.
Altitude Sickness
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking takes you to the highest elevation of more than 3500 m when you are at Beding and to more than 4500 m when you reach Lake Tsho Rolpa. The air is quite thin, with low oxygen levels in the air. Therefore, you may suffer from mild symptoms of altitude or mountain sickness.
The best preventive measure for this sickness is to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water. Begin your trek by drinking a liter of water and carrying 2 liters of water in your backpack. Drink as you go on hiking along the trail. Also, it is best that you avoid alcohol, smoking, and heavy meals when your itinerary is set to reach a high altitude.
If you have headaches, dizziness, nausea, and loss of sleep, please inform our guide. He will take the precautionary measures as soon as possible. Plus, a tablet of Diamox will help in alleviating your symptoms. If you are not relieved of your symptoms, descending to a lower altitude may be necessary.
What to expect on this trip?
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking will take you to some of the fantastic, original landscapes of Nepal, untouched, unspoiled, and uncontaminated by bulldozers and machines. Expect nothing but the beautiful scenery along the trail, with magnificent views of the gigantic Himalayas, such as Mount Gaurishankar, Rolwaling Himal, Choba Bhamre, Dorje Lakpa, Yalung Ri, Pachharmo Peak, etc.
During this entire trek, you will walk through and stay in some ancient wild villages, which are the natural habitats for some rare species of animals and plants. If you are lucky, you can spot the Himalayan thar, gaur, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, wild dog, and more than 250 species of birds.
In addition, through our Rolwaling trekking tour, you will lodge in some extraordinary Sherpa and Tamang settlements such as Beding, Na Gaon, Simigaon, etc. The Sherpas and Tamangs are influenced by Tibetan culture, and you can observe their unique tradition, way of life, and colorful festivals. These people, although they live by their traditions and beliefs, are known to be the most hospitable and friendly people. Through this trekking, you can have a first-hand experience of their charming nature.
When hiking, you can often see yaks grazing in Beding and Na Gaon. You will have the opportunity to explore Buddhist Sangag Choling Monastery and Dolma Khang Base Camp when resting at Beding. The highlight of the trekking is a trip to Lake Tsho Rolpa known to be the largest glacial lake in Nepal. You will have the dream view of this lake along with the spiritual experience on Dudh Kunda Lake.
As you round up this trip, you will also have the opportunity to visit the former royal cities of Kathmandu Valley: Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur. You will also be able to take a tour of some of the marvelous Buddhist architecture in Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. While at Pashupatinath, you can familiarize yourself with the Hindu rituals of cremation. The Thamel tour, on the other hand, will help you witness the coexistence and blend of Western culture with the ancient tradition of Kathmandu.
Permit for Rolwaling Valley Trekking
Friendship World Trek will cover all the necessary permits required for the Rolwaling Valley Trek
It includes:
Special Restricted Area Permit: 10 USD per person per day
Gaurisankar Conservation Area Permit: Approx. 30 $ per person
TIMS: Approx 20 $ per person
Accommodation, Food, and Transportation
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking incorporates all your accommodation and food expenses during the trek. When you stay in Kathmandu, we will arrange for your accommodation in a 3-star hotel with a complimentary breakfast. You can always explore the city and dine in the reputed Nepalese restaurants for lunch and dinner.
If you wish to upgrade your stay to 5-star or luxurious resort, please inform us. We can make all the necessary arrangements for your comfortable stay in the city.
As you begin your trek, we will lodge you in the best available tea house or lodge along the trail. Since we will be traveling to one of the remotest regions, which is not yet developed for tourism, the tea house or guest house can be of basic amenities.
The rooms will be furnished with beds and mattresses, and we recommend you carry your own sleeping bags for hygienic reasons. There may be attached bathrooms available, but as you gain elevation, you may not find this luxury. You may have to share the toilets and dining area with other travelers.
In addition, you may experience the camping trek as well in this trek. During your exploration of Lake Tsho Rolpa, our field team of guides and porters will set up the cozy tented camp for you with a separate cooking and dining camp.
The same goes for food options as well. As you ascend the altitude, the food options will be quite limited to Nepalese cuisines of Rice, Lentil, and Vegetable. You can also have pizza, momo, chowmen, burgers, pasta, etc, in tea houses at lower altitudes. When camping, our field staff will prepare a delicious hot meal from locally produced fresh products.
Our tour package not only covers your food and accommodation during the trek but also your transportation as well. We will receive you at the Kathmandu airport and will transfer to your hotel in a private car/jeep. As this extraordinary journey begins, we will drive you to Chetchet by a private jeep.
You will make your return journey in the same way from Chhet Chhet to Kathmandu. Again, we will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu via a private car. When touring the capital the following day, we can also arrange for an exclusive private tour for you with a car, driver, and tour guide.
As you depart home after successfully completing this remarkable journey, we will take you to the Kathmandu airport in a private car thereby concluding your service.
Rolwaling Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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