Rolwaling Valley Trek
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Trip Overview
The Rolwaling Valley Trek is a challenging and remote trekking route in Nepal that takes you through one of the most isolated and untouched regions of the country. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, traditional villages, and high mountain passes, making it a popular choice for adventurous trekkers. The trek usually takes around 16-20 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 160 km. The starting point of the trek is in Charikot, which is a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu. From there, the trek takes you through dense forests, remote villages, and high mountain passes, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. The highlight of the trek is the Tsho Rolpa Lake, which is one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal. The lake is located at an altitude of 4,580 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas, including Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, and Everest. The trek also takes you through traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages, where you can experience the unique culture and traditions of these communities. You will also have the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries and explore the natural beauty of the region, including waterfalls, hot springs, and wildlife. The best time to go on the Rolwaling Valley Trekking is from September to November and from March to May. During these months, the weather is clear, and the views are spectacular. However, the trek can also be done during the winter months, but you need to be prepared for colder temperatures and snow on the trail. Overall, the Rolwaling Valley Trekking is a challenging but rewarding trek that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventure. It is a must-do trek for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Nepal.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
Our company staff will meet you at Kathmandu International Airport. He will then transfer you to your hotel in a private car. You will have the rest of the day to relax and settle in the chaotic vibe of the city. In the evening, you can visit the traditional Nepalese restaurant for dining and enjoying the night life of the capital.
Overnight at 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu
After early morning breakfast, we will begin our journey to Rolwaling Valley. We will take a private bus or a jeep to drive to Chhetchhet. We will pass through beautiful Dolakha village along the majestic Tama Koshi and Bhote Koshi river while enjoying the magnetic view of Gaurishankar in the background.
We will pass through some of the incredible settlements of several Tamang and Chhetri villages of Nepal. Such as Bharle, Suridobhan, Jamune, Tatopani and Manthali and Jagat.
After a long drive, we will now stretch our legs and start trekking towards Simigaon. After a short, steep climb, we will reach our destination, resting at an altitude of 2020 m. The village has a beautiful monastery on the edge of the ridge and impressive terraced cultivations.
Our route will now become a bit challenging. We will climb over a rock spur and then continue along the side of the lower Rolwaling valley, covered with rhododendron forests.
We will continue along a path halfway up the hill and then emerge on a ridge from which the horizon reopens. The path may be in poor condition because it is ruined by watercourses, and we may therefore, be forced to make some fords.
We are now at Dongang at 2800 m after about 7 hours of walking. Here, we will rest for the night in one of the lodges of the village.
From now on, we will continue to gain altitude, so we will take our hike slowly. We will pass through rhododendrons and coniferous forests that begin to thin out. The high-altitude prairies appear, and you will discover the impressive views of the Gauri Shankar.
Across the high-elevation meadows, we will cross the small settlements of Thanking, Samara, Chhumugokhe, and Chhangma before arriving at Beding, the largest settlement in Rolwaling.
It is a typical Sherpa village leaning on the coast and gathered around its monastery, decorated with particularly interesting mural paintings.
Since the trek days onwards involve a gain in height, we will utilize this day to acclimatize to the high altitude. We will walk around this beautiful village with the magnificent Mont Gaurishankar in front of our eyes. We are now closer to the Tibetan border, so we will also be able to witness the beauty of some incredible Tibetan mountains.
Another option for us to adapt to the higher elevation can be a 3-hour hike to Dolma Khang Base Camp. We will retrace our path toward Nyamare. As we arrive at the giant tree and Kani gateway, we will advance on a narrow trail.
We will then climb steeply above the waterfall till we reach Dolma Khang Base Camp. After spending some time here, we will head back to Beding. We will rest at the same guest house where we rested yesterday.
Today is a short hike of 3 to 4 hours which will take us to the last inhabited village in the Rolwaling valley, Na Gaon. After the trek, we have plenty of time to acclimatize and explore this small town.
The Na Gaon is a small town located at the foot of three large mountains Chekigo, Bamongo, and Kang Nachugo. It is a Sherpa town that has remained isolated from the influences of Tourism and modern developments.
Several Mani walls, colorful prayer flags, large Bodhisattva art on a large rock, and the steep snow-capped peak of Chobutse welcome us into the town. The inhabitants are also very friendly. We will stay for the night at one of the tea houses or lodges of this small town.
After an early morning Breakfast, we will now leave behind the sparse houses of Na and cross the suspension bridge. The bridge will take us to the south bank of the Rolwaling River, and we will enter a completely new scenario.
In front of us is the glacier, severe moraines set between frozen peaks and wild steps. In this wild environment, we climb up to the glacial lake Tsho Rolpa at 4580 m and Dudh Kunda Lake, also known as Omi Tso.
Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the largest glacial lakes in all of Nepal. In the last 50 years, its volume has increased considerably due to the melting of glaciers. Dudh Kunda Lake, on the other hand, is the most sacred lake for the residents of this region.
We will hike a little further at the camping site, where we will set up the camp and rest for the night.
From today, we will begin our return journey to the civilization of Kathmandu. We will retrace our steps through the same path we have taken when commencing this journey.
Today is going to be a long day hike which we will begin right after having early morning breakfast. Although the walk is long, it’s going to be easy as we will be going downhill trekking trail.
After about 3 hours of downhill walking, we will arrive at Beding where we will rest for a while to have lunch. We will then pass through rhododendron forests and cultivated farms. We will cross the Thangdingma before reaching Dongang, where we will stay for the night.
We will also continue our downhill trek today. After breakfast, we will walk along the Rolwaling River and pass the lonely village of Kalche. We will walk downhill along several stone steps and finally reach Simigaon, where we will stay at one of its cozy lodges to rest for the night.
Today is the last day of our trek and our last visuals of the fabulous Mount Gaurishankar. Devour on its beauty and say your farewell to the beautiful views. Now, we will descend toward the bridge to cross the raging Tama Koshi River.
We will arrive at Chetchet, where our vehicle will be waiting for us to take us back to Kathmandu. We will drive through the same highway we have driven through at the beginning of Rolwaling trekking.
As we reach Kathmandu, we will take you to your hotel, where you can rest in a comfortable bed.
We have set aside this day for a full-day tour of the beautiful Kathmandu Valley. You can go on this tour on your own, or we can arrange a full-day exclusive trip for you. We will provide a private car, tour guide, and a driver for your convenience.
We will visit some of the astounding architectural, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the city. Such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath where we can observe the Buddhist culture, and Pashupatinath Temple, where we can learn about the Hindu ritual of cremation. We will also visit the former royal palace of Kathmandu, known as Kathmandu Durbar Square.
If we have some time left after these tours, we will also take a brief tour of Patan and Bhaktapur. When making your way back to your hotel, you can stop at Thamel Market and shop for a souvenir and have a nice Nepalese dinner at the Thamel restaurants.
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
| Start Date | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rolwaling Valley Trek 16/09/2023 - 17/09/2023 |
Startin from
$ 2000 |
Guaranteed(Available) |
Book Now |
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
- Airport picks up and drops international and domestic.
- 03 night 03-star hotel accommodation at Kathmandu including breakfast.
- Complete departure information, About the trek, guide, altitude sickness, and reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary) and extra tour service before the trek starts.
- Private 4 wheel Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet and Chhet Chhet to Kathmandu
- Private transportation pick up and drops off.
- Best Lodge accommodation & full board meals throughout the trek.
- breakfast, lunch, and dinners are included and chosen from the lodge menu.
- twin share accommodation during the trek.
- As per group size experience, government license holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff. ( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )
- A warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bags will be provided during the Rolwaling trek ( down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after the trip )
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport-size photos for permits)
- Rolwaling Trekking Trail Map
- Gauri Sankar Conservation Area Permit.
- Restricted Area Permit
- Souvenir as Company’s Cap and T-shirt
- First Aid kits for the staff and the groups. including oxi-meter
- Services coordination for emergency and rescue operations
- Government taxes & office service charge
- Friendship World Trek duffel bag and T-shirts as a gift !!
- Farewell Dinner at the end of Trek
- Achievement Certificate after Successful Trek.
Price Excludes
- Meals are not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa charge.
- All beverages and other personal expenses.
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Battery charge, hot showers & international phone calls.
- Service not mentioned above.
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 Valley Trekking 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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