Rolwaling Valley Trek

Based on 300+ Reviews

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For departure dates and price, please consult with our travel expert.

Trip Duration 10 Days

Group Size 2-12 people

Maximum Altitude Tsho Rolpa (4,600m)

Difficulty Grade Moderate

Start & End Point Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Best Seasons Mid Sept-Mid Dec

Trip Highlights of Rolwaling Valley Trek


Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake (4,600m).
Excellent view of the magnificent mountain ranges like Mt. Makalu, Mt. GauriShankar, Mt. Everest range, Rolwaling Valley, and Rolwaling Himal.
Drolambau Glacier (5,205m).
Interesting Sherpa Culture.
Explore unique flora and fauna in this Rolwaling valley trek region.

Overview of Rolwaling Valley Trek

Rolwaling Valley Trek lies between the Everest and Langtang Himalaya ranges. It is below Gauri Shankar (714R5m) and the south border of Tibet. This region lies between the Langtang range and the Everest range. Rolwaling Valley trekking is one of the hard passes in the Everest Himalayas.

Some of the highlights of this trek are Rolwaling Valley, Khumbu, Tamang Village, and Wonderful views. The Rowling Valley has alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, and moraines. It has high pastures, waterfalls, and an imminent view of snowy peaks in the backdrop.

This Rolwaling Valley trek region is rich in biological diversity and glacial lakes. It contains mountains and isolated villages. More than that, the Rolwaling area is also home to many rare, globally threatened animals.

The Rolwaling Himal, along the Tibetan border, forms the northern edge of a wild. It is a beautiful east-west valley. This area is the more isolated location. It is also an alternative trail to EBC Trekking, located west of Khumbu.

An alternative route from the busy Everest base camp trail

The Rolwaling Valley trek starts from Dolakha, near Charikot. It is an eight-hour drive from Kathmandu. Rolwaling Valley Trek is one of the most stunning trekking available in Nepal. We trek following the Rolwaling River.

The area will be rich in flora and fauna because of fewer intruders. The dark, narrow valley of Rolwaling opens wide near the villages of Beding (3,510m) and Na (4,120m). Beyond Beding, we climb to the last settlement in the valley: the summer pasture village, Kharka of Na.

From here, we will spend two days exploring the Yalung La region. Engage in spectacular glacier fields and the Tsho-Rolpa glacier lake. Rolwaling Valley Trek shows the hidden Himalayas that remain untouched by many trekkers’.

Take an excellent but strenuous camping-style expedition through the Rolwaling Himal. Cross the Teshi Lapcha La (5755m) into the Solukhumbu. Great views of Mt. Melungtse (7181m), Mt. Dorje Lakpa, and Mt. Tashi Lapcha are visible. It will be an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for the Rolwaling Valley trek is in the autumn (September–December). October and November are best. During this time, the skies are more precise, and almost no rain, so the visibility is high.

Another best time is to visit in the Spring season(March-May). This season is the flower blooming season. So enjoy the rhododendron flowers along the trail. During your Everest trekking, enjoy the clear views of the stunning mountain ranges.

Monsoon is not a good time to visit as the visibility is poor, and flights get canceled and delayed a lot at that time. Winter is okay to trek in the lower part as the upper part is snowing and very cold. Snow blocks the high passes.

What to pack for your Rolwaling Valley Trek

The Rolwaling Valley trek is challenging, so you need to have the proper equipment to succeed on this trip.

You will sleep in the tea house and eat there so you need to carry your personal belongings which are enough from the cold. Below are some suggested items to take with you while your Everest trekking

Walking boots with waterproof and have ankle support
Trainer or casual shoes you can use after a day trek.
Hiking Shorts (3): Quick drying type, not cotton!
Trekking Pants (3), preferably zip on/off at the knees so you can use them as shorts also.

Loose, casual trousers for trekking
Thermal wear for colder areas
Lightweight underwear – Capilene or other synthetic.
Cotton pants or (loose jeans/khakis).
T-shirts: Cotton for lower altitude walking. The synthetic is good above 2500m.
Thermal Underwear: Synthetic polypropylene
Waterproof Jacket. Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket is recommended.
Fleece jacket or pullover.
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
Goretex or warm jacket for winter trekking. Bring a down jacket.
Women’s sports bras, Synthetic
Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by porters
Daysack to carry valuables such as passport, cash, camera, travel documents personally
Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store
Plug adapter 2 round pin

Trail Map/Guidebook
Journal & Pen, Pencils, and small notebooks
Extra contacts or glasses

Quick-drying towel (medium-sized)
Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multipurpose soap/handwash
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Feminine hygiene products
Small mirror
Wet wipes
Sanitizers
Water purification tablets or iodine
Refillable Water bottles
Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking
Sunglasses or goggles
Warm gloves
Towel
Sun lotion
Lip balm
Sunglasses protect from day sunlight
Sleeping bag rated -20 degrees Celcius. You can also get a sleeping bag liner.
Some Extra pairs of T-shirts and also shorts.
Trekking pole
Camera
Flashlight and battery
First aid kit (with moleskin for blisters)

Itinerary of Rolwaling Valley Trek

DAY
01

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat via Charikot

Early morning breakfast at your hotel. We will take a local bus drive to Jagat to start your Rolwaling Valley trek. The driving distance is about 196 km to the east of Kathmandu.

Due to the dirt road, it will take 9-10 hours. We will drive via Lamosangu (750m.) Charikot (1980m.). Overnight in Jagat in a lodge or homestay.

Jeep 8-9 hrs

Accommodation Hotel

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Jagat (1,290m)

DAY
02

Day 02: Jagat Trek to Simigaun

Today is our first day of Rolwaling Valley trekking, so we make it a short and easy day. The path is quite challenging, though after leaving Gongar, you start walking north up the new road.

After about 45 minutes, you’ll get to Chetchet. After a short trekking, we will cross the bridge over the Tamakoshi River. From here, our trail will follow to get into the lovely village of Simigaon.

The lodges are on the ridge at the top of the village. So, you still have about 40 minutes of walking the minor trails through the village until you get to the lodge.

You can have a day hiking in the town, or there is a small monastery on the top, and you can visit there too. Enjoy your day by staying at a basic homestay at Simigaun.

Walking Day 4-5 hrs

Accommodation Homestay

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Simigaun (2,020m)

DAY
03

Day 03: Simi Gaun trekking to Dongang

Today, we are walking on the other side of the ridge and up the Rolwaling River valley. Our Rolwaling Valley trek journey today is mostly inside the forest, so we can get a chance to get lost, too.

So always walk together with the group. You’ll see two small shacks after one hour of ups and downs. We will pass by the beautiful Rhododendron forest before we ascend.

We can meet at a small tea house for a tea break and snacks. While in higher places, we will walk in juniper, pine, and Rhododendron forest. We can take a lunch break in the small village of Gyalche.

From here, we will trek to Dongang. It lies on the bank of the river. Here are two small homestays run by local ladies. We will stay with one of them.

Walking Day 6-7 hrs

Accommodation Homestay

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Dongang (2,790m)

DAY
04

Day 04: Dongang trekking to Beding

Today is the longest and most challenging day of our Rolwaling Valley trekking. We need to climb almost 1000 m high from Dongbang to Beding.

After we cross the Rolwaling Khola, the valley opens, and we get a good view of Mount Chekigo (6257m). After an hour of trekking, you cross the Themlung Khola.

It comes down straight from Gaurishankar. We can also get Another three hours of trekking up hills to bring us to Beding.

We will pass the small villages of Jobalu, Nyiamare, Ramding, and Chhimu Golche. Then we reach Beding.

The Beding village is beautiful, and the valley starts widening from here. It is one of the biggest villages in the Rolwaling Valley, overnight in a lodge or homestay.

Walking Day 6 hrs

Accommodation Homestay/Lodge

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Beding (3700m)

DAY
05

Day 05: Acclimatization Day in Beding

We recommend a day to acclimatize as we arrive at 3700m height on our trekking. We can have good, easy walking in this village. We can walk to the viewpoint of the village.

From there, you see the best mountain view of Gaurishankar’s north face and the neighboring peaks. There is also a small Gompa about 300m above the village. We can make an acclimatization walk over there, also.

Accommodation Homestay/Lodge

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Beding (3700m)

DAY
06

Day 06: Beding Trek to Na

Today we will walk in the clear and spectacular trail after Beding on our Rolwaling Valley trek. Icefalls and waterfalls fill the valley sides.

We will walk on less barren trees, with only grassland and some Juniper bushes. After about two hours of walking, we will reach the village of Na. It lies on the north bank of the river.

We will visit Nak and another alpine lake called “Dudh Pokhari” (Milky Lake). It lies up the Ripimoshar Glacier. It is possible to do a one-day round trip to both lakes from Na.

Walking Day 6-7 hrs

Accommodation Homestay

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Na (4,200)

DAY
07

Day 07: Trek to Tsho Rolpa and back to Na

Today, we hike up to Tso Rolpa Lake [4,600m/15,092ft], which takes around 3 hours up and down. Visit Tso Rolpa in the morning, trek back to Na for lunch, and spend the afternoon with the beauty of nature. You can also rest in the afternoon after the Tsho Rolpa visit.

Walking Day 3 hrs

Accommodation Homestay

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Tsho Rolpa (4,600m)

DAY
08

Day 08: Trek to Dongang

From today, we will do the Rolwaling Valley trek back mainly on the same trail, descending. It is more accessible due to altitude but can be a problem for your knee. Be careful while you walk downhill.

Walking Day 6 hrs

Accommodation Homestay

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Dongang (2790m)

DAY
09

Day 09: Trek to Gongar Khola

We will descend the same way back on your Rolwaling Valley trek. You can better reserve the local bus ticket today for tomorrow’s journey to Kathmandu. If you wish more comfortable travel, we can arrange a private jeep also for you at an extra cost.

Walking Day 5-6 hrs

Accommodation Lodge

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Gongar Khola (1,430m)

DAY
10

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu

On the final day of your Rolwaling Valley trek, we will drive back to Kathmandu today. The driving journey is quite long on the dirt road. It can take about a 9/10 hour drive before you arrive in Kathmandu.

Jeep 9-10 hrs

Meals Breakfast & Lunch

Altitude Kathmandu (1,400m)

Fixed Departure Dates

Note: We can run a trip for solo travelers, couple, friends and family with children. Our private trips are running everyday. If you are looking for a group joining trip please contact us.

Includes/Excludes

What's Included?

Government license holder experienced, trekking guide (trained in Wilderness First Aid& altitude sickness) and porters (1 porter for between 2 trekkers basis) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, accidental insurance, clothing, and medicine.
Transportation from Kathmandu to Jagat and the trek finish point to Kathmandu is by local bus.
Homestay /Lodges Accommodation during the trekking
Daily basic local Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Trekking Permit for Rolwaling Valley Trek
Trekker’s information management system (TIMS) card fee.
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Above the Himalaya duffel bag. ( If you need it too, please let us know before you book the trip and remind us in our pre-meeting at our office.)
Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
Above the Himalaya Gifts (T-shirt for Gents & Pashmina shawl for Ladies, Trekking certificates)
Welcome/Fare well Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu.
All necessary paperwork, office Service charges, and all Government Taxes.

What's Excluded?

Any services in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee. You can get a Nepal visa upon arrival at the Airport.
International Airfare/Airport Tax.
Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot and cold showers.
Personal expenses include laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages, bar bills, and camera battery charging.
Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
Personal trekking gears
Tips for tour/ trekking staff and driver
Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Include section.

Essential Information - Rolwaling Valley Trek

Visiting Rolwaling Valley

The main Highlights included in this trek are magnificent forests. And, of course, the giant snow peak, Gaurishankar (7134m). The TshoRolpa is an excellent ice lake. Terminal moraine holds the lake on the way during Rolwaling trekking. The unmarked route goes along the Trakarding Glacier. Climb steeply up onto the Drolambau Glacier.

This place offers an excellent view of the magnificent mountain ranges like Mt. Makalu, Mt. GauriShankar, and Mt. Everest range, Rolwaling Valley and Rolwaling Himal, views of Pachermo and Ramdung Peak. Our itinerary doesn’t go to the Khumbu area. But if you would like to go, you can request us to join the Tashi Lapcha pass and arrive in Khumbu.

If you arrive at Khumbu, you can continue to the Everest Base camp. Or go back to Lukla and fly to Kathmandu. Rolwaling trek allows you to Explore Diverse Vegetation. You can explore unique climates, topography, and many other beautiful places.

The region is very close to the Tibetan border. Here, you can see people highly influenced by Tibetan culture. The people have adopted Unique Culture and Tradition. People in the villages are very warm-hearted and very kind as well.

How do you get to the Rolwaling Valley trek?

The best way to get to the trek start point of Rolwaling Valley trek is by driving. We can take local buses from Kathmandu to Singati. Local bus departure is only in the morning time between 6 and 8 a.m.

If you like to travel more comfortably, you can get a private 4WD land cruiser or jeep. We can arrange a private Jeep for you on your request (at an extra cost). On our package, we have included a local bus ride for you. But we can customize it as per your needs. The drive is on the dirt road and can take approximately 8 – 10 hours.

Food and sleeping

Most of the Rolwaling Valley trek in this region happened on full-board camping. We primarily run the tea house trek for more comfort and to support the local economy. The area of Rolwaling has a very basic homestay and a simple lodge.

Most basic lodges and homestays offer Dal Bhat, fried rice, and noodles. There is no standard menu like Everest or Happens region. But you can enjoy the local food. The area also has limited lodges, tea houses, and homestays available.

Reviews on Rolwaling Valley Trek

5.0

Based on 300+ Reviews

Fiona + Ken
Melbourne, Austrtalia

Rolwaling Trek - We enjoyed it alot.

We went on a 12-day Rolwaling Valley trek with Above The Himalaya Trekking. From the moment They picked us up from the airport, we were well looked after. We felt very confident in Above The Himalayan Trekking.

Puru and our guide, Dhurba, could answer all our questions and ensured that we were well prepared. On the trek, we felt great with Dhurba’s knowledge of the area. He looked after us so well, always making sure we were happy.

We were comfortable and well-fed. We will be recommending AHT to our friends in
Australia and New Zealand.

Fiona + Ken.

Melbourne, Australia

Rafal Tkaccyk
Poland

Rolwaling Valley Trek - We had best time.

We are delighted we have booked with your company as we had a wonderful time. Our guide was an amiable and knowledgeable person.
He is always assigning our needs and is open to our suggestions. Every aspect of our faith and all arrangements went smoothly. We didn’t have any problem with accommodation or food.
I would recommend “Above The Himalaya” as the first trekking agency.

Rafal Tkaccyk
Poland

Michael Beck
Zurich, Switzerland

Our best trip to Rolwaling valley trek

We booked our Rolwaling Valley trek with Above the Himalaya Trekking. We were delighted with the hike as well as the service. Our guide spoke good English and was very friendly and professional. The porter was also very friendly and courteous. There was a great atmosphere during the trip. Everything was very organized. I would book my next tour in Nepal again with Above the Himalaya and recommend the tour operator.

Michael Beck

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