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Rolwaling Valley Trek

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Duration 10 Days
We offer special group discounts, please contact us for the offers.
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, below Gauri Shankar (7145m) 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 is abundant with alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, moraines, high pastures, waterfalls, and an imminent view of snowy peaks in the backdrop.

This Rolwaling valley trek region is rich in biological diversity, glacial lakes, mountains, and isolated villages. More than that Rolwaling area is also home to many rare globally threatened animals. The Rolwaling Himal, along the Tibetan border, forms the northern border of a wild, beautiful east-west valley. This area is the more isolated location. It is also an alternative trail to EBC Trekking located at west of Khumbu.

An alternative route from the busy Everest base camp trail

The Rolwaling Valley trek starts from Dolakha, near Charikot, 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 aspect 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 with its spectacular glacier fields and the Tsho-Rolpa glacier lake. Rolwaling Valley Trek will show you the hidden Himalayas that are not explored by many trekkers’ yet. A very fine but strenuous camping-style expedition can be made through the Rolwaling Himal to cross the Teshi Lapcha La (5755m) and 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 Rolwaling valley trek is in the autumn season (September–December) and if we choose October and November are best. During this time the skies are clearer and almost no rain, so the visibility is high.  Another best time is to visit in the Spring season(March-May). This is the flower blooming season also so enjoy the rhododendron flowers along the trail.  During your Everest trekking at this time, you can enjoy the unobstructed views of the spectacular mountain ranges. Monsoon is not a good time to visit as the visibility is poor, and flights get cancel and delayed a lot at this time. Winter is ok to trek in the lower part as the upper part is snowing and very cold and high passes are blocked from the snow.

What to pack for your  Rolwaling valley trek

The Rolwaling valley trek  is difficult to trek so you need to have the proper equipment to succeed this trip.

You will sleep in the tea house and eat there so you just 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 that 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 the down jacket
  •  women 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/Guide book
  • 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 degree 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
Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat via Charikot

Today early morning after your 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
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 tough though after leaving Gongar you start walking north up the new road. After about 45 minutes you’ll get to Chetchet and after 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 make a day hiking in the village or there is a small monastery on the top and can visit there too. Enjoy your day by staying at a basic homestay at Simigaun.

Walking 4-5 hrs
Accommodation Homestay
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Simigaun (2,020m)
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 can get chance to lost also. So always walk with together with group. After about one hour of ups and downs you’ll see two small shacks. We will pass by beautiful Rhododendron forest before start ascending.

We can meet small tea house along the way for tea break and snacks. While we are in more higher places we will walk on juniper, pine and Rhododendron forest. We can make a lunch break at small village of Gyalche. From here we will trek to Dongang, which is located on the bank of the river. Here is 2 small home stay run by local ladies we will stay with one of them.

Walking 6-7 hrs
Accommodation Homestay
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Dongang (2,790m)
DAY
04
Dongang trekking to Beding

Today is the long and hardest 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 starts opening and get a good view of Mount Chekigo (6257m). More 1-hour trekking, you cross the Themlung Khola which comes down straight from Gaurishankar.

We can also get Another 3 more hours of trekking up hills to bring us to Beding. We will pass the small villages of Jobalu, Nyiamare, Ramding, and Chhimu Golche before reaching Beding. The Beding village is beautiful and the valley starts widening from here. This is one of the biggest villages in the Rolwaling Valley. Overnight in a lodge or homestay.

Walking 6 hrs
Accommodation Homestay/Lodge
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Beding (3700m)
DAY
05
Acclimatization Day in Beding

As we arrive at 3700m height on our trekking A day to acclimatize is highly recommended. We can make good easy walking in this village. We can walk to the viewpoint of the village to 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 and we can make an acclimatization walk over there also.

Accommodation Homestay/Lodge
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Beding (3700m)
DAY
06
Beding Trek to Na

Today we will walk in the clear and spectacular trail after Beding on our Rolwaling valley trek. The sides of the valley are filled with icefalls and waterfalls. We will walk on trees less barren with only grassland and some Juniper bushes. After about two hours of walking we will reach the village of Na, which is situated on the north bank of the river.

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

Walking 6-7 hrs
Accommodation Homestay
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Na (4,200)
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 hrs 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 make a rest day also in the afternoon after the Tsho Rolpa visit.

Walking 3 hrs
Accommodation Homestay
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Tsho Rolpa (4,600m)
DAY
08
Trek to Dongang

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

Walking 6 hrs
Accommodation Homestay
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Dongang (2790m)
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 5-6 hrs
Accommodation Lodge
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Gongar Khola (1,430m)
DAY
10
Drive back to Kathmandu

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

Jeep 9-10 hrs
Meals Breakfast & Lunch
Altitude Kathmandu (1,400m)

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, 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 papers works, 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 such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and 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 which are not mentioned in 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 awesome ice lake held back by terminal moraine on the way during Rolwaling trekking. The unmarked route goes along the Trakarding Glacier and then climbs 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 like to go, you can request us to join the Tashi Lapcha pass and arrive in Khumbu. If you arrive at Khumbu you can carry on to the Everest Base camp or back to Lukla and fly to Kathmandu. Rolwaling trek provides you an opportunity to Explore Diverse Vegetation, climate, topography, and other many beautiful places. The region is very close to the Tibetan border. Here you can see people highly influenced by Tibetan culture and have adopted Unique Culture and Tradition. People in the villages are very warm-hearted and very kind as well.

How to get 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 leave from Kathmandu to Singati. Local bus departure is only morning time between 6 to 8 am. If you like to travel in a more comfortable way you can get a private 4wd land cruiser or jeep also. 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. Now mostly we 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 of the basic lodges and homestays offer Dal Bhat, fried rice, and noodles. Here is not a standard menu like Everest or happens region but you can enjoy the local food. The region also has limited lodges, tea houses, and homestays available.

Reviews on Rolwaling Valley Trek

5.0

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Based on 1 Review


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Michael Beck
Zurich, Switzerland
January 23, 2019
Our best trip to Rolwaling valley trek

We booked our Rolwaling valley trek with Above the Himalaya Trekking and were very happy with the trek as well as the service. Our guide spoke good English, 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 can highly recommend the tour operator.

Michael Beck

5.0
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Excellent

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