Rolwaling Valley Trek

Based on 300+ Reviews

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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

Equipment List

 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 more isolated. 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 trekkings 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 Bedding, 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 clearer, and there is almost no rain, so visibility is high.

Another good time is to visit in the spring (March-May). This is the flower-blooming season, so enjoy the rhododendron flowers along the trail. During your Everest trekking, enjoy 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. In winter, it 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 the proper equipment to succeed.

You will sleep in the tea house and eat there, so you must carry your belongings, which are enough to stay out of the cold. Below are some suggested items to take with you while your Everest trekking

Walking boots are 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, they zip on/off at the knees, so you can also use them as shorts.

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 reach Chetchet. After a short trek, we will cross the bridge over the Tamakoshi River. From here, our trail will follow to 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 town until you get to the lodge.

You can spend the day hiking in the town, or you can visit the small monastery on top. Alternatively, you can enjoy your day by staying at a basic homestay in 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. After one hour of ups and downs, you’ll see two small shacks. 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. In higher places, we will walk in juniper, pine, and Rhododendron forests. We can take a lunch break in the small village of Gyalche.

From here, we will trek to Dongang, which lies on the bank of the river. Here, there 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. From Dongbang to Bedding, we need to climb almost 1000 m high.

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 take another three hours trekking up hills to reach Bedding.

Before reaching Bedding, we will pass the small villages of Jobalu, Nyiamare, Ramding, and Chhimu Golche.

The Bedding 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 a height of 3700m during 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 also make an acclimatization walk over there.

Accommodation Homestay/Lodge

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude Beding (3700m)

DAY
06

Day 06: Beding Trek to Na

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

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

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

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 hiked up to Tso Rolpa Lake [4,600m/15,092ft], which took around 3 hours up and down. Visit Tso Rolpa in the morning, trek back to Na for lunch, and spend the afternoon admiring nature’s beauty. 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. Due to the altitude, it is more accessible, but it 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 to travel more comfortably, we can arrange a private jeep 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 journey on the dirt road is quite long. 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?

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 of this trek are the 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 that we 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 start point of the Rolwaling Valley trek is by driving. We can take local buses from Kathmandu to Singati. Local bus departures are only in the morning between 6 and 8 a.m.

You can get a private 4WD land cruiser or Jeep to travel more comfortably. 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 the 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 Himalayan 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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