Rowlaling Trek
Very strenuous, mountain view, explore the off beaten track and the rarest places in the Everest Region, located in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA), located between Langtang National park and Khumbu region, a part of the GHT, requires basic climbing experience, Tsho Rolpa, one of the largest glacial lakes of Nepal, less explored but stunning Rolwaling valley, considered a holy sanctuary by the local Buddhist inhabitants, Sherpa and Tamang culture.
Hidden treasure of Nepal
Explore the off beaten tracks in the Rolwaling valley and see the rarest places in the Khumbu region. The Rolwaling valley located in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCAP) is one of the most strenuous treks of Nepal. It requires basic climbing experience and is truly a blast! The best time to do the Rolwaling trek is Apr-May and Sep-Oct. Get to see all peaks above 6000 m and the Tsho Rolpa, one of the largest glacial lakes of Nepal. The trek is also a gem for those who are interested in different cultures of Nepal. Though less explored, the stunning Rolwaling valley is welcoming and has incredible hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Meet your crew and the guide will help you with some last minute shopping and final gear checks. You can walk around and explore the city. Enjoy a group dinner and get to know your new trekker friends.
Altitude: 1400 m
Overnight: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive to Chhetchhet and trek to Simigaun
We will start our trek to captivating sight of Mt. Langtang and Mt. Everest. As we drive up to Chhetchhet Bazaar, there we will pass through the scenic high green hills and white mountain views to the north. On the way, we will visit the Bhimeswor temple in Dolakha. From Chhetchhet Bazaar, we will hike up to Simigaon. As we move forward, the valley begins to narrow until we cross the suspension bridge. On the other side is the Sherpa and Tamang village, Simigaon perched on the terrace on the mountainside.
Altitude: 2020 m
Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 3: Simigaon to Dokhang
Today we enter the Rolwaling valley through rhododendron and bamboo forests. Carry enough water with you as there is not much places you can refill your water bottle. Part of the trail in the forest is steep and after two and half hours, we reach a teahouse where we can rest and have some tea. Three hours away is Gyalche. Half an hour down from here is Dokhang, our stop for the day, a riverside village. Relax in the river bank ambience after the long day.
Altitude: 2790 m
Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 4: Dokhang to Beding
Another long ascent day, but fret not as the view today is magnificent. We are starting to gain some altitude so we will move slow. As the valley starts to open up, we get good view of the Chekigo (6257m). Along the way, you will have an unfolding view of the mountain scenery including Gaurishankar surrounding us. We pass several suspension bridges over over deep gorges before reaching Beding. Beding is a beautiful village in itself located by the river. Take time to relax because we have the whole day tomorrow to explore this village.
Altitude: 3700 m
Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Beding
Beding is an enchanting village. You cannot just pass by it. At the center of the village is the historical Buddhist monastery. On the mountainside in front of the village is a big boulder with prayer flags which makes for an excellent view point. Here, you can see the Gaurishankar’s north face, the Menlung La (5616 m) and its neighbouring peaks. Hiking to the Menlung la can help with acclimatization. Enjoy your day.
Altitude: 3700 m
Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 6: Beding to Na
The hike to Na from Beding is relatively short and easy. At this point, the terrain becomes barren and the sides of the valley is filled with waterfalls and icefalls. Na is said to be the oldest Sherpa village in the area and holds significant importance to the locals. Spend the afternoon exploring the village.
Altitude: 4200 m
Overnight: local teahouse
Day 7: Na acclimatization/explore day
As we are gaining altitude, it’s important to take a day off to rest and acclimatize before going higher up. We can take packed lunch with us and hike up to the Yalung La pass. The Hike is a steep climb but the top ridge of the camp offers exceptional view of the Tsho Rolpa lake. Apart from the lake, you can also get stunning views of the Yalung Glacier to the east, the Ramdung peak to the south, Yalung Ri to the west and breathtaking Himalayan summits to the north. A perfect place to take pictures and drink some warm butter tea.
Altitude: 4500 m
Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 8: Na to Tsho rolpa
The trek today begins through the flat levelled path which gradually ascends to witness the Himalayan Glacier lake. Tsho Rolpa is one of the biggest glacial lakes of Nepal. We will camp at the camping site of Tsho Rolpa overnight.
Altitude: 4588 m
Overnight: Camping
Day 9: Tsho Rolpa to Glacier camp
The hike today will be comparatively challenging as we will walk on glaciers throughout the day. We will begin our day early and head towards Trakarding glacier on a rocky path. We’ll struggle on towards a rocky spur, just beneath the Dolumbau glacier. But the excitement is unmatched which adds its own thrill. Then the trail slowly ascends through some rock climbing and gradually walks on a glacial moraine. Depending on the conditions of the hillside and the glacier itself, we will choose a place to site our camp.
Altitude: 4735 m
Overnight: camping
Day 10: Glacier camp to Tashi Lapcha Pass
Today, we will make an early start to make the most of the more stable, frozen slopes above us. Mt. Pacharmo will keep us in shade for the first few hours so bundle up because it will get cold. The trail mostly ascends through rocks and glaciers. With steady walks, we will reach the Tashi lapcha Pass. Our efforts will be rewarded with a 360 degree panorama of the Himalayas, a truly magical moment as you stand between the mountains. So big but yet again so small.
Altitude: 5755 m
Overnight: Camping
Day 11: Tashi Lapcha pass to Parchemuche tsho camp Day 12: Parchemuche tsho camp to Thame
Today offers an easy and pleasant descent. Just before arriving in the tiny Sherpa village of Thame, we can visit its picturesque monastery perched on its hillside. From here, you can get stunning view of the Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku etc. Thame lies on a popular trade route for Tibetan traders. You may be able to see the yak caravans trekking across the Nangpa La on the Tibetan border to Namche and beyond.
Altitude: 3805 m
Overnight: local teahouse
Day 13: Thame to Namche
Today is a long day but on easy ground and mostly descents. We will follow the old trade route over the Nangpa La while following the Bhotekoshi river. We descend to a bridge over the Dudh Koshi at Phunki tenga and then hike up through different villages. With gradual ups and downs, we will soon reach Namche, our stop for the day.
Altitude: 3440 m
Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 14: Explore the Namche Bazaar
Namche is also known as the “Sherpa capital of Khumbu”. Namche has pretty much everything to offer that you can think of. You may be tired from walking on crazy trails for the last few days. Today is a day all to yourself. Walk around the village and visit the cafes or stay at the lodge lounging around. Or, you can also choose to hike to the nearby Khumjung and see the Sherpa museum.
Altitude: 3440 m Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 15: Namche to Phakding
Today, we walk on a part of the famous Everest Base Camp trek. We walk on easy trail and cross few suspension bridges to reach the small village of Phakding. Phadking is right in between the forests so bask in the scenic atmosphere. Now, we are exiting the Khumbu region so get most of the Himalayas while you can.
Altitude: 2610 m
Overnight: local teahouse
Day 16: Phakding to Lukla
We pass mani walls and prayer wheels and some more suspension bridges. On the way, we pass a beautiful village named Ghat. The walk today is very pleasant and peaceful. The last day of our Himalayan trip. A bittersweet moment. Many things to reminisce about.
Altitude: 2860 m
Overnight: Local teahouse
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu
We get on a flight to Kathmandu from the historic Tenzing Hillary airport. The streets of Lukla itself is a moment worth living. The donkeys and yaks clad in colorful threads, smell of freshly baked bread and incense mixed in one, knock off trekking gears hanging outside shops. It is a weird surreal moment. Our guide will help you into your hotel room. We can meet for one last dinner as a group before we part ways.
Altitude: 1400 m
Overnight: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu
Day 18: fly back home
We will drive you to the airport for your flight back home. Until we see you next time for another adventure.
Activities
Cost included
- Kathmandu arrival and transferred to hotel
- Kathmandu to Chhetchet by bus
- Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
- All ground Transportation
- All necessary permits and TIMS cards
- All meal during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guide and staffs wages and insurance
- All trekking equipment ( tents, tables, chairs, mattress, cooking utensils etc.)
Cost excluded
- Bar bills, laundry and tips
- Rescue, insurance, souvenir shopping
- Items of personal expenses
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal rescue if needed
#Note above day to day itinerary. May be change depending on weather and flight.