The Rolwaling Trek, a challenging high-altitude journey, crosses the Tashi Lapcha Pass, offering stunning views of Everest and Gauri Shankar. It explores remote valleys, glaciers, and Sherpa villages, starting from Charikot and ending in the Khumbu region. The 18-day trek requires acclimatization and faces difficult terrain.
Rolwaling Trek with Tashi Lapcha
Trip Overview
The Rolwaling Trek through the daring Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755 m) is one of the challenging high-altitude mountain trails that take you into insight into the Rolwaling Valley and Khumbu area—the world-famous Everest Region trek. Rolwaling Valley, located between Langtang and the Everest Himalayan range just below the Mount Gauri Shankar and located on the south of the Tibetan border, offers a rewarding trek with magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Langtang, Jugal Himal and Mt. Gauri Shanker and the unique culture and tradition of the region's indigenous people. This trek is a completely organized camping trek leading you on a fascinating route in which you will come across pristine glaciers, adventurous high passes and snow-fed lakes. You will also have an opportunity of intimacy and encounter with very welcoming and friendly Tamang and Sherpa communities living in this Rolwaling Valley area.
Rolwaling Himal is encircled on the south by the Rolwaling Valley, which includes several small villages and Beding, the biggest settlement in the area. Entrance to the valley and the mountains of the range is made on foot throughout an established trail system starting at Charikot (80 km east of Kathmandu). Our camping trek from Charikot to Beding will normally take seven to ten days. The first western exploration of the area was made by Eric Shipton in 1951 during the reconnaissance of Mount Everest. Our best but most demanding camping journey will be through the Rolwaling Himal to cross the Teshi Lapcha Pass (5755 meter) and into the Solu Khumbu, the world-famous trekking area in Nepal. The trek result will be very satisfying in terms of cultural exposure and visual drama. The favorite approach is to walk in from the bus station at Dolakha, about 7 hours from Kathmandu.
The trail is very clear and used by porters and shepherds going up to the summer grazing pastures at Beding. There was a customs check at Jagat where the climbing permit was examined. The last habitation is at Na, at a height of 4180 meters above sea level. From here on in, it can snow at any time, so patience is required, which also will help with the essential acclimatization. The Tsho Rolpa is a splendid ice lake held back by terminal moraine. The unclear path goes along the Trakarding Glacier and then climbs steeply up onto the Drolambau Glacier. The scenery is tremendous every inch of the way! On the east side of the glacier is a range of mountains well over 6000 m. The Teshi Lapcha Pass goes through these mountains by the foot slopes of Pachermo. The descent on the other side is steep and very rough through boulder fields. Sometimes the trail is hard to find until you reach Thyangbo Kharka, a very lonely dwelling on the route to Thame, and onward to Namche Bazaar. From Kathmandu, over the Teshi Lapcha Pass and down to the Lukla airstrip, it took 18 days before the interminable wait for a flight back to Kathmandu. It is possible to do an anti-close-wise route, but the climb up to the pass from the Solu Khumbu is very steep and long. The important acclimatization days in this wild terrain would be uncomfortable and frustrating, and higher up, there is danger from falling rocks loosed off by the sun as it works its way around.
We will start our journey today with a drive from Kathmandu (1350m.) to Dolakha (1660m.) via Lamosangu (750m.) Charikot (1980m.) and Chhechhet (1440m.) by bus. We will camp for the night.
Takes about an hours and hours steep steps to Simigaun. The village (2019 m) is located at the top of the hills with some 50 households approximately. The people are nice here and majority is Sherpa and Tamang ethnic groups.
From here; the trail to Surmuche is pleasant and full of excitements. The lush green foresh with the up and down trail from the Simigau is moderate level of difficulty for the average trekkers where we have to cross the Nepal 2nd Cantilever Bridge. We will be seeing lot’s of Waterfall and fast flowing Rolwaling river with the Rolwaling mountain range on the backdrops.we will be crossing some locally invented bridges and yes again Waterfalls on the way. Like Surmuche, Kyalche also have only one hotel providing food and lodging services.
Kyalche and Dongang is close to each other and requires about 30mins walk having 2 hotel there. From Dongang you will be welcomed with the natural pavement on the floor and the dense lush green forest covering you on the top with the mesmerizing sound of the same Rolwaling River. There are few uphill climb but not only the uphill but you will be experiencing up and down until you reach the valley of the Beding. In between Dongang and Bedig you can see very few tea shops which are open in season only, one of them is at Thanding Kharka. Once you reach the Beding you will see lot of Yaks and Naks, Sherpa Community and the Beauty of the Real Rolwaling
Takes about three hours. This day you can explore the upper slopes of the valley for Snow Partridge or visit the nearby glacier lake. The trek path slightly ascends along the river bank. The place is an open path with fresh air and the charming sound of the river. Here you can have a panoramic view of the mountains as the trek moves forward. We will also come across a Sherpa village having its own specialties. We camp for the night.
You will be able to witness various views of mountains like Gauri Shanker, Menlung, Yalung and the mountains of the Tibet. We can hike to Yalung Ri base camp or Ramdung BC for acclimatization. We camp for the night.
You will be trekking through the flat and then gradually ascending path. You will be able to witness the beautiful Natural Lake filled with the chilling water of the glaciers. The views of Menlung and Tibetan Side Mountains add glory to your trek. We willl camp for the night.
Early morning you will walk through the glaciers and will be able to experience the new enchanting beauties that would add extra dimensions into your trial. You camp for the night at Trakarding Glacier. We will camp for the night.
The trail will still be ascending through some rock climbing and a gradual walk on the glacier. You will camp in the Tashi Lapcha Pedi camp today. We will camp for the night.
You will climb up the Tashi Lapcha Pedi and cross the Tashi Lapcha Pass through Tashi Cape. You trek through a snow covered route. We will camp for the night.
Today you will walk across the glacier. The trail descends down towards Thyomgbo. We will camp for the night.
Early morning you will trek down to Thame. This trail gradually descends while trekking an easier trail where will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the environment. We will camp for the night.
The trail descends gently for early one hour to Sanasa (3550m.). Now you can catch a glimpse of the majestic peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail descends steeply to a bridge over the river Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga (3250m).The way from Sanasa to Namche is uneven, with views of forests, scenery and mountains. We will camp for the night
Takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. We will camp for the night.
After breakfast in Lukla hotel, you take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 35 minutes.
This is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause a change of day-to-day plan.
- An experienced, English-speaking local Sherpa guide.
- An assistant guide to support the group and help the porters.
- 1 cook and kitchen helpers to prepare the members meal.
- Necessary Sherpa porters to carry camping gear and meals.
- Lukla-Kathmandu by domestic flight worth USD 216 per person.
- Necessary trekking permit and national entry fees.
- Ground transportation to the starting point as per itinerary.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek.
- Guides and porters fee with all their expenses.
- Taxes and documentation charges, etc.
- Transfers, meals and accommodation in Kathmandu.
- Alcoholic and beverage drinks during the trek.
- Personal nature expenses: toiletries, laundry, internet and phone calls.
- Personal travel insurance and rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Expenses of extra adventure if the trip is extended.
- Tipping your guide and porters.
Check our published date! If it doesn’t match, we are happy to customize your tour perfectly to suit your interests and needs. Contact us for creating a unique travel experience for you
Accommodations
Accommodation in Kathmandu will be in Hotel Radisson for 3 nights: 2 nights inbound and 1 night outbound. Wilderness Excursion has been providing five-star accommodation as our first priority to our guests to serve them at a superior level. That is what makes us today Wilderness Excursion. And even a normal hotel or guest house as per the guest demands and requirements. During the trek, we provide a standard guest house with a sound environment and hygienic food for the guest to make their trip happen and healthy. Being one of the premium destinations in the world, the Everest region collects lots of tourists from all over the world. So, there will always be better lodge facilities in the Everest section, and we will be providing tented accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis during the first section of the Rolwaling Trek.
How will be the meal be?
We get wide ranges of varieties of food, particularly in the urban areas, especially in Katmandu Valley. We have a lot of restaurants with different cuisine in city but during the trek we get to eat from Continental and Nepali menus, especially choices like Pasta, Pizza, mo. Mo, soup items, Potatoes items, Dal Bhat, Hot drinks, Tea & coffee, etc.
Our Team
As Rolwaling Trek is in the home of the Himalaya, it’s obvious to have challenging routes, high altitude problems, Weather and other conditions; any of those situations is big enough to ruin your trip. Leading around the steep hills and rocky routes is not a job of common climbers and trekkers. Wilderness Excursion has been providing local leaders and staff working in this field perfectly since long years to overcome tough challenges and make your trip a golden memory. They are trained and well certified by the Government of Nepal. All of our staff are trained in emergency guidance in the Himalayas and have knowledge of first aid for our guests. We never compromise giving safety to our staff; therefore, we provide insurance and medical services during the trek and compensation when they need it, especially to porters, kitchen member and others.
Team and Support staffs
We are very concerned about the comfort of our guests and whenever it is about the staff in the field. When we are on treks trekking through challenging routes, we need a proper number of workers like guides, porters, assistance guides, camping members and other staff. We provide 1 assistance guide with every 4–9 guests and 2 assistance guides with 10 guests. We do need strong and portable porters to carry our weights. We provide 1 porter for 2 guests, depending on guest stuff, and we allow only 25 kg for porters. We have a professional and expert guide, Leader and city guide in the field and can speak proper English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other sh, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other required languages. We can also manage any other staff as per your demand.
Hazards and Safety
Safety comes first while trekking with Wilderness Excursion! From your beginning day (we will be there to pick you up with our staff and identity) to your departure date (airport drop services), we are always there to help you. We have proper remedial services during the trek with professional staff: first aid kit, oxygen bag and helicopter service for emergency rescue whenever trekkers get physical loss or altitude sickness. We have focused more on acclimatization days to get rid of altitude sickness too.
When to trek?
Autumn (September - November) and Spring (March - May) are the best trekking seasons for trekking and mountaineering in Nepal. The weather is mostly clear and the temperature is moderate, which offers beautiful views without any obstruction. Spring collects beautiful flowers, plants and rare animals Walking is also very suitable during this season. Summer (June - August) and Winter (December - February). Though Summer collects heavy monsoon rainfall, it is very clear to trek around Mustang, Dolpo and Nar-Phu valleys since they are rain shadow areas. Tibet is much more favorable for Tibet trek. Everest, Langtang and Annapurna are always comfortable to trek, even in winter season.
Difficulty, Experience & Fitness
Trekking in Nepal for the Rolwaling Trek requires past trekking experience in high altitude. As we have a challenging route in this trek compared to Annapurna, our itinerary suggests walking comfortable distances. Trekking in the Himalayas always takes us to challenging altitudes and rocky routes and demands proper rest time and acclimatization to sustain their strength. We always have both listed properly in our itinerary. However, certain training like running, Skipping and other workouts will definitely help you in roots.
Rest days and acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a significant risk when trekking on any trails above about 2500 m. However, good health, proper care and drinking plenty of water will definitely help you to prevent altitude sickness. Every trekker needs to be familiar with the heights, so for this we have lifesaving acclimatization days during the trek, peak climbing and expedition. We also provide certain medical support for your relief and emergency rescue through helicopter whenever guests require it.
Eco Friendly
We only leave foot prints! Wilderness Excursion is very much concerned agency on environment pollution and global warming. We are always serious and genuine towards our garbage during the trek, especially in camping type. We collect all the rubbish and deposit it in a proper place to protect our environment. We also partake in every program conducted in the KEEP Kathmandu Environmental Education Project. We also suggest all travelers to protect our environment and stop global warming.
Itinerary and Customize Rolwaling Trek
Our original version itinerary is 21 days in total. We can customize the program of Rolwaling Trek. Days in the itinerary are always flexible and can be increased or shortened depending on your holiday and time schedule. Trekking in Everest around the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complications like natural and health challenges resulting in changes in the itinerary for your security during the trek by our professional guides and leader to take you to the final point safe and sound, so please cooperate with your guide for your protection. Flights in the Everest region are very dedicated even in the best season due to bad weather, so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days in Katmandu or in Lukla.
Rolwaling Trek Permit
Even though you may not intend to climb the mountain, a climbing permit will be mandatory for Pachermo (beside the Teshi Lapcha Pass) to allow access to the upper part of the valley beyond the Tsho Rolpa and over Tashi Lapcha La entering the Everest region. Pachermo Peak Climbing permit costs U$ 250 in spring and U$ 125 in autumn per person. We will also require a trekking permit for the Everest National Park for the return part of the journey. If you are just doing the Rolwaling Valley trip, it just requires a GCAP (Gaurisankar Conservation Area Project) permit (NPR 3000) and a TIMS Card (NPR 2000). You must trek with a certified trekking guide and organized with a government-authorized trekking agency as per state law. If mountain passes is not your thing, a much less ambitious but still very rewarding valley trek would be up to the Tsho Rolpa. Climbing permit not required.
Your Financial Protection
We realize that financial protection is a consideration when choosing a company to book a holiday property through.
- Wilderness Excursion holds a license with the authority to operate adventure activities under the supervision of the Nepali government.
- We are a fully bonded adventure operator authorized by the Nepal Government.
- Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
- Nepal Tourism Board, Industry Department.
- Company Registration Office.
- Nepal National Bank and the Taxation Office.
We are also affiliated with several prestigious regulating bodies, such as NATTA, NMA, TAAN, and KEEP, with whom we have a bond. We know that the last thing you want to worry about when you’re planning your trip of a lifetime is whether your money is in safe hands. As a leading adventure provider, it’s our job to make sure your finances are secure, so when you book with us you can be confident that we do just that. To ensure that you have complete peace of mind, Wilderness Excursion is an authorized adventure travel agency. Please kindly check our legal documents if any doubt.
Our paramount concern is your safety" while traveling with Wilderness Excursion. Please note that your leader has the authority to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is supposed necessary due to safety concerns. Our every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary as it is; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous areas, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required. Also, Rolwaling Trek can be custom-made as per your needs that suit your time account and places of interest to include in the itinerary. The trip price we have offered here is on a double occupancy basis. Single supplement cost is USD 450.00. International tour leaders are highly encouraged to get special discounts. Please kindly send us your details for the tailor-made program.