Max. Altitude
5000m
Best Season
Oct -Dec & March-May
Activity
Trekking
Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Overview of Rolwaling Valley Trekking
Rolwaling Valley Trekking stretches east to west of the Gauri Shankar Massif (7134 m). Rolwaling is an inner Himalayan valley believed to be a holy sanctuary by the local Buddhist Sherpa residents. The Rolwaling Valley is placed between two remarkable mountain ranges: the Gaurishankar Himal and the Rolwaling Himal.
Rolwaling Valley Trek is characterized by high valleys and the Tsho Rolpa, a lake situated at 4500m created by a slim natural barrier of glacial debris.
This valley is not as much frequented by tourists related to other parts of Nepal, and is an chance to get a sight of Sherpa societies and villages less affected by mass tourism and of course, to get some jaw-dropping sights of the Himalayas. Great views of Mt. Gauri Shanker, Mt. Dorje Lakpa, and Mt. Tashi Lapcha can be enjoyed all along the trail.
Rolwaling Valley Trek is a cultural and exploratory trek that starts from Dolakha Bazaar and into the Gongat area and to Chhet Chhet, which is just 162 km east of the Kathmandu valley.
One can notice less figure of tea houses/lodges during the trek as this province lies in the far-flung corner of Nepal near the Tibetan perimeter. Then trek up to the highest pass of this trip Tso Rolpa Lake (4580m).
Rolwaling Valley Trekking Itinerary
01
Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Our company staff will meet you at Kathmandu International Airport. He will then transfer you to your hotel in a private car. You will have the rest of the day to relax and settle in the chaotic vibe of the city. In the evening, you can visit the traditional Nepalese restaurant for dining and enjoying the night life of the capital.
Maximum Altitude
1400m
Accomodations
3 Star Hotel
02
Drive Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet and Trek to Simigaon
After early morning breakfast, we will begin our journey to Rolwaling Valley. We will take a private bus or a jeep to drive to Chhetchhet. We will pass through beautiful Dolakha village along the majestic Tama Koshi and Bhote Koshi river while enjoying the magnetic view of Gaurishankar in the background.
We will pass through some of the incredible settlements of several Tamang and Chhetri villages of Nepal. Such as Bharle, Suridobhan, Jamune, Tatopani and Manthali and Jagat.
After a long drive, we will now stretch our legs and start trekking towards Simigaon. After a short, steep climb, we will reach our destination, resting at an altitude of 2020 m. The village has a beautiful monastery on the edge of the ridge and impressive terraced cultivations.
Maximum Altitude
2020 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
3 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
Transportation
8 hours drive
03
Trek from Simigaon to Dongang
Our route will now become a bit challenging. We will climb over a rock spur and then continue along the side of the lower Rolwaling valley, covered with rhododendron forests.
We will continue along a path halfway up the hill and then emerge on a ridge from which the horizon reopens. The path may be in poor condition because it is ruined by watercourses, and we may therefore, be forced to make some fords.
We are now at Dongang at 2800 m after about 7 hours of walking. Here, we will rest for the night in one of the lodges of the village.
Maximum Altitude
2800 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
7 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
04
Trek from Dongang to Beding
From now on, we will continue to gain altitude, so we will take our hike slowly. We will pass through rhododendrons and coniferous forests that begin to thin out. The high-altitude prairies appear, and you will discover the impressive views of the Gauri Shankar.
Across the high-elevation meadows, we will cross the small settlements of Thanking, Samara, Chhumugokhe, and Chhangma before arriving at Beding, the largest settlement in Rolwaling.
It is a typical Sherpa village leaning on the coast and gathered around its monastery, decorated with particularly interesting mural paintings.
Maximum Altitude
3690 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
7 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge/TeaHouse
05
Acclimatization day at Beding, Hike towards Dolma Khang Base Camp
Since the trek days onwards involve a gain in height, we will utilize this day to acclimatize to the high altitude. We will walk around this beautiful village with the magnificent Mont Gaurishankar in front of our eyes. We are now closer to the Tibetan border, so we will also be able to witness the beauty of some incredible Tibetan mountains.
Another option for us to adapt to the higher elevation can be a 3-hour hike to Dolma Khang Base Camp. We will retrace our path toward Nyamare. As we arrive at the giant tree and Kani gateway, we will advance on a narrow trail.
We will then climb steeply above the waterfall till we reach Dolma Khang, BC. After spending some time here, we will head back to Beding. We will rest at the same guest house where we rested yesterday.
Maximum Altitude
3690 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge/TeaHouse
06
Trek to Na Gaon and Explore the Village
Today is a short hike of 3 to 4 hours which will take us to the last inhabited village in the Rolwaling valley, Na Gaon. After the trek, we have plenty of time to acclimatize and explore this small town.
The Na Gaon is a small town located at the foot of three large mountains Chekigo, Bamongo, and Kang Nachugo. It is a Sherpa town that has remained isolated from the influences of Tourism and modern developments.
Several Mani walls, colorful prayer flags, large Bodhisattva art on a large rock, and the steep snow-capped peak of Chobutse welcome us into the town. The inhabitants are also very friendly. We will stay for the night at one of the tea houses or lodges of this small town.
Maximum Altitude
4180 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
4 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge/TeaHouse
07
Hike to Dudh Kunda and Tsho Rolpa Lake
After an early morning breakfast, we will now leave behind the sparse houses of Na and cross the suspension bridge. The bridge will take us to the south bank of the Rolwaling River, and we will enter a completely new scenario.
In front of us is the glacier, severe moraines set between frozen peaks and wild steps. In this wild environment, we climb up to the glacial lake Tsho Rolpa at 4580 m and Dudh Kunda Lake, also known as Omi Tso.
Cho or Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the largest glacial lakes in all of Nepal. In the last 50 years, its volume has increased considerably due to the melting of glaciers. Dudh Kunda Lake, on the other hand, is the most sacred lake for the residents of this region.
We will hike a little further at the camping site, where we will set up the camp and rest for the night.
Maximum Altitude
4580 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
7 hours Trek
Accomodations
Camp
08
Trek via Beding to Dongang
From today, we will begin our return journey to the civilization of Kathmandu. We will retrace our steps through the same path we have taken when commencing this journey.
Today is going to be a long day hike which we will begin right after having early morning breakfast. Although the walk is long, it’s going to be easy as we will be going downhill trekking trail.
After about 3 hours of downhill walking, we will arrive at Beding where we will rest for a while to have lunch. We will then pass through rhododendron forests and cultivated farms. We will cross the Thangdingma before reaching Dongang, where we will stay for the night.
Maximum Altitude
2800 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
09
Trek from Dongang to Simigaon
We will also continue our downhill trek today. After breakfast, we will walk along the Rolwaling River and pass the lonely village of Kalche. We will walk downhill along several stone steps and finally reach Simigaon, where we will stay at one of its cozy lodges to rest for the night.
Maximum Altitude
2020 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
10
Trek to Chet-Chet and Drive to Kathmandu
Today is the last day of our trek and our last visuals of the fabulous Mount Gaurishankar. Devour on its beauty and say your farewell to the beautiful views. Now, we will descend toward the bridge to cross the raging Tama Koshi River.
We will arrive at Chetchet, where our vehicle will be waiting for us to take us back to Kathmandu. We will drive through the same highway we have driven through at the beginning of Rolwaling trekking.
As we reach Kathmandu, we will take you to your hotel, where you can rest in a comfortable bed.
Maximum Altitude
1400m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
3 hours Trek
Accomodations
3 Star Hotel
Transportation
8 hours Drive
11
Free day in Kathmandu
We have set aside this day for a full-day tour of the beautiful Kathmandu Valley. You can go on this tour on your own, or we can arrange a full-day exclusive trip for you. We will provide a private car, tour guide, and a driver for your convenience.
We will visit some of the astounding architectural, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the city. Such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath where we can observe the Buddhist culture, and Pashupatinath Temple, where we can learn about the Hindu ritual of cremation. We will also visit the former royal palace of Kathmandu, known as Kathmandu Durbar Square.
If we have some time left after these tours, we will also take a brief tour of Patan and Bhaktapur. When making your way back to your hotel, you can stop at Thamel Market and shop for a souvenir and have a nice Nepalese dinner at the Thamel restaurants.
Maximum Altitude
1400 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodations
3 Star Hotel
12
Final Departure
Today is the day for your return to your home. We will arrange a private vehicle to take you to the Kathmandu airport 3 hours before your departure time. If you want to explore more of the beautiful regions of Nepal, please connect with us for your next tour.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
30 min drive






Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal
- Breathable Underwear
- Sports Bra
- Base Layers
- Trekking Shirts
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Fleece Jacket
- Down jacket (insulated jacket)
- Windcheater (water proof)
- Sun protection Hat
- Headband or Beanie
- Scarf or neckband
- Gloves (inner and outer )
- Hiking Boots
- Trekking Shoes
- Hiking Socks
- Thermal Socks
- Gaiters
- Duffel Bag
- Day pack
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Hydration bladder or Water bottle
- Head Lamps
- Batteries
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Woolen socks
- Waterproof jacket
- Lip Guard
- Insulated pants
- Baby wipers
Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal
- Water bottle
- Batteries and bulbs
- Flashlight
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Rucksack
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Sewing kit
- Polypropylene/wool socks
- Other required equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Down Jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes/boots
- Camp shoes
- Jumperorpile jacket
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shirts
- Full–sleeves shirt
- T-shirts
- Sun hat
- Gloves
- Woolen hat
- Long underwear
- Goggles or sun glasses
- Gaiters
- Sun block for lips
- Light cotton socks
- Mountain trekking boots
- Woolen socks to wear with boots
- Nylon wind breaker
- Insulated pants
- Nylon wind pants
- Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
- Sun hat
- Long cotton hiking shorts
- Fleece/wool for climbing
- Lightweight fleece
- Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
- Down high altitude sleeping bag
- Down jacket/trousers/vest
- Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
- Water proof climbing jacket
- Head torch/batteries/bulbs
- Climbing sunglasses
- Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
- Sun screen
- Warm climbing trousers
- Wool long underwear
- Other required equipment
- Climbing boots
- Gaiters
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Crampons
- Karabiners
- Tapes/slings
- Snow bars
- Ice screws
- Rock pegs
- Deadmen
- Crash hat
- Day bag
- Rucksack
- Lip salve
- T-shirts
- Ascenders
- Ascenders
- Kit bag
Whats Included
- Airport picks up and drops international and domestic.
- 03 night 03-star hotel accommodation at Kathmandu including breakfast.
- Complete departure information, About the trek, guide, altitude sickness, and reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary) and extra tour service before the trek starts.
- Private 4 wheel Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet and Chhet Chhet to Kathmandu
- Private transportation pick up and drops off.
- Best Lodge accommodation & full board meals throughout the trek.
- breakfast, lunch, and dinners are included and chosen from the lodge menu.
- twin share accommodation during the trek.
- As per group size experience, government license holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff. ( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )
- A warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bags will be provided during the Rolwaling trek ( down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after the trip )
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport-size photos for permits)
- Rolwaling Trekking Trail Map
- Gauri Sankar Conservation Area Permit.
- Restricted Area Permit
- First Aid kits for the staff and the groups. including oxi-meter
- Services coordination for emergency and rescue operations
- Government taxes & office service charge
- Life Himalaya trekking duffel bag and T-shirts as a gift !!
- Farewell Dinner
- Achievement Certificate.
Whats Excluded
- Meals are not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa charge.
- All beverages and other personal expenses.
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Battery charge, hot showers & international phone calls.
- Service not mentioned above.
Rolwaling Valley Trekking - Essential Information
Best Season for Rolwaling Valley Trekking
The best seasons for Rolwaling Valley trekking are Spring, which is the pre-monsoon Period, and autumn or fall, which is the post-monsoon period. However, if you are a daring traveler with a taste for some thrill. If you possess an early trekking experience in the high altitude and mountainous terrain of Nepal, you can do this trek in winter and summer also.
The pre-monsoon months in Rolwaling Valley are from March to May so there is no or low probability for heavy rainfall. The days are long, the sky is clear blue, and the temperature is moderate, from 28- 32 degrees Celsius in the daytime. Your 5 to 7 hours of hiking during the day becomes pleasant in these months. Moreover, you can walk through the vibrant rhododendron forests and dense vegetation.
Likewise, September, October, and November follow the post-monsoon period. The forest vegetation transformation into a yellowish haze, the unobstructed views of mountains in the morning, and the fine weather during the days make this the perfect time for Rolwaling Valley trekking.
In December, January, and February, however, the trail to the valley is covered in snow. The daytime temperature can be 0.9°C, dropping to -15.1°C at night, creating a snowy wonderland. In June, July, and August, heavy rainfall accompanies the day with foggy and cloudy weather. In addition, the trail can be slippery with the probability of avalanche and leech infestation.
With proper equipment, an experienced guide and porter, and proper preparation, you can carry out this trek all year round.
The Difficulty of Rolwaling Valley Trek
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking is categorized as moderately difficult trekking in Nepal, requiring 5 to 7 hours of walking each day. In addition, our trek involves the highest altitude gain of 4580 m when we explore Tsho Rolpa Lake and Dudh Kunda Lake.
At this altitude, trekkers, especially if they are new to high-altitude trekking, can suffer from altitude sickness. The trail we will be hiking through often comprises slippery, narrow routes, stony steps, and rigged terrain.
In addition, weather conditions in such high altitudes can be quite unpredictable at times. Therefore, checking weather conditions before beginning the trek is often necessary. Plus, the right gear to deal with rain or low temperatures is a must.
Those who are not accustomed to remote region trekking, who can’t stay in basic accommodation with fewer amenities, can feel this trek a bit tiresome. If you are a nature lover and wish to see unspoiled nature and want to lose yourself in the serene natural atmosphere, this trekking is perfect for you.
Altitude Sickness
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking takes you to the highest elevation of more than 3500 m when you are at Beding and to more than 4500 m when you reach Lake Tsho Rolpa. The air is quite thin, with low oxygen levels in the air. Therefore, you may suffer from mild symptoms of altitude or mountain sickness.
The best preventive measure for this sickness is to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water. Begin your trek by drinking a liter of water and carrying 2 liters of water in your backpack. Drink as you go on hiking along the trail. Also, it is best that you avoid alcohol, smoking, and heavy meals when your itinerary is set to reach a high altitude.
If you have headaches, dizziness, nausea, and loss of sleep, please inform our guide. He will take the precautionary measures as soon as possible. Plus, a tablet of Diamox will help in alleviating your symptoms. If you are not relieved of your symptoms, descending to a lower altitude may be necessary.
What to expect on this trip?
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking will take you to some of the fantastic, original landscapes of Nepal, untouched, unspoiled, and uncontaminated by bulldozers and machines. Expect nothing but the beautiful scenery along the trail, with magnificent views of the gigantic Himalayas, such as Mount Gaurishankar, Rolwaling Himal, Choba Bhamre, Dorje Lakpa, Yalung Ri, Pachharmo Peak, etc.
During this entire trek, you will walk through and stay in some ancient wild villages, which are the natural habitats for some rare species of animals and plants. If you are lucky, you can spot the Himalayan thar, gaur, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, wild dog, and more than 250 species of birds.
In addition, through our Rolwaling trekking tour, you will lodge in some extraordinary Sherpa and Tamang settlements such as Beding, Na Gaon, Simigaon, etc. The Sherpas and Tamangs are influenced by Tibetan culture, and you can observe their unique tradition, way of life, and colorful festivals. These people, although they live by their traditions and beliefs, are known to be the most hospitable and friendly people. Through this trekking, you can have a first-hand experience of their charming nature.
When hiking, you can often see yaks grazing in Beding and Na Gaon. You will have the opportunity to explore Buddhist Sangag Choling Monastery and Dolma Khang Base Camp when resting at Beding. The highlight of the trekking is a trip to Lake Tsho Rolpa known to be the largest glacial lake in Nepal. You will have the dream view of this lake along with the spiritual experience on Dudh Kunda Lake.
As you round up this trip, you will also have the opportunity to visit the former royal cities of Kathmandu Valley: Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur. You will also be able to take a tour of some of the marvelous Buddhist architecture in Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. While at Pashupatinath, you can familiarize yourself with the Hindu rituals of cremation. The Thamel tour, on the other hand, will help you witness the coexistence and blend of Western culture with the ancient tradition of Kathmandu.
Permit for Rolwaling Valley Trekking
Life Himalaya will cover all the necessary permits required for the Rolwaling Valley Trek
It includes:
Special Restricted Area Permit: 10 USD per person per day
Gaurisankar Conservation Area Permit: Approx. 30 $ per person
TIMS: Approx 20 $ per person
Accommodation, Food, and Transportation
Our Rolwaling Valley trekking incorporates all your accommodation and food expenses during the trek. When you stay in Kathmandu, we will arrange for your accommodation in a 3-star hotel with a complimentary breakfast. You can always explore the city and dine in the reputed Nepalese restaurants for lunch and dinner.
If you wish to upgrade your stay to 5-star or luxurious resort, please inform us. We can make all the necessary arrangements for your comfortable stay in the city.
As you begin your trek, we will lodge you in the best available tea house or lodge along the trail. Since we will be traveling to one of the remotest regions, which is not yet developed for tourism, the tea house or guest house can be of basic amenities.
The rooms will be furnished with beds and mattresses, and we recommend you carry your own sleeping bags for hygienic reasons. There may be attached bathrooms available, but as you gain elevation, you may not find this luxury. You may have to share the toilets and dining area with other travelers.
In addition, you may experience the camping trek as well in this trek. During your exploration of Lake Tsho Rolpa, our field team of guides and porters will set up the cozy tented camp for you with a separate cooking and dining camp.
The same goes for food options as well. As you ascend the altitude, the food options will be quite limited to Nepalese cuisines of Rice, Lentil, and Vegetable. You can also have pizza, momo, chowmen, burgers, pasta, etc, in tea houses at lower altitudes. When camping, our field staff will prepare a delicious hot meal from locally produced fresh products.
Our tour package not only covers your food and accommodation during the trek but also your transportation as well. We will receive you at the Kathmandu airport and will transfer to your hotel in a private car/jeep. As this extraordinary journey begins, we will drive you to Chetchet by a private jeep.
You will make your return journey in the same way from Chhet Chhet to Kathmandu. Again, we will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu via a private car. When touring the capital the following day, we can also arrange for an exclusive private tour for you with a car, driver, and tour guide.
As you depart home after successfully completing this remarkable journey, we will take you to the Kathmandu airport in a private car thereby concluding your service.
Rolwaling Valley Trekking - FAQs
Can I charge my devices on the Rolwaling trek?
You can charge your devices when you stay in lodges or tea houses. But they may charge an extra cost for charging your devices. However, as you gain elevation, the charging facility may be difficult to find, so we advise you to carry a solar charger.
Is there wifi or an internet facility on this trek?
Since we will be trekking to the remote regions of Nepal, there may not be wifi connections available. You can purchase an NTC or NCELL sim in Kathmandu and activate the data pack suitable to your needs. You can use the mobile data whenever there is coverage in high-altitude areas.
Do I need travel insurance for Rolwaling Valley trekking?
Yes, travel insurance is a must for this trekking and you must present your insurance copy when you begin this trip. Make sure your insurance covers the risks up to 5000 m altitude and helicopter evacuation as well.
Do I need to tip my guide and porter?
It is not mandatory but expected as the guides and porters will do go to the extreme levels to make your trip comfortable.
Normally, we recommend to tip the guide and porter around minimum 10% each of the total cost of the package. Above than that , as per the service and care you get from the guide and porter you can tip accordingly.
You can give them collectively after the end of the trek or the last day of trekking before returning to Kathmandu.
What are the physical requirements for this trek?
You should be physically and mentally fit capable of walking 5 to 7 hours each day. We advise you to engage in some physical training before going on this trek, such as swimming, hiking for 4 to hours a day, climbing, and running.
Can you arrange this trek in December?
Yes, we can arrange for the Rolwaling Valley trek in December and any other month you prefer. We will make the necessary preparations and provide you with all the essential gear needed for this trek in winter.
Similar Trips
Join us on similar trips in the same region