Rolwaling Trek in Nepal
Rolwaling Trek in Nepal is quite renowned for its unique yet strenuous trekking along the mighty Himalayan range in eastern Nepal. The valley is situated between two mighty ranges; Langtang valley range and the Everest range below the Gauri Shankar (7135 m) near the Tibetan border.
Rolwaling Trek in Nepal is blessed with the majestic views of picturesque mountains like; Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse, Amadablam, Pumori and many more. Running east-west for approximately 30 km, it is separated from Tibet by a stretch of the Himalayas.
The Rolwaling River flows into the Bhote Koshi (one of several in Nepal); this Bhote Kosi soon becomes the Tama Koshi. To the east of Rolwaling is Khumbu district, which in 1976 was gazetted as Sagarmatha National Park. The wall of peaks between Rolwaling and Khumbu is breached by the formidable Tashi Laptsa pass: with good weather, one can make the crossing between the last settlement in Rolwaling and the most westerly settlement on the Khumbu in about four days.
Altogether, access to Rolwaling is not quite impossible, but definitely more inconvenient than the most popular trekking routes.
According to Tibetan Buddhism, about 1,250 years ago, Padmasambhava [aka Guru Urgyen Rinpoche] plowed the valley out of the mountains in order to serve as one of eight beyul, refuges that were to remain hidden until, in a time of religious crisis, they would serve as sanctuaries, protecting dharma until the danger passed.
The neighboring Khumbu was one such zone, and Rolwaling, in the shadow of the mountain abode of the goddess Tseringma (ie Gauri Shankar), was another. Unlike Khumbu, Rolwaling remained unvisited and unimpacted until the nineteenth century, and then by a very few wanderers and outcasts. The Buddhist bans on hunting and slaughter, elsewhere observed less scrupulously, have protected the fauna; even plants are considered living creatures that ought not to be harmed if possible.
The climb up to Rolwaling valley is quite steep and after passing dense forests, one has to traverse through the exciting Tashi Laptsa Pass, in order to make it to Khumbu valley, which has gained popularity among the few who embark on this unique adventure. Furthermore, Tsho Rolpa, the largest moraine-dammed glacial lake in the Himalayas is another gem that adorns this region.
This region Rolwaling Trek in Nepal is quite famous for the sighting of almost mythical ‘Yeti’, whose footprints were first photographed by the famous British mountaineer, Eric Shipton (in 1951), along the slope of Mt.Rolwaling peak. That fact itself makes a visit to this mystical landscape more appealing, as who wouldn’t want to follow the footsteps of ‘Yeti’? Or maybe see ‘it’ with their own eyes? (Okay the latter might be quite a stretch but you never know, you know!)
Thus, Rolwaling Trek in Nepal has to offer a lot of adventurous experience. If you have already been through this route, we have similar kind of trekking with diverse experience of the best off the beat trek in Nepal.
You can check other off the beat trek routes like Humla-Limi Valley Trek – 20 days, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 29 Days, Makalu Base Camp Trek – 22 Days.
Itinerary
Welcome to Kathmandu, an ancient city rich in cultural heritages, vibrant and full of diversity in every sense of the word. Our guide will receive you at the gate of Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA) with your name on the board. He/she will brief you about your schedule and information you might need the most while driving towards hotel room. We make sure your are comfortable and leave the rest of the day to yourself to relax.
We visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu by our private van. We will start by visiting the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. A panoramic view of Kathmandu city can be seen from the top of Swayambhunath. We then visit the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, followed by a visit to another Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath.
At the end of the day we return back to the hotel and go through pre-briefing about next schedule. Our guide will assist you to prepare your necessary gears as per the need of upcoming trek.
After the morning breakfast, we will begin our journey to captivating sight of both Mt. Langtang and Mt. Everest. Heading North-east from Kathmandu, we will pass through gravel road accompanied with scenic high green hills, white mountains views and cross different villages of mixed community. We will check in into the hotel for the overnight stay.
While dirving through the gravel road to Shigati, you pass through several streams and jungle with varieties of orchid, rhododendron and other natural vegetation. We will set up our first camp here for the overnight stay.
From today we will begin our trekking journey. After a breakfast, we begin our trek through normal flat land along the side of the river. Passing through the rice terraced field, we crisscross the hectic river through the suspension bridge. After a while of walk, we come across few hamlets and villages inhabited by mixed community. On the way, we need to cross the jungles covered by orchid and few rhododendrons. While passing through the forest, you will be able to witness the magnificent view of the Gaurishankar (7145 meter). Crossing the suspension bridge, we arrive at the final destination for the day, Jagat- a small town with people of different ethnicities.
Waking up early in the serenity of Jagat village, we will take a short walk around the village before breakfast. After a quick tour around this small village, we will start our hike following normal flat path in the beginning & then ascend and descend through the jungle. Walking out of the jungle, our trail follows the river bank. As we move forward to our destination, the valley begins to narrow until we cross the suspension bridge over the river. A short steep uphill climb after the crossing suspension bridge reaches the Sherpa village of Simigaon. This village inhabited by Buddhist and few Hindus, is spread on the terrace on the mountainside.
Commencing on our trek early, we come across few more Sherpa settlements. As we start our trek early, you can have the fascinating view of Gaurishankar Himal lying just above the Rolwaling valley. Walking with the magnificent view of the Mt. Gaurishankar, we march forward to the Rolwaling valley. From the ridge of the Shimigaon, our trail climbs a rocky, wooded ridge with beautiful pine forest. Hiking on the ascending and descending path, enjoying the serenity and beauty of the place, we eventually arrive at Yak Naka. This place is a temporary Yak shed. This Yak shed are basically used to prepare cheese and butter. An hour walk from this place reaches Daldung La.
From Daldung La, our trail gradually ascends uphill through beautiful forested valley of rhododendron trees and alpine vegetation. Along the way, you will have an unfolding view of mountain scenery including Gaurishankar surrounding us. Crossing the forest, our trail continues along the left bank of Rolwaling Khola to the deep river valley, and eventually arrive at a tributary river from Gaurishankar. Trekking on the suspension bridge over the deep gorges in few places make this trekking journey even more enchanting. From the tributary the trail rises further higher to an easy and relative flat terrain of Beding. A short and relaxing walk of the flat terrain reaches Beding- a big Sher village located by the river. Arriving here, you can see the Rolwaling’s highest summit Melungtse I (7181 meter). At the centre of the village, you can see the old historical Buddhist Monastery. We will set up the camp at the bank of the river for the overnight stay.
As we are already in the high altitude, it is very important to take a day off to rest and acclimatize before going to the higher altitude region. Taking a day of, to acclimatize helps your body adjust with the high altitude surrounding and also reduces the possibility of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
On this day, we will have a day hike to Malung La Pass (5616 meter) or even higher to acclimitaze our body. Reaching at the top ridge of Malung La pass you will have great panaromic views of more than 15 snowy peaks, glacier and the natural forest in the bending valley below. At the late evening, we will return to camp at Beding for the overnight stay.
The hike to Na from Beding is relatively short and easy. Beginning our hike, we will easy walk along the northern bank of the Rolwaling river. The trail is wide open with fresh air and the charming sound of the Rolwaling river makes your trip worthwhile. As we move forward, we come across few summer village of Beding. Along the way you can see the people busy in their fields of buckwheat and barley. Our trek passes the monastery and follows the valley until we arrive at the summer village of Na. This village is located just below the Tsho Ropla Glacier Lake.
Another day to rest and acclimatize. On this day we can rest at the camp or take a short hike to Yalung La Pass. The hike to the Yalung La pass is a steadily steep up climb. Reaching at the top ridge of the camp, you can have the excellent view of the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake. Apart from the lake, you can get the stunning views of Yalung glacier to the east, Ramdung Peak (5930 meter) to the south, Yalung Ri (5630 meter) to the west and breathtaking Himalayan summits to the north.
The trek today begins through the flat levelled path which gradually ascend to witness the Himalayan lake filled with chilling water of glacier. Tsho Rolpa lake is one of the biggest glacial lake in Nepal. This lake is situated between the Langtang and Everest Region. The views of Menlung and Tibetan Side Mountains add glory to the unfolding vista. We will camp at the camping side of Tsho Rolpa for overnight.
The hike today will be comparatively challenging, as we need to walk through the glaciers throughout the day. Beginning our day early, we head towards the Trakarding Glacier on a rocky path. The trail slowly ascends through some rock climbing and then gradually walks on a glacial moraine, which occasionally passes rock overhangs. Throughout the struggle on a rocky path, you will experience the new enchanting beauty which will surely add extra dimensions into your trail.
Today we will be trekking from Trakarding Trakarding glacier to Tashi Lapcha Phedi camp elevated at 5,755 meters. The trail mostly ascends through rocks and glacier. The walk follows high slopes above the glacier to avoid the lower section, but further up we must trek along the centre on the hard-rocky glacier. Steady walk leads us to the lowest point of the ice fall and then climbing to the easiest point to gain the Drolambau glacier. From here we will descend towards the Tashi Lapcha Phedi Camp located at bottom of Tashi Lapcha. The 360-panoramic view of high mountains from here is amazing. After we reach Tashi Lapcha Phedi Camp we will camp for the night.
Today we will climb up towards Tashi Lapcha pass from where you will get the perfect view of Khumbu Peaks. After we arrive at Tashi Lapcha pass, we now just need to head toward Tashi Cape. For us to reach Tashi Cape we need to cross Tashi Lapcha Pass. Snow around trail will be thick preventing us from distinguishing the right and safe path. After walking past thick snow we will reach a point from where we will start gradual downhill walk towards Tashi Cape. We will camp at Tashi Cape for the overnight.
After waking up we will assemble our camping equipment’s and start our trekking towards Thyomgbo. The trail today will be a lot easier than we experienced before. We will descend towards Thyomgbo walking on the glacier gradually.
Today we will trek down to Thame. The trail gradually descends and you will have an added experience of easier trail. You will be able to enjoy the natural beauty around you. A gradual and easy descend takes us to Thame Village. Here at thame village, there is old and fascinating monastery which is located at the upper end of the village. from here you can get the great views of mountains such as Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. We will camp for the overnight stay.
From thame, we will follow the old trade route over Nangoa-la while as well following the Bhote Koshi river. The trail descends gradually for some time. Then it is steeply downhill until we reach to a bridge over the Dudh Koshi river at Phunki Tenga. From here we will hike past through different village and ascend toward Sanasa – A place where Sherpa people sell Tibetan goods. From here we will go past through forest and graduall up and down trails to reach Namche Bazaar. We will be staying at lodge for the overnight stay.
We trek all the way back to Lukla today to finish the trekking journey. We trek past Monjo and Phakding villages; encounter the Dudh Koshi River along the trail and eventually reach Lukla. As the final day of the trek, we can celebrate the beautiful adventure. We see off our trekking potters here today thanking them for all the help they provided to make our trip possible.
We wake up early for our flight back to Kathmandu. We say goodbye to the serene and magnificent mountains and board the flight to come back to the city civilization. The rest of the afternoon in Kathmandu will be at leisure. Walking around the streets of Kathmandu; souvenir shopping; finding massage or relaxing at the hotel can be easy ways to spend time.
According to your Departure schedule, our office representative will pick you up from the hotel and takes you to the airport three hours before the scheduled flight.
