Rolwaling Trek is a well-liked trekking route in Nepal’s eastern Rolwaling valley. Let’s find out more information on Rolwaling Trek cost and Route.

The Rolwaling Valley trek, nestled between Khumbu (Mt. Everest) and Langtang National Park in Nepal, is moderately challenging and falls within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA). The Great Himalaya Trail includes it. A relatively unexplored and peaceful trekking path that runs parallel to Tibet is the Rolwaling Valley trek.

Situated three days trek from Gonghar Khola, the largest hamlet in the Rolwaling Valley is the Sherpa village of Beding. It is possible to combine this expedition with the Everest crossing of Tashi Lapcha La (5,755m).

However, obtaining both this and another Pachermo Peak Climbing permit requires some climbing expertise, preferably with competent guides. At 4,580 meters, Tsho Rolpa is one of Nepal’s largest glacier lakes. If you were to go back to Gonghar Khola, this would be the point of turnaround. 

The Himalayas, which extend into Tibet to the northeast of the Kathmandu-Kodari-Lhasa highway and run along the northeastern edge of the finger land, are magnificently viewed from the Rolwaling Trek.

It forms the northern edge of a wild, picturesque, and largely unexplored valley beneath a range of about fifty peaks rising to a height of over 6,000 meters. The peaks of Melungtse I (7,181m) and II (7,023m) in Tibet and the double peaks of Gaurishankar (7,145m/23,475ft) on the border together form its summit.

The Rolwaling Khola and its several tributaries feed the multiple small settlements that make up the Rolwaling Valley trek, with Beding being the largest. This region, which spans 2179 square kilometers, was designated as the Gaurishankar Conservation Area in 2010. About 58,000 people are living there, with Tamangs making up the majority, followed by Sherpas and Chhetris.

Our 15-18 day Rolwaling trip starts with a lovely and scenic drive east of Kathmandu on the 106-kilometer Friendship Highway, passing through breathtaking countryside as we approach the border town. We leave the main highway at Khadichur, after another 50km, and head east to the bus terminal in Charikot Dolakha.

From here, our pathway links the lovely settlements of Chhetri, Sherpa, and Tamang by alternating, frequently steeply, between wide ridges and river crossings. The hikes are made shorter by the many suspension bridges that span dramatic canyons.

The route skirts the villages with terraced fields and historic woodlands of rhododendrons, oak, and pine. Magnificent views of Gaurishankar and its satellite peaks may be seen from the top of Daldung La (3,900m).

Surrounded by a terminal moraine, the stunning Tsho Rolpa ice lake is the final Kharka (summer grazing community) before Na. There is grave worry that as the region’s temperature rises due to climate change, melting waters may cause the moraine to burst, wreaking havoc downstream. Work is underway to dam the lake permanently.

After that, the unmarked path goes by the Trakarding Glacier and ascends to the Drolambau Glacier. The Teshi Lapche La (5755m) on the Patchamo slopes is the trek’s highest point. Rising amid a glaciated environment surrounded by snow-capped peaks like as Tengi Ragi Tau (6,943m), Bisphero Go Shar (6,729m), and Dragkar (6,793m), it is one of Nepal’s highest trekking passes.

There is a sharp 300-meter drop to the campsite from the pass. From this point on, it drops gently into the Solu Khumbu to connect with the historic caravan route from Tibet that travels via Namche Bazaar to the lowlands. At Lukla, the trek comes to a close with a flight back to Kathmandu.

Highlights of the Rolwaling Trek 

• Trekking expedition along a less-traveled path.
• Stroll down the Rolwalng Khola (River) Rolwaling, which is home to the Sherpas, who are mostly involved in mountaineering, as you pass through the verdant jungle.
• Prayers carved rocks and walls in Mani.
• The lakes of Tso Rolpa Glacier and Dudh Kunda.
• Magnificent Mountain Vista View from Yalung Ri Peak
• Quiet and uncrowded path with a comprehensive package excursion.

How do we get to Rolwaling Valley? 

Local buses travel directly from Kathmandu to Singati-Lamabagar. Local buses depart at six in the morning. As an alternative, upon request, we can set up a private jeep.

Our package price solely includes local bus transportation. The walk starts at Chhechhet, which is 25 kilometers north of Singati. If the bus makes it all the way there, we will need to confirm. On unpaved roads, the trip takes nine or ten hours.

Permits required for the trek 

• GCAP Permit for Gauri Shankar Conservation NPR 3,000.00 per individual
• TIMS Card NPR 2,000 per person is advised for your protection and security as well as that of your guide, even if there isn’t a checkpost.
• Chhorolpa Lake and Na Village: USD 20.00 per person each week

Accommodation during the trek 

A tea house combines the functions of a restaurant, guest accommodation, and hangout for people. Most tea houses offer private rooms, except those at high altitudes, where there are only dorms. The lodges are not very fancy. Twin beds and very little other furnishings adorn the sparse rooms.

Usually, blankets are supplied. The Bukhara stove, an iron cylinder with a chimney duct and a log fire within, heats the spacious eating area that doubles as a lounge. Unless the village has hydroelectric power, the rooms are usually dark without electricity.

Sunlighting is typically present in the dining room. Nowadays, the majority of teahouses have electricity available for charging small devices like cell phones and cameras; nevertheless, there could be a modest fee for this service.

Meals/Food

A major aspect of holidays is eating. When you go with us, you get to enjoy a wide variety of delicious dishes like Nepalese, Chinese, Continental, Italian, and various regional cuisines. The package includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast. Throughout your journey, your guide will recommend delectable, hygienic, and unique cuisine at each location.

The owners of mountain restaurants would rather feed more hikers with limited food before they run out and become stuck than place large orders and waste food. Carriers and caravans must labor for a week or longer to provide food to these locations.

You will often have lunch at one of the trailside eateries en route and breakfast and dinner at the same lodge on this walk.

Rolwaling Trek Cost and Route

The dense jungle valley of Rolwaling connects deep into the heart of the Himalayas, and it possesses stunning beauty, exciting climbs, complete remoteness, and a wilderness feeling. Here’s some information about the cost and route for the Rolwaling trek:

 Rolwaling Trek Cost:

The cost of the Rolwaling trek varies based on factors like trek duration, included services, and whether you opt for a trekking company or go independently. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses: Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:

 Permit Fees:

Although you will need trekking permits in the Rolwaling region, you will be afforded a grand opportunity to experience one of Nepal’s most remote trekking regions. This is to be noted that the necessity of the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card as well as the Rolwaling Special Permit is the norm. The prices of permits are calculated by gender and by season and they primarily range from 50 to 100 USD 

Guide and Porter Fees (Optional):

Choosing a guide and/or porter can add to your total cost so you’ll need to set a budget. Tour guides will undoubtedly prove to be a great support in navigating the surroundings, and understanding the culture and your security, while porters will help you carry all the necessary gear, and this will help you to spend time enjoying every moment of the trek.

A guide and porter fees differ but the average price you typically pay goes between $20 and $30 for a guide and between $15 and $25 for a porter (you are responsible for their food and their accommodation and for the porter insurance). 

 Accommodation and Food:

Teahouses and lodges along the route provide basic accommodation and meals, typically costing $20 to $30 per day on average, with prices potentially exceeding $300 per day in remote areas. 

Transportation:

You will also be required to have also for transport from and to Kathmandu (Charikot or Barabise). The transport expenses could be between $10 and $ 50 depending on whether you are going by bus, jeep, or private car which goes one way. 

Miscellaneous Expenses:

Besides, for food, water, and tips, it’s very much recommendable to set aside some funds for additional expenses, like noodles, soft drinks, etc., and time spent in hot showers (where available). 

Route:

After you ride a car from Kathmandu, you will drive to Charikot or Barabise. Then, you trek southward to Simigaon, the start of this Rolwaling trekking. After you have finished admiring Simigaon, the path runs you through beautiful forests, and captivating terraced fields, and marks the beginning of the journey to Beding Na, the quaint Sherpa villages. 

 From then onwards, the road becomes more rugged as you continue on an upward journey to the Tashi Lapcha Pass(5,755 meters), which is high-altitude and quite a challenging one, but also offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks namely Gauri Shankar (7,134 meters) as well as Melungtse (7,181 meters).

Shortly after the pass, you will start heading downhill to Khumbu region, getting to Thame or Namche Bazaar halfway, where you may decide on your further intentions: either end the trek or continue to EBC.

Detailed Itinerary of the Rolwaling Trek

Day 1: Arrive Hotel in Kathmandu

You will meet the airport representative outside the terminal building. Please check your play card for Treks & Expeditions. Check the essentials, say hello to your trekking guide, and make your way to the hotel. Wander through the vibrant tourist market of Thamel in the afternoon. 

Day 2 : Full-day Kathmandu Valley Tour 

After breakfast, visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bodhanath Stupa, the world’s largest Buddhist stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu temple on the Bagmati River. Explore Patan Durbar Square, also called Lalitpur, known for its fine arts and its ancient history.

Durbar Square, the Krishna Temple, the Kumbheswore Temple, the Golden Temple, and many other locations are covered during the tour. The 2000-year-old, fabled Swayambhunath Stupa is located atop a hillside and is also known as the Monkey Temple. Your journey concludes in Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can see the living goddess Kumari Temple, the Kaal and Swet Bhairavs, the weird street, and more.

Day 3 : Drive Kathmandu to Sigatte

We’ll go from Kathmandu via beautiful high green hills with vistas of white mountains in the north in a Jeep. We will stop at the Bhimeswor Temple in Dolakha along route. We will arrive at our campsite on the Tama Kosi River bank after a dusty one-hour journey.

Day 4 : Sigatte – Jagat (4,100ft), 5-6 hrs

Day 04 of trek our route traces the deep valley of the Bhote Kosi, which progressively transforms into a gorge. We cross several hamlets and villages as we meander across the busy river on charming suspension bridges. Occasionally, vistas of the Gaurishankar (7,145m) emerge from the forest. Even if prayer flags and chortens—signs of Buddhism—begin to appear, this region is still predominantly Hindu.

Day 5 : Jagat – Simigaon (6,643ft), 5-6 hrs

A brief stage: we leave the valley and head east after a 2.5-hour trek. The trail climbs steadily on a striking incline and then passes over terraces. Simigaon is a Sherpa and Tamang settlement distinguished for its Tibetan monastery situated atop the hill in front of Gaurishankar, towering over the homes.

Day 6 : Simigaon – Donga (9,185ft),5-6 hrs

We now pass through a stunning bamboo and rhododendron forest as we head into the Rolwaling Valley. Gyalche is reached by a trail that rises steadily. After a while, we head back down to the river and set up camp on the bank of Rolwaling Khola, a slender green strip that lies beneath Gaurishankar.

Day 7 : Donga – Beding (12,105ft), 5-6hrs

We progressively ascend the tropical alpine flora-covered valley, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The tallest peak in Rolwaling, Melungtse I (7,181m), should be visible when we get at Beding. Known to Everest summiteers, Beding is a solitary little settlement where you can have salted yak butter tea and Chaang (barley beer).

In the middle of the village stands an ancient but significant Buddhist monastery. Our campsite will be near the river’s edge.

Day 8 : Beding Rest and acclimatization day: Malung Kharka hike, 5-6 hrs.

Acclimatization can be aided by a day climb to the Malung La pass (5616m), or as high as you can go above Beding. Great views of over fifteen snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the pristine forest of the Beding Valley below should be available.

Day 9 : Beding – Na: (13,750ft), 5-6 hrs

We’ll go a little distance to reach Na, the final little alpine hamlet inhabited exclusively in the summer. Situated in a stunning valley beneath the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake, Na is surrounded by some of the most striking peaks in the area, such as Chobutse (6,685m), Chugimago (6,259m), and Yalung Ri (5,630m).

Day 10 : Na: Rest and acclimatization day – Yalung La hike:: 4-5 hrs

We have two options: plan a trip to the Yalung La Pass or just relax. Here, we make a steady ascent that leads to the Ramdun peak ice fall, which is riven by streams, and a large amphitheater at 4900 meters, directly below the pass.

A great location to see the Tsho-Rolpa Glacier Lake is this one. We have fantastic views in every direction: to the east is the Yalung Glacier; to the south is Ramdung Peak (5,930m); to the west is Yalung Ri (5,630m); and to the north are the magnificent Himalayan peaks that border Tibet.

Day 11 : Na – Nyiduk Kongma (15,582ft), 5-6hrs

We ascend to the dam that keeps the Tsho-Rolpa lake from rupturing the narrow moraine and obliterating the valleys below. Following the south bank, we continue. (The historic path that crossed Chobu and followed the northern bank, as shown on all maps, is no longer in use. All of the moraines that surrounded the lake have crashed into it.)

We have to traverse a disorganized moraine region after climbing 300 meters, then scramble back down to the starting point. Situated between the Tsho Rolpa and Trakarding glaciers, the campsite is situated in a sandy amphitheater.

Day 12: Nyiduk Kongma – Drolumbau Glacier (17,075ft), 5 -6 hrs

The trail continues in the direction of the Trakarding glacier. This is a vast, spectacular, rocky region that occasionally gives way to huge patches of bluish ice. We’ll battle our way to a rocky outcrop that is directly below the Dolumbau glacier.

Nowadays, getting to the glacier is quite an adventure. To aid the porters scramble up the 160 meters to the campground area, we must ascend a rock wall and set a rope for them.

This offers an amazing perspective of the Trakarding glacier below and the massive Drolumbau glacier’s glacial wall to the north. It’s a truly amazing location with views of innumerable streams cascading from the glacier, tumbling boulders, and crumbling ice.

Day 13: Drolumbau Glacier – Teshi Laptsa pass (5,755m/18,820ft) and decent to Camp at (5,460m/17,912ft), 6 -7 hrs

The only way to gain access to the Drolumbau Glacier is a difficult and somewhat steep path. A singular perspective of Tengi Ragi Tau (6,943m), Bigphero-Go Shar (6,729m), and Dragkar-Go (6,793m) against a backdrop of numerous peaks both towards and past the Tibetan border will be our reward for our efforts.

We make our way to the top across moraines and mild inclines, occasionally traversing glacial regions. The campsite lies just past a challenging yet spectacular rocky portion, some 300 meters below the top.        

Day 14: Camp – Thame (12,482ft), 5-6 hrs

There’s a nice and simple descent today. We may visit the cute little Sherpa settlement of Thame, which is perched on a slope and has a beautiful monastery. The path from Thame to Namche Bazaar and beyond is crucial for Tibetan traders and their yak caravans as they traverse the Nangpa La (5,716m/18,752ft) on the Tibetan border.

Day 15: Thame – Khumjung (12,700ft), 3-4 hrs

Journey to Khumjung situated at the base of the revered Mount Kumbila. The first Edmund Hilary school project was located in Khumjung. The next Khunde village has a hospital run by Canadian physicians. Both the oldest monastery in the area and this most stable and traditional Sherpa cultural hamlet are worth seeing.

Day 16 : Khumjung – Monjo (9,318ft),3-4 hrs

A tiring day of climbing via Namche Bazaar and the final glimpse of Mount Everest. You will find the entire excursion to be enjoyable on this highly intriguing day.

Day 17 : Monjo – Lukla (9,317ft), 4 – 5 hrs

We have to be in Lukla early the following day to reschedule our early return flight to Kathmandu. Numerous local lodges along the Dudh Kosi River accommodate trekkers heading to the Everest region as they traverse through multiple Sherpa settlements during the day’s trip.

Day 18: Lukla – arrive in Kathmandu (35-minute flight)

Travel to Kathmandu early in the morning and check into your hotel. Feel free to attend the farewell program organized by Himalaya Guide Nepal in the afternoon and evening.

Poor visibility and an unfavorable weather forecast could cause a delayed flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Factor in an extra day or two to your itinerary in case the delay extends beyond one day.

Day 19: Final departure

Proceed to the international airport for your next flight.

Conclusion

In general, the total cost for the Rolwaling trek typically ranges between $500 and $1500 per person. this will again depend on the comfort you wish and your preferences. The trek usually takes around 15-18 days to complete.

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