Rolwaling Valley Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek
The Rolwaling Valley Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and remote trekking routes. This 15-day journey takes you through the pristine, untouched beauty of the Eastern Himalayas, offering views of towering peaks like Everest, Makalu, and Gauri Shankar, as well as the opportunity to explore the ancient Sherpa villages and rich Buddhist culture. The trek culminates in a thrilling and physically demanding crossing of the Tashi Lapcha Pass, which lies at an altitude of 5,755 meters (18,878 feet). Along the way, trekkers will encounter diverse landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rugged mountain terrains. The trek is a true adventure for experienced hikers and mountaineers looking to push their limits in one of the most scenic and remote regions of Nepal.
Highlights of the Trek
This trek offers some of the most outstanding mountain views in the world. From the top of Tashi Lapcha Pass, trekkers are treated to panoramic vistas of the Gauri Shankar, Everest, and Makalu mountain ranges. Along the way, you will experience the serene beauty of Tsho Rolpa Lake, one of Nepal’s largest glacial lakes, and explore the mystical Rolwaling Valley, steeped in local legends about the elusive Yeti. You will also witness traditional Sherpa culture, passing through villages where the people live close to the land and maintain a lifestyle unchanged by time. The trek combines the thrill of high-altitude mountain climbing with a rich cultural experience, making it a truly unique journey.
Trek Overview
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Gongar Khola, followed by a moderate trek to Dongang. The route is challenging, but it offers spectacular views of waterfalls, traditional villages, and towering mountains. As you continue to Bedding, the largest Sherpa village in the Rolwaling Valley, you will feel like you are entering a pristine world untouched by mass tourism. Na Village, located beneath the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake at an altitude of 4,180 meters, is one of the highest settlements in the valley and offers an excellent place for acclimatization.
The trek becomes progressively more challenging as you ascend, reaching the high-altitude glacier camp and the Tashi Lapcha Pass. Crossing this pass is one of the most thrilling parts of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Afterward, trekkers descend into the Khumbu region, eventually reaching Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town, before making your way to Lukla for a flight back to Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from your trekking company, who will transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, you will attend a briefing session in the evening to discuss the details of the trek, including the itinerary, gear requirements, and safety protocols. This is your chance to ask questions and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
On this day, you will explore the cultural and historical wonders of Kathmandu, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. This day also serves as a final opportunity to prepare for the trek by checking your gear and ensuring you have all necessary permits and equipment for the journey.
Day 03: Drive to Simi Gaon via Gongar Khola
After breakfast, you’ll begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Simi Gaon via Gongar Khola, where you’ll experience a dramatic change in scenery as you leave the bustling Kathmandu Valley and enter the tranquil mountain landscape. The drive takes you along winding roads, crossing suspension bridges and small villages, eventually arriving at Simi Gaon for the overnight stay.
Day 04: Trek to Dongang
Today marks the start of your trek as you hike to Dongang, a small village perched at 2,800 meters. The path meanders through verdant forests and terraced landscapes, providing stunning vistas of snow-covered peaks. The ascent is gradual, and you’ll reach your destination by late afternoon.
Day 05: Trek to Bedding
On this day, you’ll trek to Bedding at 3,690 meters, where you will be immersed in the beauty of the alpine landscapes. The route passes through villages with traditional wooden houses, offering an opportunity to witness local life. Bedding is the largest Sherpa village in the Rolwaling Valley and provides a great place to interact with the locals.
Day 06: Trek to Na Village
The trek continues to Na Village, a small settlement beneath the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake. The altitude of 4,180 meters makes Na Village a key acclimatization stop. Here, you can rest and explore the area while enjoying stunning views of surrounding peaks like Gauri Shankar and Melungtse.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Na
To help your body adjust to the increasing altitude, this day is dedicated to acclimatization. You can explore the village and its surroundings or take a short hike to higher ground for better views. Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness as you will soon be ascending to even higher altitudes.
Day 08: Trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake
Today, you’ll trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake, which sits at 4,580 meters. The lake is famous for its deep blue color and the surrounding glacier. The trek is relatively easy compared to others, but the lake’s beauty and the remote location make this a highlight of the journey.
Day 09: Trek to Glacier Camp
From Tsho Rolpa, you will trek to Glacier Camp at 4,800 meters. The route takes you through rugged terrain, and the landscape becomes more barren and alpine. This is the final campsite before heading to the base of Tashi Lapcha Pass.
Day 10: Glacier Camp to Tashi Lapcha Base Camp
Today, you will trek to Tashi Lapcha Base Camp at 5,350 meters, passing through snow-covered paths and moraine fields. This is a challenging day, and the air becomes thinner as you approach the base of the Tashi Lapcha Pass.
Day 11: Trek to Thyangbo via Tashi Lapcha Pass
The most challenging part of the trek awaits as you cross the Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5,755 meters. The pass offers dramatic views of the Rolwaling and Khumbu valleys, as well as iconic peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Thyangbo for a well-deserved rest.
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar
After a challenging day, the descent to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters is a welcome change. The trail takes you through dense forests and small Sherpa settlements, with views of Everest and other mountains.
Day 13: Trek to Lukla
Today, you will trek to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The trail takes you through Namche Bazaar and Phakding, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. This is the final stretch of your trek, and you’ll celebrate the completion of your adventure with the rest of the group.
Day 14: Flight Back to Kathmandu
After a final breakfast in Lukla, you will take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey.
Day 15: Departure
On the final day of the trek, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. If you have time, you can explore more of Kathmandu or do some last-minute shopping before heading home.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to undertake the Rolwaling Valley Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek are during late spring (April and May) and early autumn (September and October). These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The visibility is at its peak, and nature is in full bloom, making it the ideal time for trekking in the Himalayas.