Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek – 19 Days

Today is dedicated to preparing for the trek and exploring the cultural highlights of the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, we’ll head out for a guided tour of some of the most significant religious and historical sites in the valley. The first stop is Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, it is a pilgrimage site that draws devotees from across Nepal and India.

Next, we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Nepal, often referred to as ‘Little Tibet’. We also explore Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, which offers panoramic views of the city. Finally, the day wraps up with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the trek and make final preparations for the journey.

We begin our adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sigatte, a journey that takes around 6-7 hours, covering approximately 150 km. The road initially winds through bustling towns and lush green landscapes, before transitioning to more rugged terrain as we approach the more remote regions. You will enjoy views of terraced farmland, and if the weather permits, occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Along the way, we stop at Dolakha, where we visit the famous Bhimeswor Temple, which is believed to be around 200 years old. From here, we continue on a more challenging, rugged road towards Sigatte, located by the Tama Kosi River, where we set up our camp. The peaceful environment and proximity to the river provide a great setting for our first night in the wilderness.

The trek begins in earnest today as we follow the trail from Sigatte to Jagat, covering a distance of approximately 15 km. The trail ascends gradually, taking us deeper into the Bhote Koshi Valley, close to the Tibetan border. You’ll pass through small villages, terraced fields, and forests rich with rhododendron trees, a signature feature of the Himalayan foothills.

The day’s highlight is crossing a suspension bridge before reaching Jagat, a quaint village offering spectacular views of Gaurishankar (7145m), one of the highest peaks in the Rolwaling Himal. Jagat is a small but significant settlement with traditional stone houses. Tonight, we camp under the stars, surrounded by the grandeur of the towering Himalayan peaks.

Today’s trek from Jagat to Simigaon covers roughly 13 km. The trail initially takes us through the valley before veering eastward and climbing steadily towards the Sherpa and Tamang village of Simigaon. As we gain altitude, the views become more dramatic, with Gaurishankar dominating the skyline.

Simigaon is perched on a hillside and offers an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. This village is predominantly inhabited by Sherpas, and above the village, you’ll find a beautiful Tibetan monastery. The terraced fields of the village, paired with the hospitality of the Sherpa people, provide a welcoming environment for trekkers.

Our trek continues eastward today as we make our way towards Donga, covering about 12 km. We hike through lush forests of bamboo and rhododendron, eventually entering the Rolwaling Valley, one of the more remote and untouched areas in Nepal. The trail ascends gently but steadily as we follow the Rolwaling Khola (River).

As we approach Donga, the valley narrows, and the landscape becomes more rugged, with towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations. We set up camp near the river, beneath the shadow of the mighty Gaurishankar. The tranquility of this location is truly remarkable, and you can feel the remoteness of the valley as you settle in for the night.

Today we trek from Donga to Beding, covering a distance of approximately 10 km. The trail gradually ascends through alpine forests and pastures, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Mt. Melungtse I (7181m), the highest peak in the Rolwaling Himal, becomes visible as we get closer to Beding.

Beding is the largest village in the Rolwaling Valley, and it has a rich history, particularly for early mountaineers who passed through on their way to Everest. The Sherpa hospitality here is legendary, and you may be offered a cup of yak butter tea or Chaang (barley beer). A visit to the local Buddhist monastery in the center of the village is highly recommended. We camp by the river tonight, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.

To aid in acclimatization, we spend a rest day in Beding. Staying active during acclimatization is essential, so we’ll take an optional hike to Malung Kharka or higher to Malung La Pass (5616m). This strenuous climb offers a fantastic opportunity to adjust to higher altitudes while enjoying panoramic views of over 15 snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Returning to Beding, you have the chance to relax, visit the Buddhist monastery, and interact with the local Sherpas. It’s important to take it easy today to avoid altitude sickness as we’ll be ascending further in the coming days.

Today’s trek takes us from Beding to Na, covering approximately 8 km. It’s a relatively short but steady ascent as we follow the river up the valley. Na is a small settlement situated beneath the imposing Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake, and it serves as a base for exploring the area’s glacial lakes and surrounding peaks.

Na offers breathtaking views of towering snow-capped peaks such as Chobutse (6685m) and Yalung Ri (5630m). The village itself is sparsely populated, and it feels incredibly remote, adding to the overall sense of adventure.

Another day dedicated to acclimatization, today we have the option to trek up to Yalung La Pass (5094m). The climb is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the Ramdung Glacier and the surrounding peaks, including Ramdung Peak (5930m) and the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake.

The panoramic views from the pass are some of the most breathtaking of the trek, with the Himalayan range stretching out before you. After a day of acclimatizing and enjoying the views, we return to Na for another night of camping.

Leaving Na, we ascend towards Nyiduk Kongma, covering about 7 km today. The trail gradually climbs toward the Tsho Rolpa Dam, which holds back the Tsho Rolpa Lake. This is one of Nepal’s largest and most precarious glacial lakes, and it serves as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature at play in the Himalayas.

The day ends in a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, where we set up camp for the night. The elevation gain today brings us closer to the high-altitude passes, and the landscape here is truly awe-inspiring.

Today’s trek leads us through the rugged terrain of the Trakarding Glacier. We climb a steep rock face before reaching the glacier itself, where we will trek over rocky moraine and snow. The elevation gain is significant today, and we will cover approximately 6-7 km.

We camp near the Drolumbau Glacier, surrounded by towering ice walls and the jagged peaks of the Rolwaling Himal. The setting is wild and remote, with stunning views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

Today’s trek is one of the most challenging of the journey. We climb towards the Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755m), navigating across glacial terrain, moraines, and snowfields. The ascent to the pass is demanding, but the reward at the top is an unrivaled panoramic view of Tengi Ragi Tau (6943m), Bigphero-Go Shar (6729m), and other towering peaks.

After crossing the pass, we descend roughly 300 meters to set up camp below the pass at around 5,460m. This day will test your endurance and fitness, but it also marks one of the most exhilarating moments of the trek.

Today is a welcome change as we descend into lower altitudes, trekking from our camp to the Sherpa village of Thame. The day’s journey covers roughly 10 km, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains as we drop down to more manageable elevations.

Thame is a picturesque village known for its ancient Thame Monastery. This village is a hub for Tibetan traders who travel through Nangpa La Pass. You’ll notice a distinct shift in culture and scenery as we transition from the remote Rolwaling Valley to the more populated Khumbu Region.

The trek from Thame to Namche Bazaar is relatively easy, covering about 10 km. The trail is well-trodden, and we will pass through forests and villages as we approach the bustling market town of Namche. This town serves as the main gateway to Mount Everest and is filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Namche offers all the amenities you could want after days of remote trekking, including hot showers, comfortable guesthouses, and a chance to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this unique Himalayan town.

Today’s trek takes us to the Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Everest region. This hotel, located near Syangboche Airport, offers breathtaking views of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Ama Dablam (6812m), and other peaks.

After enjoying the views, we will visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery before heading back to Namche for the night.

Today marks our final day of trekking as we make our way from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, covering around 16 km. The trail descends steeply through forests and villages, following the Dudh Koshi River.

On arrival in Lukla, we’ll celebrate the completion of our trek with the team. This is your chance to reflect on the incredible adventure you’ve undertaken, surrounded by your fellow trekkers and the crew.

After breakfast, we take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. The 30-minute flight offers one final glimpse of the Himalayan peaks before touching down in the bustling capital. Once back in Kathmandu, you can either rest or explore more of the city, do some shopping, or enjoy a final dinner with your team.

Today is a free day to relax, shop, or explore any parts of Kathmandu that you missed earlier. Thamel is the perfect place to find souvenirs, and you can also revisit some of the historical sites in the valley. This is your last full day in Nepal, so make the most of it!

Your journey through the Rolwaling Valley and over Tashi Lapcha Pass comes to an end today. Save Mountain Treks & Expedition representative will transfer you to the airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight. As you leave Nepal, you’ll carry unforgettable memories of the mountains, Sherpa culture, and the extraordinary landscapes of the Himalayas.

The trek is considered strenuous due to high altitudes, rough terrain, and the long duration of the trek. Crossing the Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755m) requires physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and previous trekking experience at high altitudes. This trek is recommended for experienced trekkers with good physical stamina.

You will need the following permits for the Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek:

• Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP): Required for trekking in the Rolwaling Valley.
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: Required once you enter the Khumbu region.
• Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card: Mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal. These permits can be arranged by your trekking company.

Accommodation during the trek is typically a combination of camping and teahouses (guesthouses). In the Rolwaling Valley (up to Na Village), you will camp in tents, as the region is more remote with fewer lodges. In more developed areas like Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and Thame, you will stay in teahouses, which offer basic facilities such as beds, meals, and hot showers.

Meals on the trek include basic yet hearty Nepali and Tibetan dishes. In teahouses, you’ll find options like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and momo(dumplings). When camping, your trekking team will prepare meals for you, often consisting of similar foods along with fresh vegetables and sometimes meat (depending on availability). Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if arranged in advance.

Since the trek involves high altitudes, especially around Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755m), altitude sickness is a real risk. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness. To minimize the risk, the trek includes acclimatization days, and it’s important to follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule. Hydration, proper pacing, and descending if symptoms worsen are crucial. It’s also advisable to carry medication like Diamox for altitude sickness prevention.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 6000m), emergency evacuation, and medical expenses. Helicopter evacuation can be extremely costly, so it’s crucial to have comprehensive coverage in case of altitude sickness, accidents, or emergencies.

Temperatures vary significantly depending on the time of year and altitude. During the day, temperatures at lower altitudes may range from 10-20°C (50-68°F), but at higher altitudes, especially near Tashi Lapcha Pass, temperatures can drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at night. Warm clothing, including thermal layers, a down jacket, and a good quality sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures, is essential.

The Gaurishankar Conservation Area and Sagarmatha National Park are rich in biodiversity. You may encounter species like Himalayan tahr, musk deer, pheasants, and, if you’re lucky, even snow leopards or red pandas. The scenery includes dense forests, glacial lakes (like Tsho Rolpa), dramatic rock faces, and some of the most spectacular views of Himalayan peaks such as Gaurishankar, Everest, Melungtse, and Dorje Lakpa.