Rolwaling Valley Trek

Rolwaling Valley Trek
Key Information
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Duration:11 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude:4580M.
  • Starts/Ends:Kathmandu
  • Trip Style:Private and open trip
  • Group Size:1 to 16
  • Best Time:All season

The Rolwaling Valley trek is one of the unheard trekking programs in Nepal. Situated east of Kathmandu, near the Everest region, the Rolwaling Valley trek is one of the untouched, pristine trekking routes with incredible landscapes and mountain views.

The Rolwaling Valley trek route offers alpine forests, beautiful waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and mountain villages. There was a time when trekking to Rolwaling Valley was quite famous, but gradually, it became a less visited area because of its limited tourist infrastructure.

However, as the demand for unspoiled and less crowded trekking routes increases in Nepal, the Rolwaling Valley trek is becoming one of the most promising trekking regions. Because of no commercialization, the Rolwaling Valley trekking has become one of the hidden gems.

What is it like trekking to the Rolwaling Valley in Nepal?

Rolwaling Valley presents heavenly beauty. On this trek, trekkers travel far away into nature. The journey is demanding, so we only recommend the Rolwaling Valley trekking to experienced trekkers. You will trek via lush forests and ascend to meadows covered with grass and flowers.

The best thing about this trek is if you want to have a short but daring and tranquil trekking adventure from Kathmandu, then the Rolwaling Valley trek is a perfect option. You will reach the starting point of the Rolwaling Valley within 7 to 8 hours of driving from Kathmandu.

Spend the first night in Simigaun. From here, walk uphill to Dongang via rhododendron forests. On the way, cross small suspension bridges and come across gorgeous waterfalls. The trail then heads north of Dongang to Bedding, crossing Rolwaling Khola and Themlung Khola.

Bedding is the biggest village in the Rolwaling Valley. You will spend a rest day here and hike to Dolma Khang Base Camp for acclimatization. The trail from here continues to Naa village. There are no trees, only juniper bushes and grasslands on the way.

From Naa village, you will hike to the Tsho Rolpa Lake and Dudh Kunda. Both lakes are breathtaking. The view around the lakes and the serenity you will feel here is out of this world. Enjoy nature and the mountain views. The next day, you will start walking back to Chechet, retracing the same path.

What to expect during the Rolwaling Valley trek?

The Rolwaling Valley trek 11 days is tough but rewarding. The trek offers diverse landscapes. You will see some of the most incredible scenery of your life on this trek. Mountains like Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Gaurisanker (7,134 m/23,405 ft), Langtang Lirung (7,234 m/23,734 ft), Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), etc, are seen during the trek

The locals along the Rolwaling Valley trail are friendly. Because of fewer tourist visits, most of the locals may not be well accustomed to the English language, so our guide will help you with communication. However, you will understand their friendliness, kindness, and warmth. The trail has stupas and monasteries, so you will get to know the cultural richness of the region as well.

The very fun fact about the Rolwaling Valley is that Yetis are believed to be found here. Locals have many stories on Yeti. Feel free to ask about it. The other major highlight of the Rolwaling Valley trek is the Tsho Rolpa and Dudh Kunda lakes. These are two stunning lakes made of melting glaciers around the lake. This trek is also known as the Tsho Rolpa trek.

Want to extend the Rolwaling Valley trek to the Everest region?

Our Rolwaling Valley trek itinerary is short, so if you want to extend the trek, you can combine the Everest region in your itinerary. This includes crossing the Tashi Lapcha pass that connects the Rolwaling Valley to the Everet region. You can combine a hike to Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Valley as you wish.

Get the best Rolwaling Valley trek service with the Halesi Treks

We, Halesi Treks, have many untouched and untalked trekking programs in Nepal. With us, you will get to explore some of the most unbelievable sections of the Himalayas that most tourists don't even know. Among them is our Rolwaling Valley trek 11 days. It is a fantastic, challenging trek.

Our support and well-crafted flexible itinerary help you enjoy the Rolwaling Valley trek safely. You do not have to worry about the price as the Rolwaling Valley trek cost is the most genuine in the market. Likewise, you can tailor-make the package as you wish.

There is no boundary with us in Nepal. We will help you make your dream Himalayan trip come true. Just share your requirements, and our team will customize the voyage for you. Moreover, you will contribute a lot to the communities and travel sustainably with us.

Itinerary

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Our team will pick you up from the Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you at the hotel that we have booked for you. You can spend some time unpacking and resting. We will meet you later in the day for the trek briefing and preparation. You will be starting the trek early next morning, so get all your stuff today. Your guide will help you in shopping if needed.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

The Rolwaling Valley trek starts from Simigaun. It is located a couple hundred meters away from Kathmandu. We will leave the city early after a delicious breakfast and follow a scenic highway. The views of lush hills, rivers, waterfalls, and terraces are excellent along the way.

We will drive past Charikot and Jagat villages before we reach Chechet. We can see views of mountains like Gaurishanker and Melungtse on the way. From here, the trek starts to Simigaun. We will walk uphill for two hours.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,036 m/6,682 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8 hours drive & 2 hours trek

We will leave Simigaun early in the morning and trek along the other side of the ride that goes up the Rolwaling River valley. The trail ascends and descends for around two hours before you will reach two small shops. Refill your water bottle here. You will then begin trekking inside rhododendron forests.

The trail gets a bit steep as you ascend via forests. Soon, you will come across a few small bridges and reach a small teahouse. Take a short break and continue trekking via juniper and rhododendron forest to Gyalche. From here, you have to trek downhill for half an hour to reach Dongang.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,817 m/9,242 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

The trail continues from Dongang to Bedding. It is a tough day because of the high altitude gap and rugged terrain. The trail heads north of Dongang along the main trail. After around two hours of walking, you will reach a bridge and cross the Rolwaling Khola. The valley from here gradually opens as you trek further.

You can see the beautiful view of Chekigo Himal (6,257 m). You will then cross Themlung Khola. Here, you can see Themlung Valley and a close view of Mt. Gaurishanker. The trail then ascends to Bedding, passing by small villages. The mountain views are fantastic from Bedding.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,740 m/12,270 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours

Today, we will spend a rest day in Bedding. In the morning, you will hike to Dolma Khang Base Camp and later explore the village and its surrounding areas. You will also visit an ancient monastery overlooking Mt. Gaurishanker and Melungtse Peak. You will also get ample time to rest and recover for the journey ahead.

  • Max. Altitude: m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

Continuing the trek from Bedding, you will follow a stunning trail to Naa village. The trail gradually ascends, and the valley opens up to breathtaking mountain panoramas. You can see icefalls and waterfalls at the side of the valley. At this point, there are no trees, only juniper bushes and grasslands. After around three hours of walking, you will arrive at Naa village to spend the night.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,200 m/13,779 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 3 hours

Today, you will spend the second day acclimatizing. From Naa village, there are two hiking options- Dudh Kunda Lake and Tsho Rolpa Lake. You will visit both lakes. It will be a long day if we visit both lakes today, so if you are not extremely tired, then try visiting one of the lakes on the day you reach Naa village.

Tsho Rolpa Lake is situated north, up the valley. You will cross the Rolwaling Khola and ascend for an hour along the south bank of the river. Then, you will cross the second bridge and ascend for one more hour to reach the Tsho Rolpa lake. It is a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains.

Dudh Kunda Lake is located up the Ripimoshar glacier. As the trail changes all the time because of the glacier, we will ask the locals before continuing from Tsho Rolpa to Dudh Kunda. You also have the option to walk to a small monastery located around 30 minutes north of Naa.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,580 m/15,026 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

We will trek back from Bedding to Dongang. The trail is the same that we follow while ascending. Leave Bedding after breakfast and be careful while descending. Trekkers have option to cross Dandlung La pass. Let your guide know if you want to cross this mountain pass. You have to turn at the bridge after Niyamare.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,817 m/9,242 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours

We will follow the same trail for the next two days to reach the ending point. The trail ascends for half an hour from Dongang. You will trek past Gyalche and continue via lush forests of rhododendrons and juniper. On the way, you’ll come across a few tea houses and tea shops. In the final part of the trail, you will descend from the ridge to reach Simigaun.

  • Max. Altitude: Trek from Dongang to Simigaon
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours

From Simigaun to Chechet is a short walk. Enjoying the mountain view, you will descend for two hours. Upon arriving at Chechet, you will hop on a jeep and drive back to Kathmandu. The ride will be beautiful. The guide will drop you at the hotel upon reaching Kathmandu. Rest and unpack. We will meet in the late evening for a farewell dinner.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 2 hours trek & 8 hours drive

On this day, our team will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You will fly back to your home or your next destination. Our airport team will bid you our last goodbye.

  • Meals: Breakfast only

Trip Cost Details

What's Included
  • Airport picks and drops by private vehicle
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking
  • Experienced government license holder trek guide and porter to carry your luggage
  • Accommodation, food, drinks, salary of Guide and Porters
  • insurance, transportation for the Guide and porter
  • Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project (GCAP) Permit Fee
  • TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System card)
  • All additional government VAT.
  • Ground transportation From Kathmandu to Chetchet Kathmandu A private jeep 
  • 2-night Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
What's not Included
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • International airfare
  • Travelers Insurance
  • Hot and cold drinks)
  • Bar bills, telephone bills, and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
  • All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation,
  •  personal illness, strike, etc.
  • In case of emergency, a rescue helicopter is needed. We will manage.
  • Tips for porter and guide
Dates & Availability
Starts:Oct 25, 2024Ends:Nov 04, 2024
Price fromUS$1000
AvailabilityAvailable
Starts:Oct 29, 2024Ends:Nov 08, 2024
Price fromUS$1000
AvailabilityAvailable

The Above-given cost is per person and the Above-given Rolwaling Valley Trek fixed departure dates are available for you. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Useful Information

Rolwaling Valley trek difficulty

The Rolwaling Valley trek is challenging. The terrain is steep and rugged. The trekking route is isolated. Trekkers will be all alone on the Rolwaling Valley trek. Every day walking is a minimum of 5 to 6 hours. With the increase in altitude, you will see different weather and climates. Both physical and mental fitness are required if you want to do the Rolwaling Valley trek.

Along the Rolwaling Valley trek route, you will encounter numerous rocky and slippery tracks. The facilities along the trail are also limited. Trekkers have to adjust a lot. Overall, the journey is very adventurous. If you are well prepared and supported, you will highly enjoy the Rolwaling Valley trekking in Nepal.

How to avoid altitude sickness during the Rolwaling Valley trek?

Trekkers usually suffer from altitude sickness during trekking in the Himalayas because of high elevation and thin air. It is quite common, and you can take care of the symptoms without any worry as well. Moreover, the risks of altitude sickness following our Rolwaling Valley trek itinerary are also very low because we have a rest day.

Symptoms: These are some of the symptoms of altitude sickness- headache, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, etc. If you get any of these symptoms, inform your guide and follow his first aid instructions.

Preventive measures: To prevent altitude sickness, you have to drink at least 2 liters of water every day, take plenty of rest, maintain your pace, get good sleep, and have nutritious food. Also, stay away from alcohol or smoke during trekking, as it will dehydrate your body and increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Best time to do the Rolwaling Valley trek

The best time to do the Rolwaling Valley trekking is during the spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November) seasons. These two are the top trekking seasons in Nepal. Thousands of tourists travel all over the Himalayas in spring and autumn.

The Rolwaling Valley especially sees stable weather in autumn and spring, which makes it perfect for trekking. The climate remains moderate, and the mountain views are fantastic with long daylight hours. You may feel cold in the mornings and nights, so pack warm clothes as well.

The lower part of the trail bloomed with rhododendrons and other seasonal vegetation in the spring and autumn seasons. You will see many birds and some wildlife along the way. The waterfalls, rivers, and streams all are thriving with teeming water, making beautiful scenery. These two seasons are perfect for nature lovers.

Accommodation and food during the trek

Rolwaling Valley is not an overly commercial trekking area in Nepal. Moreover, it is one of the least visited regions, so the tourist infrastructure is lacking along the route. Tea houses are available in the major villages, where trekkers can stop for the night. There is not much in between the villages in terms of tea shops and tea houses.

Trekkers have to be well-packed and carry snacks and energy bars to munch on the trail. The rooms will be very basic, with shared washrooms. Single room, charging, WiFi, hot showers, and drinking water cost extra money. You can get tap water for free, but we recommend buying boiled water for drinking as it is a safer option.

The breakfast menu includes toast, eggs, muesli, oat, pancakes, Tibetan bread, chapati, soup, etc. Likewise, for lunch and dinner, there are options such as dal bhat, thukpa, momo, curries, roti, sandwiches, noodles, etc. You will also find pies, rice pudding, pastries, and other bakery items. Boiled drinking water is available in all lodges.

Rolwaling Valley trek travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for Rolwaling Valley trekking. As this trek involves a venture in the remote Himalayas with inherent risks of injuries, altitude sickness, and other unseen events, travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills are a must.

With travel insurance, you can enjoy the trek to the fullest as it is there to protect you financially in case of any unseen event. As Nepal does not sell travel insurance to foreign trekkers, we recommend you buy in your country. Make sure your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuations from the Himalayas.

Guide and porter during the trek

During the Rolwaling Valley trek, a professional and English-speaking mountain guide will accompany you. Our guides have extensive knowledge about the trail and the region, so they drastically enhance the overall journey. They are also well-trained to handle any adverse situation during the trek and keep you safe. You will be trekking with a reliable, trustworthy, and friendly guide.

Likewise, we offer one porter for every two trekkers in a group. Our porters make the journey hassle-free for you and give you the freedom to move around safely on the mountainous terrain. They carry the heavy duffel bags and will accompany you throughout the trek. Our porters are also natives of the region and professionals.

Rolwaling Valley trek packing list

Follow the below packing list for the Rolwaling Valley trek. You have the option to buy or rent all trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu at a fraction of the cost. So, do consider before you purchase and bring it from your country.

Head & Hand

  • Wind Stopper Fleece Gloves
  • Sun Cap
  • Wool/Fleece Hat
  • Neck Gaiter/High Neck

Upper Body

  • Short-Sleeved Shirts/T-shirts
  • Lightweight Top/Thermo Coat
  • Synthetic or Fleece Jacket
  • Down Insulated Jacket

Lower Body

  • Underwear
  • Lightweight Long Underpants
  • Insulated Trekking Pants
  • Trekking Socks
  • Trekking Boots

Technical Gears

  • 1 Sleeping Bag: -30 +C to -40 +C
  • Sunglasses UV Protection
  • Extendable Trekking Poles (BD Alpine Flz)

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen (-50 Spf)
  • Lips Guard (-20/-50 Spf)
  • Baby Wipes or Wet Towels
  • Hand Sanitizers and hand wash
  • Wet Tissues
  • Toothpaste and Toothbrush
  • Bath Soap and Shampoo
  • Moisturizers
  • Laundry Soap
  • Garbage Bag

Miscellaneous

  • Swiss Knife (optional)
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Sandals
  • Rucksacks (45 - 55 Ltr.)
  • 1 Duffel Bag (provided by us)
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Umbrella/RainCoat
  • Spare batteries
  • Waterproof Stuff Sacks
  • Solar chargeable power bank (optional)
  • Journal/Pen
  • Book/Board Game
  • Bars & Snacks

Travel Documents

  • Valid Passport
  • Valid Visa
  • 4 PP Size Photo
  • Insurance Paper (Medical & Rescue) & Contact Address
  • Family/Company Contact Number & Address
  • Credit Card

First Aid

  • Handy Plaster
  • Crack Bandage
  • Tincture, Lodine, Strepsils
  • Antibiotic
  • Paracetamol, Aspirin, Sinex, Anti-Diarrhea Capsule/Eldoper, Brufen/Ibuprofens, Diamox
  • Any personal medicine you need
  • Eye Drops
  • Zip-Lock Bags

Rolwaling Valley Trek FAQs

  • The Rolwaling Valley trek is one of the untouched trekking routes in Nepal. Located close to the Everest region, the Rolwaling Valley trek offers not crowded trails and stunning mountain landscapes. The beauty of Rolwaling Valley is unbelievable, and trekking to this place is very adventurous.

  • You have to trek to Rolwaling Valley. First, drive from Kathmandu to Chechet or Charikot. From here, you have to trek. Bedding is the biggest village in the Rolwaling Valley, and Naa Gaon is one of the main villages in the valley. There is no accessibility to the valley, so trekking is the most affordable option.

  • Tsho Rolpa is a gorgeous lake, located in the Rolwaling Valley at 4,580 meters. The lake is situated between Langtang and Everest mountains, bordering Tibet. Tsho Rolpa Lake is isolated and rarely visited by travelers.

  • Yes, solo trekkers can do the Rolwaling Valley trek. It is not a restricted area in Nepal, so trekking in a group or with a guide is not compulsory. However, as the Rolwaling Valley trek is one of the less commercialized trekking routes in Nepal, we do not recommend trekking alone here for safety reasons.

  • The highest elevation reached during the Rolwaling Valley trek is 4,580 meters (15,026 ft). It is the height of the Tsho Rolpa Lake.

  • The Rolwaling Valley trek cost depends on a few things like itinerary, group size, time of the year, and services. In general, the Rolwaling Valley trek cost starts at USD 1,450 per person.

  • The Rolwaling Valley trek is a strenuous trek because of its location and terrain. This trek requires good fitness and previous trekking experience. The terrain is mostly steep, with many ascents and descents throughout the way.

  • These are some of the top highlights of the Rolwaling Valley trek- stunning mountain views of Gaurishankar, picturesque villages, Tsho Rolpa Lake, Sherpas & other mountain communities, gorgeous meadows, Tashi Lapcha pass, etc.

  • No, Rolwaling Valley is not a restricted area in Nepal. You will need a Dolakha District / Gaurishankar & Lamabagar area permit and a Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit to do the Rolwaling Valley trek.

  • The Rolwaling Valley trek is recommended to experienced trekkers. We only recommend beginner trekkers to do this trek if they are physically and mentally ready to embrace the challenges and isolation of the Rolwaling Valley.

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