Starts at

Kathmandu
Ends at

Kathmandu
Trip Grade

Strenuous
Trip Area

Rolwaling, Dolakha
Trip Style

Adventure/Active
Age Group

12+
Trip Type

Private and Group
Trip Method

Fully Guided
Booking Type

Instant Booking
Max Altitude

4,580m / 15,030ft
Best Season

March-May and Sep-Nov

Overview

Located at an elevation of 4,183 meters, Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal and is sandwiched between the Langtang and Everest Mountain ranges. Dolakha, a trading post in the country’s northeast, is where the journey begins, and its access road follows the Kathmandu–Lhasa, Tibet highway. Rolwaling Valley, one of the seven secret valleys where the Yeti is reputed to reside, is home to the lake itself.

At 4,540 meters, Tsho Rolpa Lake is still the highest point of the journey. It ranks as one of the greatest glacial lakes in the country. At its deepest point, it reaches a depth of 270 meters, and its total size is more than 1537 square kilometers. The lake is about 85.94 million in volume. The lake has religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Tsho Rolpa, a beautiful glacial lake, can be seen along the way, as can attractive terraced fields, fast-moving rivers, woodlands, and two enormous glaciers. Acclimatization is not a pressing concern on this hike, as the journey begins at a relatively low altitude. Despite the trail’s lack of significant elevation gain, trekkers should be in decent shape because days can last anywhere from 6 hours to 8 hours.

Gauri Shankar (7,145m) and Menlungtse (7,181m) are only two of the mountains that can be observed along this path. Bigu Gompa, home to more than 300 nuns, may be found along the path, as can Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, and Sherpa settlements. Mani stones and prayer flags along the path indicate that this is a predominantly Buddhist region.

HIGHLIGHTS OF TSHO ROLPA TREK

Incredible mountain vista including Gauri Shankar (7145m), Melungtse (7181m), and others
Observing the beautiful turquoise Lake Tsho Rolpa (4580m)
Gorgeous sunrise and sunsets from various points of the Tsho Rolpa Lake trek
Various mani walls, prayer flags, and monastery along the trail
Exploring the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Sherpa community
Spotting rare wildlife along the trail
Fantastic Bird watching opportunity along the trail
Scenic drive on the Araniko highway
Tasting the delicious local cuisine
Incredible hospitality of the local people

Day 1 :

Arrival at Kathmandu (1350m)

Day 2 :

Drive from Kathmandu to ChetChet, trek to Simigaun (2019 m.)

Early drive from Kathmandu will take you to the Chetchet of Dolakha district. It is around 195 KM from Kathmandu valley and takes around 7-8 hours to reach there. The driving route follows Kathmandu-Dolalghat-Mudhe-Charikot-Singari-Chetchet. From Chet Chet, around 2 hours of walking takes you to the beautiful Simigaun. Simigaun lies in the Gaurishankar conservation area project and is the beginning point of the Tsho Rolpa lake trek. The agricultural farmlands and terraced potato and cornfields in the villages are beautiful and the mountain views in the rural settlements are other things to experience. You will stay in a hotel/ small lodge in Simigaun. The maximum altitude gained this day will be 2019 m.

Day 3 :

Trek from Simigaun to Dongang

Early in the morning, after breakfast at Simigaun, you will start your trek to Dongang. From Simigaun, you will trek towards Uttise and Surmuche village taking you to Dongang village. You will stay overnight in Dongang village. Overnight stay in a lodge in Dongang village.

Day 4 :

Dongang to Beding village.

From Dongang, you will trek to the Beding village while exploring Thanding Kharka. Beding village is a beautiful Sherpa village where you get to experience the pristine Sherpa culture and lifestyle. You will stay overnight at Beding village in a teahouse.

Day 5 :

Beding to Naa village

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will start your trekking to Naa village. Naa village is also the gateway to the wonderful Rolwaling valley. The Rolwaling mountain range is the major attraction in Naa village. Also, the culture, tradition and lifestyle of Sherpas can be explored in Naa village. Overnight stay in a teahouse in Naa village.

Day 6 :

Acclimatization at Naa

You will stay at Naa village today. You will explore Naa village. After the extensive trekking to Naa, you can have a rest this day and prepare for the further trek.

Day 7 :

Naa village to Tsho Rolpa, trek back to Naa village

You will trek to Tsho Rolpa today. The trekking will take around 2-3 hours to reach Tsho Rolpa lake from Naa village. And after exploring Tsho Rolpa, you will return back to Naa village. Since there are not any accommodation services, you will have to return to Naa village unless you have some camping plans. You will stay overnight in Naa village.

Day 8 :

Naa to Dongang

Early in the morning, you will start your trek from Naa to Dongang. Explore the villages around and wonderful sceneries along the trail. You will stay overnight in a teahouse in Dongang village.

Day 9 :

Dongang to Chet Chet

This is the last day of your trek to Tsho Rolpa lake. You will trek to the Chet Chet from where you can have your drive back to Kathmandu valley. You will stay overnight in a teahouse in Chet Chet.

Day 10 :

Drive from Chetchet to Kathmandu

You will have a drive to Kathmandu valley today. After the extensive yet wonderful trekking to the Tsho Rolpa lake in the Rolwaling valley, you will return back to the capital, Kathmandu. You can explore the nightlife in Thamel in the evening.

Day 11 :

Final departure

FAQs

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Trek difficulty

Nepal’s Tsho Rolpa Trek is difficult. This newly built track may be difficult for beginners. It’s important to train extensively before a hike. Altitude is a key journey obstacle. The trek reaches 4,580 meters. Altitude sickness is possible on the trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake. Before a hike, it’s important to acclimate and drink enough of water. Take your time and enjoy the ride. The rough trail has many stone stairs, making it tough for all trekkers. The cliffs need tight turns. This makes Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek difficult.The weather makes the walk difficult. High altitude weather remains unstable. Check the weather before your hike. Bring food, drink, and other hiking essentials.

The Tsho Rolpa trip isn’t too difficult if you’re prepared.

Best Seasons

Autumn (September-November) and spring are peak trekking seasons in Nepal (March-May). Stable weather and minimal precipitation make the Tsho Rolpa Lake hike great in these months. The Tsho Rolpa lake trip is best in September to November. Daytime temps are ideal for hiking. This season’s low rainfall is another plus. Autumn also offers a thorough local cultural experience.

The Tsho Rolpa Lake trip is also popular from March through May. Rhododendron and other wildflowers color the slopes crimson and pink. Spring offers gorgeous weather and appropriate trekking temps. Off-season Monsoon and winter Tsho Rolpa treks are difficult. Monsoon rains cause treacherous, leech-infested pathways.

Avalanches and landslides are also possible. Winter brings snow and frigid temperatures. The Tsho Rolpa walk is ideal in Autumn and Spring.

People and Lifestyle

The Rolwaling Valley hike is a great opportunity to learn about the Tibetan and Sherpa peoples’ traditional culture and way of life. The majority of people living in Tsho Rolpa adhere to the Buddhist faith. Most of the path runs in close proximity to the Tibetan border, making the territory largely influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. There are several chortens, prayer walls, and kaanis, as well as temples and monasteries, all dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism that date back hundreds of years. The isolation of this area has also been crucial in ensuring the survival of ancient customs and traditions.

Heritage and landscapes

In addition to Tibetans, Sherpas, Brahmins, Chhetrites, and Tamangs call the Rolwaling valley home. The upper Rolwaling valley is home to a thriving Buddhist culture, and you will learn all about it. Bedding and Na, two mountain towns, are shining examples of rural life and traditions that have been preserved almost entirely intact. You will have the opportunity to learn about and experience numerous cultures, customs, and cuisines throughout your travels.

The trek to Tsho Rolpa is incredible since it ends at one of the largest lakes in the world. The trip’s exquisite beauty is breathtaking and sure to enthrall every traveler who takes it. Although this hike is remote and strenuous physically, the Buddhist gumbas, the rushing Turquoise River, the towering mountains, and the breathtaking natural scenery make it worth the effort. The lake is a beautiful blue swath of icy cold water set against the backdrop of the snowy mountains. The breathtaking scenery will make you forget all about your hectic schedule for a while.