Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake Trek

10 Days
  • Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu
  • Strenuous
  • Rolwaling, Dolakha
  • Adventure/Active
  • 12+
  • Private and Group
  • Fully Guided
  • Instant Booking
  • 4,580m / 15,030ft
  • 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

Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop by car/van/bus
  • TIMS cards
  • Entry permit
  • Meals during trek (breakfast/lunch/dinner)
  • Experienced local guides and porters
  • All accommodation during the treks
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit) with regular check up of oxygen saturation

Cost Excludes

  • Any food, deserts and accommodation during your stay in Kathmandu.
  • Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
  • Nepal entry visa fee and International air fare.
  • Personal equipment.
  • Tips for guide and Porter (Tipping is expected)
  • Personal expenses such as: Alcoholic beverages, hot shower, water bottle, cold drinks, hot water, battery charge and donation. etc.
  • Extra night food and accommodation due to any reason.
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on ‘price included’ section

FAQs

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.

Recommended Gears for the Trek

The Tsho Rolpa Trek can be appropriate and pleasant if you are geared up with a proper packing list. Therefore, being prepared with the packing list prior to the trek comes in handy.
The necessary packing list for the trek are mentioned under the following points:

Clothing
● Jackets (Windproof or Down)
● Waterproof outerwear
● Thermal wears
● Woolen hat or cap
● Pair of gloves
● Shoes
● Tracksuits and trouser
● Trekking boot
● Towel

Equipment
● Bags
● Sunglasses and sunscreen
● Water bottle
● Camera, binocular and mobile phones
● Extra batteries or power bank
● Water purifier tablets
● Headlamp and torch
● Trekking Sticks
● Lighters
● Whistle
● Toilet papers and tissue papers

Conclusion

Hiking to Rolwaling Tsho Rolpa, in eastern central Nepal, offers the most spectacular trekking in the unspoiled Himalayas. About eight hours’ journey from Kathmandu is Chetchet Bazar, where the Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek begins. An intriguing part of the trip is taking the path that parallels the course of the Tamakoshi River on the way to Simi Gaon.

Beginning with a leisurely stroll along the vast highlands to Simi Gaon, the journey then passes through communities comprised of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, providing a glimpse into the customs and culture of the local people. Along this route is the glacial lake TshoRolpo, a sight to behold once in a lifetime. An idyllic lakeside meadow awaits you, with rugged mountains in the distance.

Walking through the Rolwaling Valley’s quaint villages, you’ll get a stunning view of Gaurishankar Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Rolwaling Himal, and Mt. Tashi Lapcha. Waterfalls, rivers, Mani walls, gumbas, rice fields, and meadows populate the majority of the trekking paths, making this an adventure you won’t soon forget. There is a mountainous area enclosing a tranquil lake.

Being at one with the peaceful lake and its surroundings is a great way to unwind and appreciate nature. Tsho Rolpa, with its picturesque landscape and dramatic backdrop of the Rolwaling hills, is a sight to behold. Getting to Lake Tsho Rolpa is like entering Paradise.

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Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake Trek
From $800
/ Adult
  • Professional Local Guides
  • Customised Trip