Rolwaling Valley Trek
Rolwaling Valley Trek is a unique and less crowded trekking route in Nepal, known for its natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna and Sherpa culture. The valley is located in the northeastern part of Nepal, sharing a border with China to the north and separated by the famous Tashi Lapcha Pass to the Everest region in the east. The valley is also known as the land of the Yeti and villagers still share stories of its existence.
Rolwaling Valley is home to many prominent mountain peaks, including Mount Gaurishankar, Pharchamo Peak, Ramdung, Chekigo, Nachugo, Khangtari, Bamongo, Khang Karpo, Chobutse or Tsoboje and one of the most technically difficult climbing routes, Mount Tengi Ragi Tau. The valley also includes the famous glacier lake Tso Rolpa and the religious lake Omi Tso, also known as the lake of milk.
Despite being at high altitudes, Rolwaling has rich biodiversity with thick forests at the base of the mountain slopes and a variety of seasonal flowers. The valley is also home to white langurs (grey monkeys), snow leopards and yaks.
Rolwaling Valley is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination due to its natural beauty and quiet trekking trails. It is ideal for seasonal activities like flower-viewing treks in June and July, ice climbing from November to February and peak climbing and trekking from March to May and September to November.
Unlike the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp treks, the trek to Rolwaling Valley is less crowded yet equally breathtaking. Trekkers can experience traditional Nepalese living during the journey. The valley is also known as the home of Everest summiteers because once you reach Beding you will likely find at least one climber in each household who has reached the summit of Mount Everest.
The trekking route to Rolwaling Valley offers an excellent opportunity to experience Sherpa culture and traditional Sherpa cuisine. Sherpa people are known for their hospitality and warmth toward visitors. Trekkers can experience Sherpa heritage by visiting monasteries, participating in traditional festivals and staying in local homestays.
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| September 12 - January 1 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Your Everest View land-only package begins with the evening meal. After arrival, you’ll be comfortably transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu where you’ll meet your fellow travelers during a friendly welcome dinner. Airport transfers are included.
Drive from Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet, Trek to Simigaon
Today marks the beginning of your trekking adventure in Nepal. You will depart from Kathmandu around 5:30 AM, driving via Dhulikhel and continuing to Chhet-Chhet through Dolakha. The total distance is approximately 180 km, usually taking 8 to 9 hours.
From Chhet-Chhet, follow the trekking trail on the right toward the suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail begins a long and steep zigzag ascent along cemented stone steps, leading you to the small settlement of Simigaon. The trek from Chhet-Chhet to your lodge in Simigaon typically takes around 3 hours.
Trek to Dongang
Today, you will trek from Simigaon to Dongang. The trail starts at your lodge and veers to the right, passing through a beautiful rhododendron forest. After about half a kilometre, the trail climbs gently before descending to the riverbank, where the suspension bridge to Riku village is visible.
Without crossing the bridge, continue to the right and ascend toward Surmuche, where you will stop for lunch. The trail is mostly zigzagging, with wired stone steps along the way. After a few uphill climbs, you will reach Kyalche, which has only one lodge. From Kyalche, continue straight and descend to the village of Dongang, located beside the Rolwaling Khola. Here, you will find just two lodges available for overnight stay.
Trek to Beding
Today's trek takes you through the stunning Rolwaling Valley, known for some of Nepal’s most breathtaking scenery. You will start from Dongang, located at the confluence of two rivers the Rolwaling Khola and Tsho Rolpa. From there, the trail follows the river upstream until you reach Thangdingma, where you will stop for lunch at a teahouse.
After lunch, the trek continues past Nyamare village, which was damaged by the 2015 earthquake. The trail then gently climbs from Nyamare to Changmi Kha Gateway, where you will see towering trees that were once part of a dense canopy forest before being affected by logging. From Changmi Kha Gateway, it is about a 45-minute trek to reach Beding.
Hike towards Dolma Khang Base Camp, Overnight at Beding
Today, you will retrace the trail toward Nyamare until you reach the giant tree and the Kani Gateway. From there, take the narrow trail to the right, following the side of the waterfall. The path then climbs steeply above the waterfall as you continue along the river toward the corner of the mountain, where Dolma Khang Base Camp is located.
The hike covers approximately 6.8 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours for a round trip from Beding to Dolma Khang Base Camp and back. You will return to Beding for the night.
Trek to Naa Gaon and Explore the Village
Today is one of the most accessible days of the trek. You will hike from Beding to Naa village, a journey of about 3 to 4 hours, following gentle switchbacks along the left side of the roaring Rolwaling Khola, which flows from Cho-Rolpa Lake.
Along the way, you will notice prayer flags surrounding a rock considered one of the most significant in the Rolwaling Valley. Look uphill to your left, and you will see a painting of Guru Rimpoche on the rock, a spiritual landmark cherished by the local community.
Hike to Dudh Kunda and Tsho Rolpa Lake
Today’s hike is an adventurous and rewarding journey, taking approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering a deep dive into the splendor of Rolwaling Valley. This is one of the highlights of the trek, as we visit two renowned lakes: the sacred Lake Omi Tso, also known as the Milk Lake, and the famous glacier Lake Tsho Rolpa.
After breakfast at the lodge, we will take a packed lunch and set out for these magnificent lakes. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas, the fresh mountain air, and the serene surroundings. Lake Omi Tso holds spiritual significance for the locals, while Tsho Rolpa, the glacier lake, is a popular destination for trekkers. There will be ample time to explore the lakes, take photographs, and enjoy lunch amidst the wilderness. The day promises unforgettable experiences, and we will return to the lodge at night with lasting memories of this beautiful valley.
Trek via Beding to Dongang (2800m)
Today, you will trek from Beding to Dongang at 2800 meters. Although the distance is slightly longer than usual, the trek is mostly an easy downhill along the Rolwaling Khola. After a few leisurely hours, you will leave Beding and continue for another 2 to 3 kilometres, passing through small hamlets and isolated farms along the way.
The route remains on the north side of the river until just before Thangdingma, where it crosses to the south side. We may stop for lunch at Thangdingma before completing the day’s trek to Dongang.
Trek to Simigaon
Today’s trek begins by following the trail above the Rolwaling Khola, passing the isolated lodge at Kalche. The route then descends along several long sections of stone steps, leading you to Simigaon.
Trek to Chet-Chet and Drive to Kathmandu
From Simigaon, the trail descends to the bridge over the Tama Kosi River, which you will cross. The trek continues to Chet-Chet, where you will board your vehicle for the approximately 8-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Arrival in Kathmandu is expected by late afternoon.
Final Departure
At the end of your program, transportation to the airport will be arranged and your guide will accompany you to see you off. Flight check-in times vary by airline but are generally recommended three hours before departure.
Includes/Excludes
- Kathmandu Service includes arrival & departure transfers, domestic airport transfers, and two nights in a Kathmandu hotel with breakfast and a welcome dinner.
- The government fee includes all the necessary trekking permits and entry fee required for the trek.
- Trekking service includes all the necessary arrangements required during the Trek: i.e., domestic transfers to and from Chet-Chet, accommodation and three meals a day in local lodges, a trekking guide and portage of personal trekking & climbing gear.
- High Altitude Safety Equipment includes a group first aid kit, one oxygen set, a satellite phone (remote area) and a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) where necessary.
- Assistant guide in the ratio of one guide per 4 participants and porters in the proportion of one porter for 2 participants, including their daily wages, meals, accommodation, transfers, and insurance.
- Fresh fruit after dinner everyday & 1pc snicker or Mars chocolate each person every day.
- Trekking Kit Bag(Should Be return after Trek)
- First Aid Kid
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring accurate USD cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc
- Your Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (This apply also early come back from trek then the fixed itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than above itinerary
- Tips for guides and porters
- Rescue in case of emergency