Trek au Rolwaling
Trekking in the upper Rolwaling Valley is an off-the-beaten-path adventure, offering a deep immersion into wild and preserved nature. Nestled between Everest and the Langtang region, the trail leads to one of the country’s largest glacial lakes: Tsho Rolpa. Perched at around 4,580 meters, this strikingly blue lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Gauri Shankar (7,134 m). Along the way, trekkers pass through authentic Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, impressive suspension bridges, and grand alpine landscapes. Less frequented, the Rolwaling trek is ideal for mountain lovers seeking tranquility, raw beauty, and Himalayan culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Charikot – Gongar (1,430 m)
Departure by local bus to Gongar in the Bhote Kosi Valley. A long day of travel, approximately 9 hours. Overnight in a lodge in Gongar.
Day 2: Gongar – Simigaon (1,950 m)
Start of the trek, following the Bhote Kosi River to a bridge, then crossing to the left bank to leave the main path to Tibet and enter the Rolwaling Khola valley. The first mani walls (prayer walls) and chortens mark the approach to the mountain village of Simigaon, inhabited by many Sherpas and Tamangs. About 4 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 3: Simigaon – Gyalche – Dongang (2,740 m)
The trail continues ascending through a rhododendron forest before reaching the few houses of Shakpa. A long walk along the mountainside through the forests, with beautiful views of Gaurishankar (7,146 m). Descend and cross the river to reach Dongang. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 4: Dongang – Beding (3,690 m)
Ascent along the mountainside, with landscapes becoming more alpine, featuring pine and rhododendron forests at the foot of Gauri Shankar. After passing through the hamlets of Nymare and Ramding, a steep climb leads to the village of Beding. About 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 5: Beding
Acclimatization day with an excursion toward the Manlung La Pass or a visit to the village monastery. Beautiful mountain views. About 4–5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge in Beding.
Day 6: Beding – Na (4,180 m)
Just after the village, you leave the path to Manlung La (5,616 m), the nearby pass to Tibet. The valley, initially narrow, widens toward Na, a village surrounded by potato fields. High mountain scenery: Chabutse (6,689 m), Chugimago (6,259 m), Kang Nachugo (6,735 m), Pigphera Go Shar (6,730 m). About 3 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 7: Na (4,180 m)
Excursion to Tsho Rolpa Lake (4,580 m). Climb along the moraine of the glacial lake, between the Ripimo and Drolambau glaciers. Beautiful views of the high peaks. About 5.5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge in Na.
Day 8: Na – Beding – Dongang (2,740 m)
Descent through the Rolwaling Khola valley to Dongang. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 9: Dongang – Simigaon (1,950 m)
Continue descending the valley, then ascend to Syakpa, followed by a descent to the village of Simigaon. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 10: Simigaon – Gongar
Descent into the Bhote Kosi Valley, crossing a bridge, then continue down to Gongar. About 3.5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 11: Gongar – Kathmandu
Departure by local bus for Kathmandu.
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