Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek

A Pristine High-Altitude Trek
Know before you go
  • Duration 10 Days
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Season March to May and September to November
  • Trip Area Rolwaling
  • Maximum Altitude 4580m.|15026ft.

Highlights

  • The Turquoise giant of Tsho-Rolpa is one of the largest glacial lakes, which is famous for its mesmerizing blue waters.
  • We will trek directly beneath the holy Mt. Gaurishanker, revered as a form of Lord Shiva.
  • We will enter the mystical Rolwaling Valley, also known as a hidden valley in Buddhist mythology.
  • The Sherpa heartlands of Beding, which is an authentic Sherpa village and rich in mountaineering history.
  • The alpine wilderness of Na Gaon at 4180m will reward us with amphitheaters of snow peaks and grazing yak herds.
  • The secluded solitude and the true off-beaten path experience in the Gaurishanker Conservation Area.
  • We will hike along the ridge of the massive Rolwaling Glacier and witness the raw power of shifting ice and moraines.
  • Nature’s transition with a dramatic shift in the landscape where we will walk from the humid rhododendron and bamboo forests.

Tsho Rolpa Trek: Journey to the Hidden Valley

Tsho Rolpa Trek is one of the most beautiful and mystic heart of the Himalayas. It is a pilgrimage into the Beyul, a sacred and hidden valley of Buddhist mythology nestled between the Everest and Langtang regions. Nepal Nirvana Trails brings you the most adventurous off-the-beaten path at a relatively lower altitude away from the crowded trails of the commercial routes. We will touch the wilderness of the Rolwaling Valley on this 10-day adventure.

Our expedition will begin in the lush lower foothills that wind through the dense forests. The rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests will cover the trail before we ascend into the stark and dramatic beauty of the looming shadow of Mt. Gaurishanker. Mt. Gaurishanker (7134m) is one of the most sacred mountains revered as the form of Lord Shiva. We will traverse the rugged suspension bridges and ancient stone staircases to reach the authentic Sherpa settlements. The centuries-old traditions thrives and the legends of Yeti are whispered by the heart.

Our Tsho-Rolpa Trek’s miraculous crown jewel is Tsho-Rolpa, which is also one of the country’s largest glacial lakes. We will stand before its vast and milky turquoise waters that reflect the icy giants. The experience will be of pure spiritual awe.

At Nepal Nirvana Trails, we will prioritize your safety and experience. Our local experts and guides ensure that proper acclimatization will provide deep cultural insights and bridge the gap between the trekker and the locals. Our 30-year experience in Nepal’s trekking will make sure you have an unforgettable expedition to the blue turquoise jewel of the Rolwaling Valley. Join Nepal Nirvana Trails for the unforgettable trekking memories of Nepal.

Why Choose This Trek

Tsho Rolpa Trek means stepping away from the commercial crowds and into the sacred silence of the Rolwaling Valley. The trek will offer a rare privilege of experiencing the Himalayas in their most primal form. The shadow of the holy Mt. Gaurishanker falls into the turquoise glacial lakes. The adventure and authenticity of the trek will all be undertaken under the safe wing of Nepal Nirvana Trails.

  • We will escape the huge traffic of the commercial routes like Everest and Annapurna.
  • We will get to stand before the Tsho Rolpa, which is one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal.
  • The Sherpa heritage of Beding and Na Gaon will be immersive, as the culture has thrived for centuries.
  • The imposing gaze of Mt. Gaurishanker is a holy peak revered by Lord Shiva, which adds a spiritual dimension to every step of our journey.

Must-See Landmarks: The Giants of the Rolwaling

1. Tsho Rolpa Lake (4,580m)

Tsho Rolpa Lake is an undisputed crown jewel of the Tsho-Rolpa Trek. The lake is also one of the largest and most dangerous glacial lakes. The lake sits at an altitude of 4580m, which is stretched over three kilometers. The fragile natural moraine dam makes this lake more dangerous. The view from the Tsho Rolpa Lake is nothing short of cinematic, where the icebergs float and drift silently along the surface. The lake is a reminder of the effect of climate change in the Himalaya’s which is monitored closely by the scientists for potential outburst floods.

2. Mt. Gaurishanker (7,134m)

Mt. Gaurishanker dominates the skyline for most of our journey of Tsho-Rolpa Trek. The peak is forbidden to climb and is a sacred site. The peak is highly revered by the Hindus as the physical form of Lord Shiva and his consort Pārbati. The dual summit reciprocates the belief. The Nepal Standard Time is also set on the location of this mountain. Trekking beneath its formidable shadow will offer a spiritual connection to the Rolwaling Valley’s serenity.

3. Beding Village (3,740m)

Beding Village is known as the heart of Rolwaling Valley. The largest permanent settlement in the region. The narrow and stone-built village of Beding is squeezed between the river and towering vertical cliffs. The village is also known as “Village of Everest Summiteers”. The village centers on an ancient Buddhist Gompa, which is built directly into the rock face. The century-old rituals and murals offer a deep dive into the authentic Sherpa culture without much commercialization of the community.

4. Na Gaon (4,180m)

Na Gaon is a vast U-shaped valley that is surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks. The Na Gaon valley is a seasonal summer settlement primarily used by the yak herders. The valley becomes uninhabitable in the winter season due to heavy snow. The valley feels like the edge of the world, and the landscape here shifts from the forests and lush greenery to the raw and alpine desert. Na Gaon will be a perfect base for rest and calming our legs before we ascend to the Tsho-Rolpa Trek. We can also witness the brilliant Milky Way, making it perfect for stargazing.

5. The Sacred 'Beyul' & Yeti Lore

The Rolwaling Valley is highly celebrated in Buddhist mythology as a “Beyul”. Beyul is a hidden sanctuary of peace and refuge consecrated by Guru Rinpoche. One of the most sacred places in the Himalayas is Tsho-Rolpa, according to Buddhist beliefs. The valley is also a mystic epicenter of the Yeti legends. The locals claim that their ancestors have seen the abominable snowman. The spiritual energy and the sense of mystery in the region are palpable and intense.

6. Rolwaling Glacier

We must traverse the lateral moraine of the massive Rolwaling Glacier before we reach the Tsho-Rolpa Lake. The dramatic and chaotic landscape of grey ice and black rock pools that seem to go on forever. The frozen river of ice will allow us to hear the heart of the mountains. The cracks of shifting ice deep beneath the feet will be more intense. The raw and sensual display of nature’s power that connects the high peaks to the valley and feeds the river system beneath the ground.

What's Included

  • Complimentary Airport Pickup and Drop
  • 2-night Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
  • Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Chetchet to Kathmandu
  • Accommodations during the treks 
  • Meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) while on the treks and tea or coffee with meals
  • Experienced English-speaking government-licensed trekking guide
  • Guide and salary, food, equipment, and insurance 
  • All applicable National Park and Local permits
  • Sleeping bag if needed (To be returned after the trek)
  • Water purification tablet
  • First aid kit with basic medications
  • Trekking map
  • Official expenses and government taxes/VAT

What's Excluded

  • International flight tickets
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Recommended 1 porter between 2 trekkers - USD 200 per porter
  • Travel and health Insurance which covers emergency Rescues and evacuations
  • During the trekking time, personal expenses, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, hot shower, WI-FI, battery charging, etc.
  • Tips for treks guide, porter (it is appreciated)

Useful Info

Weather Watch: The Best Seasons for the Trek

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the season of vibrancy and rebirth of the Rolwaling Valley. The season in Rolwaling Valley, along with the turquoise jewel of Tsho-Rolpa Lake, will be a photographer’s dream. The winter snow melts, and the lower trails from Simigaon to Dingdong will be colorful. The wildflowers like rhododendrons and magnolias will be painted in the hillsides with their vibrant red, pink, and white. The weather will be generally stable and pleasant. The daytime temperatures will rise to 15-20 degrees, but the nights will be colder. The season also brings up the wildlife being active, so you will have a great chance to spot Danphe (Nepal’s national bird) and Himalayan Tahr. Spring will be a perfect time for the nature lovers who want to see the Beyul in full bloom inside the periphery of Rolwaling Valley.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is undoubtedly the best and premium season to trek in Nepal. The season also offers the most reliable weather and spectacular visibility. The summer monsoon clears up, providing the spotless beauty of nature and the gigantic Mt. Gaurishanker. The white snow contrasts dramatically against the deep blue sky. The trails will also be dry, and the risk of rain will be minimal. The temperatures will be moderate and invigorating. Overall, the season for the trekkers will be perfect with the weather and some brilliant photogenic moments. This season coincides with Nepal’s major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, infusing the lower villages with festive vibes. The villagers will also celebrate with you if you want to. The autumn season in the Rolwaling Valley for the Tsho Rolpa Trek will be an immersive and rewarding one for a lifetime.

Difficulties of the Trek

The Tsho-Rolpa Trek typically does not require technical mountaineering skills as it is graded as a moderate to strenuous adventure. However, the trekking route demands solid physical fitness and mental willingness to make this trek a successful one. With Nepal Nirvana Trails, you will be taken care of meticulously.

  • We will reach the highest altitude of 4580m, where the oxygen levels are significantly lower than in Kathmandu. The risk of Acute Mountain Sickness will be progressive.
  • The trail is not manicured in the higher regions. Having a good balance and sturdy boots will be inevitable.
  • Unlike the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp routes, the Tsho-Rolpa Trek route is more remote and isolated. There are no luxury lodges, and the evacuation will also be very difficult.
  • The weather conditions in the higher regions are always unpredictable. The temperatures go below freezing levels even in the peak seasons.
  • Overall, the Tsho-Rolpa Trek is on the difficult side, but with basic care of your health and gradual ascent, will adjust to the rising altitude.

Local Festivals and Traditions

Rolwaling Valley is a rich and sacred hidden sanctuary. It is also known as the Beyul consecrated by Guru Rinpoche. The Buddhist principles of non-violence are strictly observed here. The spiritual heart of the region is Beding Gompa, where the Sherpa community gathers for their festivals like Dumji and Lhosar. They perform masked dances to subdue the evil spirits.

Beyond Buddhism, the valley will be steeped in the Shamanistic and Yeti lore. The locals believe their ancestors were aligned with the existence of the Yeti. Also, the Hindu community reveres Mt. Gaurishanker as a physical form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pārbati. We will also witness the unique communal systems like the Naua System, where the officials of the village regulate the grazing and forest usage to protect the ecosystem of the sacred Rolwaling Valley.

Food and Accommodations

Accommodation in the Rolwaling Valley will be comfortable but authentically rustic. We have to stay in the local family-run teahouses that will offer you twin-sharing rooms with comfortable beds and blankets. Due to the cold nights, you may need a sleeping bag to have a comfortable night’s sleep. The facilities, like hot showers and device charging, will be available but may incur a small extra cost. The experience of accommodation will be lively.

The dining menu will be organic and wholesome. We will get fueled by the valley’s rich potatoes. The hearty Nepali staples like Dal bhat for limitless energy and carbs will be provided. The Sherpa specialties like potato pancakes, thukpa, and Syakpa (Himalayan stew) are also available. Fresh meat will be rare as the hunting or slaughter of animals is forbidden in the valley. We recommend that you stick to a vegetarian diet for freshness, or add some dry fruits and protein bars to incorporate your protein needs.

Your Support Team: Professional Guides & Porters

Nepal Nirvana Trails has proficient guides and hard-working porters working with us. We always employ the government-licensed guides who are the experts in their related fields. This will ensure you have complete, safe, and navigator services. The guides will also be experts in navigation and will provide you with deep insights. Your safety is paramount while undertaking a mission with us, so our guides will be trained in wilderness and first aid. They will carry oximeters to monitor your health daily, along with a mobile phone to stay connected with us in Kathmandu.

The porters, as well, are the true backbone of the trek, as they will provide you with the comfort of carrying luggage during the trek. As a professional trekking agency, we strictly advocate ethical trekking policies and provide fair wages to the porters. By travelling with Nepal Nirvana Trails, your Tsho-Rolpa trek and other treks will be more than fun with knowledgeable guides and hard-working porters.

Mandatory Travel Insurance

While trekking in Nepal, there can be many unfortunate events like sudden weather changes, avalanches, and health issues as we are venturing into the remote region. The primary risks here are Acute Mountain Sickness and sudden physical injury that may require an immediate helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu. The rescues are complex and can become very expensive.

A comprehensive travel insurance must cover the high altitude trekking up to 5000m, as our Tsho Rolpa Trek also touches 4700m altitude during the Tsho-Rolpa Lake. Nepal Nirvana Trails require a copy of your travel insurance before the scheduled departure to the trekking route. Having travel insurance is not just a formality but a security against the potential unpredictability. This will also allow you to enjoy nature with the sheer peace of mind.

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