Tsho Rolpa Trek - 8 Days

Rolwaling · 8 Days

Tsho Rolpa Trek - 8 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 4,580m (15,026 ft) at Tsho Rolpa Lake · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

8 Days

Max Altitude

4,580m (15,026 ft)

at Tsho Rolpa Lake

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

Tsho Rolpa is the hidden glacial lake of the Rolwaling Valley - Nepal's largest high-altitude lake by surface area (1.5 sq km) and one of the country's least-trekked dramatic destinations. The lake sits at 4,580m at the foot of the Rolwaling glacier, ringed by Gaurishankar (7,134m) and Melungtse (7,181m). Until recently it could only be reached as part of the demanding Tashi Lapcha pass expedition - we now run it as a standalone 8-day teahouse trek from Kathmandu.

The trek starts with a long jeep transfer to Chetchet (1,400m), then walks through Sherpa villages and rhododendron forest to Beding (3,690m) and Na (4,185m). A side hike to the lake itself on Day 6 is the headline. This is teahouse trekking but real wilderness - lodges are basic, the trail is rough, and you will see almost no other trekkers. Perfect for those who want a high-altitude glacial lake experience without the cost or commitment of an EBC-grade expedition.

Highlights

  • Stand on the shore of Tsho Rolpa (4,580m) - Nepal's largest high-altitude glacial lake
  • See Gaurishankar (7,134m) and Melungtse (7,181m) up close
  • Cross suspension bridges and walk through the dramatic Rolwaling gorge
  • Stay in the Sherpa villages of Simigaon, Beding and Na
  • Walk through rhododendron forest (peak bloom in April)
  • Very low trekker traffic - one of Nepal's quietest high-altitude treks
  • No flights required - jeep access from Kathmandu
  • Lodge-based, no camping
  • Visit traditional Sherpa monasteries in Beding
  • Spotters' wildlife: blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, occasional snow leopard

Itinerary

Day 1

Drive Kathmandu to Simigaon via Chetchet

⏱ 8 hours ↔ 195 km 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Long jeep transfer east via Charikot to the Tama Koshi valley, then up the new road to Chetchet. Short walk to Simigaon (2,025m).

Day 2

Simigaon to Donga (2,800m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 9 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb into rhododendron forest with first Gaurishankar views.

Day 3

Donga to Beding (3,690m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 11 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk into the Rolwaling gorge to the traditional Sherpa village of Beding with its hilltop monastery.

Day 4

Acclimatisation at Beding with Malung Kharka side hike

⏱ 5 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Half-day hike to a high pasture above Beding for the acclimatisation arc. Visit the village monastery and meet the resident lama.

Day 5

Beding to Na (4,185m)

⏱ 4-5 hours ↔ 7 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short climb to Na - the highest year-round inhabited village in the valley.

Day 6

Na to Tsho Rolpa Lake (4,580m), return to Beding

⏱ 6-7 hours ↔ 15 km round trip ▲ 4,580m 🍽 Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner

The big day. Walk along the lateral moraine to the lake. Spend time on the shore, photograph the Trakarding glacier toe, then descend back to Beding for the night.

Day 7

Beding to Simigaon (2,025m)

⏱ 7-8 hours ↔ 19 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent through Donga back to Simigaon.

Day 8

Drive Simigaon to Kathmandu

⏱ 8 hours ↔ 195 km 🍽 Breakfast

Return jeep transfer to Kathmandu.

Ready to walk this?

Enquire now →

What's included

Included

  • Private jeep transfer Kathmandu-Chetchet and return
  • All airport pickups and drops
  • Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
  • Lapche Restricted Area Permit
  • Senior English-speaking guide
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Twin/double sharing teahouse accommodation on the trek
  • Three meals a day during the trek
  • HHT company duffel bag
  • All applicable government taxes

Not included

  • Nepal visa fee
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide and porter

Trek guide

Nepal's Largest Glacial Lake

Tsho Rolpa covers 1.5 sq km at the foot of the Trakarding glacier. It has been growing since the 1950s as the glacier retreats due to climate change - the moraine dam that holds the lake has been raised twice by Nepali authorities to prevent a glacial-lake-outburst flood that would devastate the Tama Koshi valley below.

Why So Few People Visit

Rolwaling Valley sits between the Khumbu and Langtang regions but is much less developed. Until 2015 there were only 3-4 lodges in the entire valley. Today there are roughly 15-20, but the trail still sees fewer than 1,000 foreign trekkers per year.

The Two Big Peaks

  • Gaurishankar (7,134m) - sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, named after the goddess Gauri and her husband Shankar (Shiva)
  • Melungtse (7,181m) - higher and more remote, on the Tibet side of the border

Acclimatisation

The natural slow climb profile (Simigaon - Donga - Beding - Na over 4 days) gives a good acclimatisation arc. The lake itself (4,580m) is reached only as a day trip from Na (4,185m) - sleep-low-climb-high by design. A scheduled rest day at Beding handles deeper acclimatisation.

Permits

  • Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
  • Lapche Restricted Area Permit

Both arranged in Kathmandu.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons in bloom, warmer
  • Autumn (September-November): Clearest views, drier

Fitness

Moderate. 5-6 hours daily, one bigger day to the lake. Basic lodge comfort. 2-3 months of cardio preparation is sufficient.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layers, 5 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, neck buff, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 35L daypack, 60L duffel for porter, -10C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, polarised sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with Nepal visa, insurance certificate, 4 passport photos

Medical: Diamox optional, painkillers, blister care, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm

Frequently asked questions

Is this a difficult trek?
Moderate. The altitude (4,580m at the lake) is real but the lodge profile is forgiving. 2-3 months of cardio preparation is sufficient.

Why is Rolwaling so quiet?
Until recently the only way to see Tsho Rolpa was as part of a 19-day Tashi Lapcha pass expedition. Most trekkers never knew the standalone option existed. The trail is becoming better-known but remains uncrowded.

Can I cross Tashi Lapcha into the Khumbu?
Yes - we offer the 19-day Rolwaling-Tashi Lapcha-Everest trek. That route requires mountaineering skills, ropes and crampons. Speak to our office.

How are the lodges?
Basic. Plywood rooms, foam mattresses, simple dal-bhat menus. Hot showers occasional in Beding.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Patchy. Limited mobile signal at Simigaon. None above.

How cold does it get?
-5 to -15C at night at Na in autumn. -10C sleeping bag is sufficient.

Is the jeep drive uncomfortable?
The 8-hour drive is on mountain roads. Travel sickness pills recommended.

Can families do this trek?
Yes - children 12+ with hiking experience do well. The lake-day is the only really demanding section.

When is the best month?
October-November for the clearest lake views. April for rhododendrons in the lower forest.

Will I see wildlife?
Blue sheep are common around Na. Himalayan tahr occasional. Snow leopard extremely rare but the conservation area has confirmed populations.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $795

per person

WhatsApp Enquire