Tsho Rolpa Trek
Duration: 7 Days
Difficulty: Demanding
Accomodation: Hotel/ Lodge/ Tea House
Meal: B-L-D
Max. Altitude: 4183 m / 13723 ft
Best Seasons: Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)Tsho Rolpa Trek
One of Nepal’s largest glacial lakes, Tsho Rolpa Lake is situated between the Langtang and Everest mountain ranges at an elevation of 4183 meters.
The trek starts in a trading town called Dolakha, which is located in northeast Nepal. To get there, you follow the road that goes from Kathmandu toward Lhasa, Tibet. The Rolwaling Valley is one of seven “hidden valleys” in the Himalayas. Local legends say that the mysterious Yeti lives in this valley. The valley is also where you will find a beautiful mountain lake.
There are fascinating terraced farms, swift-moving rivers, woods, two enormous glaciers, and the breathtaking glacier lake of Tso Rolpa to view, even though it is quite improbable to see a Yeti on the trail. Trekkers have plenty of time to acclimate before arriving at the lake because this walk begins at a low altitude.
Trekking days are typically 6-8 hours long, thus a high degree of fitness is necessary even though the trail does not reach high altitude.
Among the mountains visible along this path are Menlungtse (7,181m) and Gauri Shankar (7,145m). The trail passes by Bigu Gompa, a monastery that is home to more than 300 nuns. As you walk, you will pass through many different communities. These include the Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, and Sherpa people. You will see colorful prayer flags flying in the breeze and “mani” stones (stones carved with prayers) along the path. These signs show that the area is mostly Buddhist.
This trek is a fantastic choice for persons who are interested in learning about the cultures of the peoples of the Everest region but do not wish to go at really high elevations.
Tsho Rolpa Lake
The biggest glacial lake in Nepal that has been dammed is Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake. It is 3.5 kilometers long, 1.6 square kilometers in size, and has an average depth of 55 meters, with the deepest point being 132 meters. It is located in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area on the Rolwaling River’s catchment. The two main sources of water for this lake are Trambau and Trakarding Glacier. This lake’s hue is milky rather than turquoise blue because it is a glacier lake. Additionally, it stays frozen for five months, from December to April.
Highlights of the trip
- Travel to High-Altitude Glacial Lake
- Enjoy the Unique Flora and Fauna
- Experience the Local Culture of the Sherpa People
- Enjoy the Best View of the Gaurishankar Himal
- Experience the conservation and Responsible Trekking
Detailed Itinerary - Tsho Rolpa Trek (7 Days)
Today once you arrive at Kathmandu our representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel and in the evening we can roam around the city for shopping.
The distance between Kathmandu and Chet-Chet Dolaka is roughly 195 kilometers, and depending on the means of transportation, it can take anywhere from seven to eight hours. Although it is not too bad, the road from Sigati to Chet-Chet is off-road, but it is fairly excellent from Kathmandu to Sigati because it has blacktop. The little selections on the subtropical hills make for an intriguing and delightful journey. After arriving in Chhet-Chhet, you can prepare to hike approximately 1000 meters to Simi Gaon, which will take two hours.
It is the most picturesque day to hike from Simigaon to Dongang; the climb is quite strenuous and typically takes five to six hours. The walk offers stunning views of the surroundings as it winds through lovely forests, streams, and hills. Similar to Uttise, Surmuche, and Kalyche, there are a few minor communities in between. You are free to stop wherever you choose for lunch and tea breaks. However, I would suggest taking a lunch stop at Surmuche.
Trekking from Dongang to Beding, which is roughly 3690 meters away, is another lovely day. Five kilometers. Walking through the Rhododendron forest, across bridges, and passing through other tiny towns will take you approximately five hours to get to Beding from Dongang. The majority of the time, you will have to trek up almost 900 meters.
You can stop for lunch at Thanding Karkha after a few hours of walking. There are a few teahouses where you can eat simple cuisine to regain enough energy to walk a few hours to Bedding.
One of the most enjoyable and straightforward walks along the immaculate Tsho Rolpa River in this intriguing region is the trek to Na. Na settlement may be reached in under two hours. The climb to Na Village, which is 4250 meters above sea level, is pretty nice and easy. In both settlements, a large number of people own modest pieces of land. Those who own a home in Beding also own a home in Na because the residents of Beding and Na villages relocate to their respective communities based on the climate. The majority of them have a modest plot of land where they raise animals and grow potatoes. They can profit from the sale of livestock, ghee, and yak milk. The majority of them work in agriculture and animal husbandry.
You will be traveling to Tsho Rolpa Lake as soon as you have finished your meal. The trip there takes about two and a half hours. The first hour of the walk is very easy and enjoyable, but the last portion is climbing in the direction of the lake, so you will feel the altitude and find it difficult to breathe. You can have a cup of hot tea or coffee at a little tea house once you get to the lake. The lake itself boasts stunning views of the tall mountains and a beautiful setting.
As we set off on our trek back down to Simigaon, the route reveals an enthralling and enchanting beauty all along the way. The rhododendron woodland and verdant pine trees will delight you. When you spend a few days at a higher altitude, it always feels good to be in a friendly, energetic hamlet that embraces you and offers a paradise full of services and amenities that you are eager to take advantage of. Since this is the last night of your lifetime of travels and memories, always throw a party tonight.
Eat a clean, healthy breakfast at your guest house first thing in the morning to start the day. We’ll move quickly to catch your Chet-Chet ride to Kathmandu. The return trip to Chhet-Chhet takes around an hour and a half. From the road, you may enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding countryside.
What's Included
- Airport Transfers
- Private airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu by a comfortable vehicle.
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Ground Transportation
- All land transportation as per itinerary.
- Private or shared jeep/bus from Kathmandu to the trek starting point (Charikot / Gongar) and return.
- Meals During the Trek
- Full-board meals throughout the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Teahouse Accommodation
- Basic teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Professional Trekking Staff
- Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
- All Required Trekking Permits
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)
- TIMS Card (if applicable under current regulations)
- Safety & Medical Support
- First-aid medical kit carried by the trekking guide.
- Basic altitude monitoring and daily safety checks.
- Staff Insurance & Welfare
- Comprehensive insurance for trekking staff, including emergency rescue.
- Taxes & Service Charges
- All government taxes, conservation fees, and company service charges included.
What's Not Included
- International Travel & Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Trekking Gear
- Trekking boots, down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles.
- Personal clothing, backpack, sunglasses, gloves, etc.
- Personal Expenses
- Hot showers, laundry services (if charged).
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.
- Tips for Trekking Staff
- Emergency Evacuation Costs
- Helicopter rescue or medical evacuation if required
(covered by insurance if purchased properly).
- Helicopter rescue or medical evacuation if required
- Any Other Costs
- Any services not clearly mentioned in the What’s Included section.
Departure Dates
Route Map & Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions - Tsho Rolpa Trek
Tso Rolpa Lake is located in the Rolwaling Valley of eastern Nepal, near the Tibet border. It is one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,580 meters.
The Tso Rolpa Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves long walking days, remote trails, and high-altitude trekking, making it suitable for trekkers with good fitness and some trekking experience.
A typical Tso Rolpa Trek itinerary takes 7 to 14 days, depending on acclimatization days, starting point, and side excursions.
The best seasons for the Tso Rolpa Trek are:
Spring (March to May) – Clear views and stable weather
Autumn (September to November) – Best visibility and dry trails
Winter trekking is possible but colder, while monsoon season is not recommended.
Yes. Trekkers need:
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)
TIMS Card (as per current regulations)
All permits are usually arranged by the trekking company.
Yes. Since the trek reaches elevations above 4,500 meters, altitude sickness is a potential risk. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a gradual ascent are essential.
Accommodation is mainly basic teahouses and lodges. In some sections, facilities are limited due to the remoteness of the Rolwaling Valley.
This trek is not recommended for first-time trekkers. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is highly beneficial due to the remote location and limited facilities.
Yes. Hiring a licensed trekking guide is highly recommended for navigation, safety, altitude management, and local knowledge, especially in this remote region.
Safe drinking water is available at lodges or can be boiled/treated. Charging and internet facilities are very limited and often unavailable at higher elevations.
The trek offers stunning views of Gaurishankar (7,134m), Melungtse, Dorje Lakpa, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Yes. The itinerary can be customized by adding acclimatization days, side trips, or combining it with Rolwaling–Everest crossings for experienced trekkers.
Useful Info
Best time to trek Tsho Rolpa Lake
Clear skies, consistent temperatures, and little humidity make the Tsho Rolpa journey ideal. Spring, from March to May, and Autumn, from September to November, are the optimum seasons for these conditions. The hike is made healthy by the rhododendron blossoms in March, the beautiful scenery in April, and the enchanted walk in May. Unmatched sightseeing is provided by awe-inspiring views of snow-covered Mt. Gaurishankar, the Langtang range, Mt. Everest, and numerous summits. Additionally, it is delightful to watch the Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake ice in the early spring.
Difficulty of the trek
The Tsho Rolpa Trek is easy to moderate in difficulty. The difficult part is only the last ascent to the lake. Trekkers who are new to trekking and have minimal prior trekking experience will benefit most from this trek. This route is the best to navigate because it has truss bridges, suspension bridges, stone-paved paths with stairs, and route maps with altitude charts. Additionally, the primary trek path has no detours. As a result, hikers can stay on the main trail the entire time. For this journey, you need to be mentally and physically fit. Fatigue is increased on day two due to the greater hiking hours and ascent. But walking at this elevation of more than 3,500 meters is easier.
Insurance for the trek
Before participating in our Tsho Rolpa Trek in 2024, we strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance. Notably, if you suffer a serious injury or altitude sickness, travel insurance becomes crucial. You might require a helicopter evacuation in such circumstances. If you have good travel insurance, you can receive a free helicopter evacuation that is covered by your policy. Having travel insurance makes it easier for a helicopter to save your life. Additionally, hospital stays and prescription expenditures are covered by travel insurance.
Safety and Security
We prioritize your protection and safety throughout the journey. We also place equal importance on the security of our porters and trek guides. We guarantee complete protection for your personal items, equipment, and health. If you have unanticipated health problems, a helicopter evacuation will transport you to a safe location and, if necessary, a hospital. We have a 100% success rate when trekking safely.
Book Tsho Rolpa Trek with Confidence
Join Top Trail Nepal, your trusted local trekking agency in Kathmandu, for the journey of a lifetime. Our experienced guides, strong safety record, and personal service make your Everest dream come true.
- $985 2 people
- $885 3-6 people
- $795 7-12 people