rolwaling valley and tashi labtsa la pass

  • 18 days

  • Gongar after drive from Kathmandu/At Lukla for flight to Kathmandu.

  • Moderate To Strenous

  • Spring and Autumn

  • Highlights:

    • Crossing high Tashi Labtsa La pass through the beautiful Rolwaling valley.
    • Scenic glacial lake, Tsho Rolpa at an elevation of 4550m.
    • Magnificent view of Mid-Eastern Himalayas including Mt. Everest,
      Mt. Gaurishankar, Jugal Himal, etc.
    • Trek through lush green forests housing vegetation like fir, hemlock, rhododendron, and pine trees.
    • UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath, Sagarmatha National Park

     

    Trip Facts:

     

    Destination: Nepal North Mid-East around Rolwaling and Khumbu region.

    Starting Point: Gongar after a drive from Kathmandu.

    Ending Point: At Lukla for flight to Kathmandu.

    Max. Altitude: Crossing over Tashi Labtsa-La Pass 5,755 m / 18, 881 feet.
    Difficulty: Adventurous to Challenging in snow conditions.

    Best Season:  Spring from March to May, autumn from September to November.
    Trekking: 13 Nights / 14 Days with drives and flight.
    Total Trip: 17 Nights / 18 Days from arrival to Departure.

    Accommodation: Tented Camping till Thame and in local lodge. 

     

     

    Introduction:

     

    Rolwaling valley and Tashi Labtsa-La Pass trek is a challenging yet adventurous journey. It takes you through the upper Dolakha district opening to the Mid-Eastern Himalaya range. The rather pristine and less traveled Rolwaling valley is full of natural wonders hence it is named after the Rolwaling Himal range. It borders Nepal and Tibet with Melungtse, Melungtse II, Mt. Gaurishankar, and 50 additional peaks above
    6, 000 m. 

     

    The scenic drive starts from Kathmandu to Charikot on the Jiri highway.
    Reaching further down to the warmer Tama Koshi River valley from where the trek starts. The tropical green forest gradually changes to cool, alpine coniferous forests from Simi-Gaon village onwards. The vast array of Himalayas then welcomes you to the enclosed Rolwaling valley. 

     

    The rest day before acclimatization at Beding offers you ample time to explore the Sherpa culture. Bidding farewell to the Rolwaling valley, you’ll stay overnight near Drolambu glacier a mere distance from scenic Tsho Rolpa lake. Prepare yourself to ascend the highest elevation of 5,755m crossing Tashi Labtsa La pass.

     

    Descending from Tashi Labtsa to Thame ends your overwhelming adventure.
    From Thame to Namche Bazaar is a gradual trail, where you’ll be provided with good accommodation and other facilities. After a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, you’ll get to explore the historical city of Kathmandu. Conclude your journey with memories of the pristine Rolwaling valley, mighty glacial lake, high pass, and historical cities.

Itinerary

  • DAY 1
    Welcome to Kathmandu (1,300 m) and transfer to the hotel. ?

    On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff receives you for the transfer to the hotel. There you'll be briefed about the upcoming tour plans with dos and don'ts during the trek. Overnight stay at Kathmandu hotel.


  • DAY 2
    Kathmandu city tour, Trek preparation.

    Explore UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath after breakfast. Experience the grandeur of palaces and temples built during the Malla era. After lunch, visit Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath. 

     

    Both reflect two contrasting religions of Buddhism and Hinduism blending perfectly among the Nepalese. Prepare for your next day's trek after your visit to these interesting spiritual sites.


  • DAY 3
    Drive to Gongar (1,705m) via Charikot - 06 hrs.

    Today you’ll drive from Kathmandu to Gongar via Charikot on the Jiri highway. You’ll pass through picturesque villages, towns, and views of the Himalayas. The drive gradually diverts on the dirt road to Dolakha at Gongar. Overnight camp beside Tama Koshi river at Gongar.


  • DAY 4
    Trek to Simi-Gaon (2,000 m) - 05 hrs.

    From Gongar, you’ll trek west along the Tama Koshi River. After passing a narrow gorge, you’ll reach Chetchet welcoming you with a beautiful gushing waterfall. 

     

    Now, the subtropical land changes to a cooler alpine landscape with a steep climb.
    After a few ups and downs, the last 1-hour climb takes you to the small Sherpa village of Simi-Gaon. Spend your leisurely afternoon visiting the monastery with the astonishing view of Mt. Gaurishankar and Melung Tse. 


  • DAY 5
    Trek to Dovan (2,850 m) - 5 hrs.

    Today you’ll trek northeast from Simi-Gaon, passing through several terraced farms, and alpine vegetation like rhododendron, pine, juniper, magnolia, etc.  

    The further uphill and downhill path opens up to the river with cattle herder’s shades at Gyalche. From here, an hour's walk leads you to the small settlement of Dovan in the midst of the forest.


  • DAY 6
    Trek to Beding (3,690m) - 5 hrs.

    Your trek starts early in the morning, crossing Rolwaling Khola, to the luscious forests. The path winds up to the villages of Nyimare and Ramding where you might meet with nomadic yak herders. The climb leads further for an overnight stop at Beding, a large and last permanent village before reaching Thame around Khumbu. This is the main and only village around scenic Rolwaling valley housing a large Sherpa community. It is placed in between the narrow gorge, accentuated by the ancient Gompa. There is also a small primary school funded by the Hillary Trust and Foundation. 


  • DAY 7
    Rest at Beding for acclimatization and sightseeing.

    Before heading to a higher elevation, it is necessary to have a rest day for acclimatization. This will strengthen you for a steep climb over Tashi Labtsa-La Pass to reach around the Khumbu area. Spend your rest day hiking and exploring Beding.
    Rest of the day prepare for forthcoming challenges.


  • DAY 8
    Trek to Na-Gaon (4180m) - 4 hrs.

    Walking past Rolwaling valley, you’ll ascend through the pasture land and chilly atmosphere accentuated by peaks like Gaurishankar, Yalung Ri, Ramdung, Tabayabyum, etc. Ascending further, you’ll reach Na Gaon, located on a wide u-shaped glacial valley. Also a temporary settlement for yak herders it is fertile for growing potato, wheat, and barley. Spend your leisurely afternoon marveling the views. Overnight camp in the grassy meadows.


  • DAY 9
    Trek to Tsho Rolpa (4560m) - 5 hrs.

    Leaving behind Na Gaon, you’ll head up crossing a small stream that leads to Sangma. Enjoy the view of beautiful pasture land in the backdrop of mountains. After crossing a small bridge from here, you’ll ascend through rocky boulders and moraines leading to Tso Rolpa at Kabuk, one of the biggest glacial lakes. Set your camp beside the pristine lake on the sandy bank of Tso Rolpa Lake. Spend overnight in the midst of the giant snow peaks of Nepal and Tibet. 


  • DAY 10
    Trek to Drolambau glacier at Tashi Laptsa Base Camp (5400 m) - 5 hrs.

    In the morning you’ll wake up to the stunning view of Mt Tsoboje (6,689 m) and Dragker (6,793 m). Today's trail could be challenging as you’ll ascend further north.
    Stepping carefully on the moraines, hearing the crackles of the glacier, you’ll reach the campsite. Which is set at the bottom of Drolambu ice fall and Tashi Labtsa-La Pass. 


  • DAY 11
    Cross Tashi Labtsa 5,755 m and descend to Thyangbo 4,230 - 08 hrs.?

    Today you’ll experience the peak of the adventure while ascending Tashi Labtsa, as well the highest point of the adventure.
    Start early morning, heading through the glaciers after properly being equipped with climbing gears like crampon, harness, ice-axe and helmets against rock fall, being cautious while stepping on loose rocks.

     

    After four hours of a steep climb, you’ll finally reach Tashi Labtsa. Cherish the spectacular view of snow-fed Mt. Pacchermo and Teng Ragi Tau. The pass is adorned with prayer flags and geometrically placed cairns, signifying the spiritual importance.
    The moment spent describes the worthiness of all the challenges you’ve faced throughout the journey. From here, you’ll descend to Thyangbo, a pasture area for overnight camp. 


  • DAY 12
    Trek to Thame (3,820 m) - 6 hrs.

    The trek from here onwards becomes easy as it involves descending towards lower regions. Today you’ll drop down to Thame village. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Thame monastery. Spend your night at the lodge. It is preferable to be at Thame during the colorful Mani Rimdu festival held in late May or 1st week of June, as per the Buddhist Lunar calendar. 


  • DAY 13
    Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) - 5 hrs.

    The gentle walk from Thame to Namche Bazaar is accompanied by mountains like Kwangde range with Pacchermo, etc. After crossing the bridge over the Bhote Koshi River, you’ll reach Thamo. The trail opens up to rhododendron and pine forests, numerous villages, and teashops finally ending at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in the comfort of a nice cozy lodge.


  • DAY 14
    Trek to Monjo (2860m) - 4 hrs.

    A leisure morning in Namche offers you the hustle and bustle of vendors, stores, and shops. Here you can visit bakeries offering pies, cakes, and dessert delights.
    Plenty of restaurants, post offices, and cyber cafes will provide you good facilities and hospitality. After having lunch at Namche, trek to Monjo downward to the Dudh Koshi valley. A village located near the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park provides you with warm hospitality.


  • DAY 15
    Trek to Lukla (2,820 m) - 4 hrs.

    The trek from Monjo to Lukla will end your adventure as it is going to be the last day of your adventurous walk. Stroll around the pleasant landscape of Monjo and then, descend to cross a long exciting bridge above Dudh Koshi River. Walk heads further past nice village of Phakding, and then on winding pleasant path with last uphill climb to Lukla. On reaching Lukla, check into a nice lodge with time in the afternoon to browse and explore the streets of Lukla town. 


  • DAY 16
    Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.

    Depart from the lodge early morning and walk to Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport, after checking in. As the flight arrives from Kathmandu or Ramechap, board in a small aircraft and enjoy the white panorama of mountains and mini villages where you ventured.
    On arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport, get transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu after you disembark. Rest of the day at leisure, in case the flight lands at Manthali airport in Ramechap, involves drives of 4-5 hours to Kathmandu.


  • DAY 17
    Leisure day at Kathmandu.?

    A free day for autonomous use; if you want to go on a tour or take a picturesque mountain flight, or exciting sightseeing please inform our staff. Rest of the day for individual activities and shopping spree around the streets of busy and interesting Thamel.


  • DAY 18
    Final Departure

    After the last breakfast in Kathmandu, prepare for final departure. Depending upon your time schedule for international flight to respective countries, you’ll be driven to airport. Bid your final goodbye after an amazing adventure of a lifetime experience on Rolwaling Valley & Tashi Labtsa-La Pass Trekking.