Tsho Rolpa Trek Itinerary

Tsho Rolpa Lake is a glacial lake in the Rolwaling valley of Dolakha district. It is also the biggest glacial lake in Nepal. The Rolwaling trek is a unique yet stunning route in the Helambu region.  The breathtaking Tsho Rolpa Lake lies at an altitude of 4580m. It is around 3.5km and is made by melting glaciers of the Trakarding Glacier. It is behind the enormous Gaurishankar Himal (7134m). 

Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the less visited destinations of Nepal. However, Tsho Rolpa Lake never fails to leave a lasting effect on its visitors. Tsho Rolpa Trek trail passes through glaciers, steep slopes, and snow-capped lakes. You’ll be able to enjoy rich cultural  Tamang and Sherpa villages on your way. Also, the Helambhu region’s biodiversity and landscapes will leave you in awe.

Tsho Rolpa TrekHighlights

Picturesque  Scenery

•  Stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Gaurishankar and Melungtse
•  To Experience the pristine beauty of the Rolwaling Valley
•  Visiting the mesmerizing Tsho Rolpa Lake with its turquoise waters

 Rich Cultural Experience

•  Trek through traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages
•  Learn about local culture, traditions, and hospitality
•  Explore Buddhist monasteries and chortens along the route

Adventure and Challenge

•  Enjoy a less crowded and more tranquil trekking experience
•  Tackle challenging terrain and high mountain passes
•  Perfect for experienced trekkers seeking a tough adventure

Learn About Climate Change

•  Observe the effects of climate change on glacial lakes
•  Understand efforts to mitigate glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)

Accessibility

•  Convenient starting point close to Kathmandu
•  Availability of local guides and trekking companies for support and safety.

Why Tsho Rolpa Trek?

Tso Rolpa Trek is a unique and rewarding experience in the Helambhu region. Trek takes you through waterfalls, rivers, Mani walls, gumbas, rice fields. You don’t have to share the trail with other visitors on this trek. Which ultimately provides you the opportunity to explore without any distractions.

Tsho Rolpa Trek Guide

Trekking With A Guide

You can complete The Tsho Rolpa Trek alone without the help of a guide. However, Hiring experienced guides and porters is advisable. Guide and porters have the knowledge required to navigate the challenging sections safely. They also help you understand local culture and values. Furthermore, they can help you in emergency conditions. Trekking with a guide is a great way to ensure your safety and support the local economy. You can hire a guide in Kathmandu or directly from villages along the trail.

How To Reach Tsho Rolpa Trek?

Tsho Rolpa Trek is also an excellent destination for accessibility reasons. You can take a bus to Chatchat from Kathmandu through Charikot, Dolkha. Furthermore, if you are traveling through agencies, you can book vehicles according to your comfort.

Where To Stay During And Tsho Rolpa Trek?

Tsho Rolpa is an underrated trekking destination despite its diverse biodiversity and landscapes.

A few accommodation options along the trail are mainly a mix of a hotel and a lodge. Single rooms are not always available, so there is a high chance you might have to share accommodations with others. Toilets and bathrooms are mainly communal and outside of the teahouses.

Meals During The Rolwaling And Tsho Rolpa

Meals During The Rolwaling and Tsho Rolpa depend on what teahouses and hotels offer. Apart from Classic Nepali “Dal Bhat,” you can find Tibetan cuisine. However, after crossing SimiGaun, it might be challenging to find non-vegetarian meals because there’s a no-kill zone for animals. Prices of meals increase with elevation in most parts of Nepal. It would be wise to pack some snacks for the trip. Instant food is also expensive in the region. You can bring Instant coffee, Teabags, Biscuits, and Noodles to minimize costs.

Trekkers should avoid alcoholic beverages because they can worsen altitude sickness.

People, Culture, And Lifestyle In Tsho Rolpa

People

The Rolwaling Valley, where Tsho Rolpa lies, is home to the Sherpa people, although Tamang and other groups also inhabit here. The Sherpas are famous for their mountain climbing skills and have a long history of helping climbers in the Himalayas. Their villages are small and spread out across the trails. The people here are known for their warm hospitality and strong spirit. They have managed to live well in the challenging high-altitude environment.

Culture

Tibetan Buddhism profoundly influences the culture in the Rolwaling Valley, as seen in the many monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags throughout the trail. The main monastery, Beding Gompa, is a critical cultural and religious spot for the Sherpa people. Festivals like Mani Rimdu, featuring dances and rituals, are essential events that unite the community. Traditional music, dances, and clothing show the rich cultural heritage that connects them to their roots.

Lifestyle

People’s lives in the Rolwaling Valley mainly depend on farming and raising animals. The tough climate and rough terrain make farming difficult, so many people earn money from tourism and mountain climbing. Traditional stone houses, often decorated with colorful prayer flags, are built to withstand the harsh weather. Daily life involves hard work and religious practices, strongly focusing on community and harmony. The people of Rolwaling Valley have balanced new influences with old customs.

Communications And Mobile Signals In Trek To Tsho Rolpa

Communication can be difficult in Tsho Ropla Trek due to limited mobile signals. You might get some cell coverage from Ncell or NTC till Simigaun, but it becomes weaker as you climb higher. Internet is rare and usually only available in larger villages like Beding and Na. Carrying a satellite phone for emergencies is a good idea since mobile networks are unreliable near the lake. Being prepared for these communication challenges is essential for safety.

Travel Insurance For Planning To Trek And Tsho Rolpa Lake

Getting good travel insurance is important when planning a trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake. The trek is tough and remote, so ensure your policy covers activities above 4,000 meters. Your insurance should cover high-altitude hiking, medical emergencies, helicopter rescue, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen items. Having the right travel insurance gives you peace of mind. Furthermore, it ensures you get help and support if something goes wrong during your trek.

Tsho Rolpa Trek Itinerary

The Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek takes 8-12 days and begins in Chetchet Bazar, an eight-hour drive from Kathmandu. The route then follows the Tamakoshi River on its way to Simi Gaun. The trail continues through multi-ethnic communities that provide insight into the lifestyle and traditions of various local communities.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu:

Upon your arrival at the Airport, you can take a taxi to one of the hotels in Kathmandu Valley and rest for a bit. Furthermore, you must obtain permits and prepare for the trek on this day.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Chectchet Bazar to Simigaun

On your second day, you’ll drive for around 8 hours from Kathmandu to Chetchet Bazar. You can take a 2-hour hike from Chetchet to Simigaun and find accommodation there.

Day 3: Simigaun to Dongang.

After an early morning breakfast, your trek begins to reach Dongang. Trails continue through vibrant routes with blooming wildflowers. After stopping for lunch, your journey continues through beautiful forests and lonelier trails. On your third day, you will hike for 5-7 hours.

Day 4: Dongang to Bedding

On the fourth day of your Tsho Rolpa trek, you’ll hike from Dongang to Beding. Beding is a beautiful village that lies at 3690m. You will hike for 5-6 hrs through Rhododendron forests and small settlements to reach Beding.

Day 5: Bedding to Na

On your fifth day on the Tsho Rolpa trail, you’ll hike to Na from Bedding. It’s easy and pleasant, and you don’t have to walk for hours. However, you’ll reach the 4000m+ area, so acclimatize occasionally to avoid altitude sickness.

Day 6: Na to Tsho Rolpa Lake and back to Beding

After your early morning breakfast, you will head to Tsho Rolpa Lake. It takes around 2 and a half hours to reach Tsho Rolpa Lake from Na. It’s mostly an easy walk for the first hour; however, you might spot altitude sickness symptoms as you gain altitude. Remember to pace yourself and focus on breathing. After finally reaching the lake, enjoy the pristine view of the Mesmerizing setting.

Day 7: Bedding to Simigaun

Follow the same route back to Simigaun, and remember to savor your journey. Continue your descents through lush pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the strange sense of relief after returning to a lower altitude.

Day 8: Simigaun to Chetchet to Kathmandu

By day 8, you’ll be at the end of your Tsho Rolpa Trek adventure. Start your day early and prepare to head back to Kathmandu. Catch a local bus to Chetchet and another bus to Kathmandu. Take a taxi from Buspark to one of the hotels in Kathmandu and call it a day.

Best Season To Visit Tsho Rolpa

It’s Important to Research the seasons and challenges they pose before visiting Tsho Rolpa. Every season presents its beauty and challenges, but the best seasons to visit Tsho Rolpa are autumn and spring.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to trek to Tsho Rolpa. During this time, the weather is pretty stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures. The days are warm, making trekking comfortable, while the nights are cool but not too cold.

In spring, the landscape blooms with flowers, adding more beauty to it. Springs offers great visibility of the surrounding mountains, making it perfect for taking photos and enjoying the views.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another excellent time to trek to Tsho Rolpa. After the monsoon, the air is fresh and clear. The weather is generally stable, with mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights. This season is very popular among trekkers due to the clear skies and breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. The autumn months also coincide with several local festivals, offering a chance to experience the rich culture and traditions of the local communities.

Other seasons

The monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) seasons present many challenges. The monsoon season brings heavy rain, making the trails slippery and hard to walk. The risk of landslides and swollen rivers also increases in summer. 

In winter, this region experiences heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures. Snow may block many trails, and harsh weather conditions can make trekking dangerous and uncomfortable.

Trekking Permits For Trek To Tsho Rolpa

 Trekking to Tsho Rolpa Lake requires two permits.

Gaurisankar Conservation Area permit

• Required for entry into the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, where Tsho Rolpa is located.
•  You can obtain this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.
• It cost approximately USD 30.

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)

• TIMS helps track trekkers for safety and record-keeping.
•  You can obtain TIMS in the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.
•  It costs approximately USD 20 for individual trekkers or USD 10 for trekkers in a group (prices may vary)

Note: You don’t have to obtain them personally if traveling through a registered trekking agency.

Difficult Factors Of The Tsho Rolpa Trek

The Tsho Rolpa Trek has various difficulties; however, height is a primary concern. You must maintain good health conditions and physical fitness to trek Tsho Rolpa.

Altitude Sickness

• The trek reaches over 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), which can cause altitude sickness.

Rugged Paths 

• The trail involves steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and sometimes narrow trails.

Glacial Terrain

•  Parts of the trek involve crossing glaciers, which can be treacherous and require careful navigation.

Unpredictable Weather 

• The high mountains can bring sudden weather changes, including snow and rain, making the trek challenging.

Physical condition : 

• Trekkers need good physical conditions to handle long days of trekking and high altitude.

Strength and Stamina

• The demanding nature of the trek requires solid legs and cardiovascular fitness.

 Remote Trail

• The trail is remote, with limited access to medical facilities and evacuation services in case of emergencies.

Packing Lists To Make While Trekking To Tsho Rolpa

Tsho Rolpa Lake, which lies in Rolling Valley, is an Underrated trekking destination. It is hard to find trek supplies in this region, So it will be wise to pack for the road. Pack light, but don’t forget any essential items. 

Some essential items for the Tsho Rolpa Lake trek are:

Clothing

• Moister wicking base layer.
• Long and short-sleeved shirts.
• Fleece or down jacket.
• Waterproof and windproof jackets
• Waterproof pants 
• Warm gloves and hats.
• Quick dry undergarments.

Footwear

• Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and broken-in
• Camp Shoes: Lightweight and comfortable for evenings

Personal Items

• Sunscreen and High SPF lip balm
• Sunglasses: UV protection
• Biodegradable soap,
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Wet wipes
• Sanitary supplies for women

Essential Items

• Backpack: Comfortable and sturdy with a rain cover
• Sleeping Bag: Rated for cold temperatures
• Trekking Poles: Adjustable and durable
• Water Bottles/Camelbak: At least 2 liters capacity
• Water Purification Tablets
• First Aid Ki: bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications
• Headlamp/Flashlight:  With extra batteries

Other Gear

• Maps/GPS: Detailed map of the trekking area
• Camera/Phone: With extra batteries or a power bank
• Snacks: High-energy foods like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars
• Cash
• Permits/Documentation: Necessary permits, ID, and copies of important documents
• Portable Charger/Power Ban

Conclusion

The Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is an unforgettable adventure in a remote region of Nepal. It combines beautiful scenery, rich culture, and challenging paths, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. The trek to Tsho Rolpa offers breathtaking views of peaks, valleys, and Sherpa villages. Finishing this trek brings a great sense of accomplishment.

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