Tashi Lapcha Trek Rolwaling
It is an extraordinary trek that introduces the least talked about Rolwaling Valley, a region of immense beauty, sidelined by the popularity of Khumbu. The serene glacial lakes near Everest, the unmatched view from Kala Patthar and the three high passes to cross. They all add up to high adventure!
From Rolwaling to Everest Base Camp, via the high passes of Tashi Lapsa, Renjo and Cho La.
This trek takes you to the high reaches of the Everest region, through a lesser-known valley of Rolwaling, but a breathtakingly beautiful landscape in authentic Sherpa land.
Before we reach the glacial valleys and head towards the pristine peaks, our trek goes along the Tama Koshi Valley, passing through Brahman, Chettri and Tamang villages. We reach Simigaon, the gateway to Rolwaling Valley. We are then only a few kilometres from the Tibetan border, in Buddhist surroundings, under the benevolent gaze of Gauri Shanker (7,146m). As we progress, the landscape seems to stretch vertically, growing ever taller.
The approach to Mount Everest takes us near the turquoise lakes of Gokyo, from where we catch a spectacular view of the summits. The giants of the planet are gathered here: Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cholaste and Tawachee. We then climb up towards Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for even better views as this brings us closer to this ice-wall amphitheatre, which is a famous viewpoint. Our eyes are dazzled by the glitter of the silvery Himalayas, we then descend through the valley of Solu Khumbu to reach Lukla.
- Nepal Country
- Trekking and expeditions Thématique
- Very difficult Difficulté
- 25 days Duration
- 20 days Hiking days
- 5 755 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
- Lukla – Kathmandu Domestic flights
Itinerary
Airport pick-up, transfer to hotel.
From Kathmandu, we drive all the way to Dolakha (1,330m) through Charikot, then follow the trail to Gonger. We then start the trek to reach the first campsite.
The going is a bit tough today as you negotiate a long climb and hike up a steep path before reaching Simigaon. We come across a number of Sherpa and Tamang villages amidst a landscape of waterfalls and millet fields.
From Simigaon, the path goes up and then descends to finally reach Kyalche. It’s a long hike.
Between Kyalche and Beding there are nice views of Gauri Shanker. We set up camp near Beding.
Easy and short day from Beding to Na during which there are more views of the mountains.
Spend the day acclimatizing
Easy day as you spend it mostly walking by the lake.
This is going to be a short day, but a difficult hike as you tackle the Trukarding Glacier (4,980m). We head in the direction of the pass, climbing up the moraines of the glacier.
This is a relatively difficult day on the glacier of Trukarding (4,980m), but especially for the porters. We will use a rope to reach the foot of the Tashi Lapsa Pass. Overnight at Ngole Phedi.
We cross the Tashi Laptse Pass and descend to Thengmo. The going is tough but the day is a beautiful day with an outstanding view of the Khumbu region.
This is a short hike to Thame where you spend some time at the ancient Thame Monastery.
A day of rest
Another hard day as you climb up the Bhote Koshi valley to reach Langden.
We make a steep climb to Renjo La, a 5,350m pass to go from the Bhote Kosi Valley to Gokyo. After the Renjo Pass, we walk downhill for 1 ½ hours to arrive at the village of Gokyo. Stunning views of all the peaks of the Everest region greet us, along the Ngozumpa Glacier and the Gokyo Lakes. This is a long hike.
After climbing the small summit above Gokyo Lake, we are rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cholaste and Tawachee. We then go down to Nha where we spend the night.
After descending to TajungTsho we cross the moraine of the Ngozumpo Glacier and arrive at Thangnak. There’s a gradual climb up to the pass; followed by a gradual descent to Dzonglha.
From Dzonglha we move on to Lobuche enjoying superb views of Nuptse, Pumori, Lobuche Peak and Langtren.
We head out early in the morning to enjoy the view. Walking along the Khumbu glacier, we climb to GorakShep which is quite easily done. Then it becomes steeper towards Kala Patthar. We are now in the heart of a huge amphitheater surrounded by the highest and legendary peaks of the world.
From Lobuche to Pheriche is a gradual descent.
Leaving Pheriche, we descend through Pangboche where we come across one of the oldest gompas of Nepal . We walk through the forest and villages and then descend to Tengboche, the spiritual heart of Khumbu. We pay a visit to the famous monastery, which is magnificent with the background completely dominated by the sight of Ama Dablam. We then go down a steep path to the village of Phunke Tenka. The final bit of the hike involves a gradual climb up to Namche Bazar.
Leaving Namche behind, we descend to the village of Monjo. Then, we cross the Gumila forest and finally arrive at Lukla.
We catch the morning flight to Kathmandu. On clear days, we get to enjoy superb panoramic views of the Himalayas. Transfer to the hotel.
Free day in Kathmandu
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight. End of our services.
Practical Info
– In Kathmandu, we use hotels of good category ***, well located in the centre of Kathmandu. – The stay in Kathmandu is always done in a B&B to give you your choice of restaurants that offer traditional and continental cuisine according to your choices. – During the trek, you will be on full board and accommodation according to the itinerary.
What is included
- Minibus with the Staffs and Materials till Gonger & Airport Transfers
- 3 Nights in Hotel Tibet or Similar on BB Basis
- Trek on Full Board in Lodges / Camps / Homestay according to program
- Camping Collectif materials for 10 days (tents and Kitchen Stuffs)
- Trekking Staff: 1 Sherpa from 4 pax, 2 from 8 pax, 1 Porter for 2 pax till Lukla (Carry 13 Kg / Person)
- English Speaking Guide for trekking
- Camping Staffs ( Gonger to Thame): Extra porters for Camping Materials / Cook from 4 pax)
- Trekking Permits TIMS, GCAP, national Parc Sagarmatha
- Special Permit of Gaurishankar (1 Week)
- Fixed rope for the passes and equipments for staffs
- Insurance for staffs
- Flight Lukla – Kathmandu (159 $)
What is not included
- Visit and fooding in Kathmandu except Breakfast
- Insurance documents needed
- Cargo for extra luggage access (more than 15 Kg / Person)
- Visa Nepal ($50 + photo)
- Pourboires, dépenses personnelles et équipement, boissons, douches chaudes, rechargement de batteries durant le trek etc.
FAQ
Far from the classic circuits, this high-altitude trek crosses the entire Everest region along a little-travelled route, starting in the secret Rolwaling valley and reaching the sacred Gokyo lakes and Kala Patthar. Three passes above 5,000 m punctuate this Himalayan high route, each offering spectacular panoramas of the giants: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu…
The first part of the Rolwaling trek allows gentle acclimatisation, far from the crowds. The atmosphere is mystical, the trails rarely walked and the villages still very traditional. This gradual climb to altitude prepares the body for the demanding crossings of the Tashi Lapcha, Renjo La and Cho La.
High in the Gokyo valley, a series of glacial lakes sparkle among the mountains. From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,360 m), the view of Cho Oyu, Everest and Lhotse is simply unforgettable. One of the finest viewpoints in the Himalaya, in the heart of pristine nature.
Hidden at the foot of Gauri Shankar (7,146 m), the Rolwaling valley is a still-unspoilt land marked by legends, Tibetan culture and the mineral power of its peaks. Few trekkers venture here, and that is what makes it so magical: a deeper, truer Nepal to discover on foot.
