Introduction:
The Tsho Rolpa Trek is an adventurous journey through the Rolwaling Valley, offering trekkers a chance to explore one of the less-visited regions of Nepal. This trek takes you to the stunning Tsho Rolpa Lake, one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal, situated at an elevation of 4,580 meters (15,026 feet). The trek provides breathtaking views of Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, and other majestic peaks, along with a rich cultural experience as you pass through traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages.
Overview:
- Duration: 14 days (including arrival and departure)
- Max Elevation: 4,580 meters (15,026 feet) at Tsho Rolpa Lake
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best Season: March to May, September to November
- Start/End Point: Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Gongar Khola
- Starting Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 1,350 meters (4,429 feet)
- Duration: 7-8 hours drive
- Route: Scenic drive through picturesque countryside and along the Bhote Koshi River to Gongar Khola.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Gongar Khola.
- Overnight: Gongar Khola.
Day 2: Gongar Khola to Simigaon
- Starting Elevation: 1,350 meters (4,429 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 2,000 meters (6,561 feet)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Route: Cross suspension bridges, trek through lush forests and terraced fields, climb to Simigaon.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Simigaon.
- Overnight: Simigaon.
Day 3: Simigaon to Donga
- Starting Elevation: 2,000 meters (6,561 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Route: Ascend through rhododendron and bamboo forests, pass by waterfalls, and reach Donga.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Donga.
- Overnight: Donga.
Day 4: Donga to Beding
- Starting Elevation: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 3,690 meters (12,106 feet)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Route: Trek through dense forests, crossing rivers and rocky terrain, to the Sherpa village of Beding.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Beding.
- Overnight: Beding.
Day 5: Beding to Na
- Starting Elevation: 3,690 meters (12,106 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 4,183 meters (13,727 feet)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Route: Gentle ascent along the Rolwaling River, passing yak pastures, to reach Na.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Na.
- Overnight: Na.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Na
- Elevation: 4,183 meters (13,727 feet)
- Activities: Rest day for acclimatization, optional hikes to nearby ridges for panoramic views.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Na.
- Overnight: Na.
Day 7: Na to Tsho Rolpa Lake
- Starting Elevation: 4,183 meters (13,727 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 4,580 meters (15,026 feet)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Route: Trek through rocky terrain and glacial moraines to reach the stunning Tsho Rolpa Lake.
- Accommodation: Teahouse/Camping at Tsho Rolpa.
- Overnight: Tsho Rolpa.
Day 8: Explore Tsho Rolpa Lake and Surroundings
- Elevation: 4,580 meters (15,026 feet)
- Activities: Explore the glacial lake, enjoy breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, and optional hikes.
- Accommodation: Teahouse/Camping at Tsho Rolpa.
- Overnight: Tsho Rolpa.
Day 9: Tsho Rolpa to Beding
- Starting Elevation: 4,580 meters (15,026 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 3,690 meters (12,106 feet)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Route: Retrace steps back to Beding, enjoying different perspectives of the valley.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Beding.
- Overnight: Beding.
Day 10: Beding to Donga
- Starting Elevation: 3,690 meters (12,106 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Route: Descend through the valley, passing through forests and crossing rivers.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Donga.
- Overnight: Donga.
Day 11: Donga to Simigaon
- Starting Elevation: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 2,000 meters (6,561 feet)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Route: Continue descent, passing by waterfalls and through lush forests.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Simigaon.
- Overnight: Simigaon.
Day 11: Simigaon to Gongar Khola
- Starting Elevation: 2,000 meters (6,561 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 1,350 meters (4,429 feet)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Route: Trek down to Gongar Khola, crossing suspension bridges and passing terraced fields.
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Gongar Khola.
- Overnight: Gongar Khola.
Day 12: Drive from Gongar Khola to Kathmandu
- Starting Elevation: 1,350 meters (4,429 feet)
- Ending Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
- Duration: 7-8 hours drive
- Route: Scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Overnight: Kathmandu.
Additional Details:
- Permits: Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP) and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card are required.
- Accommodation: Teahouses and camping along the trail.
- Meals: Traditional Nepali meals, with options for international cuisine available at larger teahouses.
- Guides/Porters: Hiring a guide and/or porter is recommended for support and safety.
Packing List:
- Clothing: Layers for warmth, waterproof jacket, trekking pants, gloves, hat, and sturdy trekking boots.
- Gear: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, first aid kit, water purification tablets, and personal toiletries.
- Documents: Passport, travel insurance, permits, and extra passport-sized photos.
This itinerary offers a detailed and immersive trekking experience to the stunning Tsho Rolpa Lake, providing a mix of challenging trekking, cultural exploration, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
