Tsho Rolpa Trek is one of Nepal’s best, less-crowded trekking routes that offers serene Himalayan landscapes.
ThisTsho Rolpa trail in the Rolwaling region is for those trekking enthusiasts who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of more popular trekking routes like in the Everest or Annapurna region.
Trek Facts
Country: Nepal
Region: Rolwaling Region
Language: Nepali/Sherpa
Activity: Trekking
Duration: 10 Days
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Tea House
Meal Plan: Standard (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Distance Covered: 188 km
Max Altitude: 4,700m (Dudhkunda)
Start/End: Kathmandu
Best Season: Autumn and Spring
Transportation: Private/Public Vehicle
Currency: NPR
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Daily Activity: 6-7 hours
Tsho Rolpa Trek Highlights
- You’ll discover the pristine beauty of the Tsho Rolpa trek.
- Explore the peaceful and secluded Rolwaling region, where each footfall uncovers new surprises.
- Visit Gaurishankar Conservation Area, a biodiversity hotspot with surprises at every turn.
- Explore the Tibetan culture in the less crowded path of the Himalayan region.
- Trek alongside the roaring Tamakoshi River, a constant companion on your high-altitude adventure.
- Stand in awe before the towering giants of the Rolwaling range, a panorama that defines the trek.
Nepal’s Largest Glacial Lake – Tsho Rolpa Lake
At the center of this adventure, you’ll witness one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world, the Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake. Furthermore, it is also Nepal’s largest glacial lake. Tsho Rolpa Lake is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rolwaling range. Its breathtaking beauty and tranquil surroundings make it a must-see highlight of the trek.
Why hike the Tsho Rolpa Trek?
Unlike more crowded trekking destinations, Tsho Rolpa offers a rare and authentic experience.
This trek further brings you toward the Tibetan border, exposing you to the pure traditional lifestyles of the Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, and Sherpa communities. The villages of Chhetchhet and Beding provide a glimpse into the Sherpa culture of the Rolwaling Valley.
Geography & The Rolwaling Region
Your Tsho Rolpar trekking route incorporates tropical and subtropical forests to semi-alpine and alpine terrains. You’ll trek alongside rocky landslides, glacial moraines, and the ever-flowing Tama Koshi River.
The Rolwaling Region, situated in the secluded mountain valley of east-central Nepal, is a remote area located northeast of Kathmandu and near the Tibetan border.
This region is characterized by the expansive Rolwaling Himal, extending towards the Bhotekoshi River, which aligns with the Araniko Highway.
Known for its isolation and cultural diversity, the Rolwaling Valley is a rural municipality and lies beneath the towering Mt. Gaurishankar (7145m). With over 20 peaks surpassing 6000m, this valley has become a hub for commercial climbing ventures.
Within the Rolwaling Region, the last Sherpa village, Beding, and Na are prominent. Your Tsho Rolpa Trek route also lies in the Rolwaling region.
Permits You Need for Tsho Rolpa Trek
For the Tsho Rolpa trek in the Rolwaling Valley, you are required to possess a Gaurishankar Conservation Area entry permit.
This permit costs 3,000 NPR (around USD 30) for international tourists and 1,000 NPR (approximately USD 10) for SAARC nationals. Additionally, obtaining a TIMS permit is also mandatory. Don’t panic! If you choose the best trekking agency in Nepal you’ll save yourself time and struggle getting these permits.
Best Time To Trek in the Rolwaling Region
Knowing the weather patterns and seasonal changes of the Rolwaling region is crucial for completing your Tsho Rolpa trek.
The peak seasons of Spring and Autumn attract numerous trekkers, contributing to higher demand and prices due to limited accommodations in the Rolwaling area.
On the flip side, traveling during the off-seasons of Winter and Summer may offer a more budget-friendly option as demand subsides.