Rolwaling Trek – The Challenge Of A Lifetime

Updated: May 2, 2023
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The Rolwaling trek is rare amongst trekkers, unsurprising considering that it is one of the best and most challenging treks Nepal has to offer. Previous mountaineering experience and the support of experienced guides is essential. It is certainly not one for families.

Rolwaling Trek

The Rolwaling Valley is known in the Sherpa language as “the grave,” but this is due to its location, buried between steep ice giants, rather than a high death rate.

The most spectacular moment is sunrise over Gaurishankar, when the sun gives its peak a golden crown while the rest of the mountain is silver-grey.

This trek usually takes between 18 and 27 days and accommodation is mostly in home stays. Bedrooms are sometimes basic: the actual beds are usually no more than a wooden board supporting a blanket, thin straw mat or minimal foam mattress – it would be wise to take a Therm-a-Rest mattress. The rooms are, at least, warm, even at the highest altitudes.

Never mind red pandas or Snow Leopards – here, you could see a Yeti! This is where the famous British mountaineer, Eric Shipton, photographed a yeti track in 1951. It was also the site of Sir Edmund Hillary’s 1960 expedition that sought this mythical creature. Tenzing Norgay’s father caught site of a yeti, twice. In Beding and Na, you may meet people who have had that same experience.

Please Note: The highlight of this trek is unquestionably the temple at Muktinath (12,464 feet), which is dedicated to the god, Vishnu, one of the three supreme deities. It has natural gas fires and 108 waterfalls. It is believed that bathing using all of the waterfalls washes away sins. Devotees do this even when temperatures are freezing.

Regional Map

The Rolwaling Valley is east of Kathmandu, on the border with Tibet, at the foot of the holy and highly beautiful Mount Gauri Shankar (23 442 feet).

This valley is between the Everest and Langtang ranges, and the principal mountains of both are visible.

Langtang-Valley-Trek-map

Recommended Map

We recommend the following map: Rolwaling Himal: Gaurisankae-Tesi Lapcha (Nepal Trekking Maps) by Nepal Trekking Maps. 

Rolwaling Trek Route

Typical Itinerary

Here is a detailed Rolwaling Trek itinerary. Please note that there are several Rolwaling trek itineraries that can be done. Below we have laid out the most popular version – 19 days, leaving from Kathmandu. If you want to make your own way to Chhetchhet then you could probably organise this with your operator or guide. 

kathmandu-transport-everest-base-camp

Day 1-2

You will arrive in Kathmandu, a very lively place.

You will have a day to kill as your trip is prepared while exploring Kathmandu. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will have a wide range of cultural sites to view. Or perhaps do some last-minute shopping.

Day 3

You are driven to Chhetchhet, taking nine or 10 hours. You will stay overnight in a hotel here.

Day 4

Your trek begins properly today. Your first destination is Singate, with the first few hundred feet made up of very steep steps.

Day 5

Today, you will ascend 2,300 feet in altitude, with much oscillation. This gives you the hardest day of the trek. You will finish up in Donang where you stay for the night.

Day 6

You will climb 3,300 feet. This could lead to altitude sickness, but sans intermediate accommodation, there is no alternative. With the valley so heavily vegetated, there are perhaps higher oxygen levels, but you will not feel that way. With the mountains Dorje Lakpa and Melungtse and one of the highest passes in the world, Tashi Lapcha, in sight, you will make it to Beding.

Day 7 

This is an acclimatisation day. A few hundred feet away is a monastery that was once occupied by a single soul. Here, there are good views of the valley.

Day 8

You will trek to Na, 13,800 feet up, where you will stay for three days to explore the surrounding area.

Day 9

You will spend the day walking to and from a glacier that is 15,090 feet above sea level, where the view is impressive.

Rolwaling-trek

Day 10

Next, you will ambulate to Yalung Base Camp, 16,100 feet up.

Day 11

You will leave Na for Donang. You will initially ascend through a grass-covered valley to Tso Rolpa, where you are reminded of the threat of global warming: this lake was tiny two decades back but grew to immense size when glaciers melted. An outburst could cause massive damage further downstream, so sirens were installed on the banks of the Tamakoshi River that drains the lake. An outlet was constructed in 1998 to release water in a controlled fashion.

Day 12

You will traverse a moraine – an area of dirt and rock – on the valley’s north side, reaching the snout of the Tram Bau glacier. You will stay the night at Simigaon.

Day 13

From Simigaon, you will head for Chhetchhet then ascend to Thare to bed down for the night.

Day 14

Today, you will trek to Laduk where you stay the night.

Day 15

Today, you will trek to Bulukpa.

Day 16

You will trek to Bigu.

Day 17

You will cross Tingsang La to Dolansa.

Day 18

You will trek to Barabise.

Day 19

You are driven back to Kathmandu.

Rolwaling Hike FAQ

How much does the Rolwaling Trek cost? 

Tours for the Rolwaling hike usually cost in the region of $1,800 – $2,500.

Are permits required for the Rolwaling trek?

Yes, permits are required for the Rolwaling trek. The trek must be run by a registered trekking agency. You are obliged to purchase a climbing permit for the Ramdung Peak (19,439 feet), whether you climb it or not, which costs $350 for as many as five people. You also need a Trekkers Information Management System card.

When is the best time to do the Rolwaling trek?

The best time for people to do the Rolwaling trek is immediately before or after the monsoon season – March to June or September to November. The latter features the best weather and consequently sees more people.

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Is altitude sickness a risk on the Rolwaling hike?

Yes, there is some risk of altitude sickness on the Rolawing Trek. The trail ascends to some high-altitude points. At its highest point, Tashi Lakpa pass, you will reach an altitude of 5,755 meters (18,880 feet). There are steep sections on this trek where you will ascend very rapidly.

Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of the risks associated with high altitude trekking and how the body acclimatises to high altitude. We recommend you read our detailed article on Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation.

How difficult is the Rolawing trek?

The Rolwaling Trek is one of the toughest in Nepal and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. There are optional climbing sections and much of the trek is at high altitude. A high level of fitness is required. See peak climbing in Nepal.

What gear do I need for the Rolawing Trek?

You need a number of essential pieces of trekking gear for the Rolwaling Trek The trail is long and moderately difficult, exposing you to a range of altitudes where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between night and day.

Much of your gear can be rented or bought in Kathmandu, but we strongly suggest bringing the most important pieces of gear and equipment with you. To help you plan and prepare for your trek, we recommend reading our hiking packing list.

trekking-insurance

Do I need insurance for the Rolawing Trek?

Trekking insurance is vital in Nepal. This is particularly true on the Rolwaling trek which is very remote. If an accident should occur that requires medical assistance and evacuation you will certainly want adequate trekking insurance that can cover the costs of air ambulance and treatment.

Make sure to have insurance that covers you for any travel related risks, like lost, damaged, stolen or delayed baggage; flight delays and interruptions; and tour operators default.

This article on travel and trekking insurance provides great information on what type of insurance you need.

Are there any recommended guidebooks for the Rolawing Trek? 

There are many guidebooks that mention the Rolwaling Trek and Valley, but by far the best is A Trekking Guide to Rolwaling & Gauri Shankar: Lapche, Bigu & Tashi Lapcha (Himalayan Travel Guides) by Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons.

Are there other Nepal trekking routes?

Yes, there are many other Nepal trekking routes. If the Rolwaling Trek isn't your cup of tea, then you could always try your hand at the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Tags: Rolwaling trek cost, Rolwaling trek itinerary, Rolwaling Valley trek, Rolwaling Valley map

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About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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