Nepal · Trekking

17-Day Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Trek through Rolwaling and Khumbu

17 Days Round trip from Dolakha Easy pace
Rolwaling trek
Rolwaling trek
Rolwaling trek
Rolwaling trek
View all 8 photos

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the remote and culturally rich Rolwaling Valley, far from mainstream trekking routes
  • 02 Visit traditional Sherpa villages such as Beding and Na for authentic Himalayan experiences
  • 03 Hike to the stunning Tsho Rolpa Lake, one of Nepal's largest and most beautiful glacial lakes
  • 04 Cross the high-altitude and technically demanding Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5,755 meters
  • 05 Enjoy breathtaking views of Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, and the towering peaks of the Khumbu region
  • 06 Acclimatize with scenic day hikes to Yalung Ri Base Camp and surrounding viewpoints

Embark on a thrilling 17-day Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Trek through one of Nepal's most remote and scenic regions. Beginning in Kathmandu, the journey leads into the pristine Rolwaling Valley, home to ancient Sherpa villages, lush forests, waterfalls, and the stunning Tsho Rolpa glacial lake. Cross the challenging Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5,755m with ropes and technical gear before entering the iconic Khumbu region near Everest. This high-altitude trek offers a rare blend of wilderness adventure, Himalayan panoramas, and rich Sherpa culture.

Begin pre-dawn with ropes, harnesses, and ice gear (guide mandatory).

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Thame
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Briefing

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
  • Attend a trek briefing session covering permits, gear check, and logistics.

Rest and recover from your journey.

2
Day 02

Drive to Gongar Khola via Charikot

  • Drive through scenic countryside, terraced hills, and riverside settlements.
  • Pass through Charikot and continue along the Tama Koshi River.
  • Reach Gongar Khola and settle into a local lodge or set up camp.
3
Day 03

Trek to Simigaun with Views of Gauri Shankar

  • Cross a suspension bridge and begin a steep ascent through forests and cultivated fields.
  • Pass chortens and mani walls as you enter Sherpa territory.
  • Enjoy your first view of Mt. Gauri Shankar (7,134m), a sacred mountain.

Stay overnight at a teahouse in Simigaun.

4
Day 04

Forest Trail to Dongang

  • Descend to the Rolwaling River and traverse through rhododendron and pine forests.
  • Cross multiple wooden bridges and waterfalls.
  • Walk along a lush gorge and ascend gradually to Dongang.

Spend the night in a lodge near the riverbank.

5
Day 05

Trek to Beding, the Valley's Largest Sherpa Village

  • Follow the river deeper into the Rolwaling Valley.
  • Hike past grazing lands, prayer flags, and stone walls.
  • Arrive at Beding, the largest Sherpa village in the valley.
  • Visit the 600-year-old Gompa and interact with locals.
6
Day 06

Acclimatization Hike in Beding

  • Hike to a nearby ridge or hill (around 4,000m) for altitude gain.
  • Enjoy spectacular mountain panoramas and return to rest.
  • Explore Beding and learn about Sherpa traditions.
7
Day 07

Trek to Na Village

  • Trek along the Rolwaling River with panoramic mountain views.
  • Walk past yaks and stone huts as you enter Na.
  • Nestled beneath Chobutse and other peaks, Na is a small seasonal settlement.
8
Day 08

Acclimatization at Na with High-Altitude Day Hike

  • Take a light day hike either to Yalung Ri Base Camp or the Tsho Rolpa Viewpoint.
  • Enjoy views of surrounding glaciers and snowy peaks.
  • Return to Na for rest and final preparations for high altitude.
9
Day 09

Trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake

  • Walk on rocky terrain alongside the Rolwaling River.
  • Reach Tsho Rolpa, a stunning glacial lake cradled between steep cliffs.
  • Camp by the lake or sleep in a basic shelter nearby.
10
Day 10

Trek to Tashi Lapcha Base Camp

  • Enter an alpine zone as you move onto moraines and glacier paths.
  • Use crampons or microspikes if ice is present.
  • Reach the base of Tashi Lapcha Pass and camp on the glacier.
11
Day 11

Cross Tashi Lapcha Pass into the Khumbu

  • Begin pre-dawn with ropes, harnesses, and ice gear (guide mandatory).
  • Ascend steep snow and ice slopes to the pass.
  • Celebrate at the top with breathtaking views of the Khumbu and Rolwaling ranges.
  • Descend carefully to a safe campsite on the Khumbu side.
12
Day 12

Descend to Thyangbo

  • Continue descending through a barren, rocky landscape.
  • Pass yak herders' huts and alpine pastures.
  • Reach Thyangbo, a summer yak grazing settlement.
13
Day 13

Trek to Thame and Visit the Monastery

  • Follow the trail down into lush greenery and established villages.
  • Visit Thame Monastery, perched on a hill above the village.
  • Enjoy the first signs of Everest region hospitality and comfort.
14
Day 14

Trek to Namche Bazaar

  • Join the main Everest trekking trail.
  • Pass prayer flags, mani walls, and scenic river valleys.
  • Reach Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital.
  • Explore cafes, bakeries, souvenir shops, and internet facilities.
15
Day 15

Final Trek to Lukla

  • Trek past Phakding and other small villages.
  • Cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River.
  • Celebrate your successful crossing with your team in Lukla.
16
Day 16

Scenic Flight Back to Kathmandu

  • Take an early morning scenic flight to Kathmandu.
  • Transfer to your hotel.
  • Rest or explore Thamel's markets and restaurants.
17
Day 17

Buffer Day or Kathmandu Sightseeing

  • Use this buffer day in case of flight delays from Lukla.
  • Go sightseeing (Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath) or shopping.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner or cultural show if time permits.
Rolwaling Valley, Tsho Rolpa Lake, Tashi Lapcha Pass

Where this trip takes you

Rolwaling Valley, Tsho Rolpa Lake, Tashi Lapcha Pass

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Dolakha 4 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Porters provided (typically 1 porter for every 2 trekkers, max load 20-25 kg)
  • Camping gear included when teahouse accommodation is unavailable (tent, mattress, kitchen utensils)
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner - local and hygienic)
  • Accommodation in teahouses or tents depending on route conditions
  • Boiled or filtered drinking water supplied throughout the trek
  • Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)
  • Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card
  • Sagarmatha National Park Permit (for crossing into the Everest region)
  • Tashi Lapcha Special Climbing Permit (due to the technical and high-altitude nature of the pass)
  • Private jeep or local bus from Kathmandu to the trailhead (Gongar Khola or Chetchet)
  • Domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off service in Kathmandu
  • Cook and kitchen team provided for camping-based treks
  • All staff covered with insurance, food, accommodation, and fair wages
  • Basic first aid kit carried by the guide
  • Oximeter for daily altitude and health monitoring
  • 2 or 3 nights in a standard hotel with breakfast before and after the trek

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Nepal visa fees (available on arrival or via embassy)
  • Personal trekking gear such as jackets, boots, and sleeping bags (available for rent in Kathmandu)
  • Extra snacks, drinks (bottled/soft drinks), and other personal expenses
  • Tips for the guide, porter, and support staff (customary and expected)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory and must cover emergency helicopter evacuation)

What to bring

  • Thermal tops and bottoms (2 sets)
  • Moisture-wicking T-shirts (2-3)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Fleece jacket or down jacket (essential above 4,000m)
  • Lightweight insulated vest (optional)
  • Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Waterproof pants (for rain/snow)
  • Windproof softshell pants
  • Trekking pants (2 pairs)
  • Warm trekking trousers (1 pair for high altitude)
  • Thermal leggings
  • Warm hat (wool or fleece)
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Inner fleece gloves
  • Quality trekking boots (broken-in)
  • Camp shoes or sandals (for rest/camps)
  • Trekking socks (3-5 pairs)
  • Warm wool socks (for cold nights)
  • Sleeping bag (rated -15°C to -20°C)
  • Sleeping bag liner (for added warmth and hygiene)
  • Sleeping mat (if camping)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Water bottles (2 x 1L) or hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Backpack (40-60L) with rain cover
  • Daypack (for essentials)
  • Dry bags or plastic bags (to keep items dry)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Wet wipes
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Small first aid kit (including blister care, painkillers, Diamox if needed)
  • Personal medications
  • Diamox (consult a doctor before use)
  • Basic first aid items (band-aids, antiseptic, tape)
  • Oximeter (optional)
  • Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage
  • Power bank
  • Camera or GoPro
  • Extra memory cards
  • Notebook and pen
  • Snacks (energy bars, chocolate, nuts)
  • Cash (no ATMs along the trail)

Know before you go

  • Located in Dolakha District, eastern-central Nepal, near the Tibetan border.
  • Lies within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
  • Starts near Gongar Khola or Chetchet and ends in Lukla if crossing Tashi Lapcha.
  • Remote and partly off-grid, with limited or no teahouses after Na village.
  • Mostly a camping trek, especially beyond Tsho Rolpa Lake.
  • Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5,755m is a technical section requiring ropes, crampons, and a trained guide.
  • Trek duration ranges from 16 to 21 days depending on pace and route.
  • The itinerary can be shortened or extended based on preferences.
  • The trek is challenging and requires good fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.
  • Includes glacier crossings, steep ascents, and potential snowfields.
  • Best suited for experienced trekkers or those accompanied by a licensed guide.
  • Requires Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP).
  • Requires TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System).
  • Requires Sagarmatha National Park Permit if entering the Everest region.
  • Requires Tashi Lapcha Climbing Permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
  • A licensed guide is mandatory for crossing Tashi Lapcha.
  • Hiring a porter is highly recommended due to long trekking days and camping gear.
  • Booking through a local company ensures smoother logistics.
  • Teahouse accommodation is available only up to Na village and is basic.
  • Camping is required beyond Na, particularly near Tsho Rolpa and Tashi Lapcha.
  • Trekkers must carry tents, sleeping bags, food, and cooking staff for sections beyond Na.
  • Best trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
  • Winter (December to February) is extremely cold, and the pass may be blocked by snow.
  • Monsoon (June to August) brings landslides, leeches, and poor trail conditions and is not recommended.
  • Maximum elevation reached is 5,755m at Tashi Lapcha Pass.
  • There is a high risk of altitude sickness beyond Beding and Na village.
  • Spend 2 to 3 days acclimatizing in Na or Beding before attempting high sections.
  • Carry enough cash, as there are no ATMs along the trail.
  • Bring a power bank and solar charger due to the lack of electricity in remote areas.
  • Travel insurance must include helicopter evacuation coverage.
  • Be respectful of local Sherpa culture and religious sites.
  • Do not expect Wi-Fi or mobile phone signal in most areas.
  • Emergency helicopter coordination is available, but the cost is not included unless covered by insurance.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Dolakha, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 17 days finish where they began, in Dolakha.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 2,000 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total