The Rolwaling Valley Trek offers an extraordinary 12-day adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote and stunning alpine valleys, nestled between the Everest and Langtang regions. This trek takes you off the beaten path into the mystical Rolwaling Valley, home to the sacred Gauri Shankar and hidden gems like Tso Rolpa Lake. Along the journey, trekkers experience the striking diversity of Nepal’s landscapes—from lush rhododendron forests and alpine meadows to glaciers and towering Himalayan peaks.
Starting in Kathmandu, you’ll travel to Shigati, where the trek begins. The trail winds through charming Sherpa villages like Simigaun, peaceful pastures in Kharka, and high-altitude settlements like Beding and Na Village. You’ll cross alpine meadows, pass ancient mani walls adorned with Buddhist prayers, and eventually reach the serene Tso Rolpa Lake, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
One of the trek’s highlights is the sense of solitude as you traverse this secluded region, far from the bustling trekking routes. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in the local Sherpa culture and visit ancient monasteries, while the views of Gauri Shankar and other towering peaks provide a constant and awe-inspiring backdrop.
The trek includes acclimatization days and rest stops to ensure safe passage through high-altitude areas, allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. The journey culminates with a visit to Tso Rolpa, one of Nepal’s largest glacial lakes, before descending back through the Rolwaling Valley to Gongar Khola and returning to Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary of Rolwaling Valley Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft)
Arrival: Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a friendly Peregrine Treks and Tours representative will greet you and transfer you to The Everest Hotel.
Briefing: In the evening, attend a trek briefing with your guide, where you’ll discuss the Rolwaling Valley Trek itinerary, safety measures, and any questions about the trek.
Leisure: The rest of the day is free for you to explore Kathmandu or relax.
Accommodation: The Everest Hotel
Meals: Not Included
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Shigati (1,020m/3,346ft) – 7 to 8 Hours Drive
Morning: After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Shigati, passing through the picturesque hills and valleys of rural Nepal.
Afternoon: Enjoy the changing landscapes as you move away from the urban setting into the countryside, witnessing terraced fields and small villages.
Evening: Arrive in Shigati, the starting point of your trek. Settle into a local teahouse for the night, preparing your gear for the upcoming trek.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Trek from Shigati to Simigaun (2,000m/6,562ft) – 5 to 6 Hours Trek
Morning: Start your trek from Shigati, following the Tamakoshi River. The trail winds through lush forests, offering a refreshing start to your journey.
Afternoon: Pass through traditional villages and terraced fields as you gradually ascend towards Simigaun. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Evening: Reach Simigaun, a scenic Sherpa village, and settle into your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Trek from Simigaun to Kharka (2,900m/9,514ft) – 6 to 7 Hours Trek
Morning: Continue your trek from Simigaun, passing through dense rhododendron forests and crossing small streams along the way.
Afternoon: As you ascend, the landscape opens up to reveal stunning views of the distant Himalayan peaks. The path becomes steeper, offering a more challenging trek.
Evening: Arrive in Kharka, a high-altitude pasture, and set up camp for the night. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and incredible views.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Trek from Kharka to Beding (3,700m/12,140ft) – 5 to 6 Hours Trek
Morning: Trek through vast alpine meadows with stunning views of Gauri Shankar and surrounding peaks.
Afternoon: Pass ancient mani walls carved with Buddhist prayers, adding a spiritual element to your trek.
Evening: Arrive in Beding, one of the largest settlements in the Rolwaling Valley. Spend the night in a local teahouse, enjoying the warmth of Sherpa hospitality.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Beding (3,700m/12,140ft)
Morning: Take a rest day in Beding to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Enjoy a short hike around the village for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Afternoon: Visit a local monastery or simply relax, letting your body adjust to the altitude.
Evening: Prepare for the higher altitudes and challenges in the days ahead.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trek from Beding to Na (4,200m/13,780ft) – 4 to 5 Hours Trek
Morning: Continue your trek from Beding to Na Village, the highest permanent settlement in the Rolwaling Valley.
Afternoon: Trek through alpine meadows with stunning views of towering peaks and ancient Buddhist prayer walls.
Evening: Arrive in Na and settle into a teahouse for the night. Explore the serene village or enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Trek from Na to Tso Rolpa (4,580m/15,026ft) – 6 to 7 Hours Trek
Morning: Begin the trek from Na to Tso Rolpa, one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal.
Afternoon: Pass through rugged terrain and follow the Rolwaling River as you ascend towards the lake, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains along the way.
Evening: Arrive at the serene Tso Rolpa Lake, surrounded by majestic peaks. Set up camp for the night and enjoy the remote beauty of the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Trek from Tso Rolpa to Dongang (2,790m/9,154ft) – 5 to 6 Hours Trek
Morning: Begin your descent from Tso Rolpa, retracing your steps through the Rolwaling Valley.
Afternoon: Pass through familiar landscapes as you make your way back to lower altitudes. The descent offers new perspectives on the valley’s beauty.
Evening: Arrive in Dongang and settle into a teahouse for the night, reflecting on the stunning landscapes you’ve traversed.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Dongang to Gongar Khola (1,430m/4,690ft) – 5 to 6 Hours Trek
Morning: Continue your trek down to Gongar Khola, passing through lush forests and crossing rivers along the way.
Afternoon: Enjoy the gradual descent as you leave the high mountains behind and return to the green valley below.
Evening: Arrive at Gongar Khola and spend your last night in the Rolwaling region.
Accommodation: Local Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Drive from Gongar Khola to Kathmandu – 7 to 8 Hours Drive
Morning: After breakfast, embark on the scenic drive back to Kathmandu, passing through terraced fields, villages, and beautiful landscapes.
Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the final leg of your journey, reflecting on the incredible trek.
Evening: Arrive in Kathmandu and check into The Everest Hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: The Everest Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Final Departure or Optional Extension
Morning: After breakfast, a representative from Peregrine Treks and Tours will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
Optional: If you wish to extend your stay, options include a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park or cultural tours in Bhutan or Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast