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The Tsho Rolpa Lake trek pulls back the curtain on a real hidden gem of Nepal. Forget the crowded, famous trails, this journey takes you along a remote, stunningly beautiful path that often goes overlooked.
Wandering somewhere in the Rolwaling region, Tsho Rolpa is one of Nepal's true hidden valleys. The trek lies in east-central Nepal near the Tibet border, between the Langtang and Everest ranges.
Beyond the pristine waters of Tsho Rolpa, the trek rewards you with an endless panorama of Gaurishankar Himal (7,134m), adding even more beauty to the journey. Along the way, you’ll wander through charming villages and lush forests before reaching Tsho Rolpa, Nepal’s largest glacial lake, shimmering within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
The trek is noted for being a remote and serene experience, seeing fewer trekkers compared to more popular trails. So, if you’re seeking peace and untouched beauty far from the crowds, Tsho Rolpa Lake trek might be the perfect choice.
The Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is generally considered moderate to strenuous, or demanding. While it does not typically require technical climbing skills, it demands a good to high level of physical fitness, stamina, and perseverance.
Trekking days typically last 6 to 8 hours involving challenging sections, steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and narrow trails. Due to the high altitude of Tsho Rolpa Lake itself, there is a risk of altitude sickness.
It is preferable to have prior experience with high-altitude trekking in remote areas. However, with proper preparation, even beginners with some hiking experience can manage this trek.
Permits are required for trekking in Nepal to fund conservation efforts for protected areas, preserve unique cultures in restricted zones, support local communities, ensure trekkers' safety by tracking their movements for emergencies, and manage tourism to prevent overcrowding and negative environmental impacts.
You require two permits for this trek:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Shigati (950 m), 9 hours drive
Day 2: Shigati to Jagat (1050 m), 6 hours trek
Day 3: Jagat to Simi Gaun (1900 m), 5 hours trek
Day 4: Simi Gaun to Gyalchen (3300 m), 6 hours trek
Day 5: Gyalchen to Beding (3650 m), 4 hours trek
Day 6: Beding to Na Gaun (4100 m), 4 hours trek
Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Na Gaun
Day 8: Na Gaun to Tso Rolpa Lake (4183 m), 4 hours trek
Day 9: Tso Rolpa Lake Acclimatization Day
Day 10: Tso Rolpa Lake to Beding (4100 m), 7 hours trek
Day 11: Beding to Daldung La Pass (3976 m), 6 hours trek
Day 12: Daldung La Pass to Simi Gaun (1900 m), 5 hours trek
Day 13: Simi Gaun to Jagat (1050 m), 5 hours trek
Day 14: Jagat to Shigati (950 m), 6 hours trek
Day 15: Shigati to Kathmandu, 9 hours drive
Your adventure begins with a scenic 7-9 hour drive from Kathmandu along the Araniko Highway. The journey follows the Bhote Koshi and Sun Koshi rivers, offering views of terraced fields, vibrant villages, and the distant Gaurishankar peak. Upon arrival in Shigati, you will settle in for the night at a local lodge. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
After breakfast, the trek officially starts. You'll follow a narrow trail along the Tama Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and ascending towards Suri Dhoban for majestic views of Gaurishankar. The path continues past Mani stones and prayer wheels to the village of Jagat, where you'll stay overnight. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
The trek up toward Simi Gaun crosses through the riverbank, passing through forests and suspension bridges to Gonggar village. You will conquer stone steps near beautiful waterfalls and pass through the terraced fields of Chhetchhet. A final ascent brings you to the Sherpa village of Simi Gaun, which offers excellent views and a chance to explore a local Buddhist monastery. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
The trail becomes more challenging today as you gain significant altitude. You'll ascend stone steps, navigate through forests along the Rolwaling River, and climb a cliff-like landscape to reach the settlement of Gyalchen. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Today is a less strenuous day, with a trail that passes through grazing pastures where you might see yaks. We will now enter the heart of the Rolwaling region as you arrive in Beding, the largest settlement in the area. The village features an ancient Gompa and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
The trek continues with a gradual climb along the Rolwaling River. The valley opens into a U-shape with vast grasslands, and you'll pass Mani stones and a large Bodhisattva painting on a rock. Na Gaon is a beautiful village nestled beneath a magnificent mountain range, enclosed by protective stone walls. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
At this point of the trek, the altitude is already high and will rise further as you approach the lake. Today is set aside as an acclimatisation day, giving your body time to adjust to the thinner air so you can enjoy the journey ahead.
You can spend the day exploring the village and its surroundings, soaking in stunning views of Yalung, Menlung, and the majestic Gauri Shanker. A short hike towards the Yalung Glacier also rewards you with incredible scenery and photo opportunities of this natural wonder.
If you’re feeling energetic, you may even choose to visit Bigu Gompa, a historic monastery established in 1931 and home to hundreds of nuns. As it is a longer hike from Na Gaun, it’s best to confirm the plan with your guide. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
This is the day you reach the trek's main highlight. The trail leads across suspension bridges and up through green meadows into a valley flanked by glaciers. You will navigate the rocky moraines of the Rolwaling Glacier to finally arrive at the stunning, turquoise Tsho Rolpa Lake. The mesmerizing beauty of the lake, surrounded by towering peaks, is an overwhelming sight. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Tsho Rolpa Lake is Nepal’s largest glacier lake – around 3.5 km / 2.17 miles in length and covering an area of 1.6 km / 1 mile. With a depth of around 132 meters / 433 ft, it is also a deep lake whose waters continue to rise.
During the winter the lake freezes over and even at other times of the year it can be quite cool there with the higher altitude and high winds, particularly in the afternoon.
Today you get to enjoy the ambiance of the lake, do some bird watching or hike around the area. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
After a final morning enjoying the lake, we will retrace our steps back towards Beding. The return journey offers a different perspective on the landscapes you passed on the way up. We will probably stop for lunch in Na Gaon before continuing to Beding for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Today's trek takes us to Daldung La Pass. The trail is challenging, with narrow paths and loose scree as you ascend through diverse flora and fauna. You will cross a deep gorge via a suspension bridge and pass through Sherpa villages en route to the pass. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
The day involves a long descent from the pass, which requires careful footing to protect your knees and ankles. As you descend, the landscape transforms from barren high-altitude terrain back to lush vegetation, with waterfalls and streams lining the path. Overnight stay at Simi Gaun. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Today, we continue our descent on a trail through landscapes of terraced hills and past pristine waterfalls. After crossing several suspension bridges over Himalayan rivers, we will arrive back in Jagat. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
This is your final day of trekking. The trail follows the riverbank back through Manthali village and Suri Dobhan, offering one last look at the majestic Gaurishankar. Following the narrow trails along the Tama Koshi River, you will reach Shigati. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
After breakfast, you will board a vehicle for the 7-9 hour drive back to Kathmandu, concluding your incredible Tsho Rolpa Lake adventure. Your guide will ensure you are safely dropped off at your hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Trekking to Tsho Rolpa is considered risky to do alone, and having a guide is highly recommended, especially for beginners. Your guide will be an experienced professional who will accompany you for the entire duration of the trek. They are trained in first aid and can recognize symptoms of altitude sickness, ensuring your safety on the trail.
Hidden Trek Nepal strongly advises it to help to reduce the pressure on these difficult paths. In order to control all other trek-related expenses on your own, Hidden Trek Nepal now provides a "guide only" service whereby you can hire a licensed guide and pay just for the guide's price. With this service, we provide you with a government-licensed, experienced trekking guide who knows the region inside and out.
We understand that many travellers today prefer a more flexible and cost-effective approach to adventure. That is why this service especially targets budget-conscious tourists looking for a real Himalayan adventure. It lets you manage your own logistics like transportation, accommodation, and meals along the route, thus welcoming different tastes and budgets.
Guides can help with navigation, selecting the best food and accommodation, and providing valuable information about the local culture, villages, and landscape. Porters can also be hired to carry your main luggage, allowing you to trek with just a light daypack and enjoy the journey without a heavy burden. A guide may charge around $30-35 per day, while a porter typically charges $20-25 per day.
The best seasons to undertake the Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May).
Autumn (September - November): This season offers moderate temperatures, stable weather, and clear skies, providing excellent views of the mountains. The minimal rainfall makes for perfect trekking conditions.
Spring (March - May): Spring is another ideal time, as the weather is beautiful and the hills are painted with blooming wildflowers, including vibrant rhododendrons. The temperatures are pleasant for trekking.
Trekking during the Monsoon (June - August) is risky due to heavy rain, slippery trails, and the potential for landslides.
Winter (December - February) is also not recommended as heavy snowfall can block trails, and extreme cold closes many teahouses.
Altitude sickness is a significant concern on this trek, as you will reach elevations above 4,500 meters. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. To mitigate the risk, it is crucial to:
This trek is demanding and requires a high level of physical fitness and stamina. You should be able to walk for 6-8 hours daily over rough and challenging terrain.
It is recommended to start a training routine at least two weeks before the trek. Focus on cardiovascular exercises like running and jogging, as well as strength training for your leg muscles, to build endurance.
While not mandatory, prior experience in high-altitude trekking is highly beneficial.
Body
Footwear
Hands
Backpack and Accessories
Accommodations are primarily in teahouses or lodges run by local families. These offer basic but cozy rooms, typically with two single beds and shared bathroom facilities.
Staying in teahouses provides a wonderful opportunity to experience genuine local hospitality.
Meals on the trek are a mix of traditional Nepali food and common trekking dishes designed to provide energy.
The journey to the trek's starting point is by road. You will take a bus or a private jeep from Kathmandu to Shigati, a drive that takes approximately 7 to 9 hours. The return journey from Shigati to Kathmandu is also by road.
Being a remote trek, communication facilities are limited. Electricity, internet, and mobile network coverage are not available in most places. A few larger villages like Shigati, Beding, and Simi Gaon may have limited electricity (often from solar panels), internet access, and mobile signal, but it should not be relied upon.
Booking your Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek with Hidden Trek Nepal is simple. You can visit our website to view the trip details and send us an inquiry. For any queries or to customize your trip, you can talk to one of our travel experts via email or phone.
Kathmandu has many great hotels, and we recommend staying in Thamel, the city’s vibrant tourist hub. It's packed with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Thamel is also the perfect place to rent or buy trekking gear.
For shopping, there are plenty of nearby places to explore. Plus, our office is conveniently located in the heart of Thamel.
If you need assistance with hotel booking, Hidden Trek Nepal is here to help.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for individuals from the majority of countries by visiting the online website of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Online forms must be filled out, printed, and brought with you.
The online system can be accessed at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ from any location and at any time. The Online Application System can keep your application for 15 days in its system, allowing you to apply at your convenience and present it to the Immigration Authority at the time of admission or visa extension.
Visas on arrival are valid for 15, 30, or 3 months and are priced at:
We recommend hiking before the Tsho Rolpa Trek, helping your body adjust to higher elevations. Test your gear and break in your hiking boots on these short walks to find and correct any problems while still near city shops and resources.
Some suggestions for hiking places near Kathmandu are: Champa Devi Hiking, Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill) Hiking, Sundarijal Hiking, Chandragiri Hiking, etc.
You can also visit some very popular cultural locations carrying significant histories while in Kathmandu before the trek: Boudhanath (Boudha), the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur).
After the Tsho Rolpa Trek, relaxing and enjoying Nepal's splendor is worth it. After the lengthy trek, Nepal is also a great place to relax with views, and cozy cafés. We recommend:
Or extend your shortest trek to the Annapurna side of Nepal; Ghandruk Dhampus Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Poon Hill Trek etc.
Hidden Trek Nepal is known for having skilled porters and making each tour unique. They know both the history and geography of the area well enough to make sure you have a safe and useful trip.
Our goal is to give you an experience that immerses you in the awe of the great Nepalese wilderness, whether that means customizing your schedule or making changes to the trail in real time or helping you through the tough parts of the trip.
We also provide flexible solutions, such as a "guide only" service for independent trekkers who would rather handle their own logistics with expert advice. With Hidden Trek Nepal, you interact with people, environment, and the desire of adventure at every turn rather than simply travel.
The journey is difficult due to the high altitude, difficult terrain, and extended duration. Prior trekking experience and a high level of physical fitness are highly recommended but not mandatory.
Tsho Rolpa Trekking is not a restricted region, and trekkers are not mandated to accompany a guide and a porter. However, we highly suggest guides as they will assist with local knowledge, navigation, and gear carrying. This also benefits the local economy.
You will stay in basic teahouses or lodges with shared rooms and bathrooms. Near Tsho Rolpa Lake, accommodation might be in tented camps. Food will be a mix of Nepali staples like Dal Bhat and some international trekking dishes like pasta and pizza.
We made a customized 15-day plan that includes the time needed to get used to the altitude and the right amount of trekking. However, you can add or remove days depending on your schedule. The schedule can be changed to fit your needs as long as you follow the rules.
Yes! Kathmandu has many shops (Thamel area) selling:
The Tsho Rolpa Trek prohibits solo trekking. You need to go on a trek with a qualified local guide and at least one other person.
Temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night and at higher altitudes. A four-season sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C is recommended to ensure you stay warm and comfortable.
Yes, travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory. This is crucial for your safety in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies.
While the package covers major expenses, you should bring some extra Nepali rupees for personal expenses like snacks, drinks, hot showers, charging electronic devices, souvenirs, and tips for your guide and porters.
Charging facilities are very limited and may only be available in a few larger villages for a fee. It is highly recommended to bring a power bank or a portable solar charger to keep your devices charged.
