19 days Rolwaling Trek

Rolwaling trek offers outstanding view of Himalayas that lies along the north-eastern side of the finger land and that juts into Tibet to the north-east of the Kathmandu – Kodari – Lhasa highway. It forms the northern border of a wild, beautiful and seldom frequented valley below a string of some 50 peaks all over 6000m. It is crowned by the double peaks of Gaurishankar (7,145m/23,475ft) on the border and the peaks of Melungtse I (7181m) and II (7023m) in Tibet.

Rolwaling  valley  trek contains several small villages, the largest at Beding, and is fed by the Rolwaling Khola and its numerous tributaries. In 2010 this area was declared a conservation area, known as the Gaurishankar Conservation Area: covering 2179 square Kilometers. It is home to some 58 000 people, the largest group being Tamangs followed by Sherpas and Chhetris.

Our 18 days Rolwaling  trek begins with a scenic drive along the 106km friendship highway towards east of Kathmandu,through beautiful scenery towards the border town. After another 50km, at Khadichur, we leave the main highway to travel eastwards as far as the bus terminus at Charikot Dolakha.

From here our footpath undulates, often steeply, between broad ridges and river crossings to link picturesque Chhetri, Sherpa and Tamang villages. There are numerous suspension bridges across impressive gorges that shorten the climbs. The path passes through ancient rhododendron, oak and pine forests interspersed with terraced fields around the villages. From the top of the Daldung La (3900m) there could be magnificent views of Gaurishankar and its satellite peaks.

Beyond Na, the last kharka (summer grazing village) is the magnificent Tsho Rolpa, an ice lake held behind its terminal moraine. There is serious concern that with climate change increasing temperatures in the region, melting waters could cause the moraine to burst: causing havoc downstream. Work is being done to permanently dam the lake.

The unmarked route then passes the Trakarding Glacier before climbing onto the Drolambau Glacier. The highest point on the trek is the Teshi Lapche La (5755m) on the slopes of Patchamo. It is one of Nepal’s highest trekking passes and rises in a glaciated wilderness set amongst snowy peaks including Tengi Ragi Tau (6943m), Bisphero Go Shar (6729m) and Dragkar (6793m). The descent to the campsite is steep and some 300m below the pass. From here, it descends easily into the Solu Khumbu to join the ancient caravan route from Tibet that leads to the lowlands via Namche Bazaar. The trek ends at Lukla and a flight back to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation.

Day 03: Kathmandu to Dolakha, and Singati (1,020m/3445ft),6- 7 hrs.  drive.

Day 04: Singati - Jagat (1250m/4,100ft), 5-6hrs

Day 05: Jagat - Simigaon (2025m/6643ft), 5-6hrs

Day 06: Simigaon - Donga (2800m/9185ft), 5-6 hrs

Day 07: Donga - Beding (3690m/12,105), 5 - 6 hrs

Day 08: Beding acclimatization and exploration day  

Day 09:  Beding - Na (4185m/13,730ft), 5 -6 hrs

Day 10:  Na rest and acclimatization day. Excursion towards Yalung Pass and glacier views

Day 11:  Na - Nyiduk Kongma (4750m/15,582 ft), 5 -6 hrs

Day 12: Nyiduk Kongma - Drolumbau Glacier (5205m/17,075ft), 5 -6 hrs

Day 13:  Drolumbau Glacier - Teshi Lapche La (5755m/18880ft) and decent to Camp at (5460m/17910), 7 -8  hrs   

Day 14:  Camp to Thame (3805m/12,482ft), 7 - 8 hrs

Day 15:  Thame - Khumjung (3871m/12,700ft), 2-3 hrs

Day 16:  Khumjung – Monjo (2840m/9,317ft), 4-5hrs

Day 17:  Monjo – Lukla (2642m/8,405ft), 4-5hrs

Day 18:  Lukla – Kathmandu (35min. flight)

Day 19: Final departure

       "OR"
For more fantastic ideal trip to extend your valued holiday in Nepal, from riding elephant in Chitwan to tours in Tibet and Bhutan, please browse our trip extension.

Cost Inclusive:

•     All airport/Hotel transfers
•     2 star accommodation in Kathmandu for 3 nights on BB plan
•     Welcome and farewell dinner
•     City tour by private transport
•     Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
•     Hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
•     Safe Drinking water
•     All mountain accommodation (3 Nights twin sharing Room with independent bathroom and hot shower; remaining nights soft, comfortable twin sharing private room but share bathroom)
•     Domestic flight (Kathmandu /Lukla / Kathmandu)
•     Airport taxes
•     An experienced English-speaking trek leader (Govt. registered trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
•     Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
•     All necessary paper work and permits (National Park Permit & TIMS )
•      A comprehensive medical kit
•     All government and local taxes
•     Trekking equipment such as four season down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking boots, rain coat, walking stick and many more as per necessity

Cost Exclusive

•     City monument fees
•     Bottle drinks
•     Boiled water
•     Personal expenses
•     Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
•     Travel insurance & evacuation

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)      

Meet MMT (Mountain Mart Treks) airport representative at International Airport and transfer to your choice of Hotel. Free afternoon. Welcome dinner held by MMT management, introduce guide, trip briefing and check trip necessities.

Day 2: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

After breakfast, day will start with our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley. This includes the pilgrimage sites of the Hindu temple Pashupatinath, the world biggest Stupa Bouddhanath and the Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple. After exploring the surrounding areas we visit the historical Patan Durbar Square and the Kathmandu Durbar Square (Freak Street) with temples, unique ancient art, architecture, museums and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip counseling and ensure once again trekking gears, medical kid and trek legalization needs.

  “OR”

Leisure and easy day for your own interests.

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Sigatte (1020m/ 3,345ft), 5-6

A Jeep will take us from Kathmandu through the scenic high green hills and white mountain  views to the north. On the way we will visit the Bhimeswor Temple in Dolakha. The last hour’s dusty drive will lead down to our campsite on the Tama Kosi River bank.

Day 4: Sigatte - Jagat (1250m/4,100ft), 5-6 hrs

Our route follows the Bhote Kosi’s deep valley which gradually becomes more gorge-like. We crisscross the hectic river on picturesque suspension bridges and pass a few hamlets and villages. The forest sometimes gives way to views of the Gaurishankar (7145m). This area is still Hindu although signs of Buddhism, with prayer flags and Chortens begin to appear.

Day 5: Jagat - Simigaon (2025m/6,643ft), 5-6 hrs

A short stage: after a 2.5 hrs walk, we leave the valley to continue east. The path slowly gains altitude on an impressive slope, and later crosses terraces. Simigaon is a Sherpa and Tamang village, marked by its Tibetan monastery perched above the houses on top of the hill in front of Gaurishankar.

Day 6: Simigaon - Donga (2800m/9,185ft),5-6 hrs

We now enter the Rolwaling valley through a gorgeous rhododendron and bamboo forest. The path steadily climbs towards Gyalche. Eventually, we descend back down to the river and establish our campsite on the Rolwaling Khola bank: a narrow green belt beneath Gaurishankar.

Day 7: Donga - Beding (3690m/12,105ft), 5-6hrs

We gradually climb the forested valley of tropical alpine vegetation, with excellent mountain scenery surrounding us. Arriving at Beding, we should see Melungtse I (7181m), Rolwaling’s highest summit. Beding is a lonely small village; well known to Everest summiteers, this Sherpa village may offer you Chaang (barley beer) and salted yak butter tea. An old but historical Buddhist Monastery is located in the center of the village. We will camp will be on the banks of the river.

Day 8 Beding  Rest and acclimatization day:  Malung Kharka hike, 5-6 hrs.

A day hike to the Malung La pass (5616m) – or as high as you can go above Beding – will help with acclimatization. There should be great views of more than 15 snowy peaks, glaciers and the natural forest in the Beding Valley below.

Day 9 Beding - Na: (4185m/13,750ft), 5-6 hrs

A short walk will take us to Na; the last tiny alpine hamlet that is only inhabited during summer months. Na is situated just below the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake in a beautiful valley overlooked by some very impressive peaks, including Chobutse (6685m), Chugimago (6259m) and Yalung Ri (5630m).

Day 10 Na: Rest and acclimatization day – Yalung La hike:: 4-5  hrs

We can either take a rest or organize an excursion towards the Yalung La pass. Here we climb steadily, the path taking us to a vast amphitheatre at 4900m, situated just below the pass, and the Ramdun peak ice fall which is furrowed with streams. This is an excellent place to view the Tsho-Rolpa glacier lake.  In each direction we get stunning views: to the east the Yalung Glacier, south the Ramdung Peak (5930m), west the Yalung Ri (5630m) and to the north the breathtaking Himalayan summits along the Tibetan border.

Day 11: Na - Nyiduk Kongma (4750m/15,582), 5-6hrs

We climb up to the dam that holds back the Tsho-Rolpa lake, preventing it from splitting the thin moraine and destroying the valleys below. We continue along the south bank. (The ancient route, marked on all maps, following the northern bank and passing through Chobu, no longer exists. In fact, the moraines bordering the lake have all collapsed into it.) After a 300m climb, we must cross a disordered moraine area only scramble down the height we walked up. The campsite is in a sandy amphitheatre, between the Tsho Rolpa and Trakarding glaciers.

Day 12: Nyiduk Kongma - Drolumbau Glacier (5205m/17,075), 5 -6 hrs

The path plunges on towards the Trakarding glacier. This is a huge and impressive and rocky area that gives way, from time to time, to large sections of bluish ice. We’ll struggle on towards a rocky spur, just beneath the Dolumbau glacier. It is now quite a venture to access the glacier. We need to climb up a rock face and to set a rope for the porters, helping them to scramble up the 160m before accessing the campsite area. This provides a fantastic panorama with the Trakarding glacier below and the great glacial wall of the Drolumbau glacier to the north: an incredible spot with views of countless streams running off the glacier, falling rocks and collapsing ice.

Day 13: Drolumbau Glacier - Teshi Laptsa pass (5755m/18,820ft) and decent to Camp at (5460m/17,912ft), 6 -7 hrs

The only route to get a foothold onto the Drolumbau glacier is tricky and fairly steep. Our efforts will be rewarded by a unique view towards Tengi Ragi Tau (6943m), Bigphero-Go Shar (6729m), Dragkar-Go (6793m), with a background of myriad peaks towards and beyond the Tibetan border. We progress through moraines and gentle slopes, from time to time crossing, glacial areas, towards the summit. The campsite is about 300m below the summit just beyond a tricky but impressive rocky section.        

Day 14: Camp - Thame (3805m/12,482), 5-6 hrs

Today offers an easy and pleasant descent. Just before arriving in the tiny Sherpa village of Thame, we can visit its picturesque monastery perched on the hillside. Thame lies on an important route for Tibetan traders and their yak caravans trekking across the Nangpa La (5716m/18,752) on the Tibetan border to Namche Bazaar and beyond.

Day 15. Thame – Khumjung (3871m/12,700ft), 3-4 hrs

Trek to Khumjung Located at the foot of sacred Mt. Kumbila. Khumjung is home of the first Edmund Hilary school project. There is a Hospital at the next village of Khunde, manned by Canadian doctors. This most stable and traditional Sherpa cultural settlement is worth a visit, as is the oldest Monastery in this region.

Day 16. Khumjung - Monjo (2840m/9,318),3-4  hrs

A long downhill day via Namche Bazaar and the last view of Mt. Everest.

Day 17. Monjo - Lukla (2840m/9,317ft), 4 - 5 hrs

We have to arrive in Lukla in time to reconfirm our return flight to Kathmandu for early the next morning. The day’s walk is along the Dudh Kosi River and passes through several Sherpa villages with many local lodges which accommodate the trekkers to the Everest region.

Day 18: Lukla - Kathmandu. (1350m/8,405ft), 35min flight.

Early Morning flight to Kathmandu, transfer to your Hotel. Free afternoon and evening join the farewell dinner hosted by Mountain Mart Trek.

Flight Lukla – Kathmandu might be delayed due to poor visibility and bad weather forecast. You may even be delayed for a day or longer, hence spare day or two needs to be added to your itinerary.

Day 19: Final departure

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.

                    "OR"
For more fantastic ideal trip to extend your valued holiday in Nepal, from riding elephant in Chitwan to tours in Tibet and Bhutan, please browse our trip extension.

Departure Dates for 19 days Rolwaling Trek

Body wear:

T-shirt, long sleeve, half pant, long trouser, warm Jacket, fleece Jacket, Gore-tax windproof Jacket & trouser, warm trouser, rain Jacket, sleeping bag, down jacket

Head wear:

Sun hat, woolen hat/fleece hat, sunglass & scat

Hand wear:

Gloves

Foot wear:

Warm woolen socks, trekking boots & sandal

Accessories:

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip guard, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knives, flash light, camera & film, tawel, water bottle, music & books.

What you carry for the trek:

Please, bring the equipment listed above and pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks, and small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porter to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jacket, hat gloves, camera money etc. The weather in mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage:

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets, in our safety box, and the rest of the things you could store it in our store room.

What is a tea house trek? Accommodation and food facilities!

Tea house trek mean staying and eating in the local lodges. We stay in double room, rooms are basic but comfortable mattress, normally just a bed and pillow. Most of them have electric light and all have and all have specious dining room –lounge. Mostly in tea houses there are common bathroom. Hot shower also available on the tea- houses but the hot water depend on weather conditions and to pay to get the shower.  We eat at tea- house, though food is usually potential and delicious, menu is not extensive. They offer variety of potato rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup. You could choose food from the menu what you could choose the food from the menu what you would like to have. You would be able to eat the food as much as you like but you would not able to order more than enough and left the food.

Health:

It’s very important not to get sick while you are going on the trek and you need to be careful about what you eat and drink.  You need to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in order to have a successful trek.

Some tips for staying healthy:

Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled or proper boiled water or use water purification tablets. During the trek avoid the temptation to test your fitness through fast walking at altitude.

Medical kit

Your guide will bring normal medical kits with him while on the trek. It is recommended that you also bring a small personal medical kit including pain killers, sore throat, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular mediation you need to bring those medicine with you and do not forget to bring extra supply if somehow one pack is lost.

The trails:

The trekking trail of Nepal vary from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be final. One most pay attention at all the time to where you are placing your fact. Be specially  careful not move while looking through the view finder of your camera.

The weather:

Nepal has the wildest altitude range of any country of the earth. Each altitude will have its’ own weather problem, from typical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking season in the spring and fall, the weather is often stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Those trekkers who encountered an easy at altitude nasty spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. That sudden storm can occur at any time, dumping one or two meter of snow on the passes. At that point, any one with simple running shoes will not be able to processed and may even be stranded for a number of days. Frostbite is a constant risk if one walks in snow at high altitude.

If you trek in the winter, you most be prepared for cold and snow. If you trek in the monsoon you might be face with slippery trails and difficult rivers crossing. You are heading into the world highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.

Altitude and preventing altitude:

Being in a hurry in the mountain of Nepal can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends. Ascend slowly and drinking lots of water is one of the best ways not to get high altitude. You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have know heart disease, difficulty to breathing at sea level or are pregnant. For other chronic medical conditions its better to consult your doctor. Sleeping pills, alcohol, smoking should not be used at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to Acute Mountain Sickness. It comes that during 3-4 liters of fluids (Water, Soup, etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.

Tipping and cash requirement

On the trekking route do not forget to bring Nepalese rupees for drinks bottled water drinks/alcohol that might purchage on the way. The sum of amount to carry on the trekking route depends on the day and area you are going to trek in. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no certain rules how much should be tips and it’s not the must to tip.

Photographing people:

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and amazing society. You could usetons of films taking amazing natural scenery but talking the picture of people it’s a good idea to ask before taking. Some people do not like you to take the picture of them. So always ask before taking the pictures.

Considering Environment:

While trekking you have to consider on the environment not to destroy the environment. There are so many ways you could help not to polluted the environment of the area such as pick up papers, film wrappers, burn all your toilet paper and bury your farce, do not make camp fire.

Insurance:

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to personal effects.