17-Day Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Trek through Rolwaling and Khumbu
About This Tour
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 t...
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
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.
About Thame
Thame
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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
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)
Itinerary
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1Day 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.
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2Day 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.
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3Day 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.
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4Day 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.
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5Day 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.
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6Day 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.
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7Day 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.
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8Day 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.
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9Day 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.
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10Day 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.
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11Day 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.
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12Day 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.
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13Day 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.
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14Day 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.
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15Day 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.
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16Day 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.
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17Day 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.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Kathmandu, Nepal · Tour start: Dolakha, Nepal — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.