Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek

Name: Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek
Brand: Nepal Gateway Trekking
Price: 760 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

276 reviews in TripAvisor

The Tsho Rolpa Lake trek in Rolwaling Valley isn’t your run-of-the-mill Himalayan walk. Definitely not; this route sits off the tourist treadmill, wedged between the legendary Langtang and Everest regions.

Trip at a Glance

Duration10 Days

Trip GradeStrenuous

DestinationNepal

Maximum Altitude4,700 m

AccommodationHotel/Teahouses

Starts/EndsKathmandu

ActivitiesTrekking

Best TimeMarch to May & September to November

Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is an iconic trek that starts from the Rolwaling Valley, located in Chhetra (at an elevation of 1,500 meters, near Charikot). The journey keeps getting wilder from there, following the Rolwaling River through thick forests. You smell like pine and rhododendron, across high meadows and into glacial valleys where the air’s so crisp it almost bites.

Right from the get-go, after the bumpy drive out of Kathmandu, you’ll land in Chetchet. Then start climbing to Simigaun—classic Sherpa country with killer views of the Gauri Shankar range. The trail snakes upward, ducking in and out of forests thick with rhododendron and pine. If you’re lucky, you will see a massive Himalayan juniper.

Somewhere around Dongang and Beding, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different world: old monasteries. Yaks lumber across the valley, and this broad, glacier-carved landscape makes you feel absolutely tiny.

Now, Beding’s the big village here, but keep heading up, and you’ll hit Na Gaon, a seasonal settlement that feels like it’s hanging on the edge of the sky. From there, it’s a steady grind to Tsho Rolpa Lake, sitting at a lung-busting 4,580 meters. And wow, the lake! It’s this unreal turquoise bowl, wedged under ice cliffs and ringed by peaks like Chekigo, Ramdung Go, and Yalung Ri. If you’re even slightly into photography, you’ll run out of memory cards.

The trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake from Rolwaling Valley is entirely based in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This whole trekking route weaves right through it. The Gaurisankar Conservation Area is a total biodiversity hotspot—think red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer skulking around in the underbrush, and more birds than you can shake a trekking pole at.

You’ll spot blue pines, hemlocks, and wild orchids if you’re sharp-eyed, and, come spring, the rhododendrons absolutely explode in color.

Most trekkers double back along the same trail, retracing their steps to Simigaun and Chetchet. The whole loop clocks in at about 65 kilometers—doable in 8 to 10 days, give or take. It’s not Everest-hard, but you’ll feel the altitude, especially after 3,000 meters, so don’t skimp on acclimatization. Teahouses pop up in the bigger villages (Simigaun, Beding, Na), but don’t expect luxury—this is all about the basics.

The real magic of the Rolwaling Valley to Tsho Rolpa Trek lies in its absolute solitude. You’re not going to be tripping over tour groups. Instead, it’s raw nature, quiet villages, and those show-stopping mountain views—Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, and a bunch of Rolwaling peaks you’ve probably never heard of but won’t forget.

Experienced trekkers and adventure seekers sometimes add the Tashi Lapcha Pass to their route, linking up with the Everest region. Still, honestly, even just the valley and the lake are worth the legwork.

All in all, if you want a Himalayan trek that’s big on scenery, wildlife, and old-school Sherpa hospitality—but light on crowds—the Rolwaling Valley to Tsho Rolpa Lake route is a total sleeper hit. Hidden gem, no doubt about it.

The Major Highlights of Tsho Rolpa Lake Trekking in Rolwaling Valley

Relish the breathtaking beauty of the pristine glacial Tsho Rolpa Lake, set against a dramatic Himalayan backdrop.
Enjoy exceptional panoramic views of iconic peaks, including Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Melungtse (7,181 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Tashi Lapcha Peak, and Yalung Ri.
Journey through the untouched landscapes of the hidden Rowaling Valley, a lesser-explored region renowned for its natural splendor.
Immerse yourself in the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage by visiting traditional monasteries and ancient chortens along the trail.
Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, which is home to a unique array of flora and fauna.
Witness Tsho Rolpa Lake—the largest glacial lake in Nepal—nestled high in the mountains.
Encounter rare and elusive wildlife, such as the red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and more.
Delight in an exceptional birdwatching experience, with opportunities to spot Himalayan griffons, lammergeiers, blood pheasants, impeyan pheasants, rufous-bellied tits, and other species.
Gain a close and authentic insight into Sherpa culture and daily life throughout your trek.

Geographical and Environmental Significance of Tsho Rolpa Lake

Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the biggest glacial lakes in Nepal. It sits high in the Rolwaling Valley at about 4,580 meters above sea level. The lake is about 3.4 kilometers long and half a kilometer wide. It was formed by melting glaciers, and its clear turquoise water reflects the snow-covered Himalayan mountains around it.

The lake also shows the effects of climate change. As glaciers melt faster, the lake’s water level rises, increasing the risk of floods called glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). To reduce this risk, the Nepalese government and other groups monitor water levels, use early warning systems, and control drainage.

Flora and Fauna Along the Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek

The area around the lake is rich in plants and animals suited for the high altitude. In spring and fall, the trails bloom with rhododendron forests—Nepal’s national flower. You’ll also find alpine wildflowers, juniper bushes, and medicinal plants used by locals.

Wildlife includes blue sheep (bharal) on the rocky slopes, the rare snow leopard in higher areas, and birds like the Himalayan monal (Danphe), Nepal’s national bird, plus snow pigeons and vultures.

Cultural Insights: Communities and Traditions in Rolwaling Valley

The Sherpa people have lived in the Rolwaling Valley for many years. Their culture and daily life follow Tibetan Buddhism.

On the trek, you’ll see:

Bright prayer flags fluttering in the wind
Mani stones with Buddhist prayers carved into them
Small monasteries where locals gather to pray

There’s a special festival called Dumji. It’s a dance to honor mountain gods and ancestors. During Dumji, you will notice:

Colorful costumes
Masked dances
Big communal meals

Trekking here isn’t just about the scenery. It’s a chance to meet friendly Sherpa people. When you respect their customs and buy from local shops, you help keep their culture alive.

Itinerary

This is our standard itinerary for the Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek in the Rolwaling Valley.

Trip PlanExpand all

Day 01:

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,310 m) and Transfer to Hotel. Duration: 20 minutes drive

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a company representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant heart of Kathmandu’s tourist district. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight accommodation is provided in Thamel. Complimentary ground transportation is included.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02:

Drive from Kathmandu to Chhetchhet (1,525m), then trek to Simigaon (2,008m). Distance: 185 km+3 km. Duration: 7–8 hours drive, 2 hours walk

Depart Kathmandu for Chhetchhet by bus or jeep. Due to ongoing roadworks and repairs caused by the 2024 floods, bus travel currently requires 7–8 hours; a jeep offers a considerably faster option. If bus delays occur, overnight accommodation will be arranged at Chhetchhet.

If time permits, cross the Tama Koshi River by footbridge and ascend the paved stone steps to Simigaon (2.5–3 hours walking). Overnight in a guesthouse or hotel at Simigaon.