Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek

Route Overview of Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek

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 lumbering 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 (7,134m), Melungtse (7,181m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), 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.