Rolwaling Valley Trek
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Himalayan Spirit Trek
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
The Rolwaling Valley Trek offers a remarkable experience with its natural beauty, rich Sherpa culture, and less crowded trails. This trek, located in northeastern Nepal near the Tibetan border, is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
The memorable moments
Natural Beauty Mountains: Home to prominent peaks like Mount Gaurishankar, Pharchamo Peak, Ramdung, and Mount Tengi Ragi Tau. Lakes: Features Tso Rolpa (a glacier lake) and Omi Tso (the lake of milk). Flora and Fauna: Diverse range of flora with thick forests and seasonal flowers, and fauna including white langurs, snow leopards, and yaks. Cultural Experience Sherpa Culture: Explore traditional Sherpa villages, visit monasteries, attend festivals, and stay in local homestays. Everest Summiteers: Beding village is notable for having Everest summiteers in nearly every household. Trekking Activities Flower Viewing: Best in June and July. Ice Climbing: Ideal from November to February. Peak Climbing and Trekking: Optimal from March to May and September to November. Unique Aspects Less Crowded: Offers a serene and less touristy alternative to the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp treks. Yeti Legends: The valley is known for stories and legends of the Yeti.
Journey at a glance
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel — Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. The bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, sits at an elevation of 1400m (4600ft). In the evening, join your fellow travelers. This initial day sets the stage for the adventure ahead, allowing you to settle in and prepare for the trekking journey. Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet, Trek to Simigaon — Your trekking adventure begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu, driving towards Chhet Chhet via Dhulikhel and Dolakha. The drive, spanning 183 km and taking approximately 8-9 hours, offers glimpses of Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Upon reaching Chhet Chhet, you embark on a trek to Simigaon, climbing rapidly via cemented stone steps through scenic routes. This trek takes about 3 hours, concluding in the small settlement of Simigaon, which sits at 1997m elevation, where you’ll stay overnight. Day 3: Trek to Dongang — Today’s journey takes you from Simigaon to Dongang, a trek of about 9.81 km over 6.5 hours. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, ascending gently before descending to the riverbank near Riku village. Continuing without crossing the suspension bridge, you trek towards Surmuche for lunch, navigating zigzagged stone steps. After lunch, the trail ascends to Kyalche before descending again to the village of Dongang, situated beside the Rolwaling Khola. Dongang, at an elevation of 2817m, offers a tranquil setting with limited lodging options. Day 4: Trek to Beding — Setting off from Dongang, you trek upriver through the Rolwaling Valley, known for its stunning scenery. The 10.42 km trek to Beding, taking around 6 hours, leads you past the confluence of the Rolwaling Khola and Tsho Rolpa rivers. You stop for lunch at a teahouse in Thangdingma before continuing through the remains of Nyamare village, devastated by an earthquake in 2015. The trail climbs gently from Nyamare to the giant trees of Changmi Kha Gateway, and then it’s a short 45-minute walk to Beding, elevated at 3570m. Day 5: Hike towards Dolma Khang Base Camp, Overnight at Beding — Today involves a day hike from Beding towards Dolma Khang Base Camp, covering a distance of 6.83 km over 5-6 hours. Retracing your steps towards Nyamare, you take a narrow trail right, ascending sharply above a waterfall. Following the river, the trail leads to the mountain’s corner where Dolma Khang Base Camp is located. This hike offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in the high-altitude wilderness before returning to Beding for the night. Day 6: Trek to Naa Gaon & Explore the Village — This day features a shorter trek from Beding to Naa Gaon, covering 6.43 km in about 3 hours. The path includes gentle switchbacks alongside the Rolwaling Khola, with views of prayer flags and significant rock formations. Naa Gaon, at 4199m, is a small village that offers an opportunity to explore local culture and surroundings. The day is relatively easy, allowing for ample time to acclimate and enjoy the high-altitude environment. Day 7: Hike to Dudh Kunda & Cho Rolpa Lake — The highlight of the trek, today’s hike takes you to the sacred Omi Tso (milk lake) and the renowned glacier lake, Tso Rolpa. This 5.5 km hike, lasting 5-6 hours, is an adventurous and tiring journey through the stunning Rolwaling Valley. After breakfast, you carry a packed lunch and head towards these magnificent lakes, enjoying the majestic views of the Himalayas and the serene beauty of the lakes. The holy lake Omi Tso holds spiritual significance for locals, while Tso Rolpa is a popular spot for trekkers. After exploring these natural wonders, you return to your lodge for the night. Day 8: Trek via Beding to Dongang — Today’s trek covers a longer distance of 16.85 km over 7 hours as you descend from Naa Gaon back to Dongang. The route retraces your steps through Beding and continues downhill along the Rolwaling Khola. You pass through several hamlets and isolated farms, with the trail remaining on the north side of the river until it crosses to the south just before Thangdingma, where you may stop for lunch. The descent is relatively easy, allowing you to enjoy the scenic journey back to Dongang. Day 9: Trek to Simigaon — Starting from Dongang, you trek 9.81 km over approximately 5 hours to return to Simigaon. The trail follows the Rolwaling Khola, passing the isolated lodge at Kalche and descending via long sections of stone steps. The journey offers beautiful views and a final chance to appreciate the lush forests and mountain landscapes before reaching Simigaon, where you’ll stay overnight. Day 10: Trek to Chhet-Chhet and Drive to Kathmandu — The final trekking day begins with a descent from Simigaon to the Tama Kosi River, crossing the bridge to reach Chhet-Chhet. From there, you board a vehicle for the 8-hour drive back to Kathmandu, covering a distance of 183 km. Arriving in Kathmandu by late afternoon, you have the evening to relax and reflect on your trekking adventure, enjoying the comforts of the city once again. This itinerary provides a comprehensive and immersive experience of the Rolwaling Valley, combining adventure with cultural exploration and stunning natural beauty. If you need further details or have specific questions, feel free to ask!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel — Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. The bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, sits at an elevation of 1400m (4600ft). In the evening, join your fellow travelers. This initial day sets the stage for the adventure ahead, allowing you to settle in and prepare for the trekking journey.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Drive from Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet, Trek to Simigaon — Your trekking adventure begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu, driving towards Chhet Chhet via Dhulikhel and Dolakha. The drive, spanning 183 km and taking approximately 8-9 hours, offers glimpses of Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Upon reaching Chhet Chhet, you embark on a trek to Simigaon, climbing rapidly via cemented stone steps through scenic routes. This trek takes about 3 hours, concluding in the small settlement of Simigaon, which sits at 1997m elevation, where you’ll stay overnight.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3Trek to Dongang — Today’s journey takes you from Simigaon to Dongang, a trek of about 9.81 km over 6.5 hours. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, ascending gently before descending to the riverbank near Riku village. Continuing without crossing the suspension bridge, you trek towards Surmuche for lunch, navigating zigzagged stone steps. After lunch, the trail ascends to Kyalche before descending again to the village of Dongang, situated beside the Rolwaling Khola. Dongang, at an elevation of 2817m, offers a tranquil setting with limited lodging options.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4Trek to Beding — Setting off from Dongang, you trek upriver through the Rolwaling Valley, known for its stunning scenery. The 10.42 km trek to Beding, taking around 6 hours, leads you past the confluence of the Rolwaling Khola and Tsho Rolpa rivers. You stop for lunch at a teahouse in Thangdingma before continuing through the remains of Nyamare village, devastated by an earthquake in 2015. The trail climbs gently from Nyamare to the giant trees of Changmi Kha Gateway, and then it’s a short 45-minute walk to Beding, elevated at 3570m.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5Hike towards Dolma Khang Base Camp, Overnight at Beding — Today involves a day hike from Beding towards Dolma Khang Base Camp, covering a distance of 6.83 km over 5-6 hours. Retracing your steps towards Nyamare, you take a narrow trail right, ascending sharply above a waterfall. Following the river, the trail leads to the mountain’s corner where Dolma Khang Base Camp is located. This hike offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in the high-altitude wilderness before returning to Beding for the night.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 6Trek to Naa Gaon & Explore the Village — This day features a shorter trek from Beding to Naa Gaon, covering 6.43 km in about 3 hours. The path includes gentle switchbacks alongside the Rolwaling Khola, with views of prayer flags and significant rock formations. Naa Gaon, at 4199m, is a small village that offers an opportunity to explore local culture and surroundings. The day is relatively easy, allowing for ample time to acclimate and enjoy the high-altitude environment.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 7Hike to Dudh Kunda & Cho Rolpa Lake — The highlight of the trek, today’s hike takes you to the sacred Omi Tso (milk lake) and the renowned glacier lake, Tso Rolpa. This 5.5 km hike, lasting 5-6 hours, is an adventurous and tiring journey through the stunning Rolwaling Valley. After breakfast, you carry a packed lunch and head towards these magnificent lakes, enjoying the majestic views of the Himalayas and the serene beauty of the lakes. The holy lake Omi Tso holds spiritual significance for locals, while Tso Rolpa is a popular spot for trekkers. After exploring these natural wonders, you return to your lodge for the night.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 8Trek via Beding to Dongang — Today’s trek covers a longer distance of 16.85 km over 7 hours as you descend from Naa Gaon back to Dongang. The route retraces your steps through Beding and continues downhill along the Rolwaling Khola. You pass through several hamlets and isolated farms, with the trail remaining on the north side of the river until it crosses to the south just before Thangdingma, where you may stop for lunch. The descent is relatively easy, allowing you to enjoy the scenic journey back to Dongang.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 9Trek to Simigaon — Starting from Dongang, you trek 9.81 km over approximately 5 hours to return to Simigaon. The trail follows the Rolwaling Khola, passing the isolated lodge at Kalche and descending via long sections of stone steps. The journey offers beautiful views and a final chance to appreciate the lush forests and mountain landscapes before reaching Simigaon, where you’ll stay overnight.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 10Trek to Chhet-Chhet and Drive to Kathmandu — The final trekking day begins with a descent from Simigaon to the Tama Kosi River, crossing the bridge to reach Chhet-Chhet. From there, you board a vehicle for the 8-hour drive back to Kathmandu, covering a distance of 183 km. Arriving in Kathmandu by late afternoon, you have the evening to relax and reflect on your trekking adventure, enjoying the comforts of the city once again.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- Transportation: Road transportation from Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
- Meals: Three meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including coffee and tea.
- Accommodation: Lodging throughout the trek.
- Guides and Porters: Services of highly experienced government-trained licensed guides and necessary porters during the trek.
- Taxes and Fees: Government and local taxes, tourist service charges.
- Staff Support: Insurance and salary for guides, cooks, Sherpa porters, and general equipment.
- Permits: Trekking permits, national park fees, and pass permits.
Not included
- Hotel in Kathmandu: Accommodation in Kathmandu is not included.
- Beverages: Hard and soft drinks, such as Coke, Fanta, etc.
- Personal Insurance: Insurance that covers rescue operation charges.
- Tips: Tips for guides and porters.
- Unlisted Costs: All costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes."
- Unforeseen Expenses: Costs or delays due to factors beyond management control, such as landslides, weather conditions, safety-related itinerary changes, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
3
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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