Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek- Cost & Itinerary
Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek in Nepal is peaceful off-the-beatan trekking. Affluent natural aesthetics, mountains, alluring alpine terrain, and a crowd-free trail make it the best trek. Have plans for the Tsho Tolpa Trek in 2024? Inquire us now!
Tsho Rolpa Lake is in Rolwaling Valley and sits on the lap of Mt. Gaurisankhar, a 7,134-meter-tall mountain. Moreover, this beautiful lake sits close to the Langtang Himal range to the west. Mt. Melungtse, a 7,181-meter peak, is another elegant mountain you’ll see while trekking here. Also, on clear weather days, some faces of Mt. Everest and Lhakpa Dorje remain visible from several places en route to Tsho Rolpa.
More than for mountains and lakes, this off-beat trek also links to the legend of Yeti. Legends believe that Rolwaling Valley, the home of Chho Rolpa Lake, is among the seven valleys hidden in the Himalayas where Yeti live. The myth or truth of Yeti, living close to Gauraisankhar and Everest, fascinates trekkers.
Tsho Rolpa Trek Route- Altitude, Trek Time, and Distance
| Places | Altitude | Route Length | Time for hike |
| Chhet Chhet – Simi Gaun | 2,000 m | 2.4 km | 2 hr 30 min |
| Simi Gaun – Surmuche | 2,470 m | 4.4 km | 3 hrs |
| Surmuche – Kyalje | 2,810 m | 3.2 km | 2 hr 30 min |
| Kyalje- Dongang | 2,790 m | 1.6 km | 1 hr |
| Dongang- Thandding | 3,343 m | 4.5 km | 2 hr 30 min |
| Thandding- Bedding | 3,721 m | 5.5 km | 3 hrs |
| Bedding – Na Village | 3,943 m | 3.2 km | 3 hrs |
| Na Village – Tsho Rolpa Lake | 4,558 m | 7.5 km | 3 hrs |
Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek Cost and Availability- For the 2024 season
Trekking to beautiful Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake has emerged as a beautiful trek destination in Nepal. This trek overall is an exquisite blend of nature, culture, elegant mountains, and a wholesome adventure. Hence, you might be interested in trekking to this beautiful destination.
Trekking here is not as expensive as Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Most of the amenities are decent to support your accommodation throughout the trek.
Here’s our Tsho Rolpa Trek Cost and Availability for the 2024 season.
|
Pax |
Cost per pax(USD) | Availability |
Want to Book? |
|
1 |
799 | Available | Inquire Now |
| 2-3 | 760 | Available | |
|
3-5 |
740 | Available | Inquire Now |
| 5 or more | 700 | Available |
Highlights of 7 days Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek
- Trek to the largest and deepest glacial lake in Nepal, Tsho Rolpa Lake, at 4,580 meters.
- Awe-striking glimpses of Mt. Gaurisankhar, Dorje Lhakpa, Melungtse, Everest, and other climbing peaks in the Rolwaling Range.
- Walk through the beautiful Tamang settlements of Simi Gaun, Bedding, and Na Village.
- Peaceful trek on the well-maintained trekking trails along the shore of the Rolwaling River.
- Fewer trekkers, ideal for small group trekking.
- Vibrant Rhododendron forest, countless waterfalls, truss bridges, lush vegetation, and inspiring landscapes.
- Full guided service with experienced trek guides, porters, tailored itineraries, etc.
Quick Overview
Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake
Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake is the largest dammed glacial lake in Nepal. It stretches to 3.5 km long with an area of 1.6 sq. km with an average depth of 55 meters, 132 meters being the deepest. It sits on the catchment of the Rolwaling River, a prominent river in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
Trambau and Trakarding Glacier are two primary feeders of water in this lake.
Being a glacial lake, instead of turquoise blue, the watercolor of this lake is milky. Moreover, it remains frozen for five months, from December to April.
In the last two decades, the increase in global warming and significant melting of snow has increased the chance of outburst of this lake. Thus, to reduce the outburst possibility by 20%, GCAP constructed an open channel in 2000 AD to drain the water level by 3 meters.
Trekking to this beautiful lake has been popular recently. To help you plan better, we have a separate Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek blog. It gives you an idea of why it’s one of the must-trek-to-best off-the-beaten trekking in Nepal in 2024.
Trek to Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake- A peaceful walk in the heart of biodiversity
The diverse vegetation throughout the Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake Trek Route awe-strikes you. The terrace farming of Singati and Simi Gaun is eye-pleasing. Locals in April and May grow potato and buckwheat as a primary crop in Bedding, making the terrain lively.
Rhododendron blossom during March April on the trek route from Simi Gaun to Surmuche make your walk pleasing. Also, in Spring, you’ll find ripped bayberries in the forest you can eat. The enchanting Cuckoo and chirps of various warblers undoubtedly construct the serenity.
You’ll walk along the cascading Rolwaing River for more than 60% of the trek route.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area is home to exotic & near the edge of extinction animals. The rarest Snow Leopard, Arctic Fox, Weasel, and Pikas occupy the foot of Gaurishankar Himal. Further, Ibisbill, Himalayan Pheasant (Danphe), feral Rabbit & Himalayan Thar are earliest to this region.
Tsho Rolpa Trek Itinerary
Day 2- Drive from Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet for 7 hours. Trek to Simigaun, 2019 metres, 3 hours
The magical journey to a week-long Tsho Rolpa trek starts with nearly a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Chhet Chhet, a 190 km ride.
We head on the road after having a decent breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu. The private/local deluxe buses for the trip to Chhet Chhet are trekkers' favourite.
As we leave Kathmandu, we start viewing inspiring landscapes, rivers, and towns of the Sindhupalchok and Kavre districts. Our road trip halts at Sukute for a tea break. This place is famous for rafting and night stay among Nepalese and foreigners.
The trip takes us to Mude, Khari Dhunga, and Charikot before lunchtime. After lunch at Charikot, we took a road trip 3 hours further to Chhet Chhet. The rushing Upper Tamakoshi River, a couple of waterfalls, and terrace farming keeps the trip entertaining.
For foreigners, a Tsho Rolpa Trek Permit check is necessary before entering the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Thus, before climbing to Simi Gaun, a prior permit check at Chhet Chhet is mandatory. The hike to Simi Gaun is short and takes nearly three hours, but tiring. The stairs on vertical cliffs make the trek thrilling. But, there are multiple water taps where you can refill your bottles and wash sweat.
The Buddhist village of Simi Gaun gives the sense of an unspoiled village lifestyle. The villagers often smile as they encounter any travellers here. There weren't many tea houses in Simi Gaun, but in recent times, tea houses are increasing to meet the trekker's demand. NepTrek ensures your meals and accommodation at the best tea house in Simi Gaun.
Day 3- Trek from Simigaun to Dongang, 2,790 metres, 6 hours
The chirps of birds from the forest behind Simi Gaun wake us up in the early morning. The first glimpses of sunrise to the east hills from Simi Gaun start the day beautifully.
After some refreshments and breakfast, it's time for us to hike to Dongang. Dongang sits beautifully on the shore of the Rolwaling River with inspiring hills and waterfalls.
After leaving Simi Gaun, we hike a few minutes on flat trails before climbing steep stairs. Glimpses of Simi Gaun, farmlands, and surrounding hills from the hilltop are inspiring. From here, the trail follows a gradual descent until we reach a suspension bridge at Uttise, en route to Rigu village.
The trail from the bridge to Surmuche is a gradual climb. The trekking route is stone paved and well maintained, but hundreds of stairs are tiring. The lush forest with frequent waterfalls and culverts accompanies the hike to Surmuche. Surmuche is only a place for lunch on our second-day trek to Dongang.
After having a decent lunch and replenished energy, we further headed to Kyalje for three hours. The route follows a gradual hike but entertaining with the sublime glimpses of terrains. Small caves, truss bridges, and lush forests make the trek entertaining.
There's only a tea house at Kyalje. If needed, the team will stop here for some rest before heading to Dongang. Dongang is a one hour hike from Kyalje. Your heart dances as you glimpse the tea houses on the Rolwaling river's shore in Dongang.
Tea house-based meals and accommodation in Dongang provide us with complete rest.
Day 4- Trek from Dongang to Na Village, 3,943 metres, 8 hours
The serene sound of the Rolwaling River wakes you up in the early morning in Dongang. We have to start the hike early today as we have to reach Na Village at 3,943 metres.
After a decent breakfast at a tea house in Dongang, we first hike to Thandding Kharka via the shore of the Rolwaling River. The voluminous boulders and rushing sound of this river fade away as we start climbing to Thandding Kharka. It's also an ideal spot for a tea break and some rest before being back on the trail to Bedding.
Possibly, the route from Thandding Kharka to Bedding is one of the best trekking trails in the Himalayas. The change in vegetation and terrain gives us the sense of high-altitude trekking as we hike a few hours from Thandding. Snow-capped mountains on either side, the streaming Rolwaling River throughout, and alluring terrains make the landscape and hike serene. The remoteness and unspoiled aesthetics of the trekking trail give the experience of peaceful trekking.
Bedding, at 3,721 metres, is a final stopping place for lunch before hiking to Na Village. It sits on the left bank of Rolwaling River and beneath the towering snow-filled rocks. The traditional houses with vibrant colours, Buddhist monasteries, grazing yaks, everything ornate Bedding. Tea houses at Bedding offer fresh vegetables and decent meals to trekkers. The hike continues after some rest after lunch at Bedding.
Na from Bedding is a two and half hours hike. The trek to Na from Bedding is a relatively flat terrain of inspiring landscapes with mountains, alpine bushes, and decreasing lush vegetation. The well-organised tea houses in Na Village serve decent meals with warm accommodation.
Day 5- Trek from Na Village to Tsho Rolpa Lake, 3 hours, 4,558 metres - Hike down to Na, 2 hours- Trek to Bedding for overnight, 3 hours
We begin our Tsho Rolpa Lake hike from Na as the sun shines the next day. The overcast of clouds after 11 am obstructs the sightseeing otherwise.
Hiking early in the morning from Na gives us a picturesque window of viewing mountains around the lake. The scintillating Gaurisankhar on a bright sunny day makes the hike worthy. Besides, alluring alpine terrain, slopes, and flat lands entertain the hike.
The overall hike to Tsho Rolpa from Na is on a flat surface. However, the final section near the lake is a strenuous climb. The strong wind blows on this slope often make ascending and descending challenging.
The faint greenish milky-colored water of Tsho Rolpa Lake comes from the melted mountains and glaciers around it. Trakarding Glacier and Trambau Glacier are two major sources of water in this lake. You can also spend some time for photographs and sightseeing and descend to Na village for lunch.
We begin our return hike to Bedding after some rest and lunch at a tea house in Na. Many grazing yaks on pasture lands are a joy to witness en route to Bedding. Overnight at a tea house in Bedding replenishes the tired body for the next day's descent.
Day 6- Trek from Bedding to Simi Gaun, 9 hours
Our return hike to Dongang follows the standard Tsho Rolpa trekking route we hiked a few days ago.
In spring, the landscape becomes lush with fresh greenery and a clear outlook. The autumn colours on the landscapes make the whole viewing experience vibrant.
We start hiking down after breakfast at Bedding. Reaching Thandding Kharka takes us nearly three hours when we stop for rest and tea break. Another one-and-half-hour hike from Thandding takes us to Dongang, where we'll have lunch before heading for Simi Gaun.
The route to Kyalje from Dongang is the only tiring climb. Besides, the overall trek route to Uttise is ideal for a comfortable descent hike. Many trekkers hike down to Chhet Chhet the same day from Bigu Village. In doing so, struggle to get the vehicle back to Charikot. Also, the nine hours hike till the Uttise from Bedding already tires trekkers to some extent. So, to get proper rest and catch the next day's bus to Kathmandu, we stop at Simi Gaun.
Day 7- Trek from Simi Gaun to Chhet Chhet for two hours and Drive to Kathmandu for 7 hours
To catch the bus to Kathmandu from Chhet Chhet, we start our descent hike with an early breakfast at the tea house. The descent hike first follows the trails on the farmlands and later on the stairs. The tiring stairs ascending will now become ideal for a comfortable descent.
The bus from Chhet Chhet takes us to Charikot via beautiful settlements on the shore of the Upper Tamakoshi River. We'll stop at Charikot for lunch before the bus leaves for Kathmandu.
Our representative will pick you up from the bus stop and transfer you to the hotel. It marks the end of our amazing six days of Tsho Rolpa trekking in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake Trek- Essential Info
Accommodation during the trek
Tsho Rolpa Trek is a tea house-based trekking. Local Tamang people run these tea houses here, some of whom have summited Mt. Everest also.
The accommodation is similar at every tea house. You can expect comfortable overnights with neat and warm blankets and mattresses. Moreover, you’ll get clean pillows and bedsheets, with an electricity-supplied room itself. Don’t expect heated rooms or hot showers.
You have to accommodate twin sharing rooms, but they’ll be private. Don’t expect the attached bathrooms. But the toilets in the tea houses are hygienic and well equipped with hand wash and water.
Accommodation in Kathmandu is at your own expense. On request, we’ll manage the best hotels for you at the best deals.
Meals on the trek
You’ll get six breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during this trek.
Tea houses in Tsho Rolpa Trek Route are decent. Hence, the meals the tea house serves here are basic but offer great taste.
You can have porridge, noodle soup, pancakes, boiled eggs, omelets, cooked beans, fries, and chapati for breakfast.
Lunch and dinner meals primarily include the Nepalese dish, Dal Bhat Tarkari. It consists of cooked rice and fresh vegetables with lentil soups. You’ll taste spinach, mushrooms, radishes, potatoes, and wild spinach. Locally fermented pickles with Yak ghee make the lunch/dinner mouth-watering. Apart from these, the menu items also include chapati curry, noodles, canned fish, etc.
Best time to trek Tsho Rolpa Lake
Tsho Rolpa trek becomes perfect in clear weather, stable temperatures, and mild humidity. These conditions are best in Spring, from March to May, and Autumn, from September to November.
The Rhododendron blossom in March, the picturesque landscape in April, and the magical walk in May make the trek wholesome. An awe glimpse of snow-occupied Mt. Gaurishankar, Langtang range, Mt. Everest, and several peaks give unmatched sightseeing. Also, the Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake freezes in early Spring, which becomes a joy to witness.
September to November is another best time for the Tsho Rolpa Trek. Mesmerizing landscapes, greenery, clear outlook, and rain-free days are best in these months. These post-rainy days bring greenery over the magical landscape of mountains and boulder faces. Hence, the unmatched peaceful trek with a picturesque landscape on the backdrop overjoys you at every step.
Weather and Temperature in Spring and Autumn
The two seasons, Spring and Autumn, have stable temperatures and weather for the comfortable trek and the ultimate viewing experience.
March-April marks the rise in daytime temperature. The average daytime temperature in March-April at Naa Village is 6˚C. But the lower regions start getting warmer as the daytime temperature rises over 16 °C on average. -8 to -10°C is the lowest average temperature during Spring around the Tsho Rolpa trek route. However, places like Simi Gaun and Dongang remain warmer than others.
You may experience snowfall while trekking here in early Spring.
Autumn months shift the temperature of summer from warm to mild. The lower regions remain hotter and more humid. But Bedding and Na remain colder, and Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake freezing.
The unprecedented rain during September often creates snowfall, dropping the temperature.
The daytime temperature averages 18°C in September. The nighttime average temperature drops around freezing, to some extent bearable. A sleeve, cap, and sweatpants won’t make you sweat much. Also, a decent down jacket or a layered sleeping bag can keep you warm all night.
Acclimatization
While trekking to Chho Rolpa Lake, you’ll gain altitude gradually. You’ll start the trek from Chhet Chhet, which is around 1,398 metres. You’ll gain 700 to 800 meters altitude on each day. Hence, with gradual altitude gain, your body acclimatizes during each day on the trek.
Off the beaten trail to 4,580 metres high glacial lake, Tsho Rolpa Trek is a comfortable to moderate grade trek. Stone-paved with a well-maintained route won’t be an issue for trekkers. But, the final ascend to Tsho Rolpa for half-hour becomes challenging due to the steep climb. Still, the route offers a comfortable hike.
Trek Difficulty and Physical Fitness Requirements
Tsho Rolpa trek is an easy to moderate grade trek. Only the final climb to the lake is the arduous section. This trek is best for novice trekkers and trekkers with little trek experience.
Stone-paved routes with stairs, truss bridges, suspension bridges, and route maps with altitude charts make navigating this route the best. Besides, there are no routes branched from the main trek route. Thus, trekkers can hike on the main trail throughout.
You must be in ideal physical shape and mentally prepared for this trek. The longer hiking hours and ascend on day two build fatigue. However, the altitude of over 3,500 meters here is more straightforward to walk.
For fitness, cardio exercises are the best. We recommend you start a physical exercise routine a month before joining the trip with us. To name a few, swimming, running, and cycling are best for cardio. We highly recommend our clients have an ideal mind and body, ready to set out for the adventure.
Altitude Sickness
Getting altitude sickness during the Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is likely. Most who develop altitude sickness experience minor symptoms past Thanding Kharka. Minor altitude sickness symptoms like headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, fatigue, etc.
To prevent altitude sickness, we request you eat plenty and drink 3 liters of purified water with oral rehydration solution. Carrying Vitamin C tablets, chocolate bars, and some medicines for headaches and nausea (paracetamol) can relieve stress. We discourage you from consuming caffeinated drinks like coffee and alcohol. They cause dehydration and prompt altitude sickness symptoms.
If you get seriously sick, you’ll need a helicopter evacuation. But for this, you must have a valid travel insurance policy.
Travel Insurance
We strongly urge you to get travel insurance before joining our Tsho Rolpa Trek in 2024. Notably, travel insurance becomes most important if you get severely injured or altitude sickness.
At such events, you may need helicopter evacuation. You can get helicopter evacuation, compensated by your travel insurance, for free if you have decent travel insurance. When you have travel insurance, it becomes easy for a helicopter to come to the rescue. Moreover, travel insurance pays for medication bills and hospitalization costs.
Internet and Communication
Communication in Tsho Rolpa trekking is possible at places like Simi Gaun, Kyalje, Thandding Kharka, and Bedding. You can get the Nepal Telecom’s signals at some places en route. 3G internet services are also possible in these places. A tea house in Dongang has a satellite telephone with which you can communicate with people.
It will be best to bring a satellite phone if you wish to remain in touch with your family back home.
There are no internet and wifi facilities at tea houses throughout this trekking. We recommend you enjoy the picturesque nature more and use mobile devices less for the internet and communication. After all, trekking means being away in the Himalayas to escape hustle-bustle for some period.
Drinking water and electricity
Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower has now supplied electricity to Bedding village. It powers every settlement in the region except Naa Village.
There’s no need to worry about hot drinking water throughout this trek.
You can fill in your water bottles from the running water tap. If you like carrying the water purification tablets, you can put them in your backpack. If not, your trekking guide gives the purification tablets for you.
For hot drinking water, you may have to pay Rs. 100-200 per litre.
Trekker’s safety and security
We focus on your safety and security during the trek. Also, we equally value the safety of our trek guides and porters. We assure you 100% health safety, gear security, and personal belongings.
On unforeseen health issues, a helicopter evacuation takes you to a safe place and hospital, if needed. We practice safe trekking with a 100% success rate.
Tipping for trek guides and porters
We encourage groups joining Tsho Rolpa trekking to tip their trek guides and porters some satisfactory amount at the end of the trek. There’s no hard and fast rule for tip culture, but usually, trekkers tip USD 150 for guides and USD 100 for porters.
Trek porters and guides care for you throughout this trek to make it successful. On top, trekking porters become part of your group for a week. Hence, to put a smile on their face and respect their job throughout the trek, tipping is an encouragement factor for them.
