Rolwaling Valley Trek
A steep, glacier-carved valley in the shadow of Gauri Shankar
Rolwaling Valley Trek overview
Rolwaling is one of Nepal's steepest, most dramatic valleys — a narrow glacial trench walled in by Gauri Shankar (7,181 m) and a ring of 6,000-7,000 m peaks, sitting between the Everest and Langtang regions but connected to neither by an easy trail. This trek follows the valley from the roadhead near Charikot up through the Sherpa villages of Beding and Na to Tso Rolpa, Nepal's largest glacial lake, formed by the retreating Trakarding Glacier. The valley is one of the last strongholds of the Himalayan tahr and, at higher elevations, snow leopard territory, and the trail sees only a trickle of visitors compared to neighboring regions — most who do come are headed for the technical Tashi Lapcha Pass into the Khumbu, which this itinerary does not attempt. Instead, the route focuses on the valley itself: dramatic glacier scenery, the remote Sherpa community of Na, and views of Gauri Shankar and Melungtse that rank among the most striking in Nepal.
Country
Nepal
Duration
14 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
4,580 m (Tso Rolpa)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Challenging
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel. Evening trek briefing and gear check.
Price includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Charikot–Simigaon–Kathmandu ground transport
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
- Tea house / lodge accommodation for the duration of the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area entry permit and TIMS card
- First aid kit carried by guide
- Emergency rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear including sleeping bag and down jacket (rentals available)
- Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi at tea houses
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from