A Rolwaling trek to Tsho Rolpa takes about 10 to 12 days with road transfers. Adding Tashi Lapcha extends the route to Thame and takes longer. Heights and timings are approximate.
A trek in two halves
The Rolwaling trek is usually divided into the approach to Tsho Rolpa and the crossing of the pass. The whole journey takes about eighteen days including road travel and a Lukla flight at the end. Heights are approximate and some operators adjust the stages.
Day 1 and 2: road to Gonggar and Simigaon
From Kathmandu drive through Dolakha to Gonggar Khola (about 1,660 m), a journey of seven to eight hours, and begin trekking to Simigaon at about 2,000 m.
Day 3 and 4: Daldung La and Beding
Climb over a ridge (Daldung La, about 3,976 m) and drop into the Rolwaling valley. Beding lies at roughly 3,690 m. Spend a rest day exploring the village, monastery and surrounding slopes.
Day 5 and 6: Na and acclimatisation
Continue to Na at about 4,180 m, a yak pasture with a few lodges, and then take an acclimatisation walk up toward the Ramdung glacier area, where views open to the high peaks.
Day 7 and 8: Tsho Rolpa and Trakarding
Trek to the lake at about 4,540 m and then up to the camp near the Trakarding glacier at about 4,800 m. The terrain here is moraine and ice.
Day 9 and 10: pass crossing
Reach the foot of Tashi Lapcha and cross it in a long day of rope work and glacier walking, descending to the camp beyond. This is the most demanding stage.
Day 11 to 14: Thame, Namche and Lukla
Descend to Thyangbo and Thame at about 3,800 m, continue to Namche Bazaar and Lukla, and fly to Kathmandu. Keep a spare day for the flight.
Acclimatisation walk at Beding and Na
The two rest days at Beding and Na are important. Use them for short climbs to ridges above the village, then return to sleep at the lower altitude. This helps the body adjust to the sharp altitude gain to Tsho Rolpa and the camps beyond.
Weather watching
The pass crossing needs stable weather and a hard snow surface in the morning. Your guide will check the forecast with a satellite phone, and may add a waiting day at the high camp. Spare days are built in for this reason.
Notes
Read the season guide and the permit guide.
