The Rolwaling Trek is one of the best treks you can undertake in one of Nepal’s most remote Himalayan valleys in the eastern part of Nepal close to Tibet. The off-the-beaten-path adventure will take you to the heart of stunning mountain landscapes, ancient Sherpa settlements, Buddhist history and culture, and the remoteness and seclusion of a true Himalayan wilderness.
In return for undertaking this challenging Rolwaling trek, you get to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of snow-capped mountain peaks such as Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, Tashi Lapcha, Pharchamo, and Ramdung. On clear days, there are chances of seeing distant Himalayan mountains heading towards the Everest region depending on the particular route that you take on the trek. Along the route are dense forests, terraced hills, streams, waterfalls, alpine fields, and mountainous regions showing just how diverse the Nepalese landscape is.
The Rolwaling trek is complete with getting to learn about the history, lifestyle, and culture of the native Sherpa communities. Learn about Sherpa villages, their unique way of life and Buddhist culture, visit Bigu Gompa, interact with the local Sherpas, and try out some of the local delicacies at altitude in the villages of Beding and Na.
Apart from that, Rolwaling has a natural environment filled with various flora and fauna of Himalayas, forest, river, and mountain ranges. Valley is locally referred to in the form of “grave” in Sherpa tradition. This term was used to refer to the valley due to its setting under massive snow-capped peaks.
This Rolwaling trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Barabise and trekking through Kabre, Dolongsa, Bigu Gompa, Chilangka, Shalu, Simigaon, Forest Camp, Beding, and Na. Return will involve passing through Chetchet, Chetre, Dolakha, and Charikot to finally drive back to Kathmandu.
Highlights of the Rolwaling trek
This Rolwaling trek is considered to be challenging and is suitable for fit and experienced trekkers only. It involves long hiking days, steeper climbings and descendings, rough paths, and remote places with no facilities. The high regions of the trek are about 4,100 m high, requiring adequate acclimatization. Regular physical exercises and hiking practices should be carried out prior to the start of this trek.
Travelers should carry a valid passport, meet Nepal’s entry requirements, and confirm the required trekking permits. Travel insurance covering trekking at the planned altitude and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Bring sturdy boots, warm and waterproof clothing, personal medication, sun protection, and a water-purification method.
Follow guide advice on acclimatization, respect local customs, and confirm itinerary details, accommodation, meals, and package inclusions before departure.
All private ground transportation, including airport transfers, ensures smooth and stress-free travel between destinations.
(Rooms are typically shared by two people. For a private room, please request during the booking process)
Standard Hotels:
Mountain Lodges/Tea Houses:
The hotel accommodations are basic twin-sharing.
Enjoy a transparent booking process with no hidden fees or additional charges.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your booked hotel. Our representative will give you a briefing for your respective tour. You can rest and relax for the remaining time or stroll around the streets of Thamel.
Includes: Private Transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
After having your breakfast, you will start the Rolwaling trek with a pleasant drive along the Arniko Highway to Barabise. You can have beautiful views of green hills with rivers and streams at some places during the drive. Barabise is quite a developed village, compared to other villages in the surrounding area, as it is touched by the Araniko Highway. Upon arrival in Barabise, check in to the lodge, have some rest, and later on explore the area.
Includes: Private Transport, an English-speaking Trekking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Barabise.
Today, you will start walking after having your breakfast in Barabise. You will walk over a steep path behind the town of Barabise, going through rice and mustard fields. As you complete the steep trail, you will reach a ridge from which you can see beautiful views of the surrounding areas along with the Sun Koshi River.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kabre.
After having breakfast, we will start today’s trek to Dolongsa. You will start walking through small settlements and rhododendron forests. During the trek, you can see many birds enjoying their environment.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dolongsa.
Today, you have to walk over a very steep trail to climb the pass (3320 m), which reflects breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Everest. You will have some time to explore the pass area and let the views sink in before you descend through the magnificent forest to the lone monastery of Bigu Gompa.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Bigu Gompa.
After having your breakfast in Bigu Gompa, we commence a trail that descends until you reach Samling Khola. After Samling Khola, you will start to ascend to reach Chilangka.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chilangka.
Today, you will have a gentle walk along the hillside for most of the day, with some ascends and descends. On some parts of the trail, you can spectate the excellent views of Gauri Shanker Himal (7,145 m). The trail finally takes you to Kulong, where we will spend the night.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kulong.
After having your breakfast in Kulong, you will start today with an easy trek, mostly going downhill to the village of Jagat. The trail will take you along the Bhote Koshi River. In Jagat, you can have some rest, observe the impressive views, and learn about the surroundings from your guide. From Jagat, it is an easy walk upstream to Shalu.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Shalu.
In the beginning, the trek starts with an easy walk along the river until we cross the Bhote Koshi. From here, we continue our climb through a forest before entering the more open Bhote Koshi to Simigoan, where the trail is steeper and difficult. As you reach Simigaon, you will check in at the lodge and have some rest.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Simigaun.
Today, you will start the day with a short, steep climb and enter a beautiful mixed forest of moss and rhododendrons as we climb higher. Then, the trail descends to our campsite, which is located just beside the Rolwaling River.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Forest Camp.
Today, after breakfast, you will continue your climb through the forest before entering the more open Rolwaling Valley. The valley takes you to Ramdung and later to Beding, where we will spend the night. Being in the largest settlement in the Rolwaling Valley.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Beding.
Today is your free day in Beding. You can spend the day roaming around the area while also enjoying the scenic beauty of the slightly different and enjoyable combination of nature. You can use this day to soak up the natural beauty of Nepal and find your inner peace while being in the mountains.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Beding.
You will take your breakfast in Beding and start walking to reach Na. Today, your trek will be quite difficult as you have to reach a place at a higher altitude than that of the days before. On the way, you can explore the heart-touching beauty of nature. You will continue walking upwards along the valley through the rhododendron forest to the summer settlement of Na.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Na Gaun.
The fourteenth day of the Rolwaling trek is your acclimatization day in Na. You can rest for some time, as you gained altitude the day before. After some relaxation time, you can explore the upper slopes of the valley for Snow Partridge or visit the nearby glacier.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Na Gaun.
After having your breakfast in Na, you will start walking to return to the Forest Camp. You will continuously descend, going through beautiful forests.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Forest Camp.
Today, we take a different route down through a forest to reach Simigaon. From Simigaon, the trail steeply descends to the Bhote Koshi River. From the river, we will trek to Chetchet, where we will spend the night.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chetchet.
After having your breakfast in Chetchet, you will leave the place and head towards Chetre. You pass through some interesting villages of medieval manifestation and can explore their culture and traditions. In the villages, you will have many possibilities for making photographs, so you can catch a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chetre.
Today, you continue your trek, passing through the valley, which has now become the Tama Koshi valley. Today’s trek will take you through some very beautiful forests before you reach Dolakha.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dolakha.
After having your breakfast, you will start the day with a steep climb that leads you to Charikot, the headquarters of the Dolakha district. In Charikot, you can find facilities like Internet access, a hospital, high-class hotels, other than tea houses, groceries, and many more. Stroll around the village and explore how the locals live in such an environment.
Includes: English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Charikot.
After having your breakfast in Charikot, we drive back to Kathmandu. During the drive, you can enjoy the scenery of Nepal one last time, and on the way, a few stops will be made to have refreshments and lunch. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will assist you and transfer you to your hotel. Explore the streets of Thamel in the evening and try one of the many cuisines, or enjoy yourself in one of the many bars or pubs. This marks the end of the Rolwaling trek.
Includes: Private Transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is your last day in Nepal. Have your breakfast, and later on, our office representative will come to receive you at the hotel, and they will transfer you to the Tribhuwan airport to catch the flight to your onward destination according to your flight time. Have a safe journey onward.
Includes: Breakfast and Private Transport.
