The Tsho Rolpa is one of the biggest glacial lakes in Nepal. The lake threatens to burst through its unstable dam, threatening the lives and livestock of over 600 villages around the Tamakoshi River.
This trek is a popular trekking route in the Rolwaling valley of Nepal's Dolakha district, located in the central Himalayas. This is another valley of the Everest base camp trek. The trek takes you to the stunning Tsho Rolpa glacial lake, which is the largest glacial lake in Nepal. This glacial lake is roughly 3.45 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) wide, with a maximum depth of around 135 meters, which is 330 feet. The lake is fed by the melting glaciers of the surrounding mountains, and its water is a brilliant turquoise color, making it a breathtaking sight to behold. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly Tsho Rolpa Lake, which sits at an altitude of 4,580 meters (15,030 feet) above sea level. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This could be the alternative trek route of the Gokyo Lake trek or Tilicho Lake in the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail.
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to the small town of Chet-Chet, which is nearly 200 kilometers, followed by a trek through beautiful forests, remote villages, and high mountain passes. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Melungtse.
The Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is considered a moderate-to-difficult trek and requires a good level of fitness and some trekking experience. The best time to go on this trek is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons, when the weather is clear and dry.
Overall, the Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is a fantastic opportunity to experience the natural beauty and culture of the Rolwaling region while challenging yourself with a high-altitude trekking adventure.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Chet-Chet and Simigaon
Kathmandu to Chet-Chet Dolaka is about 195 kilometers, and the travel time can vary depending on the mode of transportation; usually, it takes 7–8 hours. From Kathmandu to Sigati, it is quite a good road as it has a blacktop, but from Sigati to Chet-Chet, it is off-road even though it is not that bad. The journey is quite interesting and enjoyable through the small selections on the subtropical hills. Once you reach Chet-Chet, you can be ready to hike up to Simi Gaon, which is about 1000 m to climb, and it will take about 2 hours.
Overall, the most convenient way to travel from Kathmandu to Chet-Chet Dolaka is by private Jeep. Just ensure a comfortable and safe trip.
Day 2: Simigaon to Dongang (5/6 hrs).
It is the most beautiful day to trek from Simigaon to Dongang; it usually takes around 5-6 hours, and it involves a moderate level of difficulty. The trail passes through beautiful forests, streams, and hills, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There are small settlements between the two places, likewise Uttise, Surmuche, and Kalyche. You can stop for tea breaks and lunch breaks at any place that you like to stop. But I would like to recommend having a lunch break at Surmuche.
Overall, the trek from Simigaon to Dong Gang is a wonderful experience that takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of Nepal. It is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the stunning beauty of the Himalayas up close.
Day 3: Dongang to Beding, 5 hours, 2800 m.–3690 m.
This is another beautiful day to trek from Dongang to Beding, which is located about 3690 m. 05 kilometers. To reach Beding from Dongang, it will take you about 5 hours to pass through other small settlements, cross bridges, and walk through the Rhododendron forest. Mostly, you will hike up and you need to ascend nearly 900 m.
After a few hours of walking, you will reach Thanding Karkha, where you can take a lunch break. There are a couple of teahouses where you can take basic food to get some power back to walk a couple of hours further to Bedding. Once you reach Bedding, you will have the opportunity to choose better accommodation, as it is the main village of the Rollwaling Valley. The Bedding village just lies on the Tsho Rolpa riverbank.
Day 4: Bedding to Na for 2 hours.
The trek to Na is one of the best and easiest walks along the pristine Tsho Rolpa River in this fascinating valley. It takes only two hours to reach Na village. It is quite easy and pleasant to hike to Na Village, which is at an altitude of 4250 m. Many residents own small plots of land in both villages. The Na and Beding village people shift to their respective villages according to the climate; hence, those who have their house in Beding have their house in Na as well. Most of them have their small land to grow potatoes and keep and tend to animals. They can make money selling Yak milk, ghee, and animals. Most of them do animal husbandry and agriculture. Moreover, many young men and women are involved in the trekking field.
Day 5: Na to Tsho Rolpa Lake and Trek Back to Beding
As soon as you finish your breakfast, you will be heading towards Tsho Rolpa Lake. It takes around 2 and a half hours to get there. The first hour is quite an easy and pleasant walk, and the last part is ascending towards the lake, so you will feel the altitude, and you will have hard breathing and be challenging. Once you reach the lake, there is a small tea house where you can have a cup of hot tea or coffee. The lake itself has a pristine setting and magnificent views of the high mountains.
As soon as you feel ready to walk back, you can start your trek back to Na and have a warm lunch. Once you finish your lunch, you can trek back to Bedding for the overnight stay.
Day 6: Beding to Simigaon 6/7 hours
Embarking on our return journey the same way back down to Simigaon, the path unfolds a mesmerizing, captivating landscape throughout the journey. You will enjoy the lush green pine trees and rhododendron forest. Being at a higher altitude for a few days, it always feels pleasant to be in a warm and vibrant village that welcomes you with open arms, offering a heaven filled with amenities and facilities that you are keen to receive. Always make the party tonight, as this is the last night of your lifetime of journeys of memories.
Day 7: Simigaon to Chet-Chet to Kathmandu by road 195 km. 7/8 hours
Start your day with an organic and hygienic breakfast early in the morning at your guest house. We'll hurry up and catch your transportation to Kathmandu in Chet-Chet. The journey takes around an hour and a half to get back to Chet-Chet. A couple of local buses and Sumo depart around 8 am from Chet-Chet every day. Enjoy the exhilarating drive through the small local settlements, ascending towards Charikot. You can stop at Kharidhunga or elsewhere for a good lunch. As soon as we finished lunch, our journey continued with a continuous drive to Kathmandu. The bus/sumo will drop you off at Tinkune. You can conclude your journey here and move on to your destination.
