Important notes—Rolwaling Trek
Due to the demands of traveling at high altitudes, a traveler self-assessment form is required for this trip. You will be trekking on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking between 3 and 7 hours per day, on average about 5 hours a day. Altitude may exceed 5545 meters.
A single supplement to have your room is available on this trip and applies only to nights spent in Kathmandu.
In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details.
You must bring an emergency fund of 500 USD in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or canceled flights.
We advise allowing a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip, should your return flights from Lukla be delayed due to weather conditions.
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years at the time of travel.
Please note that while we try to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times your leader makes the decision to either delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms.
Rolwaling Trek Seasonal Overview
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Weather Conditions
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Monsoon (June to August)
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- Generally not recommended, as the weather is unpredictable
- Heavy rainfall leads to muddy and slippery trails, prone to risks of accidents and injuries
- Increased chances of landslides and avalanches
- Transportation, including helicopter flights, can be delayed or canceled due to poor weather.
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Autumn (September to November)
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- Peak trekking season for the Rolwaling and Tsho Rolpa trek
- Stable weather and excellent visibility
- Crystal-clear views of Himalayan peaks and surrounding landscapes
- Days are pleasant for trekking. Nights can be chilly.
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Winter (December to February)
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- Challenging trekking conditions
- Heavy snowfall can block trails, especially at higher altitudes
- Freezing temperatures and many teahouses are likely to close for the season
- Recommended only for experienced and well-equipped trekkers
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- One of the best times for the Rolwaling and Tsho Rolpa Trek
- The weather is generally stable with chances of occasional afternoon showers
- Temperatures warm in the lower regions, while higher altitudes remain cooler
- Trails adorned with rhododendron and wildflower blooms
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Preparing for the Rolwaling Trek: Gear/Essentials Checklist
Here is a complete checklist of trekking gear and equipment for the Tsho Rolpa Trek.
Head:
- Trekking Hat/Cap
- Headlamp/Flashlight (with extra batteries), good quality
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Woolen hat /Beanie (for cold weather)
- Bandana/Buff (for dust and sun protection)
- Sunblock (Sunscreen) (SPF 40 or higher)
- Insect Repellent (any trekking areas)
Body:
- Base Layer Shirt: Two (moisture-wicking, breathable fabric)
- Trekking Jacket: A pair of lightweight (water-resistant/windproof)
- Insulating Layer: A pair (fleece, down jacket, or sweater for warmth)
- Rain Jacket/poncho (lightweight, waterproof)
- Trekking Trousers/Pants: Two pairs (comfortable and durable)
- Long-sleeve shirt: 1 pair (for sun or insect protection)
- Underwear: Two pairs (moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric)
- Compression Garments (for reducing muscle fatigue, optional)
- Gore-Tex or a similar waterproof jacket
Lower Body:
- Trekking Pants: Two pairs (convertible into shorts if needed)
- Thermal Leggings: one (for cold weather)
- Shorts: Two (optional, for warmer weather)
- Knee Guards/Support (for those who need extra knee protection)
- Hands: Protect your hands with warm gloves
- Light inner gloves (for lower-elevation trekking)
- Insulated or down gloves (high-altitude trekking)
- Waterproof gloves (wet season)
Footwear:
- Trekking Boots/Shoes (comfortable, waterproof, with good grip and ankle support)
- Gaiters (to protect from mud, snow, or rocks entering boots)
- Thick Socks: Two pairs (merino wool or synthetic, moisture-wicking)
- Lightweight Socks: Two pairs (for warmer weather or layering)
- Sandals/Flip-flops (for campsite/rest stops)
Extra Suggested Items:
- Sleeping bag
- Drying towel
- Trekking Poles
- Cash (extra Nepali rupees for additional expenses)
- 60L+ Backpack (Rucksack) (with rain cover and hydration system)
- Hydration System/Water Bottles/Camelback
- Water Purification Tablets/Filter
- Snacks (Energy Bars, Dried Fruits, Nuts
- First Aid Kit (with basics like bandages and antiseptic, as per personal need)
- Multi-tool/Knife
- Trekking Map or GPS
- Portable Power Bank (to charge devices)
- Camera or Smartphone (to capture the views)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, shampoo, etc.) Feminine hygiene products as needed
- Wet wipes
- Emergency Whistle
- Dry bags
- Clothing Layer
- Duct Tape
- Hand sanitizer
- Fire-starting Kit (matches, lighters)
- Plastic Bags for Waste (Leave no trace principle)
- Notebook/Journal (for documenting the trip)
Passport and Visa:
All travelers should have a 6-month validity passport. A visa can be obtained upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Visas cost 25 USD, 40 USD, and 100 USD for 15, 30, and 90 days, respectively.
Medical and health information:
All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate in this trip. Before buying this trip, please read the details itinerary carefully.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or any necessary vaccinations before departure. We suggest that you bring your medical kit.
Accommodation while on the Rolwaling trekking:
Accommodation at the local lodge, known as the Guest House, is simple but comfortable. The toilet and washing facility are shared. In the guesthouse, travelers are provided a twin-sharing room with twin beds, mattresses, and pillows. In high season (March to May and September to November), in some places there are few numbers of guest houses, so sometimes travelers may stay in dormitories. In some places, guest houses depend on solar power. In remote regions, the guest house does not have a toilet, and running water can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some guest houses for a price, but occasionally, a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, which is enough to wash your body. Electricity and Wi-Fi are available in some places for an additional cost. Remember, you must spend 2/3 nights camping (tent) between Na to Thame.
Transport:
We will take you to the Singetti by bus. The bus is comfortable and leaves at 7 am from Kathmandu. This is a 7-hour bus journey.
By Air, Lukla to Kathmandu flights are often delayed due to the poor weather conditions. All travelers are advised to have a few backup days in the end to catch their international flight. If the flights keep getting canceled, then you have the option to take a charter helicopter flight, and that will cost about 500 USD per person on a sharing basis. This also depends on the number of people. So make sure you have prepared your emergency fund just in case. All the domestic flights have a strict weight limit. 10 kg of your baggage and 5 kg of hand luggage are included in your tickets. Excess baggage will be charged at your own expense.
Phone and Internet services:
Most of the hotels in Kathmandu offer free Wi-Fi with excellent connections. While trekking, Wi-Fi may be available in some places, like the teahouse, for a small cost. The higher you go, the more use Wi-Fi and the internet will cost, and, likely, the slower the speed. Remember, your room may not have an electrical outlet. You have to share in the dining hall for your recharge.
Safety: Nepal is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Just to be sure, travelers are advised to have their neck belt and money wallet while traveling for the safekeeping of their money, passport, and some valuable items. During your trip, you will have some free time to pursue your interests, relax and take it easy, or explore at your leisure.
Altitude sickness: Altitude sickness is a hazard, including on the Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest Base Camp treks and more. Please make sure you familiarize yourself with signs and symptoms before you leave and observe your health during your trek.
Altitude sickness is a life-threatening disease. Those higher than 2,500 m are at risk of altitude sickness even if they are physically fit. It is important to be aware of these symptoms you may encounter.
Periods of sleeplessness, Occasional loss of appetite, Vivid, wild dreams at around 2,500-3,800m in altitude, Unexpected momentary shortness of breath day and night, Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally, Blocked nose, Dry cough, Mild headache, and Vomiting …
If you are feeling nauseous or dizzy or experience other symptoms, please share with your group and guide for the necessary evacuation.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for our EBC trek. Make sure your insurance covers you for your planned activities, including travel and trekking above 3000 m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services, and helicopter evacuation costs.