Overview
Our Rolwaling Tashi Laptsa Pass Trek is an outstanding trail that takes trekkers through remote Sherpa settlements, around glacial lakes, and over high passes. On a map, this trail connects the Everest region with the nearly unheard of Rolwaling area by way of the thrilling Tashi Laptsa Pass (5755 meters/18,881 feet). As we cross from the distant Rolwaling Himal area into the world-famous Khumbu region, dazzling mountain views lie before our eyes. Another highlight of the trek is taking a rest near one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal, Tsho Rolpa (4580 meters /15,030 feet). Throughout the journey, though, you will be in constant amazement of the beauty that surrounds you.
During the first part of the Rolwaling Tashi Laptsa Pass trek, the trail passes over gushing rivers, some of which we cross by slippery wet rocks and wood. After ascending from Simigaon, we reach the Draplung La Pass (3976 meters), with breathtaking views of Gaurishankar (7146 meters). In Bedding, explore the old Buddhist monastery. Maybe we can get a tour if the monks are not busy! The route rises through alpine meadows and yak grazing pastures, all while being surrounded by the majesty of the Himalayas. During the Rolwaling Tashi Laptsa Trek, feast your eyes on dozens of peaks over 6000 meters, including Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and more.
A couple of days later, we reach the majestic Tsho Rolpa lake, which could be frozen depending on how early in the season we reach there. The deep blue lake is enveloped by flanked by mountains – a truly picturesque scene. Before we know it, the time has come to cross the Tashi Laptsa Pass – one of the most difficult passes in the region. The hard work pays off as we get panoramic views of Everest region peaks as well as Langtang region peaks.
The Tashi Laptsa Pass Trekking trail makes its descent into the Everest region. Arrive in the tranquil Thame river valley and slowly hike through Sherpa settlements. We have a stop in Namche Bazaar, a big shopping and trading hub of the area, before ultimately winding up in Lukla for the flight back.
Our Rolwaling Tashi Laptsa Pass Trek is a combination of teahouse and camping journey. Where there are guesthouses or homestays, we can stay there upon your request. Otherwise, we will be camping outside under a tent. Release your attachments to your normal, everyday life and ‘lose yourself’ in the mountains. That's why the cost of the trek has been decreased a bit. Our detailed itinerary will give day by day information. For a couple of weeks, forget about the worries you have and live in the moment! Enjoy the views and feel the refreshing mountain breeze.
Trip Highlights
High-altitude trek to Tashi Laptsa Pass (5755 meters/18,881 feet)
Relaxing, peaceful excursion from the Gaurishankar region to the Everest region
Rest near the majestic Tsho Rolpa (4580 meters /15,030 feet) lake
Sleep under the stars on the lap of the Himalayas
Learn about Sherpa culture and their devotion to Tibetan Buddhism
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu Valley(1400m).
- Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Singati (1020m), 6-7 hour drive.
- Day 03: Singati to Jagat (1250m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 04: Jagat to Simigaon (2025m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 05: Simigaon to Donga (2800m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 06: Donga to Beding (3690m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 07: Rest day for acclimatization and exploration.
- Day 08: Beding to Na Gaon (4185m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 09: Rest day for acclimatization and exploration.
- Day 10: Na Gaon to Tso-Rolpa (4360m), 4-5 hours.
- Day 11: Rolpa to Drolumbau Glacier (5205m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 12: Drolumbau Glacier to Tashi Laptsa-La (5755m) and descend to Base Camp (5460m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 13: Base Camp to Thame (3805m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 14: Thame to Namche Bazar via Khumjung Village(3440m), 5hours.
- Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m), 4-5 hours.
- Day 16: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, 30 minute flight.
- Day 17: Final Departure from Nepal.
Trip note
Accommodation
Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek includes accommodation in the cost. This accommodation is included only during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2/3 star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will arrange good local teahouse in Rolwaling Valley and after we start to sleep in the tented camp.
Food
Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we will order our meals from teahouses. While camping, we will prepare the meals for you. After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek. All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers. For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season. It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures. It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.
Domestic Flights
Flights from Lukla can be delayed due to weather conditions and delays may last up to several days. It is best to book flights to and from Kathmandu with a several day margin to avoid missing a flight back to your home country. If flights go smoothly, we will help arrange activities for you during your margin days. In the case that you have a tight schedule and the flights out of Lukla are delayed, it is possible to take a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu for an additional cost. Again, we recommend added a couple extra days to your arrival and departure dates to prevent any problems.
