Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Trek

Arrival in Kathmandu-Transfer to Hotel, Welcome assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel, rest at the hotel and briefing about the trip. 
Overnight in Kathmandu at 2 star Hotel with breakfast 

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tours to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Bodhanath Stupa-the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world!  Patan Durbar Square is the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley with age old tradition also called Lalitpur-the city of fine arts. The visit covers the Durbar Square, the Krishna temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the Golden temple and many more. Swayambhunath Stupa-the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hillock also nick-named as monkey temple. Your day tour ends Kathmandu Durbar Square Showcasing living goddess Kumari Temple, Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak Street and more.
Overnight in Kathmandu at 2 star Hotel with breakfast 

A Jeep will take us from Kathmandu through the scenic high green hills and white mountain  views to the north. On the way we will visit the Bhimeswor Temple in Dolakha. The last hour’s dusty drive will lead down to our campsite on the Tama Kosi River bank.

Our route follows the Bhote Koshi deep valley which gradually becomes more gorge-like. We crisscross the hectic river on picturesque suspension bridges and pass a few hamlets and villages. The forest sometimes gives way to views of the Gaurishankar (7145m). This area is still Hindu although signs of Buddhism, with prayer flags and Chortens begin to appear.

A short stage: after a 2.5 hrs walk, we leave the valley to continue east. The path slowly gains altitude on an impressive slope, and later crosses terraces. Simigaon is a Sherpa and Tamang village, marked by its Tibetan monastery perched above the houses on top of the hill in front of Gaurishankar.

We now enter the Rolwaling valley through a gorgeous rhododendron and bamboo forest. The path steadily climbs towards Gyalche. Eventually, we descend back down to the river and establish our campsite on the Rolwaling Khola bank: a narrow green belt beneath Gaurishankar.

We gradually climb the forested valley of tropical alpine vegetation, with excellent mountain scenery surrounding us. Arriving at Beding, we should see Melungtse I (7181m), Rolwaling’s highest summit. Beding is a lonely small village; well known to Everest summiteers, this Sherpa village may offer you Chaang (barley beer) and salted yak butter tea. An old but historical Buddhist Monastery is located in the center of the village. We will camp be on the banks of the river.

A day hike to the Malung La pass (5616m) – or as high as you can go above Beding – will help with acclimatization. There should be great views of more than 15 snowy peaks, glaciers and the natural forest in the Beding Valley below.

A short walk will take us to Na; the last tiny alpine hamlet that is only inhabited during summer months. Na is situated just below the Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake in a beautiful valley overlooked by some very impressive peaks, including Chobutse (6685m), Chugimago (6259m) and Yalung Ri (5630m).

We can either take a rest or organize an excursion towards the Yalung La pass. Here we climb steadily, the path taking us to a vast amphitheatre at 4900m, situated just below the pass, and the Ramdun peak ice fall which is furrowed with streams. This is an excellent place to view the Tsho-Rolpa glacier lake.  In each direction we get stunning views: to the east the Yalung Glacier, south the Ramdung Peak (5930m), west the Yalung Ri (5630m) and to the north the breathtaking Himalayan summits along the Tibetan border.

We climb up to the dam that holds back the Tsho-Rolpa lake, preventing it from splitting the thin moraine and destroying the valleys below. We continue along the south bank. (The ancient route, marked on all maps, following the northern bank and passing through Chobu, no longer exists. In fact, the moraines bordering the lake have all collapsed into it.) After a 300m climb, we must cross a disordered moraine area only scramble down the height we walked up. The campsite is in a sandy amphitheatre, between the Tsho Rolpa and Trakarding glaciers.

The path plunges on towards the Trakarding glacier. This is a huge and impressive and rocky area that gives way, from time to time, to large sections of bluish ice. We’ll struggle on towards a rocky spur, just beneath the Dolumbau glacier. It is now quite a venture to access the glacier. We need to climb up a rock face and to set a rope for the porters, helping them to scramble up the 160m before accessing the campsite area. This provides a fantastic panorama with the Trakarding glacier below and the great glacial wall of the Drolumbau glacier to the north: an incredible spot with views of countless streams running off the glacier, falling rocks and collapsing ice.

The only route to get a foothold onto the Drolumbau glacier is tricky and fairly steep. Our efforts will be rewarded by a unique view towards Tengi Ragi Tau (6943m), Bigphero-Go Shar (6729m), Dragkar-Go (6793m), with a background of myriad peaks towards and beyond the Tibetan border. We progress through moraines and gentle slopes, from time to time crossing, glacial areas, towards the summit. The campsite is about 300m below the summit just beyond a tricky but impressive rocky section.        

Today offers an easy and pleasant descent. Just before arriving in the tiny Sherpa village of Thame, we can visit its picturesque monastery perched on the hillside. Thame lies on an important route for Tibetan traders and their yak caravans trekking across the Nangpa La (5716m/18,752) on the Tibetan border to Namche Bazaar and beyond.

Trek to Khumjung Located at the foot of sacred Mt. Kumbila. Khumjung is home of the first Edmund Hilary school project. There is a Hospital at the next village of Khunde, manned by Canadian doctors. This most stable and traditional Sherpa cultural settlement is worth a visit, as is the oldest Monastery in this region.

A long downhill day via Namche Bazaar and the last view of Mt. Everest.

We have to arrive in Lukla in time to reconfirm our return flight to Kathmandu for early the next morning. The day’s walk is along the Dudh Kosi River and passes through several Sherpa villages with many local lodges which accommodate the trekkers to the Everest region.

Early Morning flight to Kathmandu, transfer to your Hotel. In evening join the farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Wander Walkers.

Flight Lukla – Kathmandu might be delayed due to poor visibility and bad weather forecast. You may even be delayed for a day or longer, hence spare day or two needs to be added to your itinerary.

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.