Rolwaling

The Rolwaling valley is among the most isolated regions of Nepal, despite being relatively close to Kathmandu. This 9-day version takes in its unspoilt Sherpa villages and the glacial lake of Tsho Rolpa, the largest in the country, without going over the technical Tashi Lapcha pass that normally closes the full circuit.

From Chhetchhet the trail climbs the valley through Simigaon and then Beding, the largest Sherpa village in the region, up to Na (4,200 m), the last permanent settlement. From there, two out-and-back excursions lead respectively to Tsho Rolpa lake and up to 5,300 m at the Yalung La, with no technical equipment required.

What makes it unique

The accessible version of Rolwaling, one of the most isolated valleys in Nepal, with a genuine end-of-the-world feel. You push up to 5,300 m on an excursion from Na, without crampons or rope, with Tsho Rolpa lake as a bonus before heading back down the same way. You still come across yaks and, with a little luck, snow leopards, in Sherpa villages untouched by mass tourism.

Route at a glance

Kathmandu → Chhetchhet → Simigaon → Donggang → Beding → Na → excursion to Tsho Rolpa lake → excursion to Yalung La → Surmuche → Chhetchhet → return to Kathmandu

Good to know

• Duration: 9 days (7 days of walking)
• Difficulty: Moderate to demanding (two excursions above 5,000 m, no technical equipment)
• High point: Excursion to Yalung La, approx. 5,300 m, out and back from Na