Rolwaling Valley and Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek
- 20 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We traverse the wild Rolwaling Valley and cross the high Tashi Lapcha Pass into Khumbu over twenty days.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our twenty-day expedition across the Rolwaling Valley and over the Tashi Lapcha Pass is designed for experienced mountaineers and trekkers seeking remote wilderness. We take you away from standard tourist trails, following the glacial rivers beneath the southern slopes of Gauri Shankar and Dorje Lakpa. This region remains one of Nepal's most isolated hidden valleys, demanding self-reliance, physical endurance, and careful technical preparation.
We start our journey with a drive to Shigatte, then follow the footpaths through Jagat, Simigaon, and Donga before entering the deep gorge of Beding and Na village. As we ascend past Yalung Base Camp and onto the Drolumbau Glacier, the terrain becomes strictly alpine and heavily glaciated. Crossing the Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5755 m requires careful rope work and stamina before we descend into the Khumbu region via Thame and Namche Bazaar.
This route is exceptionally demanding and suits only those with solid high-altitude trekking experience and good physical conditioning. Our team provides full camping support, expert guides, and technical gear management to handle the remote conditions. We fly out from Lukla after completing our descent, concluding a strenuous traverse linking two of Nepal's most famous mountain domains.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Tashi Lapcha Pass
We cross this high and remote pass at 5755 m, navigating glaciated terrain between Rolwaling and Khumbu.
Rolwaling Valley
We spend several days exploring the isolated mountain settlements of Beding and Na beneath Gauri Shankar.
Drolumbau Glacier
We camp on high glacial moraines surrounded by towering ice peaks and remote wilderness.
Khumbu Descent
We drop down into Thame and Namche Bazaar, connecting our off-beaten trail with the classic Everest route.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Take the rest of the day to rest after your international flight.
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
We spend today checking our group gear, finalising permits, and visiting cultural heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley. Our lead guide conducts a detailed trek briefing.
Day 3
Drive Kathmandu to Shigatte (1020 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive Kathmandu to Shigatte (1020 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We board our private vehicle for the 7 to 8 hour drive from Kathmandu down to Shigatte, passing rural foothills and river valleys.
Day 4
Shigatte to Jagat (1250 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Shigatte to Jagat (1250 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Today we walk for 5 to 6 hours along undulating trails, following river courses and passing through terraced farming settlements.
Day 5
Jagat to Simigaon (2025 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Jagat to Simigaon (2025 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail climbs steadily through forests and stone steps over 5 to 6 hours, bringing us to the Sherpa village of Simigaon.
Day 6
Simigaon to Donga (2800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Simigaon to Donga (2800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We trek for 5 to 6 hours through dense rhododendron and pine woods, ascending higher into the narrowing Rolwaling river canyon.
Day 7
Donga to Beding (3690 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Donga to Beding (3690 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Continuing up the valley for 5 to 6 hours, we reach Beding, the largest permanent settlement in the Rolwaling region.
Day 8
Acclimatisation Day in Beding (Malung Kharka Hike)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Acclimatisation Day in Beding (Malung Kharka Hike)
Meals: B / L / D
We take an acclimatisation hike toward Malung Kharka, gaining elevation over 5 to 6 hours before returning to Beding for the night.
Day 9
Beding to Na (4185 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Beding to Na (4185 m)
Meals: B / L / D
A shorter 5 to 6 hour walk brings us deeper into the glacial valley to the seasonal herding settlement of Na.
Day 10
Acclimatisation Day in Na (Yalung La Hike)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Acclimatisation Day in Na (Yalung La Hike)
Meals: B / L / D
We hike up toward Yalung Base Camp for 4 to 5 hours to assist with altitude adaptation before resting in Na.
Day 11
Na to Nyiduk Kongma (4750 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Na to Nyiduk Kongma (4750 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the village behind and climb for 5 to 6 hours through rugged terrain toward our high camp at Nyiduk Kongma.
Day 12
Nyiduk Kongma to Drolumbau Glacier (5205 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Nyiduk Kongma to Drolumbau Glacier (5205 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Today's 5 to 6 hour trek takes us onto the edge of the Drolumbau Glacier, where we set up high tents on rocky moraine.
Day 13
Drolumbau Glacier to Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755 m) and Camp (5460 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Drolumbau Glacier to Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755 m) and Camp (5460 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We start early for the strenuous 6 to 7 hour push over the Tashi Lapcha Pass before descending to establish our high camp at 5460 m.
Day 14
Camp to Thame (3805 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Camp to Thame (3805 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We descend for 5 to 6 hours along steep mountain paths, eventually reaching the historic Sherpa village of Thame.
Day 15
Thame to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Thame to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
A short and easy hike of a few hours brings us out of the side valley and into the bustling hub of Namche Bazaar.
Day 16
Rest and Hike to Everest View Hotel
Meals: B / L / D
Day 16
Rest and Hike to Everest View Hotel
Meals: B / L / D
We spend a recovery day in Namche with a morning walk up to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain vistas.
Day 17
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 17
Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our final trekking day is a 7-hour walk down the Dudh Koshi valley to the airstrip at Lukla.
Day 18
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 18
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning mountain flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel for a free afternoon.
Day 19
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 19
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for personal relaxation, souvenir shopping, or independent city exploration.
Day 20
Departure
Meals: B
Day 20
Departure
Meals: B
Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup on arrival
- Four nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Guided Kathmandu valley sightseeing tours
- All meals on full board during trek
- Twin-share tented accommodation on trek
- Experienced lead guide and required porters
- All necessary trekking permits and local taxes
- Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Tips for trekking crew
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
This trek reaches a maximum elevation of 5755 m at Tashi Lapcha Pass with multiple nights spent above 4000 m. We include dedicated acclimatisation days in Beding and Na to help your body adjust safely.
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and first-aid kits, monitoring your health daily. If symptoms of acute mountain sickness appear, our team is trained to initiate immediate descent protocols.
Physical fitness requirements
We classify this route as challenging and strenuous, requiring prior high-altitude trekking experience and robust cardiovascular endurance. Expect long days walking over rocky moraines, snow, and steep ascents.
Participants should engage in rigorous cardio and strength training for several months prior to departure. Basic familiarity with mountaineering equipment and rope handling is helpful.
Accommodation on trek
We provide twin-share tented accommodation throughout the remote sections of the Rolwaling Valley and glacier crossing. Our crew sets up dining tents, kitchen tents, and provides comfortable sleeping gear.
In Kathmandu, we accommodate you in a 3-star hotel with attached bathrooms and modern amenities.
Weather and mountain conditions
High passes in the Rolwaling region are subject to sudden weather shifts, heavy snow, and high winds, particularly near the Drolumbau Glacier. We monitor local forecasts closely before making our pass attempt.
Proper thermal layering, sturdy mountaineering boots, and windproof shell garments are mandatory for safety against sub-zero temperatures.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy mountaineering bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in and suitable for crampons.
Down jacket (-20°C rated)Essential
Clothing
Provided by us or bring your own heavy-duty down jacket.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bag (-20°C rated)Essential
Camping
Essential for cold nights at high camp.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Helps with balance on loose moraines and descents.
UV protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Required for glacial snow glare.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6000 m.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Backup for treated camp water.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Rolwaling Region Permit
PermitRequired restricted area and conservation permits for entering the Rolwaling Valley.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitMandatory entry permit for trekking within the Khumbu region.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for tracking and safety.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek?
This is a strenuous and challenging high-altitude trek involving glacier crossings and a 5755 m pass. It requires solid physical fitness and previous trekking experience.
What permits are required for this trek?
You need standard regional permits and conservation area entry passes, which our office arranges as part of your package.
Do I need technical mountaineering gear?
Yes, crossing the Tashi Lapcha Pass and Drolumbau Glacier involves snow and ice travel. You should bring appropriate technical gear or arrange rentals through our Kathmandu office.
How is drinking water managed during the trek?
Our kitchen crew provides boiled drinking water and purification tablets along the route to ensure safe hydration.
What kind of support team accompanies us?
We provide an experienced lead guide, a certified cook, kitchen staff, and porters to carry gear and manage camp operations.
What happens if flights from Lukla are delayed?
Mountain weather can occasionally disrupt Lukla flights. We recommend keeping a few buffer days at the end of your trip for travel contingencies.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 20 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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