Day 01
Arrive at Kathmandu.
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be received and transferred to your hotel by our staff. Later in the evening today you will be picked up and taken to one of the finest local restaurant for welcome dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02
Full day guided sightseeing
Today you will set off on a day guided sightseeing tour that begins from visiting palace square, temples, living goddess “Kumari”, in Kathmandu Durbar Square and then we drive further west to Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as money temple. After short break for day’s lunch in one of the local restaurants you will drive east to the largest Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath and then down south to Pashupatinath temple, the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in the whole south eastern, situated by the bank of holy Bagmati. Later today after the tour you will be dropped back to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03
Drive to Barabesi (860m) 65 km 4-5 hrs
Morning after breakfast we take a bus ride from Kathmandu heading towards the Bhote Koshi Valley reaching at Barabesi a large village and a bazaar, situated merely 10 km from the Tibetan border, on the only motor able highway that connects to Lhasa, Tibet from Kathmandu. After a short preparation, we start our climb up from the bazaar heading to Simle. On the first day of walk is always slow to get started, as the porters and staffs have to sort out their loads and the first days of this adventure is always short walk to the overnight camp. Our trek climbs above from the busy bazaar of Barabise for an hour then coming on the gradual path till we reach to our night camp between the rural village of Simle and Budipa approx. at 1,130m after nearly 3 hours of good walk.
Day 04
Trek to Dolangsa (2510m) 4/5 hrs
We start our today’s walk following the path through number of small farm villages and terraced fields, and small patch of cool forest then gradually climbing and crossing many small streams, until we reach at Dolangsa, a small village on the bottom of the Tinsang-la pass with a primary school yard for camping. People in these villages are of Sherpa tribes and there is a small monastery just above the village. Overnight Camp will be on the open clearings in the village itself.
Day 05
Trek to Tingsang-la (3319m) 4 hrs
Our route follows above Dolangsa village, starting with a steep climb passing by the monastery and beyond through prickly-leaved oak woods and rhododendron forest coming to a clearing with a small settlement of cattle herders after two hours of steady walk, from here our walk continues further for another 2 hours to Tinsang La. We can notice there is a remarkable change in the vegetations, as the walk gains altitude every hour or so, and then reaching at the top ridge of Tingsang-la. We get excellent views from the Pass looking over towards Gaurishankar and onwards the Tashi Lapcha. After good hard climb to the pass a short descend on the grassy meadow lead us to our overnight camp overlooking grand views of the surrounding landscapes and snow capped peaks, camp is made where there is number of old temporary shade of the Shepard’s as this place happens to be summer pasture. An early morning view from this campsite is well worth the effort of waking up earlier.
Day 06
Trek to Bigu Gomba (2310m) 4-5 hrs
After an early morning view of the superb scenery, our journey continues with an hour and half descend to the settlement of Ruphtang situated on a small hill top amongst the terraced fields. After a brief stop here, walk follows on the downhill slope path to a small stream. From here nearly two hours of gradual climb will reach us to our overnight camp on the large grassy field just few minutes away from the Bigu Gomba premises. From the camp we can see large stupas for a nunnery, each stupa which houses about 30 nuns and the nuns are mostly Sherpa women. Here we have ample time for a visit to Bigu Gompa, a fine and interesting monastery set among juniper on a terraced hillside. The building which houses a nunnery was built around 1933.
Day 07
Trek to Chilangka (1930m) 4-5 hrs
From here our trek leads to a long descend through the terraced fields towards Sangwa khola, which later joins the Tamba khola, coming to the warmer area after a good walk of two hours. The path then gradually climbs after crossing the bridge, the path winds up leading through Lading and continues to Chilangka after 2-3 hours of walks for the overnight camp high above the river. It is a quiet and lovely spot with splendid views across the terraced hillside, and down to Bhote Kosi.
Day 08
Trek to Bulung (1890m) 5-6 hrs
After Chilangka, our route heads east above the Sangwa khola, crossing several tributary streams the path leads to gradual walk with few ups and downs in between and then coming to Chutara, well decorated with religious paintings. Chautara are interesting structures and are found along trails through out Nepal. Trek from here leads to the winding trail towards the corner of the Gyalsung Danda (ridge) above the river, and then leading downhill towards Bulung for our overnight stop in this widely spread village, Camp is made is near by the school yard of this village Bulung.
Day 09
Trek to Gongar Khola (1430m) 6 hrs
Our trek from Bulung village leads to north east along the trail above the Tama Koshi through the village of Yarsa and Warang, walking along the seldom used path at first, but after a an hour of good trek the trail becomes something of a highway, on this broad winding road with excellent views of Mt.Gurishanker. Traversing through intensively terraced farm fields, we then skirt past the village of Orang and coming through few small ridges and finally our route leads to a steep downhill path to the junction of the Gongor Khola and Tama Koshi, and the small settlement of Gongor on the wide valley floor where we make our overnight camp by the river after a good walk of six hours.
Day 10
Trek to Simigaon (2000m) 4-5 hrs
Leaving Gongar, the trail continues along the west bank of the Tama Koshi, which narrows into a gorge then reaching at Chetchet and its beautiful waterfall. Having descended to almost the same height as our starting point after an hour or more walk, the climate here is once again hot and slightly humid. Shortly afterwards we cross the Tama Kosi river and make a steep climb for an hour to the village of Simgaon, after the steep portion the walk leads to gentle up to the village of Simigaon, where the overnight camp are beside a Gompa 20 minutes above the main village with more fabulous views of Gaurishanker.
Day 11
Trek to Dovan (2850m) 5-6 hrs
From Simigaon, our route leads towards north east. Beginning the walk on the gradual uphill slope passing through the thick rhododendron and magnolia forests and pasture with numerous clearing that are used for summer grazing. In this area the change from lush Tama Koshi to the mountain side of Rolwaling Valley is very distinct. Depending upon the season, if the monsoon flood has washed much of the trail which usually happens sometimes in this case, we either take the high path that climbs steeply towards the ridge of the Sambur Danda, crossing the Daldung la at 3,976m. as a safer alternative. Our walk continues contouring above the hill side and then descending to the river passing more huts in an area called Gyalche. After reaching the valley floor we cross a small wooden bridge to our camp at Dovan, a small unlikely clearing in the dense forest of the steep valley side.
Day 12
Trek to Beding (3690m) 5-6 hrs
Today, crossing the Rolwaling khola we take a path leading through the jungles on the northern side, the walk heading to a gradual climb then coming to a clearing passing along little settlements of Nyimare, Ramding and through the farm fields and reaching at Beding for the overnight stop after a good walk of five hours or more with time to visit Beding village. It is the principal Sherpa village in the Rolwaling area. Situated in a narrow gorge enlivened somewhat by its well-positioned Gompa, comprising about thirty six houses. There is a Hillary school in Beding.
Day 13
Trek to Na Gaon (4180m) 3-4hrs
From Beding, onwards you can feel the increasing altitude and the cold chill from the surrounding high mountains. Our trek today will be a short walk of three hours or more along the Rolwaling River, taking easy on this high altitude terrain with its impressive scenery of the surrounding high landscapes and the snow capped peaks. Walk continues slowly in order to acclimatize, just before Na the valley opens out into classic, glaciated in U-shape. On reaching to our overnight camp at Na which is a scattered village and a temporary settlement of the villagers of Beding and beyond, it is a summer yersa (grazing pasture) and potatoes are grown. There is a roughly built Monastery here. Our camp is made on this grassy field with time to relax and marvel the surrounding beauty. Ahead, up the valley beyond Na, the majestic summit of Chobutse 6,689m rises above the Tsho Rolpa at the confluence of the Ripimo Shar and Trakarding glaciers.
Day 14
At Na Gaon
Rest day at Na Gaon for acclimatization and local exploration.
Day 15
Trek to Kabuk at Tsho Rolpa (4560m) 4-5 hrs
After a pleasant time at Na our actual adventure begins from here onwards, morning walk starts crossing the river to the south bank and then following a shallow stream to a crossing point near Yersa at Sangma, the last place of the cattle herders. After the wooden bridge climbing up on moraines, traversing steeply above the main stream until finally we reach the terminal moraine, near behind is the dammed of Tsho Rolpa. The lake sometime known as Cho Pokhari, we will make our campsite on sandy level ground to the south side of the Tsho Rolpa at Kabuk after 4-5 hours of scenic hard walk. From the camp splendid views of the surrounding peaks can be seen including Tsoboje 6,689m. Dragker-Go 6,793m.
Day 16
Trek to Drolambau Glacier near Tashi Laptsa Base Camp (5400m) 5 hrs
From camp the path traverses the moraine above north side from the lake, continuing right along the moraine, occasionally passing rocks overhangs, as the walk follows high slopes above the glacier to avoid the lower section, but further up we have to trek along the centre on the hard rocky glacier to our camp below the Drolambu ice-fall. Steady walk leads us to the lowest point of the icefall and then climbing to the easiest point to gain the Dromlambau glacier/
Day 17
Travarse Tashi Laptsa Pass (5755m) and camp on the other side of Khumbu 7-8 hrs
Today is the main high light of this adventure journey, starting well before sunrise following the glacier again for an hour and half, then reaching a spur which gives an easy access to our route on the upper glacier. Here we will fix ropes and make steps and ledge for the porters, although the terrain is not so difficult, just a precaution that we must imply in this kind of mountain landscapes. After everything is set for the final climb, a further 3-4 hours climb amidst wild and mind-boggling scenery leads us to the top of the pass at our highest point of this trek at Tashi Laptsa pass, where there are buddhist prayer flags and cairns.
This will be our longest day of trek and its important to keep up a good pace to make sure that we reach our camp on the other side of the pass well before dark. From the pass along with the magnificent view of the surrounding snow capped peaks our walk follows downhill for another 3-4 hours towards Ngole and further near past the glacial pond of Parchemuche-tsho and just before Tengpo for the overnight camp at around 4,900m.
Day 18
Trek to Thame (3800m) 5 hrs
After a long hard day, walk from here will be enjoyable most of the way to Namche beyond. From the camp below the Khumbu side of the pass our path follows eastwards over snow slopes the trail from here is well marked and continues its long descent down the upper reaches of the Thame Khola to Thengpo, with excellent views of Mt.Ama Dablam, Mt.Makalu and Lumding Himal above the Thame Khola, after an hour or more arriving at dozen or so shepards huts that makes this place Thengpo with wide pasture field. Another two hours of gradual descend will bring us to our end of our walk for today at Thame Village and our first hint of trekkers civilisation since Beding. There is a very old interesting Monastery at the upper end of the village. At Thame, the old trade route over the Nangpa-la into Tibet branches north following the Bhote Koshi, which incidently is the 2-3 river so named on this trek.
Day 19
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3450m) 5 hrs
Today, a pleasant walk way down to Namche, an affluent rich Sherpa town and an important trading centre with a weekly Saturday market, fresh foodstuffs are brought up from lower villages to barter or sell. Walk leads east from the camp with a short downhill to the bridge over Bhote Koshi river, from the bridge 20 minutes climb to reach the gradual descend and passing through number of villages, mani, prayer walls and pass into the pine woods on this gentle winding path, after 3-4 hours of pleasant walk, Namche Bazaar comes into view from the top ridge where the trail splits into many direction the north from the mani stupa leads towards Khunde and Khumjung. Our route heads downhill with a view of Namche down below with coloured roofed houses. After a 45 minutes descend reaching Namche for the overnight camp.
Day 20
Rest day at Namche Bazaar
A leisure day, frees from the hassle of packing, a relaxing moment an optional hike to Khunde and Khumjung village, Everest View Hotel or around Namche.
Day 21
Trek to Phakding (2630m) 5 hrs
An easy day downhill walk today, from Namche an hour walk brings us to the confluence of Bhote Koshi and Imjatse River that makes the Dudh Koshi which we follow most of the way. From here we cross the long suspension bridge with a short climb into the pine woods, the walk will be on the busy path full of trekkers, locals, porters and pack animals, reaching again back to the river bed, the gentle trail follows the river downstream passing through many farm fields and villages then coming at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo village.
After Monjo another 2 hours of good walk leads us to camp at Phakding near the river Dudh Koshi with enough time for a walk in the village.
Day 22
Trek to Lukla (2830m) 3-4 hrs
Last day of this great trek will be another good walk to Lukla, you can walk at your own leisurely pace, enjoying the lush green scenery around.
Apart from few short uphill the only long climb will be just before Lukla which will take approximately 45 minutes from a place called Choplung or from the old big oak tree. On reaching Lukla, prepare for the last day great dinner and a party with the fellow Sherpa crew, porters and trekking members.
Day 23
Fly Lukla-Kathmandu
The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our command. As we get hold of the boarding pass depending upon our flight time we make our way to the terminal for security check, this scenic flight from Lukla takes about 45 minutes to Kathmandu, a panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from window of the plane. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, one of our Tour Officer will be waiting to receive and escort you back to the Hotel.
Day 24
Free day at leisure
A free day in Kathmandu please let our staff or tour officer know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley.
Day 25
Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy. Our Tour Officer will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.
ROLWALING TASHI LAPTSA TREK
“an adventurous journey in the remote high alpine valleys”
Crossing over one of the most exciting passes of the Himalaya, Tashi Laptsa at 5,755 meter high, to enter into Khumbu Valley has made this trek popular to all adventurers for many years since the Rolwaing Valley was opened.
The Rolwaling valley is steep sided and covered in thick forests; therefore the climbs are sheer upright. But this is going to be one of the finest watershed crossings ever made in the entire of Himalaya. One of the highlight of the trip is the camp beside Bigu Gompa, which is an unusual and beautifully situated nunnery. Further walking through the summer pasture lands and narrow valleys that opens up into a wide bowl; give us our first taste of open mountain scenery – totally unique and mystical.
As we leave the Rolwaling Valley after having climbed the highest point of this adventure, we may feel although the trek is only just beginning. Trekking back way we continue down traversing into the Thame Valley and onto Namche Bazaar and then to Lukla for the scenic panoramic flight to Kathmandu.
