Hidden gem between Langtang & Everest – wilderness, sacred peaks, and the "Graveyard of Glaciers"
A spectacular and seldom-trekked journey through the mystical Rolwaling Valley to the base of Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5,755m — a high crossing into the Khumbu used by mountaineers for centuries. Remote glaciers, hidden villages, and the sacred Tsho Rolpa glacial lake define this extraordinary adventure.
Rolwaling sits in a forgotten corner between the Everest and Gaurishankar regions — deeply sacred in Buddhist tradition and barely visited by trekkers. The Tsho Rolpa glacial lake, the high moraines, and the utter silence of the valley make this one of Nepal's most spiritually charged and visually stunning routes.
Dramatic mountain scenery, authentic Sherpa culture, and the optional Tashi Lapcha Pass to Khumbu.
Dolakha / Gauri Shankar
5,110 m (Dudh Kunda)
Pass: 5,755 m
10–14 days KTM–KTM
~90–110 km trekking
Moderate to Challenging
Remote, some technical sections
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Dry trails, clear skies
Gauri Shankar · Dudh Kunda · Beding & Na villages · Tashi Lapcha Pass · authentic Sherpa culture
Gauri Shankar Conservation Area permit required. Extra permit for Tashi Lapcha Pass crossing.
| Permit | Cost (NPR) | Cost (USD) | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauri Shankar Conservation Area (ACAP equivalent) | 3,000 | ~$23 | Kathmandu or Dolakha |
| TIMS Card (Green) | 2,000 (group) / 3,000 (ind.) | $15–23 | Kathmandu / Pokhara |
| Restricted Area Permit (Tashi Lapcha only) | ~$4/week (500 NPR/week) | ~$4/wk | Dept of Immigration, Kathmandu |
| Style | Cost (USD/day) | Total (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (no guide, no pass) | $35–50 | $420–600 |
| Standard (guide + porter, no pass) | $65–85 | $780–1,020 |
| Full pass crossing (guide, porter, camping) | $100–130 | $1,200–1,560 |
From Kathmandu to Gongar Khola, Beding, Na, Dudh Kunda (5,110m), and return. Optional pass crossing.
Gauri Shankar, Melungtse, Chobutse, and more – intimate scale, fewer crowds.
| Peak Name | Height (m) | Visible From |
|---|---|---|
| Gauri Shankar | 7,134 | Entire valley – sacred to Hindus & Buddhists |
| Melungtse | 7,181 | Upper Rolwaling, border with Tibet |
| Chobutse | 6,685 | Beding & Na – distinctive rocky summit |
| Dorje Lakpa | 6,966 | Lower valley (often clouded) |
| Kang Nachugo | 6,735 | Na area – technical peak |
Basic lodges up to Beding & Na; camping required beyond Na or for pass crossing.
Nights at Na (4,200m) can drop below freezing. Sleeping bag rated -10°C required.
Rest day in Na (4,200m) is mandatory. Acclimatize by hiking to 4,600m and returning.
Headache, nausea, fatigue = mild. Vomiting, loss of coordination = descend 500m immediately.
Drink 4–5 liters of water daily. Dehydration mimics and worsens AMS.
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills above 3,000m – they suppress breathing.
Must cover helicopter rescue up to 6,000m. Standard policies may exclude Rolwaling.
125mg twice daily – consult doctor. Start one day before reaching 3,000m.
Begin trekking by 6–7 AM to avoid afternoon clouds and wind.
Ask before photos, walk clockwise around mani walls, and support local teahouses.
Kathmandu → Gongar Khola → Simigaon → Beding → Na → Dudh Kunda (5,110m) → return / Tashi Lapcha Pass
Book your Rolwaling trek with Lila – authentic teahouses, experienced guides, and the wilderness you've been dreaming of.