What is Rolwaling Everest Trekking?

Rolwaling Everest Trekking is a challenging high-altitude trek that connects the remote Rolwaling Valley with the famous Everest region by crossing the technical Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755m) . It is one of Nepal’s least explored and most adventurous trekking routes.

How difficult is the Rolwaling Everest Trek?

This trek is very challenging . It involves steep climbs, glacier crossings, rocky terrain, and the high Tashi Lapcha Pass. Prior trekking experience, good fitness, and proper acclimatization are highly recommended.

Do I need mountaineering skills for this trek?

Basic mountaineering skills are helpful, especially for crossing Tashi Lapcha Pass. Your guide will assist with ropes, walking on ice, and safety gear. You don’t need to be a professional climber, but confidence on rough terrain is essential.

Which permits do I need?

You will need: Rolwaling Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP) TIMS Card Sagarmatha National Park Permit Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit A licensed trekking agency will arrange all permits for you.

How long is the Rolwaling Everest Trek?

The trek generally takes 18–22 days , depending on your acclimatization, weather, and itinerary customizations.

What is the best time to do this trek?

The best seasons are: Spring (March to May) Autumn (September to November) These periods offer stable weather, clear views, and safer glacier crossing conditions.

Is camping required on this trek?

Yes. In the high pass area (Tashi Lapcha) and some parts of Rolwaling Valley, teahouse availability is limited , so camping is required for 1–2 nights depending on conditions.

Do I need a guide and porter?

Yes. A licensed guide is mandatory due to the restricted area and the technical nature of the pass. A porter is highly recommended because the terrain is difficult and loads must be light.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

Accommodation includes: Teahouses in villages Tents during the Tashi Lapcha crossing Basic guesthouses in the Khumbu region Teahouses in Rolwaling are simple and traditional.

What food is available on the trek?

Expect typical Nepali dishes such as dal bhat , noodles, momos, soups, and tea. In remote areas, options are limited, and food quality may vary. In the Everest region, menus are more diverse.

What fitness level is required?

This trek requires excellent fitness . You should be able to walk 6–8 hours a day, handle steep ascents/descents, and manage high altitude above 5,000 meters.

Essential items include: Warm clothing (down jacket, thermal layers) Waterproof boots Crampons (as required) Trekking poles Sleeping bag (-20°C or better) Headlamp Gloves, gaiters, sunglasses Your guide will bring technical gear like ropes and ice tools.

Is altitude sickness a concern in Rolwaling Everest Trek?

Yes. Much of the trek is above 3,500m, and the pass reaches 5,755m. Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary, and your guide will monitor your health regularly.

Can beginners do this trek?

No. This trek is not suitable for beginners. It is recommended for experienced trekkers who have completed at least one high-altitude trek such as Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu, or Everest Base Camp.

Rolwaling Everest Trekking - 18 Days Cost and Itinerary

Highlight for Rolwaling Everest Trekking

Adventure from scenic Rolwaling valley to Everest region crossing high Tashi Labtsa-la pass.
Awesome experience within high and scenic Rolwaling valley enclosed by giant mountains.
Into complete wilderness within remorseless fields of ice and glaciers for some days.
Walking from warm low paddy areas to cooler hills unto remote arctic zone.
Lovely woodland of rhododendron, magnolia and pines trees to arid and barren landscape.
Explore high and remote Sherpa villages enriched with age-old culture and colorful custom.
Exciting overland ride to adventurous and challenging walks ending with short scenic flight.

Why Choose Rolwaling Everest Trekking?

The Rolwaling Everest Trekking route is one of Nepal’s most spectacular yet least-explored high-altitude adventures. Known for its dramatic landscapes, mystical Sherpa culture, and thrilling Himalayan passes, this trek offers an authentic wilderness experience away from the busy Everest Base Camp trail.

1. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

Rolwaling Valley is remote and untouched, offering a peaceful trekking experience. Unlike the crowded Everest region, this trail lets you enjoy pristine nature, quiet forests, and traditional villages with fewer trekkers.

2. Stunning Mountain Views

The trek provides breathtaking views of:

Mt. Gaurishankar (7,134m)
Melungtse (7,181m)
Cho Oyu
And close encounters with Everest region peaks

You’ll trek between two iconic mountain regions—Rolwaling and Khumbu—giving you unmatched scenery.

3. Tashi Lapcha Pass – A True Himalayan Challenge

Crossing the Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755m) is one of the most exciting parts of this trek. It involves glacier travel, ropes, and basic mountaineering skills. This makes the route perfect for adventure seekers wanting a tougher alternative to classic treks.

4. Rich Sherpa Culture & Spiritual Heritage

The Rolwaling region is known as the “Valley of Yeti legends.” It’s home to ancient monasteries, sacred caves, prayer walls, and warm Sherpa communities who maintain traditional lifestyles.

5. Unique Wilderness & Biodiversity

The trail passes through:

Rhododendron and pine forests
High-alpine landscapes
Glacial lakes like Tsho Rolpa, one of Nepal’s biggest glacier lakes
Rare wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, and snow leopard habitats

6. Perfect Combination of Remote Trek + Everest Region Highlights

The trek ends by joining the legendary Khumbu trail, allowing trekkers to explore:

Namche Bazaar
Tengboche Monastery
Sherpa Museums
Everest viewpoints

It blends isolation in Rolwaling with iconic Everest charm.

7. Ideal for Experienced Trekkers

If you’ve already done EBC, Annapurna, or Manaslu, the Rolwaling Everest Trek offers something completely different—more technical, more remote, and more rewarding.

8. Less Commercialized, More Authentic

Because of its difficulty and remoteness, the trail is not overly developed. You get:

Genuine teahouse hospitality
Pure Himalayan environment
A real sense of expedition

Rolwaling Everest Trekking Itinerary with Altitude and Distance Coverage


Day	Activity	Altitude (m/ft)	Distance (km/miles)	Duration (hours)	Elevation Gain/Loss
01	Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Briefing on the trek and welcome dinner with cultural program.	1,350 m / 4,430 ft	-	~30 min drive	-
02	Full day in Kathmandu with sightseeing at places of interest.	1,350 m / 4,430 ft	-	Flexible	-
03	Drive to Gongar via Charikot.	1,400 m / 4,593 ft	~185 km / 115 miles	~7 hrs drive	+50 m / +164 ft
04	Trek to Simigaon.	2,000 m / 6,562 ft	~10 km / 6.2 miles	~5 hrs walk	+600 m / +1,969 ft
05	Trek to Dovan.	2,850 m / 9,350 ft	~12 km / 7.5 miles	~5 hrs walk	+850 m / +2,788 ft
06	Trek to Beding.	3,690 m / 12,106 ft	~14 km / 8.7 miles	~5 hrs walk	+840 m / +2,756 ft
07	Rest day for acclimatization and optional hike around Beding.	3,690 m / 12,106 ft	~6 km / 3.7 miles (hike)	~3-4 hrs (optional)	+300 m / +984 ft (optional)
08	Trek to Na Gaon.	4,183 m / 13,727 ft	~8 km / 5 miles	~4 hrs walk	+493 m / +1,617 ft
09	Trek to Glacier Camp.	5,400 m / 17,717 ft	~12 km / 7.5 miles	~6 hrs walk	+1,217 m / +3,993 ft
10	Trek to the base of Tashi Laptsa.	5,400 m / 17,717 ft	~6 km / 3.7 miles	~4 hrs walk	Flat
11	Cross Tashi Laptsa (5,755 m / 18,881 ft) and descend to Tengpo.	5,755 m / 18,881 ft 4,370 m / 14,337 ft	~14 km / 8.7 miles	~8 hrs walk	+355 m / +1,165 ft -1,385 m / -4,544 ft
12	Trek to Thame.	3,820 m / 12,533 ft	~10 km / 6.2 miles	~5 hrs walk	-550 m / -1,804 ft
13	Trek to Namche Bazaar.	3,440 m / 11,286 ft	~7 km / 4.3 miles	~4 hrs walk	-380 m / -1,247 ft
14	Morning free at Namche Bazaar, then trek to Monjo.	2,830 m / 9,285 ft	~8 km / 5 miles	~4 hrs walk	-610 m / -2,001 ft
15	Trek to Lukla.	2,860 m / 9,383 ft	~12 km / 7.5 miles	~4 hrs walk	+30 m / +98 ft
16	Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.	1,350 m / 4,430 ft	-	~35 min flight	-1,510 m / -4,954 ft
17	Free day in Kathmandu for personal activities or rest.	1,350 m / 4,430 ft	-	Flexible	-
18	Final departure from Nepal.	1,350 m / 4,430 ft	-	~30 min drive	-