Off the Beaten
rolwaling valley trek

Rolwaling Valley Trek with Daldung La

Walk on the less trodden trail via Daldung La Pass

  • Group Size:Min 2 Max 12
  • Duration:13 Days
  • Max Altitude:4,600m/15,091ft
  • Accommodation:Tent/Lodges
  • Activity:Trekking in Nepal
  • Meal:Meals Included
  • Trip Grade:Moderate
  • Start Point:Kathmandu
  • End Point:Kathmandu
Package difficulty Moderate  

Trip Overview

Highlights

  • Off the beaten trail to Beyul, one of eight sacred hidden valleys in the Himalayas
  • Traverse Daldung La pass/Less trodden route
  • Area unknown to many trekkers and climbers
  • Beautiful sceneries, diverse geography and rich culture

Rolwaling Valley Trek with Daldung La Overview

Rolwaling Valley trek with Daldung La pass is a fantastic off-the-beaten trek that takes you through the remote and virgin territory of the Rolwaing region. Something akin to nature’s gem that sits between the lovely Langtang Region to the west and the ever-well-known Everest Region to the east. 

Often the major trekking routes in Nepal have everything figured out; easy trail, best accommodations, tea houses and many more. However, these facilitated treks have their own drawback. Inconveniences such as traffic on the route can be a great turn-off while trekking. For this, here we present you the Rowlaling Valley trek with Daldung La Pass, a less trodden route which sees very few footprints and winds through the far-flung, virgin territory of Rolwaling.

Rolwaling Valley Trek with Daldung La Pass is one such trek that will blow your mind to bliss. The mountain vistas and village landscapes shared with cultural gaiety and rural lifestyles integrate into discoveries that are simply unforgettable…for any length of time. Numerous airy suspension bridges across gorges help cut down the climbs. Brilliant peak views could be had from the high alpine section of Daldung La pass at (3900m), and then more continuously as the path rises.

Itinerary Overview

Our journey to Rolwaling Valley starts with an 8 hrs drive from Kathmandu to Chechet. Rolwaling region lies in the northeast of Kathmandu, which sits south of Tibet. From Chechet, we plod on by Sherpa settlements and thick forests passing through remote villages and terrain.

Our Rolwaling trek itinerary includes a traverse of the untrodden Daldung La pass. The pass is barely trodden and the sublime vistas of the Mountains from the pass make this even better. The trail provides a fantastic view of Gauri-Shankar at (7145 m/23816 ft) a peak named after the mythical Hindu couple Shiva and Parvati.

The Sherpas aptly call this valley of Rolwaling – “The Grave or Furrow” – due to its geography along the Rolwaling Khola that sits deep below the so many ice-giants that hover above this abnormal east-west valley. Rolwaling is thought to be a Beyul, one of only eight sacred, hidden valleys in the Himalaya stretch which is said to protect the mountain gods.

Rolwaling Valley, apart from its beautiful sceneries, diverse geography and religious values; this region has alone produced several world-class Sherpas who have histories and records made when it comes to the mountaineering world. 

Many strange and legendary stories have done the rounds about this valley, through which the ancestors of the present-day Sherpas once came. It is here that the notorious and celebrated Yeti is assumed to have his home.

Is this trek for you?

  Grade   Moderate
  Physical Rating   3-4
  Total Duration   12N/13 Days
  Trekking Duration   09N/10 Days
  Maximum Elevation   4,600m/15,092ft at Tso Rolpa

Duration for treks of this grade stretches up to two (2) weeks. Trails generally go above 4000 meters and on a daily basis, you can expect to be walking for about 5 – 7 hours. The perfect setting for introduction to moderate & challenging trekking in Nepal. Activity level/physical rating is slightly harder than leisure and involves occasional difficult days. Expect ups and downs as well for there will be hills to climb as well and the well-known ‘Nepali flat’ – a little bit up and a little bit down.

Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

    Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street

    • Meal: (None)
    • Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House
    • Trekking Hours: 0
  • Day 02 - Exploration of Kathmandu and trek preparation [1,350m/4,430ft]

    Today we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. We also visit Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and home to the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The cremation site here is used by the royal family and also for the simple man living next door. Your early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some curious shopping. You will be given your trek departure orientation in the evening by your trek leader at hotel lobby.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House
    • Trekking Hours: 0
  • Day 03 - Drive to Chechet and trek to Simigaun [2,036m/6,682ft]

    Leaving Kathmandu, we will drive toward Chechet via Charikot. Located atop the hill, Charikot offers scenic views of Gaurishanker Mountain, Melungtse Mountain and other peaks and mountains. We will drive past rustic villages and town to reach Gongar Khola which is located near to Jagat village. Arriving Chechet we get ready for our trek to Simigaun, which takes 2 hrs of ascent.

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 8 hrs drive/2 hrs trek
  • Day 04 - Trek to Chusa [3,378m/11,082ft]

    Today we detour the standard Rolwaling valley trek route and head for the Daldung La Pass Trail. Daldung La is a new emerging trekking route in this area. From Simigaun, it is uphill all the way to our first overnight camp Chusa. The trek takes 6-7 hrs and is 6km in total distance. Passing by the lush forests we reach Chusa.

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Tented Camping
    • Trekking Hours: 6 km/ 6 hrs
  • Day 05 - Trek to Chotar via Dalung La Pass [3,940m/12,926ft]

    From Chotar, our route leads towards North East. Beginning the walk on a gradual uphill slope, we pass through the thick rhododendron and magnolia forests, and the pastures with numerous clearing that are used for summer grazing. After ascending for 2 hrs, we reach the top of Daldung La Pass. As we reach the top of the pass, the view upfront of Rolwaling Himal Ranges will surely amaze you. From the pass, we trek another 2 hrs on gradual terrain and reach Chotar for our overnight.

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Tented Camping
    • Trekking Hours: 6 km/ 5 hrs
  • Day 06 - Trek to Beding [3,790m/12,437ft]

    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 where we can do some chatting with the local folks. It is the principal Sherpa village in the Rolwaling area. Situated in a narrow gorge, it is enlivened somewhat by its well-positioned Gompa, comprising of about thirty-six houses. There is a Hillary school in Bheding built for the benefit of the poor deprived kids in these remote outposts

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • Day 07 - Rest day at Beding [3,790m/12,437ft]

    This is a well earned day for rest; we can just stroll through the village and its monastery overlooking grand views of Mt. Gauri-Shankar and the peak of Melungatse. Or we could just give some time to the children in the village. maybe we could simply chill out with one of our favorite books – overnight at our lodge

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6 hrs
  • Day 08 - Trek to Na [4,200m/13,783ft]

    From Bheding onwards, we can feel the increasing altitude and the cold chill from the surrounding high mountains getting into our bones. Our trek today will be a short walk of three hours or more along the Rolwaling River, as we take it easy on this high altitude terrain with its impressive vistas of the surrounding high landscapes and the snow capped peaks. Our walk continues slowly in order to acclimatize, just before Na the valley opens out into a classic, glaciated U-shape. On reaching 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 hereabouts. There is a roughly built monastery around here. Our camp is made on this grassy field with time to relax and marvel the beauty that surrounds us. 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. We just relax & relish these stunning surroundings.

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 2-3 hrs
  • Day 09 - Trek to Tso Rolpa [4,600m/15,091ft] and retrace back to Na

    Today, we hike up to Tso Rolpa lake [4,600m/15,092ft] which takes around 3 hrs up and down. Visit Tso Rolpa in the morning, trek back to Na for lunch and spend the free evening witness the giant mountains surrounding the Naa.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 2-3 hrs
  • Day 10 - Trek to Kyalche

    Our return leg starts today. We retrace our trek following the standard route. Passing by Beding and other small villages, we trek to Kyalche.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 11 - Trek to Simigaun [2,036m/6,682ft]

    From Kyalche, trek to Simigaun following the Rolwaling Khola. Our last night of the trek.

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • Day 12 - Drive back to Kathmandu 1,350m/4,430ft]

    After an early breakfast we will take 7-8 hrs drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we get transferred to our hotel; and we spend the day at our own leisure, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu

    • Meal: (B, L)
    • Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House
    • Trekking Hours: 7-8 hrs drive
  • Day 13 - International departure

    Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: None

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Dates & Price

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private group basis.

If you are looking for a group to join this trip please click the Fixed Departures tab for more information on departure dates, availability and price. All our fixed departures are guaranteed to run. Or, if you would like to do this trip alone, or with your friends, families & colleagues in a private group style, please fill out the contact form in Private Group tab and send us your message. We will organize a private trip for you at your preferred dates catering any request you may have.

Check Available Dates

Trip Start Date
Trip End Date
Price
Status

Oct, 2023

Trip Start Date16 Oct, 2023
Trip End Date21 Oct, 2023
PriceUSD 1700
Status Available

Nov, 2023

Trip Start Date06 Nov, 2023
Trip End Date18 Nov, 2023
PriceUSD 1700
Status Available

Apr, 2024

Trip Start Date15 Apr, 2024
Trip End Date27 Apr, 2024
PriceUSD 1700
Status Available

May, 2024

Trip Start Date06 May, 2024
Trip End Date18 May, 2024
PriceUSD 1700
Status Available

Cost Inclusion

  • All meals (B,L,D) whilst on the trek with tea & coffee.
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 3 nights with breakfast
  • Twin sharing accommodation on tent and teahouse/lodge. 
  • High quality tents for accommodation, dining, kitchen and more for your comfort. 
  • All required permits for trek
  • Experienced local trek leader 
  • Full support crew including kitchen staffs and 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts on private A/C vehicle
  • All ground transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary on private A/C vehicle
  • Comprehensive first aid kit.
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • Staff equipment, insurance and allowances
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
  • Group welcome dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant 

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff

Essential Information

Prerequisites

To partake in this trek, you do not need previous experience of trekking but you should be fit enough to walk 6-7 hrs every day carrying 5 kgs backpack. The terrain on this trek includes ascends and descends for a longer period of time on some days. 

The maximum elevation on this trek doesn't ascend 4600m and our highest overnight elevation is 4200m at Naa. 

Accommodation

Hotel: 3 Nights, Camping 2 nights, Local Lodges: 7 Nights 

Kathmandu: 
In Kathmandu, we stay at Kathmandu Guest House or similar category locally centrally in the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis and if you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay single supplement price as stated in the trip costing.

On Trek:
This trek comprises of tented and local lodges accommodation. For Daldung La Pass, your accommodation will be on a tented camp and for Rolwaling section, it will be on local lodges. 

Typical Day

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on trek. You will be given a small basin of hot water to wash up and a cup of tea in your tent during the camping period.  After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day's walk.  Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After 3-4 hours of walk, we stop for lunch mid-day.  The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, to wash your clothes or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Meals

We consider hearty and delicious meals as a key component to the overall success of our trip. Our kitchen crew will prepare exceptional meals and ensure its quality preparation during the camping period. You can and is encouraged to bring along comfort food which you enjoy eating - chocolates, power bars, dry fruits, candies, other snacks etc.

For teahouse/lodge, you can find a reasonable variety of foods to choose from. We provide three meals a day during the trekking period. 

Weather

The best seasons to trek in the Rolwaling region are Autumn (from mid-September till November) and Spring (from the beginning of March until May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10C to 5C) and the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C).  Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up in the afternoon and disappearing at night.

Group Size

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 15 people.

Travel Insurance

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)  in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. Medical expenses, Baggage lost, Delays and Cancellation, Death & Repatriation are also another important factors to include when purchasing your Insurance. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision.

Baggage

While on the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters.  You only carry a day pack with a water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc.  - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during the trek which you can leave at the hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box which is not chargeable in Kathmandu. 

Equipment Checklist

The gears listed below are required for this trek. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu. 

Head:
- Warm Hat and Bandana/Scarf
- Baseball cap
- Thermal Balaclava
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlight with spare batteries

Upper Body:
- Long-sleeved shirts
- T-Shirts
- Baselayers
- Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
- Waterproof GoreTex Jacket
- Down Jacket with hood (800m fill) 
- Primaloft or light down jacket

Lower Body:
- Thermal
- Inner-wears / Baselayers
- Undergarments
- Waterproof Gore-Tex pant
- Trekking Trousers/Pants
- Down or Primaloft pant

Feet:
- Warm socks (4 pair thin socks and 4 pair thick socks)
- Trekking Boots (Preferably full to protect/support your ankle)
- Camp Shoes 
- Gaiters
- Down shoes (Optional)
- Flipflop

Hands
- Liner Gloves
- Primaloft Mitten
- Down Mitten

Others:
- Sleeping bag 
- Backpack 40-50 litres 
- A pair of trekking poles
- Water bottle one (1) litre X 2
- Multi-tool knife
- Inflatable sleeping mattress (For additional comfort) 
- Laundry bag to keep dirty clothes
- Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
- Padlock
- Sewing kit
- Duct tape
- Reading materials notebooks and pens
- Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
- Camera with charger or spare batteries

Documents:
- Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
- 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and official formalities
- Travel Insurance (Please refer to the general information page for more detail about it)
- Flight tickets
- Credit cards in case of emergencies
- Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.

(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)

Toiletries and hygiene
- Quick-drying towel
- Small face towel
- Toothbrush &Toothpaste
- Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
- Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
- Hand sanitiser/Antiseptic wipes
- Hygiene products
- Basic first aid kit

Media Gallery

Reviews

Candy Chew

I engaged the services of this company recently to do a solo trek – helpful porter and an informative and supportive guide. You need one especially when you are trekking in high altitude. Thank you Highland Expeditions for a good and memorable adventure!



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