Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Everest RegionModerate

Rolwaling Tashi LapchaPass Trek

Cross the technical Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755m) from the remote Rolwaling Valley into the Khumbu. Tsho Rolpa glacial lake, glacier camping, and the historic Sherpa village of Thame. One of Nepal's most challenging non-expedition treks. 21 days, from USD 2,875.

View Itinerary
21
DaysTotal trek duration
5575m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$2,875
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

The Rolwaling Valley is a different Nepal. The trail from Simigaun to Na passes through one of the most isolated inhabited valleys in the country. Beding (3,740m) is a Sherpa village of stone houses, prayer flags, and a monastery sitting below the 7,000-meter walls of Gauri Shankar. Na (4,183m) is the last settlement: a cluster of yak herder shelters at the head of the valley where the glacier begins.

Tsho Rolpa lake (4,580m) is a glacial lake 3 kilometers long, dammed by moraine at the foot of the Trakarding Glacier. The camping spot on the north shore sits directly below Melungtse (7,181m). The scale is immense: glacier, lake, and 7,000-meter peaks with no other humans in sight. The lake is monitored by the Nepali government as a potential glacial lake outburst flood risk, adding a geological dimension to the landscape.

The Tashi Lapcha crossing at 5,755m is the culmination of the trek. The eastern face requires fixed ropes on steep rock and ice. The crossing demands fitness, altitude tolerance, and basic glacier travel skills. Once over, the descent to Thame in the Khumbu feels like entering a different world: well-maintained trails, teahouses, and the familiar comforts of the Everest region after days in the wilderness. Thame is Tenzing Norgay's ancestral village and one of the quietest corners of the Khumbu.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek is a 21-day route that crosses from the Rolwaling Valley in Dolakha district into the Khumbu region via Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5,755 meters. This is one of the highest and most technical non-expedition passes in Nepal, requiring glacier crossing, fixed rope use, and crampon skills. The trek starts from Charikot (accessible by road from Kathmandu) and ends at Lukla after descending through Thame and Namche Bazaar.

The Rolwaling Valley is one of Nepal's most remote trekking areas. The trail follows the Rolwaling Khola through Simigaun, Beding (3,740m), and Na (4,183m), where the valley narrows to a glacial canyon below Gauri Shankar (7,134m). Above Na, Tsho Rolpa lake (4,580m) fills a glacial basin 3 kilometers long. The lake is one of the largest glacial bodies in Nepal and the camping ground on its shore is one of the most dramatic in the Himalayas.

The Tashi Lapcha crossing itself takes two to three days of glacier travel. From Tsho Rolpa you climb to high camp at Thakardin or Yalung La, then cross the pass the following morning. The east side of the pass involves steep ice and rock with fixed ropes. Crampons and harnesses are required. Your guide team fixes ropes and manages the crossing. The descent on the Khumbu side drops through Ngole and Thengpo to Thame (3,820m), one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Everest region.

Permits: Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit for the Rolwaling side and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit plus Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit for the Khumbu side. All included in your trek price.

Once at Thame, you can extend to Everest Base Camp by continuing the standard trail through Namche. For the classic Lukla-start EBC route, see the Everest Base Camp Trek (15 days, USD 1,675). For a different Khumbu circuit without technical pass crossing, the Everest Three Passes Trek covers Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La over 22 days with teahouse accommodation throughout.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
5,755m4,554m3,353m2,151m950mKathmanduSingatiJagatSimigaonDong KharkaBedingNaTsho Rolpa LakeKhabu GlacierTasi Lapcha PhediCrossing Over Tashi Lapcha PassThameNamcheLuklaKathmandu5,755m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

21 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Drive to Dolakha

Dolakha

Drive to Dolakha (1,660 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

1,660m6h trekTented Camp315m
Day04

Trek to Singati

Singati

Trek to Singati (950 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

950m6h trekTented Camp710m
Day05

Trek to Jagat

Jagat

Trek to Jagat (1,150 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

1,150m6h trekTented Camp200m
Day06

Trek to Simigaon

Simigaon

Trek to Simigaon (1,990 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

1,990m6h trekTented Camp840m
Day07

Trek to Dong Kharka

Dong Kharka

Trek to Dong Kharka (3,000 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,000m5h trekTented Camp1,010m
Day08

Trek to Beding

Beding

Trek to Beding (3,690 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,690m6h trekTented Camp690m
Day09

Acclimatization Day in Beding

Beding

Rest and acclimatization day in Beding. Overnight at tented camp.

3,690mTented Camp
Day10

Trek to Na

Na

Trek to Na (4,180 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,180m4h trekTented Camp490m
Day11

Trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake

Tsho Rolpa

Trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake (4,540 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,540m4h trekTented Camp360m
Day12

Rest Day at Tsho Rolpa Lake

Tsho Rolpa

Rest day at Tsho Rolpa Lake. Overnight at tented camp.

4,540mTented Camp
Day13

Trek to Khabu Glacier

Khabu Glacier

Trek to Khabu Glacier (4,700 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,700m7h trekTented Camp160m
Day14

Trek to Tashi Lapcha Phedi

Tashi Lapcha Phedi

Trek to Tashi Lapcha Phedi (5,200 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

5,200m6h trekTented Camp500m
Day15

Cross Tashi Lapcha Pass

Phedi

Cross Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755 m) and descend to Phedi (4,800 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,800m6h trekTented Camp400m
Day16

Trek to Thame

Thame

Trek to Thame (3,820 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,820m5h trekTented Camp980m
Day17

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480m5h trekGuesthouse340m
Day18

Trek to Lukla

Lukla

Trek to Lukla (2,795 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

2,795m7h trekGuesthouse685m
Day19

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel1,450m
Day20

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day21

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 2,875
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

11

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Kathmandu (4 nights), breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse or camping accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers), and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, TIMS card, and all other necessary permits.

Flight fare from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Surface transfer from Kathmandu to Dolakha.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge.

Not Included

8

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, laundry, and hot showers.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Tashi Lapcha Pass at 5,755m is one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal. The crossing involves real glacier travel with fixed ropes and crampons, a step up from standard teahouse treks.

Thrill

The Rolwaling Valley is one of Nepal's least-visited trekking areas. Days can pass without seeing another trekking group.

Connection

Tsho Rolpa lake camp is one of the most dramatic campsites in the Himalayas. A 3-kilometer glacial lake below 7,000-meter peaks, shared with nobody.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You are an experienced trekker looking for something beyond standard teahouse routes. This trek requires glacier travel, fixed rope use, and crampon skills.

You can walk 6 to 8 hours a day for 17 trekking days, including 2 to 3 days above 5,000m on glacial terrain.

You are comfortable with camping. The Rolwaling section (Beding to Tashi Lapcha) is tented, not teahouse. Full expedition-style support is provided.

Prior experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended. The pass at 5,755m is higher than any point on the standard EBC or Three Passes treks.

Budget is USD 2,875 or higher per person. The premium reflects expedition-grade logistics: camping equipment, fixed ropes, porter team, and permits for two conservation areas.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)

Daypack

Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

windproof pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
Trail Stories

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