Rolwaling Valley Trek – 18 days

Expectations of the Rolwaling Valley Trek

The Rolwaling Valley trek offers a challenging yet rewarding experience to the trekkers. During the journey, the voyagers can expect spectacular views of Gauri Shankar, Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa and several other peaks. The trails pass through dense forests, Sherpa villages, and cross Tashi Lapcha La Pass.

The trek is challenging due to its rugged terrain and high-altitude regions.  Most of the routes are untouched; therefore, this valley is peaceful and less crowded compared to EBC and Annapurna treks.

Due to its remoteness and off-beaten path, you’ll have limited connectivity, making it an ideal destination for those who want to be away from chaotic environments.

You’ll also have a chance to learn about the lifestyle, cultures and traditions of the Sherpas, Tamangs and Gurungs. Furthermore, exploring monasteries, especially Lapche Gomba in the Na Gaun, is rewarding.

You may also encounter blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, musk deer and snow leopards. Additionally, the vibrant rhododendron forest, a diverse range of flora &fauna, and birds watching makes your trip magical.

Rolwaling Valley Trek Difficulty

The Rolwaling Valley trek is regarded as a moderately difficult trek. It is not accomplishable for beginners without proper preparations.  However, it requires a good level of fitness to complete the 18-day trek.

During the journey, the trekkers will have rugged terrains, icy trails, and rocky paths that demand good trekking skills. The ascent to Tsho Rolpa Lake and Taschi Lapcha La Pass (5,755 m) is extremely challenging.

All through the journey, you have to walk around 6-7 hours daily, which may be tiring. The trails are not properly managed. Furthermore, the weather is also very unpredictable even at the lower altitudes.

The trek equally demands physical fitness and mental presence. Due to the fewer tea houses, the trekkers should bring their equipment and supplies. There is a limited choice of foods. Aside from this, there is limited electricity and mobile connectivity.

Planning & Preparation of the trek

The proper planning & preparation of the trek is essential for the safety and enjoyable for the Rolwaling Valley trek.

You need to prepare for three sections: physical, mental and logistics.

To make your journey accomplishable, one should start fitness and endurance training at least 2 months before the journey. You’d better get involved in the cardiovascular training – cycling, swimming & jogging at least 3-4 times a week.

The strength training that includes – squats, lunges and planks are equally noteworthy. You may also take part in hiking training for some weeks. I

You may also practice Yoga and meditation to improve focus, which leads you to a pleasant and peaceful hike. Further, these activities also strengthen your mind and offer a wide range of mental, physical, emotional, and social benefits.

It is pretty important to prepare all trekking gear and equipment before the commencement of the journey. Ensure your travel insurance allows you to travel freely with a peaceful and pleasant mind.

Altitude Sickness & Preventions

Since the Rolwaling Valley trek reaches above 5,500 meters, there is a higher chance of altitude sickness. AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is a condition when your body doesn’t properly adapt to the lower oxygen at higher altitudes. Its major symptoms are nausea, vomiting, headache, and shortness of breath.

To minimise the risk of altitude sickness, we also have an acclimatisation day during the 18-day strenuous journey.

Here are some significant preventive measures that are helpful for the trekkers.

Ascend gradually – All through the trek give priority to the gradual ascents. Be steady and don’t be in a hurry.

Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated and drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day.

Alcohol & Tobacco – Avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco during the trek.

Medication –Consume the Diamox aka Acetazolamide 1-2 day prior the trek.

Listen to your body – Never ignore any health symptoms you feel during the journey.

Is Rolwaling Valley Trek possible for the beginner’s?

The Rolwaling Valley trek is a moderate to strenuous trek; therefore, it is less recommended for beginners. The trek reaches above 5,700 meters, which can be challenging. Further, the trek continues for 18 days, along with long hours of walking that demand physical and mental resilience.

The Rolwaling Valley trek doesn’t demand technical climbing. However, it is also not like walking in the park. Therefore, a beginner needs excellent physical fitness. You should make a proper plan and be involved in cardiovascular training –swimming & running at least 3-4 months before the trip.

During the preparations, the fresher trekker may also walk with a 6-7 kilogram backpack at least twice a day. Hiring an experienced guide is very important for your comfort and safety throughout the journey.

If you are a motivated beginner with great fitness, we and our dedicated members are always ready to assist you before and during the trek.

Ideal Season for the trek

The autumn and spring are the promising time for Rolwaling Valley Trek. Here are the details.

Autumn Season (Sep to Nov) – The monsoon has just ended. There are very few chances of rain. There will be clear crystal mountain views. All through the season, the skies are clear. You’ll get the panoramic views of mountains and valleys. Aside from this, you may also enjoy the vibrant festival, which falls in October and early November.

Spring (March to May) – The spring is also the best option for the Rolwaling Valley trek. The rhododendrons and other flowers are blooming everywhere. You will be amazed with the chirping of birds in the morning. It is also the perfect time to encounter the wildlife. Furthermore, you will get good trail conditions before the monsoon.

Winter (Dec to Jan) – The winter season is not particularly worthwhile compared to the autumn and spring. There are high chances of snowfall that lead to the blockages of the trails. In higher altitudes, the tea houses and lodges are also temporarily closed due to bad weather.

If you are a pro trekker; then winter will be the best option for you. This season is not recommended for the beginner’s.

Monsoon (June-August) – The Monsoon is the last best option among all four seasons. During this time, there is heavy rainfall, cloud cover, and poor visibility.

There are high chances of rain everywhere. There is landslides, mudflows and floods. The clouds cover and block the views. Due to the stingy weather, the air and road transports are cancelled or delayed.

Accommodations

We are providing comfortable accommodation in terms of hotels, lodges and tea houses. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will get all facilities with with modern amenities.

During the trekking days, your facilities turned from elegant to basic. The Rolwaling valley area is a pristine and restricted region that is less connected with social life. Due to its remoteness, accommodation is simple with limited facilities.

In the lower altitudes, tea houses are readily available. You’ll get the twin sharing rooms, comfortable beds, a mattress, a pillow and blankets. There may be a communal dining area where trekkers interact with each other.

As you ascend to higher altitudes, the living facility is very rustic. The tea house will provide you with small bedrooms with minimum space and a common squat toilet. While crossing the Tashi Lapcha La Pass, you have to stay in the tented camps.

Availability of Food & Meals

Food & Meals are available mainly through the tea houses and lodges during the Rolwaling Valley trek. In the lower altitudes like Charikot, Jagat, Simigaun, and Beding, you have lots of choices.

As you trek above Na and Tsho Rolpa, the meals become limited and repetitive. In these areas, you have to choose healthier foods over tastier ones, such as rice, boiled potatoes, soup, and porridge.

During the camping sections, the food & meals are prepared by the group trek members. At the same time, there is a limited variety. However, you have to be conscious of highly nutritious foods that help in high-altitude trekking.

When you are in Kathmandu, you can enjoy a wide variety of food, including Nepalese Cuisine, Indian Styles, Continental, Thai, Chinese, and many other dishes.

Throughout the journey, you may enjoy Nepalese staple foods – Dal, Bhat, Tarkari. Furthermore, you may also try other dishes like Tibetan Bread, Egg Dishes, Porridges, Chapatti, Thupka, Mo: Mo (Dumplings) and several others.

While in the higher altitudes, hot drinks will play a crucial role in helping you adapt to the environment.

Travel Insurances Necessities

When you are in Nepal for high-altitude treks, travel insurance is mandatory. The hiking above 3,000 meters leads you to several obstacles and hindrances. Further, the Rolwaling region is more challenging due to remote location, icy passes and technical sections.

The Rolwaling Valley Trek reaches above 5,700 meters with fewer medical services. The Nepalese government and trekking agencies also demand travel insurance with trekkers if they are hiking above 3,000 meters.

Here are some significant points that consider its importance

• It covers all emergency medical expenses
• Helicopter evacuations to Kathmandu; in the case of high altitude sickness, falls, frostbite or other illness
• It reimburse all your cost ; if your trip is cancelled due to political unrest or any other natural disasters
• It is also helpful in flight delays and flight cancellations
• It protects your baggage & equipments
• Peace of mind while traveling

Permit & Consent

Rolwaling Valley is a restricted region located near the Tibetan border. For the trek in this area, you need three permits: Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS), and Gauri Shankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – The Rolwaling valley is restricted area. It is mandatory for all foreign trekkers. It costs around $20 per week per person. Upon that, you have to pay 5 USD per day per person. However, the Nepalese nationals do not need to pay any amount.

Gauri Shankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP) – This permit is required to enter the Gauri Shankar Conservation Area. It costs around 3000 NPR (one-time payment) for foreign nationals and 1000 for the SAARC nationals.

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) – It is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, including the Rolwaling Valley trek. It costs around NPR 2000 per person.

Extra Expenses during the Trek

We, the Morning Star treks is a small but competent trekking agency in Nepal. Our Rolwaling package includes almost everything that you need for the journey. There are certain things that you have to cover yourself.

During the journey, if you wish to take a hot shower. It typically costs around 4 to 6 USD. If you forget crampons, bags or any other equipment, expect to buy or rent in Kathmandu.

You have to buy yourself your medical supplies like Diamox, First Aid kit, oral solutions, wet wipes or tissues.

Tips to the porters and guides are your choice. We will not cover any extra expenses for drinks or any food items not listed in the itinerary.

Facilities of Transportation and Communication

We, the Morning Star Trek is always at the service of our valuable trekkers. During the Rolwaling Valley journey, all road transportation will be taken care of by us. After arriving in Kathmandu, our company representative will receive you at the exit gate. He will take you to the reserved 3-star luxurious hotel in a private vehicle (car, jeep or van).

The journey from Kathmandu to Charikot will be shared on a private vehicle or a public bus, depending on the size and group of trekking members.

We’ll provide you with a SIM card (NTC/NCELL) for using data while you trek. However, you need to return after the journey is concluded.

Differentiate: Private vs. Group Trek

Here we will show you a perfect comparison of Rolwaling Valley Trek in the context of Rolwaling Valley Trek.

The Private Trek is a promising option for the family, couples or solo travellers (if solo is allowed). It provides you with more flexibility, comfort and privacy. It is a bit costlier. However, you will get a personal guide and a porter as well.

Similarly, the Group Trek is less expensive, but it provides less flexibility and comfort to the trekkers. Usually, it has 15-16 members in a single group.

If you enjoy socialising and interacting with others, then a group trek will be the ultimate option for you. Group trek is also the best choice for the first-time trekker.