Tsho(cho) Rolpa Lake Trek
Trek Description
Tsho Rolpa is one of Nepal’s biggest glacial lakes, sitting at 4,580m in the Rolwaling Valley and coming under the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA). The trek takes you through green forests, traditional Tamang villages, and high mountain trails with views of peaks like Gaurishankar (7,134m). You’ll camp by the lake’s turquoise waters, surrounded by icebergs and snowy mountains. This 10-12 day trek is perfect for those who love quiet trails and raw Himalayan beauty (best in April- May or Sept- Nov).
Destination
Tsho Rolpa Lake, Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District, Nepal
Duration
11 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate (good for beginners with basic fitness)
Start/ End
Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Best Season
Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn ( Sep-Oct-Nov)
Max People
8 people (ideal group size)
Transportation
Private vehicle
Activities
Trekking, cultural exploration, photography
Tsho/Cho Rolpa Lake sits at 4,580 meters, Nepal’s largest glacial lake, where turquoise waters reflect snowy peaks like Gaurishankar. This trek mixes quiet trails, green forests, and warm Tamang hospitality- a perfect for those who want to trek at high altitude.
Tsho/Cho Rolpa Lake Camp Trek Facts
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek Name | Tsho/Cho Rolpa Lake Trek: Nepal’s Glacial Beauty |
| Travel Budget | 800-1200 USD (permits, flights, meals, basic lodging) |
| Standard Budget | USD 1200-1800 (mid-range, private rooms where available) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Time | Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn(Sep-Oct-Nov) |
| Permit | Rolwaling Entry Permit: $20 and TIMS Card: $20. |
| Accommodation | Tea Houses and Lodge |
| Best ViewPoints | Gaurishankar Mountain (7,134m), Tsho Rolpa Lake (4,580m), Melungtse (7,181m), Beding Village (3,690m) |
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Pick-up from Tribhuvan International Airport
- Transfer to a hotel in Thamel.
- Trek briefing & last-minute gear shopping
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Full-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
- Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Final trek preparations.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Chhetchhet ( 1400 m) and trek to Simigaon 2020m
- Drive from Kathmandu to Chhetchhet 1377m via Dolakha 1660m/7-8 hours by private vehicle, enjoying the views of Sunkoshi and Bhote Khosi rivers
- Trek to Simigaon 2020m/2-3 hours
- Overnight at a lodge in Simigaon.
Day 4: Trek from Simigaon to Dongang (2,791m)
- Trek (5-6 hrs) from Simigaon to Dongang: Start at the village Gompa, hike through forests and along the Rolwaling River with Gaurishankar views, then climb to Dongang (2,791m) for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Trek from Dongang to Beding (3,690m)
- Trek 5-6 hours from Dongang to Beding, passing Nyamare village for lunch, enjoying mountain views and waterfalls before reaching the Sherpa village of Beding, where you'll stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 6: Trek from Beding to Na Gaon (4,180m)
- Trek 4-5 hours from Beding to Na Gaon, following the Rolwaling River past Dhogre's pastures, unique Gaurishankar views, prayer-flag-covered Mani stones, and a painted Bodhisattva rock before reaching the stone-walled village of Na Gaon for an overnight lodge stay.
Day 7: Explore Tsho Rolpa Lake (4,580m)
- Trek 4-5 hours from Na Gaon to Tsho Rolpa Lake, passing rare white mountain flowers and glaciers, to reach Nepal's biggest glacial lake with stunning blue water and mountain views, then return to Na Gaon to sleep.
Day 8: Trek from Na Gaon to Dongang (2,791m)
- Trek 7-8 hours from Na Gaon back to Dongang, retracing the route via Beding village with Gaurishankar Mountain views, forest trails, and river scenery before overnighting at a lodge.
Day 9: Trek from Dongang to Chhetchhet (1,400m)
- Trek 6-7 hours downhill from Dongang to Chhetchhet, crossing suspension bridges and passing small villages before overnighting at a lodge.
Day 10: Drive from Chhetchhet to Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Drive 7-8 hours from Chhetchhet to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic countryside views, then check into a hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Final Departure from Kathmandu
- Final day: We'll take you to the airport before your flight home.
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop service by private car.
- Meals on full board during the trekking(Breakfast, lunch,dinner,soup,Tea or coffee).
- Free Trekking map.
- An expert Government licensed holder guide.
- Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bags during the trekking.
- Ground transportation.
- All necessary paper works and Trekking entry permits.
- International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
- Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
- All kind of Personal Expenses.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Helicopter return from Base Camp.
- Private room & meals.
- Extra food/snacks.
Why Choose This Tsho/Cho Rolpa Lake Trek?
- See Nepal’s Largest Glacial Lake-Tsho Rolpa’s turquoise waters and floating icebergs are unforgettable.
- Quiet Trails- Fewer trekkers than popular routes like Everest or Annapurna.
- Tamang Culture- Stay in villages like Beding and meet local Sherpa and Tamang people.
- Great for Beginners- Moderate difficulty with no technical climbing.
Best Time For Tsho/Cho Rolpa Lake Trek
- Spring (March- May): Warm days, blooming flowers.
- Autumn (September-November): Clear sky and best mountain views.
Cost and Planning Facts for Tsho/ Cho Rolpa Lake Trek
- Budget: The Api base camp Trek costs around $1200–$1800 for a full-service experience, including permits, meals, a guide, a porter, and accommodation.
- Accommodation: Teahouse stays in Nepal typically cost $3–$15 per night, so for a 12-day trek, spending $100–$225 on accommodation is normal and aligns with standard rates across trekking regions.
- Food/Meal: Approximately $5 to $10 per meal, varying by location and food type. Daily total per day: $25 – $30 of 12-day l: Between $200 and $400.
- Transportation: Bus tickets are priced between $10 and $20. Renting a jeep for transportation can cost anywhere from $120 to $150.
- Guide: Around $25 – $35 per day (includes salary, meals, and accommodation).
- Porter: Around $15 – $25 per day. For a 12-day trek, guide and porter costs could range between $600 and $900, depending on the increase or decrease in the number of days and services.
- Permits: Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) ($20) Card, Rolwaling Entry Permit ($20).
Packing Tips for Tsho/ Cho Rolpa Lake Trek
- Head
- Warm hat & cap.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Headlight.
- Face Mask or Balaclava
- Footwear
- Trekking shoes
- Hiking boots
- Warm Hiking socks
- Gaiters
- Body
- Base layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal Gloves
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Fleece Jacket
- Thermal Shirts and Pants
- Essentials/ Equipments
- Sleeping bag
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles & Raincoat
- Water Bottles
- High-energy snacks
- Maps & Compass/GPS
Tsho/Cho Rolpa Lake Trek By Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition
Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition offers a thoughtfully organized Cho Rolpa Lake Trek led by experienced guides to ensure a safe and unforgettable journey. Our dedicated team delivers top-notch services for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Join us to discover one of Nepal’s most serene and scenic trekking routes, featuring stunning mountain vistas and rich local culture. For over 20 years, we’ve turned tough hikes into unforgettable adventures because your safety and joy are what we do best.
Gallery Section
FAQ's Section
1. Is this trek good for beginners?
Yes! It’s moderate, no climbing skills are needed. Just walk 5-6 hours daily on trails with some uphill/downhill. You’ll manage this if you can hike 4-5 hours at home.
2. How cold does it get?
Expect temperatures to range from 10°C–20°C (perfect for hiking), depending on the season and time of day.
3. What permits are required?
You’ll need the GCAP (Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. There might be a special permit for Cho Rolpa Lake/Na village. Confirm with your agency.
Want to Trek Tsho/Cho Rolpa Lake with Mardi Himal Treks & Expedition
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