Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek from Kathmandu

The Tsho Rolpa Lake trek is one of the most underrated and short treks in Nepal which is easily accessible from Kathmandu. ‘’Tsho’’ translates to the lake in the native language, and the full name of the lake is Tsho Rolpa which means Lake Rolpa. This trek takes you to some of the most wonderful and scenic places you’ve ever been. Tsho Rolpa is the biggest glacier lake present in Nepal and the trail that leads to the ultimate destination is the most beautiful part. Nepal upholds some of the most fascinating and luxurious trekking experiences as it is the sanctuary of the highest mountain in the world Mt. Everest with a skyscraping height of 8848.86 m above sea level. The trail puts you through the lush rhododendron forest and warm people. Tsho Rolpa Lake lies inside the Gaurishankar conservation area also known as the Rolwaling valley. Rolwaling region is one of the hidden valleys of Nepal that lies in east-central Nepal along the Tibet border also close to the Solukhumbu region. The Tsho Rolpa Lake trek is the most rewarding as it takes you to beautiful villages, forests, and ultimately the biggest glacier lake in Nepal.

Spectacular Tsho Rolpa lake is below the beautiful mountains surrounded by glorious vistas. Situated at an altitude of 4,580 m above sea level the lake gives an absolute view of the surroundings and the entire valley. The trek takes you through scenic roads besides strong rivers and wonderful waterfalls all along the way. During the spring season, the forest blushes as the rhododendron blooms and sprinkles its vibrant color all over the place. The Tsho Rolpa Lake trek is one of the most adored treks by locals and tourists as it is also a gateway to an exclusive trekking experience in Nepal. This trek allows the more adventurous to access the Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,750m/18,875ft) which is one of the high passes in Nepal. This trek not only takes you to the stunning lake but also gives you insight into the tradition, lifestyle, and a new perspective on the beauty hidden in unexpected places. 

This trek is perfect for you if you want to explore a new place but have limited time and are new to trekking. You can complete this trek within just six to seven days from Kathmandu. This trek is relatively easy than other treks however, you need some hiking or trekking experience as you will go to higher elevations above 3,000m. Having some hiking knowledge will be helpful during the trek. It is a comfortable trek as you can find cozy local lodges with basic amenities such as warm beds, good food, clean washrooms, and awe-spiring vistas all along the trail. The Tsho Rolpa trek is unique and different from other treks in Nepal with mind-boggling landscapes and uncrowded trails. The region is mostly isolated and untouched by the outside world which provides raw and unfiltered experience into the wild.

Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek Attractions

The trek is full of places and locations that will blow your mind with its raw beauty. This trek lies inside of the most beautiful and isolated valleys in Nepal - The Rolwaling Valley inside Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA). Nepal is home to numerous breathtaking mountains, valleys, and surprisingly lush plain land due to its unique geography and the Tsho Rolpa Lake trek is a great example of unique landscapes. Starting from the bustling capital of Nepal, Kathmandu to isolated and peaceful villages is a journey to remember and cherish. Amazing place for monsoon treks as the place is filled with native flora and fauna thriving especially in the monsoon season. The Tsho Rolpa Lake trek is ideal for all seasons whether it's for a monsoon trek, winter trek, or spring. Tsho Rolpa Lake is an excellent stepping stone to other, more ambitious treks in Nepal since it provides an introduction to the country's wild beauty and achievable challenges.  

Hidden Rolwaling Valley

Nestled inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) also known as the Rolwaling Valley due to its high elevated mountains - Rolwaling Himal that includes Gaurishankar (7,134m) and Melungtse (7,181m) standing tall at an elevation of over 7,000m above sea level. The hidden valley lies inside the Dolakha district which is northeast of Kathmandu and is around 188 km far from Kathmandu city. To reach the starting point of the trek you will drive via Araniko highway to Charikot and end your drive journey to Chetchet/Choytchoyt. As you get closer to the valley the river gets clearer and the settlements get thinner and thinner. Far from the traffic lights and polluted city, you will get closer to the minimalistic and peaceful area. Once you enter into the valley you will get to see some of the most mesmerizing panorama and scenic waterfalls. Out of all the natural attractions you will see, waterfalls will be one of the highlights of this place. Hydropower, suspension bridges, lush green hills, and off-road are some parts of the journey you will surely enjoy.

Once you start going inside the valley you will be surrounded by the green hills and snow-capped mountains. Starting your journey from 2,000 m and finishing at an altitude above 4,500 m above sea level. Walking through villages such as Simi Gaun where you get to see the authentic village lifestyle, Dongang, and ultimately Na village with a mysterious yet self-explanatory place will keep you entertained and inspired. Along nature, you will get to see and observe the beast of the mountains such as yaks and highland cattle. People of this region have a strong belief system and are mostly Buddhist which you can tell by looking at large and vibrant murals on giant rocks and colorful prayer flags almost everywhere. Stone carvings and unique architectural designs are some of the many things to see and admire. As you are going to the highland of Nepal it is mandatory to mention the mountains that leave people breathless - quite literally. You will get a glimpse of Mt. Gaurishankar from Dongang and other peaks as you move forward.

Tsho Rolpa Lake

Tsho Rolpa Lake is located inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area in the Dolakha district in Nepal. The massive glacier lake is located right at the catchment of the Rolwaling Khola (River). The total length of the lake is 3.5 km, covering an area of 1.6 km square with a maximum depth of 132 m. The Tsho Rolpa Lake is the biggest Glacier lake present in Nepal at an altitude of 4,580 m above sea level. To get to the top of the lake one must climb a steep trail which is quite challenging as it gets a bit windy past noon. As it is located at a high altitude it gives a spectacular view of the valley and mountains above 7,000m which include Gaurishankar (7,145m) and Menlungtse (7,181m). The lake is said to have risen steadily over the last five decades as a result of accelerated global warming. The lake itself is a big draw for hikers because of the serenity it brings to the mind and the soul. A loud whistle wind cuts through the stillness of the lake, adding to the water's natural beauty. It gets very windy past noon so you might as well carry yourself a warm clothing item. On top of the lake, you will find a teahouse where you can get yourself a warm cup of tea while you soak in the beauty. During the winter season, the lake is completely frozen which allows travelers/trekkers to walk over the lake and enjoy the view of the surroundings even more.

Majestic Waterfalls

Waterfalls are everywhere on this trek and it is another major highlight of the Tsho Rolpa Lake trek. From the start of your trek to the end, you will get to see mesmerizing natural waterfalls pouring in incredible locations. As you drive to the start point of the trek you are accompanied by beautiful waterfalls from a distance which you can capture on your phones and cameras. During the trek, you will walk past small ones where you can take a natural shower. You can see a waterfall every 200m distance as there are so many. The sound of the pouring water will take you on a journey of tranquility and peace into the wild far from the concrete jungle. During the Tsho Rolpa Lake trek, you will come across waterfalls that can be accessible and others that are just available for your eyes as some are located high in the hills presenting their beauty from far. There are suspension bridges over the fierce river and some waterfalls which you will certainly enjoy during your walk to the highlands. To see the true beauty and potential of the falls monsoon trek is ideal as you will get to see how immense they can get. If you are into waterfalls then this trek surely will fascinate and awe-inspire you. The trail is full of the celestial waterfall which looks like the water is directly pouring from the sky. The journey to Tsho Rolpa is not just about the lake but the things that lie on the way.

Flora and Fauna

The varied topography of Nepal, which includes high mountains, vast plains, and rolling hills, creates the ideal environment for the country's abundant plant and animal life to flourish. The Gaurishankar Conservation area is a sanctuary for numerous native animals and vegetation which are unique and hard to find in other regions of Nepal. The Gaurishankar Conservation Area connects the two major national parks in Nepal i.e. Langtang National Park (LNP) and Sagarmatha National Park (SNP). The Gaurishankar conservation was declared the official conservation in 2010 by the government. The vegetation includes 16 major vegetation types some of which are Pinus Roxburgii, Schima Castanopsis, Alnus forest, Pinus Wallichiana forest, Pinus Patula forest, Rhododendron forest, Lower temperature Oak, Juniperus, moist alpine shrubs and more. Along with vegetation, you can also get to see some of the rare animals which include the Red Panda, Musk deer, Snow Leopard, Pangolin, Assamese monkey, Clouded leopard, gray wolf, and other majestic creatures. Also, this area is home to birds such as Impeyan Pheasant and Crimson Horned Pheasant along with other beautiful birds. Try not to get lost in the beauty while walking as it will certainly draw your attention.

Celestial Villages During the trek

During this trek, you will walk past villages and small hamlets which are full of authentic experiences that you can only get while traveling to the mountains. From Simi Gaun (Village) to Na village it is a journey to fully experience an untamed beauty of its own. Simi Gaun is the biggest settlement you will come across during the trek, which is located on top of the hill at an altitude of 2000m giving you a spectacular view of the hills surrounding the area. Traditional homes and fields of seasonal vegetation line the trekking trails, and the entire community exudes an atmosphere of authentic village life. The village is surrounded by lush green forests and as you slowly make your way up the mountains where the thick forest fades with little vegetation. There is a very thin settlement throughout the trail with limited lodging options at specific points. Similarly, Dongang is a popular stop for trekkers as it has a comfortable lodge right beside the river making it a perfect place to rest.

Another popular place is Beding which is the second-largest village and the last place where you can have access to electricity. In Beding there is a monastery that houses around 300 monks learning Buddhist doctrines. Last but not least, Na Village which is the last place you'll visit before getting to Tsho Rolpa Lake. The scenery here is very different from everywhere else. Most of the land is pastureland with yaks and highland animals, and there is only a small amount of suburban vegetation. Stone carvings and colored prayer flags show the Buddhist culture of the area. The view is very special. There's no power, but the beautiful scenery will make you forget that.