Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek Highlights
- Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek offers stunning mountain views including Gauri Shankar (7,134 meters), Melungtse (7,181 meters), and many more.
- Trek to the biggest glacial lake of Nepal at an altitude of 4,580 meters which is surrounded by stunning Himalayan scenery.
- Takes you to a remote and less-touristy region of Nepal offering you an off-the-beaten-track experience.
- Experience the authentic culture and lifestyle of the local Sherpa and Tamang communities.
- Feel the real trekking challenge as you trek through the rugged terrain, steep ascents, rocky paths, and high-altitude landscape.
- Enjoy diverse landscapes with dramatic forests, an alpine meadow setting, and a wide range of flora and fauna along the way.
- Trek through remote and cultured settlements and interact with the locals to know the legends and myths.
- Unlike Everest and Annapurna, the Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek doesn't have that rush hour with tourists so it offers serenity and solitude.
- Experience local homestay hospitality and feel the genuineness and typical local environment.
- The Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is the adventure of a lifetime that allows you to connect with nature and enjoy your peace.
Tsho Ropa Lake - The Biggest Glacial Lake in Nepal:
Tsho Rolpa Lake is the biggest glacial lake in Nepal, which is about 4,580 meters above sea level. Situated in the district of Dolakha in the valley of Rolwaling, it is the highest glacial lake in the region covering about 1.5 square kilometers. It is said that over the years the lake has grown significantly due to the rapid melting of glaciers over Global warming. The lake has also been a platform for research and studies for potential GLOF (glacial lake outburst floods).
Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is certainly a very interesting adventure in the stunning and untouched valley of Rolwaling. This short but beautiful trek offers trekkers a great opportunity to explore pristine landscapes, remote villages, and the biggest glacial lake. The legend has it that the Rolwaling Valley is believed to be one of seven sacred hidden valleys among all that exist in the country. Besides, this secret valley is believed to shelter the mythical creature, Yeti.
If you are looking for a peaceful but at the same time challenging alternative to a popular Nepal trekking destination, Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek will be the best pick. The trek takes you into the remote and very untouched valley of Nepal giving you the real off-the-beaten-path adventure. Since the region is less trodden by tourists the trail to the biggest glacial lake is certainly a challenge that would require a level of fitness and endurance.
The name of this beautiful secluded trek as Tsho Rolpa Trek comes from the Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake itself which is one of the primary attractions. As you get to the Lake, you will be amazed to witness scenery that is surrounded by breathtaking views of majestic mountains and pristine alpine landscapes.
The Legend of the Hidden Valley of Rolwaling:
One of the famous local legends associated with the Rolwaling Valley is the story of the 'Hidden Valley' or the 'Yak Cave'. This legend adds an air of mystery that fascinates the travelers to visit the valley. No wonder the Tsho Rolpa Lake trek is getting quite popular these days among trekkers.
According to local folklore, this beautiful valley of Rolwaling was concealed from the outside world. It was like a forbidden valley believed to be protected by a guardian spirit or a powerful deity. Since it was a hidden paradise the diety kept it away from the ordinary people and was never meant to discover.
It is believed that to protect the valley, the guardian spirit created an illusion that made the valley appear barren and infertile to anyone who visited the valley. Seeing this the nomads then would skip the valley and settle somewhere else.
The legend has it that once a yak herder accidentally saw the valley in its true appearance which was paradise. The valley was blessed with lush meadows, crystal-clear streams, and a serene atmosphere with abundant flora and fauna. Seeing this the yak herder was mesmerized. He too kept the existence of the valley secret fearing that the outside world would ruin its beauty if discovered.
however, over time, with all the curiosity from the people over his frequent absence and his speedy prosperity he had to unwillingly reveal the existence of the hidden paradise.
The secret quickly spread, but all the approaching people were met with the guardian spirit illusion. To this, there rose a huge commotion - quarrels and fights among the people. All this angered the deity and she had to cast a spell to protect the valley.
Now it is believed that the valley will be opened to its true appearance only to those with pure intentions and a deep sense of respect.
This beautifully crafted legend of Rolwaling Valley continues to fascinate travelers and is getting popular these days. Certainly, Rowaling Valley is an adventure that takes you into the magical land with ancient tales and hidden secrets.
The Legend of Yeti:
Rolwaling Valley has been popular to date due to its deep association with the stories and myths of the legendary YETI. Among the local communities, there are stories of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman that have been passed down for generations.
It describes this mythical being as a man-like creature, like a hybrid between man and bear, elusive, very tall, and ten times stronger than humans. They are said to shelter in the high-altitude wilderness and have been sighted in the Rolwaling Valley a couple of times.
In the 1950s, the Rolwaling Valley gained international attention when Eric Shipton, a prominent British mountaineer reported discovering big footprints in the snow. In the same year and onwards, several expeditions were organized in search of Yeti's existence. However, there isn't much evidence to prove Yeti's existence but the people in the region have a deep belief in this elusive beast.
So to say the Trek to Rolwaling Valley blends adventure with local folklore.
Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek Trip Profile:
This beautiful journey to Tsho Rolpa Lake starts with a scenic drive to the town of Charikot located 132 km east of Kathmandu. Situated at an elevation of 1980 meters this beautiful town is a busy district headquarters of Dolakha district.
A drive to Charikot is 8/9 hours. Despite a long drive, the experience is overwhelming and we will stay overnight at Charikot town. Next morning we will take a 4-wheel drive and further drive to a beautiful settlement of Chhetcheet which will take about 3 hours. Most probably we will have our lunch at Chhetchhet and we will trek to Simigaon, our first day hike. This hike to Simigaon will be about 2/3 hours.
Our journey progresses gradually following the Tama Koshi River and entering the heart of the Rolwaling region. Gradually we will gain elevation as we leave Simigaon and trek to Dongang. Shortly we will be following the Rolwalikng River Valley where you will be treated to the most beautiful view of Gaurishankar Himal (7134 meters).
Our trail cruises through beautiful local settlements providing us previews of the lives of local communities. You will be amazed to witness how these different ethnic groups live in such great harmony. As you trek along this magical hidden valley you will witness diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, terraced rice fields, lush forests, alpine meadows, traditional prayer walls, etc. We will further trek to the villages of Beiding and Na Gaun. Since Na village is at 4100 meters we will require a rest day or acclimatization day to adapt ourselves to the high altitude environment.
The trek's highlight is the visit to Tsho Rolpa Lake, the biggest glacial lake in Nepal surrounded by majestic mountains. This glacial lake rewards trekkers with the most remarkable view and a serene environment.
The trek concludes by retracing our trail back to Chhetchhet and driving back to Kathmandu.
