Tsho Rolpa, also called Cho Rolpa, is one of Nepal’s biggest glacier lakes. The lake, which is located at an altitude of 4,580 meters (15,030 feet) in the Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District, has grown significantly over the past 50 years as a result of the melting of Himalayan glaciers. Tsho Rolpa trek is one of those beautiful but rarely frequented trekking routes.

One of the less used trekking paths leads to Tsho Rolpa, the biggest glacial lake in Nepal. It is located in the Rolwaling region. Despite being adjacent to one of the most well-known trekking locations, the Everest region, Tsho Rolpa remains isolated even today. 

A well-known trail path leading from Chetchet to the lake and the range’s mountains is available (195 kms from Kathmandu valley). It takes 5 to 6 hours to drive in a private or hired car, and 8 hours on a local bus to reach Chetchet.  Depending on the individual and how much exertion and elevation they can bear each day, the route often takes 5 to 6 days from Chetchet.

Short Itinerary for Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek

Itinerary for Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek

Day 1
Drive from Kathmandu to Gongar Khola/Chetchet and Trek to Simigaun (Drive : 8 Hours, Trek: 3 Hours)

The first day, at around 6 AM, you will board a bus to Chetchet from Koteshwar, Kathmandu. The journey is a tumultuous ride via winding, dusty roads. Your long travel will be worthwhile because of the arid ride through picturesque scenery and flowering rhododendron blooms.  We will pass through Kharidhunga, Charikot, Singati, and Gongar on the way.

After getting off the bus at Chetchet, it will take you about three hours to hike uphill to Simigaun, where you will spend your first night and have dinner.

Simigaun – Altitude: 2084 mtrs

Day 2
Trek from Simigaun to Dongang (Trek: 6-7 hours)

After having tea at Simigaun, the second day of the Tsho Rolpa trek starts at around 6 or 7 in the morning. The aim is to get at Surmuche, a distance of roughly 3–4 hours on walk, where you will eat breakfast (dal, bhat, and tarkari). Small tea houses can be located in a location named Uttise, which you will pass on the route. With Mount Gaurishankar playing hide-and-seek with you on the trail on this second day of the trek, you will pass through a lush, green forest on your left as you go.

You can resume your trip to Dongang, which is about 3–4 hours from Surmuche, after eating breakfast there and taking a quick break. A small village called Kyalche that is roughly an hour before Dongang is one that you will pass. Dongang, which is where you’re going to spend the second day, is a lovely village situated next to the bank of the Rolwaling River, which originates in the Tsho Rolpa Lake.

Dongang – Altitude: 2,790mtrs (9,153 ft)

Day 3
Trek from Dongang to Beding (Trek: 7 Hours)

The third day of the walk begins in Dongang and follows a path that runs alongside the Rolwaling river. You will reach Thandding (3343 meters) after 1.5 hours of walking on a comparatively flat trail, followed by an additional hour of uphill hike. You can take a break, eat your breakfast, or eat whatever snacks you brought.

The third day’s target, Beding, is 5.5 kilometers away and will take another 4 hours to walk there from Thandding.  Trekkers may push themselves to try to complete the further 2-3 hours of walking necessary to reach Naa village on the same day, but this will undoubtedly depend on their remaining stamina as well as the amount of daylight different in different seasons.

Beding – Altitude: 3721mtrs

Day 4
Beding to Naa Village to Tshro Rolpa Lake (Trek: 7-8 Hours)

Depending on where you stayed the previous night, the fourth day beginning point may vary. It will take approximately 3 hours to get to Naa village, where you will have breakfast, if you begin your fourth day’s trip from Beding. Tsho Rolpa Lake is about a two-hour trek from Naa village. You will take in the grandeur of Tsho Rolpa Lake once you are there before returning to Naa village. It is advised against staying overnight at the lake. You have the option of returning to Beding the same day or choosing to stay the day in Naa and explore its monasteries and caves.

Naa – Altitude: 3943 mtrs
Tsho Rolpa Lake – Altitude: 4558 mtrs

Day 5
Naa/Beding to Simigaun/Chetchet (Trek: 8 Hours)

On the final day of the hike, you’ll take the same trail back to Simigaun. It is fairly possible to arrive in Simigaun on schedule whether you begin your fifth day in Naa or Beding. Instead of heading down to Chetchet today, it is advisable that you stay at Simigaun and rest your sore legs. The following morning, you can get up early and hike the short downhill distance (1 hour) to Chetchet.

Day 6
Drive Back to Kathmandu

Around 6-7 am, one can board the first bus heading back to Kathmandu. In around 7 hours on the road in the local bus, you will reach the capital city.