Dolakha, Bagmati · Nepal
Tsho Rolpa
One of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal, at 4,580 m at the snout of the Trakarding glacier.
Tsho Rolpa is a difficult trek in Dolakha, Bagmati, Nepal, reaching 4,580 m. The best time to go is March to May and October and November. Plan 9 to 10 days on the ground from Kathmandu and about ₹3,500 per person per day.
What to do in Tsho Rolpa
The one thing not to miss
Tsho Rolpa
One of Nepal's largest glacial lakes, held back by a moraine.
- 2BedingThe main village of the Rolwaling Sherpas, with a monastery.
- 3NaThe last summer settlement, in a wide valley below the lake.
- 4GaurishankarThe sacred peak dominates the lower valley.
A sample plan: 9 days
Day 1
Kathmandu to Chetchet
A long drive through Charikot.
Day 2
Chetchet to Simigaon
A steep climb on stone steps.
Day 3
Simigaon to Dongang
Through forest.
Day 4
Dongang to Beding
The main Sherpa village of Rolwaling.
Day 5
Beding to Na
A short day for the altitude.
Day 6
Na to Tsho Rolpa and back
The glacial lake at the head of the valley.
Day 7
Na to Dongang
The way down.
Day 8
Dongang to Chetchet
Walk out.
Day 9
Chetchet to Kathmandu
The drive back.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Why go
A serious high-lake objective close to Kathmandu, and almost completely untrekked.
Why not
Rough access road to Beding and several days of high walking.
Before you go
- Permits
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit + TIMS.
- Guide
- Required in practice.
- Safety
- The lake is a known GLOF risk; do not camp on the moraine dam.
- Phone & internet
- None above Beding.
Altitude
Tsho Rolpa reaches 4,580 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Speak to a doctor before the trip if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure problems, or are travelling with small children.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Main hospitals in Nepal: CIWEC Hospital, Kathmandu; Himalayan Rescue Association aid posts, Pheriche (Everest) and Manang (Annapurna); Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara.
All emergency contacts for Nepal →What to pack for Tsho Rolpa
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho Mountain weather turns quickly; rain gear doubles as a wind layer.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 80 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
11 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
- Duffel bag, 60–80 litres What porters carry on teahouse treks; your day pack stays with you.
Health and sun
9 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 4,580 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
6 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsGaurishankar Conservation Area permit + TIMS.
- Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.
- Passport-size photos for trekking permitsNeeded for park and trekking permits. Carry four.
- Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuationA helicopter rescue from high on a Nepal trek is very expensive, and operators ask for proof of cover before they fly.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone above Beding.
- Universal travel adapter Nepal's sockets differ from India's in many lodges.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Nepal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Kathmandu.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- No. Take a 4×4 or a local taxi. Mountain roads in Nepal are slow and often rough; allow more time than the distance suggests.
By road
From
Kathmandu
- Distance
- about 190 km
- Drive time
- 8–9 hours
- Kathmandu
- Dhulikhel
- Charikot
- Singati
- Chetchet
The walk starts at Chetchet.
Live directions from Kathmandu
Buses and shared taxis. Buses run from Kathmandu to Charikot and Singati; a jeep covers the last stretch.
Pickups & drivers
From Kathmandu. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Tsho Rolpa yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Tsho Rolpa: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Tsho Rolpa?
The best months for Tsho Rolpa are March to May and October and November. February and December are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in December to March.
How difficult is Tsho Rolpa?
Tsho Rolpa is rated difficult. The trek is about 80 km in total, starting at 1,500 m and reaching 4,580 m.
How many days do you need for Tsho Rolpa?
Plan 9 to 10 days on the ground, counted from Kathmandu. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Tsho Rolpa cost?
Expect about ₹3,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹35,000 for 10 days, before the cost of getting to Kathmandu.
How do you reach Tsho Rolpa?
By road: from Kathmandu it is about 190 km, 8–9 hours (Kathmandu → Dhulikhel → Charikot → Singati → Chetchet). Buses run from Kathmandu to Charikot and Singati; a jeep covers the last stretch. The nearest gateway is Kathmandu.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Tsho Rolpa?
Permits: Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit + TIMS. Guide: Required in practice.
Is Tsho Rolpa suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is quiet in season. The lake is a known GLOF risk; do not camp on the moraine dam.
What should you pack for Tsho Rolpa?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Tsho Rolpa?
None above Beding.
Will I get altitude sickness at Tsho Rolpa?
Tsho Rolpa reaches 4,580 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Tsho Rolpa?
Tsho Rolpa is not a good choice for anyone who has not done a high-altitude trek before, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 4,580 m. Also keep in mind: Rough access road to Beding and several days of high walking.
Close to Tsho Rolpa
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Gokyo Lakesabout 32 km
- Pikey Peakabout 35 km
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