Tsho Rolpa

Tsho Rolpa

Tsho Rolpa (also Cho Rolpa) is one of the biggest glacial lakes in Nepal. The lake, which is located between the Everest region and Langtang region at an altitude of 4,580 metres (15,030 ft) in the Rolwaling Valley of Dolakha District, has grown considerably over the last 50 years due to glacial melting in the Himalayas.

Tsho Rolpa remains remote and serene in all its glory. Apart from the pristine lake Tsho Rolpa itself, the trek features a continuous panorama of Gaurishankar Himal (7134 m). The breathtaking view after reaching the Tsho Rolpa lake is worthy of the every single steps taken. In 1951, famous British mountaineer, Eric Shipton, took the first photo graph of Yeti footprints  to the trek. The remote trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake may be challenging, but it is full of amazing facets of nature to make it a trip worth heading for.

We begin with an 6-8 hour drive from Kathmandu towards Charikot. Furtherahead, the trail gradually climbs to Piguti and onto Shigapati. The trail moves along the Tama Koshi River for the most part of the trek and also follows Rolwaling River on the upper regions. The trail then goes uphill to Shakpa followed my more ascend towards Kharka which is 3,440 meters above sea level. The trail then passes through Beding and Na to finally reach the Tsho Rolpa Lake where we will spend two nights rewarding us with some of the unspoiled nature along with magical Himalayas that stand infront of us.

We then trek upto Bhuthu on the same trail from where we take another trail that descends through Thare and Manthala towards Charikot as the trail ahead from Tsho Rolpa Lake leads us to the extreme alpine pass of Tashi Lapch’s spectacular vista of Gaurishankar Himal (7134 m) as you walk through the small settlements of Rolwaling valley.

The highlight of this trek, Tsho Rolpa Lake, is located between small hills and the surrounding mountains that make the view appear surreal. Also, the tranquil environment around the lake makes the trek worth it. Since the route takes you to the Tibetan border side, a huge influence of Buddhism can be seen in the area. However, we can see the culture and lifestyle of Brahmin, Chhetri, and Sherpa people. The trek allows the trekkers to experience the Sherpa culture of Rolwaling valley as it reaches the villages like Chhetchhet and Beding. The trail is mostly waterfalls, rivers, Mani walls, rice fields, and meadows working together to make the trek a memorable journey.