Rolwaling & Tashi Lapcha
A technical traverse from the Rolwaling valley over Tashi Lapcha into the Khumbu.
Overview
The Rolwaling & Tashi Lapcha trek is a wild, technical traverse linking the sacred, seldom-visited Rolwaling valley with the Khumbu over the glaciated Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755 m). It passes the huge turquoise glacial lake of Tso Rolpa and the Sherpa villages of Beding and Na before the serious high crossing into Thame and Namche.
This is a restricted-area expedition for experienced, well-equipped trekkers: the Tashi Lapcha is a real mountaineering pass requiring crampons, rope and a strong support team. The payoff is a rarely-walked “hidden valley” and one of the most spectacular valley-to-valley traverses in Nepal.
Highlights
- ▸Crossing the glaciated Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,755 m)
- ▸The turquoise Tso Rolpa glacial lake
- ▸The sacred, lightly-trekked Rolwaling valley
- ▸A valley-to-valley traverse into the Khumbu
- ▸Beding and Na Sherpa villages and gompas
Day-by-day itinerary
Fit, acclimatised trekkers on a tighter schedule
What's included — from $1,900
- ✓Government-licensed English-speaking guide
- ✓Porter support (1 per 2 trekkers)
- ✓Accommodation on the trail (lodge or tented camp)
- ✓Three meals a day while trekking
- ✓All listed permits and conservation/park fees
- ✓Ground/air transport to and from the trailhead as per itinerary
- ✓Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals and lodging
- ✓Government taxes and paperwork
- ✕International flights and Nepal visa
- ✕Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- ✕Personal trekking/climbing gear and clothing
- ✕Meals and accommodation in cities
- ✕Tips, drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging
- ✕Personal expenses and anything not listed as included
Best time to go
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha trek cost in 2026?
A guided Rolwaling–Tashi Lapcha trek typically costs USD 1,900–2,600 per person for 16–20 days, including the restricted-area and conservation permits, climbing-grade guide and crew, equipment for the pass, lodging/camping and transport.
How hard is the Tashi Lapcha Pass trek?
It is graded Strenuous and is semi-technical — the Tashi Lapcha is a glaciated pass at 5,755 m requiring crampons, ice-axe and rope, with objective hazards. It suits fit, experienced trekkers, ideally with some mountaineering exposure.
How many days is the Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha trek?
Typically 16–20 days from Kathmandu, including acclimatisation in Rolwaling and a weather buffer for the pass crossing.
What permits do I need?
You need the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit, the Rolwaling Restricted Area Permit, and — because you descend into the Khumbu — the Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu local permits, plus a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers.
When is the best time for the Tashi Lapcha crossing?
Late April–May and October–November, when the pass is most stable. Heavy snow makes the glaciated crossing dangerous or impossible outside these windows.
Related treks
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