If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through quiet mountain valleys where snow peaks rise above timeless Sherpa villages, Rolwaling Valley should be on your list. Tucked away in the Gaurishankar Rural Municipality of Dolakha District, this remote region lies inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, between Langtang and Sagarmatha National Parks. It’s part of the Great Himalayan Trail, yet surprisingly few people make it here — which makes it even more special.
A Glimpse of the Valley
Rolwaling sits high above Simigaun, in what was once called Gaurishankar VDC. The valley stretches through a string of peaceful Sherpa villages — Na, Beding, Thandingma, Dongang, Kyalche, and Surmuche. Life here moves at its own rhythm, surrounded by glaciers, forests, and pure mountain air.
One of the main highlights is Tsho Rolpa, Nepal’s largest glacial lake. Its still blue water reflects the white peaks towering above it, and nearby lies another gem, Dudhkunda Lake. More than 50 peaks above 6,000 meters rise in this region, creating a jaw-dropping skyline that never gets old.
Wildlife is abundant too, from Himalayan thar and musk deer to countless bird species. Only Sherpa families live in this valley, preserving a lifestyle that feels both humble and heroic. The village of Beding is particularly famous — many of its residents have climbed Mount Everest, earning it the nickname the Everest Summiteers’ Village.
The trek itself isn’t too demanding — it usually takes five to six days from Kathmandu — but if you have more time, you can easily spend extra days exploring the lakes, side trails, and hidden corners.
Suggested Rolwaling Trek Itinerary
| Day | Route | Duration | Overnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu → Chotchot → Simigaun | Bus to Chotchot + 2 hrs walk | Simigaun | Lodges available |
| 2 | Simigaun → Dongang | 6 hrs | Dongang | Lodges available |
| 3 | Dongang → Na | 6 hrs | Na | Lodges available |
| 4 | Visit Tsho Rolpa → return to Beding | Flexible | Beding | Lodges available |
| 5 | Beding → Kyalche | 6 hrs | Kyalche | Lodges available |
| 6 | Kyalche → Simigaun / Gongor | 6 hrs | Simigaun / Gongor | Lodges available |
| 7 | Return to Kathmandu | Depends on transport | — | — |
There are comfortable hotels and homestays along most of the route. From Dongang, trekkers can also take an alternate trail through Tashinam and Jagat. It takes a bit longer but rewards you with incredible views.
Keep in mind that on the Dongang section, you might need to camp, although porter shelters are available in some places.
Accommodation in Rolwaling
Here’s a list of lodges and guesthouses along the route. Most are family-run and offer simple, warm hospitality — perfect after a long day on the trail.
| No. | Hotel / Lodge Name | Owner | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riverside Hotel & Lodge | Nimjangmu Sherpa | Na |
| 2 | Tsho Rolpa Hotel & Lodge | Dawayangjum Sherpa | Na |
| 3 | Na View Point Hotel & Lodge | Angchhiring Sherpa | Na |
| 4 | Gaurishankar Hotel & Lodge | Pasangbuti Sherpa | Na |
| 5 | Rolwaling Mountain View Hotel & Restaurant | Pemageljen Sherpa | Na |
| 6 | Josef Phurba Lodge | Phurbatenji Sherpa | Na |
| 7 | Beding View Hotel & Lodge | Angngimi Sherpa | Beding |
| 8 | Tsheringma Hotel & Lodge | Dachhiri Sherpa | Beding |
| 9 | Gaurishankar Himalayan Hotel & Lodge | Mankumari Basnet | Beding |
| 10 | Rolwaling Riverside Hotel & Lodge | Nimjangmu Sherpa | Beding |
| 11 | Sherpa Tea Shop | Angriku Sherpa | Thandingma |
| 12 | Buddha Hotel & Lodge | Chhiringchhoti Sherpa | Thandingma |
| 13 | River View Hotel & Lodge | Dendi Sherpa | Dongang |
| 14 | Sherpa Hotel | Jangmu Sherpa | Dongang |
| 15 | Kyalche Hotel | Temba Sherpa | Kyalche |
| 16 | Surmuche Hotel | Mangu Sherpa Acharya | Surmuche |
| 17 | White Yak Hotel & Lodge | Pema Sherpa | Simigaun |
| 18 | Mitini Hotel & Lodge | Doma Sherpa | Simigaun |
| 19 | Gaurishankar View Point Hotel & Lodge | Chhiring Sherpa | Simigaun |
| 20 | Green View Lodge & Restaurant | Chhiringdiki Sherpa | Simigaun |
| 21 | Village View Hotel & Lodge | Tendi Sherpa | Simigaun |
| 22 | Namaste Hotel & Lodge | Danu Sherpa | Simigaun |
(You can contact the lodge owners directly for bookings — comment below if you’d like me to share their phone numbers.)
Why Rolwaling is Worth the Journey
Rolwaling isn’t just another trekking route. It’s a place where mountains meet culture, and silence feels sacred. You walk through pine forests, cross rivers on hanging bridges, and stay in homes where the tea is always hot and stories flow freely.
If you’re looking for something peaceful, authentic, and untouched by crowds, Rolwaling Valley is exactly that.
So when you plan your next adventure — maybe during Visit Nepal Year 2020 or anytime after — give this hidden valley a chance. It might just become your favorite trek in Nepal.
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