Tsho Rolpa Trek Cost
Pure natural beauty, tranquil trails, and manageable cost structure is a dream trip for many and the Tsho Rolpa Trek is just that! Well, this trekking package will cost you around 500 USD to 1000 USD depending on itinerary, service, group size, etc., which includes essential services such as permits, guides, meals, transportation, and accommodation.
While this cost covers all your basic expenses, it is wise to carry extra personal money for extra snacks, drinks, tips to guides and porters, buying souvenirs, or any additional gear you may need. Overall, the Tsho Rolpa Trek delivers exceptional Himalayan adventure in a cost-effective way.
Permits
For both the preservation of nature and to ensure a smooth and safe trek, you will require permits before embarking on this journey.
To start with, you will need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card to ensure trekker’s safety in remote areas. In addition to the TIMS card, you will also require a Gaurishankar National Park Permit to enter the protected area. Here, the TIMS card will cost you NRs 2,000 and NRs 3,000 for Gaurishankar Conservation Area Trekking Permit per person.
Both of these permits can be easily obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board, located in Bhirkuti Mandap, Kathmandu. When you go to get these permits, make sure to carry at least a passport-size photograph with you.
Meals
The meal during the Tsho Rolpa Trek is a hearty delight featuring a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables. All the tea houses along the trail offer freshly made traditional Nepalese cuisine.
Despite the remote location of the trek, the items for the meal are locally sourced with fresh ingredients. Some of the items that you will find on the menu are the classic Dal Bhat Tarkari (rice, lentils, and curry), momo, eggs, porridges, Tibetan bread, noodles, pasta, toast, chapati with tea, and many more.
Note: For your information, Dal Bhat Tarkari (Rice, lentil soup, pickle with curry) is a famous Nepali local Thali. This is a regular meal of every Nepalese while most of them also have it twice a day. Each and every tea house that you stay in will offer this dish on the menu and each of them offers a different variety of vegetables, beans, and flavors on the dish.
Furthermore, the dishes are regularly prepared with fresh ingredients and most tea houses source the ingredients locally. Dal Bhat Tarkari provides you with balanced calories and is the only meal on the menu that you can ask for as much as you can eat. If you are looking for a hearty meal to keep you going for the day, Dal Bhat tarkari is the dish you shouldn’t miss. After all, there is a famous saying that goes “Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour”.
Accommodation
During the journey to the remote Rolwaling Valley, you will be staying in the tea houses. Well, the tea houses on the trek have a basic structure with comfortable services that will provide you with a glimpse of the local life.
Moving on, the tea houses during the Tsho Rolpa Trek will offer a room with twin beds. Most of the time, the washrooms in these tea houses generally have Asian squat-style toilets.
Additionally, you will get the basic amenities of wi-fi, electricity, and hot showers however, they will turn into luxury as you climb higher altitudes. As a matter of fact, you will have to pay an extra $2 or $3 for each service of hot shower, wi-fi, and charging devices.
Transportation
Before embarking on the foot journey through the Tsho Rolpa trail, you will need to travel via bus to reach the trail’s gateway. Well, your trek begins with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Chhetchhet which will take around 7 hours.
This bus ride is an adventure in itself as you will get a scenic ride through picturesque landscapes, terraced fields, and bustling rural markets. While most parts of the ride are smooth and fun, at times, you may face a bumpy ride due to road conditions.
However, you may upgrade your bus service to a private jeep if you do not mind paying a bit extra. As per my 25 years of experience in trekking, taking a private jeep would be a much worthwhile experience while traveling to the Himalayas, in Nepal. Generally, a private jeep ride costs $200 each way.
Internet, Telephone, and Battery Charging
While there are electricity, wi-fi, and mobile charging facilities at the lower elevation of the trek, it may get challenging to find as you ascend higher. Often Internet access is limited with connectivity only in a few villages.
Likewise, the mobile signals can also get spotty or non-existent as you move higher. However, in some of the larger villages, you will find NCELL and NTC SIM cards working just fine.
Moving on, battery charging options are widely available. Some of the tea houses on the lower elevation might have a charging point in the room itself; however, when you move higher, you will only find the charging point in the common areas.
Also, to get your devices charged, you will need to pay a small fee. Nepal Trekking Experts recommend you carry a power bank as well as adapters.
Trekking Difficulty
The Tsho Rolpa Trek takes you through off-the-beaten-path and a variety of rugged landscapes which makes the journey moderately challenging. During the trek, you will walk past lush forests, terraced fields, rocky paths, high-altitude terrain, and steep ascents, which demand both mental and physical endurance.
Typically, the Tsho Rolpa Trek requires you to walk an average of 5 to 6 hours a day to cover around 12 to 15 kilometers. However, since the journey is relatively shorter than other treks and only takes you up to 4,540 meters in altitude level at Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake View, even first-time trekkers can embark on the trek.
Overall, the mesmerizing Tsho Rolpa Lake and the breathtaking views of the mountain vistas in the backdrop act as a motivating factor of the trek.
Insurance
While setting out on Tsho Rolpa Trek, buying a travel insurance plan is the most secure way to a worry-free adventure. Given the remote nature of the trek, the insurance will help you cover unforeseen expenses such as medical emergencies, evacuation needs, or trip cancellations.
Always buy a well-rounded insurance plan that covers the activities you do in the high-altitude including coverage for emergency helicopter evacuation. Additionally, ensure that you are protected even in high altitude levels and the policy covered will pay you upfront instead of reimbursing you later.
Porter
For the Tsho Rolpa Trek, hiring a porter is a practical journey as they will ease your physical burden a lot. Normally, one porter will be provided for two people and he carries up to 20 kg of weight. Hence, hiring a porter will ensure a comfortable trekking experience.
Nepal Trekking Experts recommend you hire a local porter as they will have better knowledge of the trail’s landscapes and the overall region. Furthermore, they can also provide valuable tips on the journey.
Additionally, hiring a porter is a direct way to contribute your hard-earned money for the betterment of the local people. If you are searching for a local and experienced porter, feel free to contact Nepal Trekking Experts!
Trekking Gear For Tsho Rolpa Trek
To trek through the rugged highlands of the Tsho Rolpa Trek, you will need to be well-prepared to take on the challenges you will face during the trail. Also, depending upon the season you are traveling in, you will also need to carry warmer clothes.
Here, invest in high-quality clothes and gear as it will help you tackle the challenges while also allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Rolwaling Valley.
Clothing
- Inner thermals
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Lightweight and quick-drying hiking pants
- Shorts
- Undergarments
- Gloves
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying hiking socks
- Muffler or scarf
- Gaiters (optional, depending on the season)
- Sandal
- Quality trekking boots
Additional Gear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes
- Soap bar
- Female hygiene products
- First-aid kit
- Adapter
- Power bank
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Towel
- Sanitizer
Best Season
The best time to embark on the Tsho Rolpa Trek is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Due to the favorable weather conditions, mild and comfortable temperatures, and typically clear skies, these seasons provide an unobstructed panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Additionally, Spring and Autumn also provide the best views of the lake with crystal clear blue water and the breathtaking shadow and backdrop of the snow-clad mountain vistas. Furthermore, the long warm days and cool nights make the trekking conditions much more favorable.
However, in contrast, the Summer brings heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides in the lower elevation level. Also, the trails get muddy and slippery which is a big challenge for trekkers. Similarly, the Winter season brings freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall making the trail difficult and less accessible. Due to this, the tea houses in this area may be closed for the season. Also, the Tsho Rolpa Lake can be frozen during the Winter and the scenery may not live up to your expectations.
Overall, both Monsoon and Winter seasons have little to no visibility due to the thick fog and rain clouds. Therefore, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the Rolwaling Valley.
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