The adventure begins with a long scenic drive from Kathmandu through terraced farmlands, winding mountain roads, and deep river valleys. You’ll follow the Bhote Koshi and Sun Koshi rivers, with views of scattered villages, green hills, and distant snow-capped peaks. After about 8 hours, you reach Jagat, a small riverside settlement that marks the gateway to the Rolwaling Valley. Here, you’ll settle into a local teahouse for the night. It’s a good day to stretch your legs after the journey and prepare your gear for trekking.

The trek officially begins as you ascend through terraced hillsides and small hamlets. The trail climbs steadily with views of Gauri Shankar (7,145 m), a sacred peak in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Simigaon is a Sherpa and Tamang village perched on a ridge, with a colorful monastery surrounded by fields of potatoes and barley. Tonight, you’ll stay in a teahouse, enjoy Sherpa hospitality, and perhaps witness evening prayers at the local monastery.

The trail leads you into dense rhododendron and pine forests, gradually gaining altitude along the Rolwaling Khola valley. Wooden bridges cross tumbling streams, while waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. Wildlife such as Himalayan monals (Nepal’s national bird) or musk deer may be spotted. Gyalche is a quiet settlement with limited facilities, where you’ll stay in a rustic teahouse. The air feels noticeably thinner, so remember to pace yourself and hydrate well.

A steady climb brings you deeper into the Rolwaling Valley, with spectacular views of Gauri Shankar and Melungtse. The trail follows the Rolwaling River, passing yak pastures and tiny settlements. Bedding is the largest village in the valley and the main Sherpa settlement. Its stone houses, prayer flags, and mani walls reflect the deep Buddhist traditions of the region. You’ll spend the night in a teahouse, warmed by hearty Sherpa meals such as noodle soup or potato stew.

Today’s trek is relatively short but important for gradual acclimatization. The trail continues through yak pastures with wide views of snow peaks. Na is a high-altitude summer village used by herders, with only a few basic teahouses open during trekking season. It is beautifully situated beneath peaks like Chekigo and Ramdung. The afternoon is free to explore or rest. Accommodation is basic but cozy, often with communal dining where trekkers and locals gather.

A rest and acclimatization day is essential before heading toward the Tashi Lapcha Pass. You can hike to nearby ridges for panoramic views of Chobutse (6,685 m) and the surrounding Rolwaling peaks. Some trekkers choose to explore Yalung Peak base or simply wander the yak pastures. It’s a good day to rehydrate, reorganize gear, and conserve energy for the high-altitude journey ahead.

The trek gains significant altitude as you leave the pastures and enter rugged glacial terrain. The trail is marked by rock cairns and crosses scree slopes and small glacial streams. The air is thin, and trekking requires slow, steady pacing. Chyukyoma is a small campsite near the glacier with limited facilities, where you’ll stay in a teahouse if open. Nights are colder now, with temperatures often below freezing.

Today’s route traverses the mighty Trakarding Glacier, surrounded by towering ice walls and rock cliffs. The path involves boulder-hopping, icy sections, and sometimes ropes for safety. It’s a raw, dramatic landscape with few signs of habitation. Camping on the glacier is an unforgettable experience, where your crew will set up tents on rocky platforms. The night sky here is dazzling, with millions of stars visible in the crisp mountain air.