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The Tsho Rolpa Trek, offered by Hairy Yak Adventures, is an 8-day, approximately 65–70 km teahouse trek in Nepal’s Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District, within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Priced at $870 per person for a group of two or more, this moderately challenging trek ascends to Tsho Rolpa Lake (4,580 m / 15,026 ft), Nepal’s largest glacial lake, fed by the Trakarding Glacier and surrounded by peaks like Gaurishankar (7,134 m / 23,406 ft), Melungtse (7,181 m / 23,560 ft), and Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m / 22,854 ft). Starting with a drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) to Chetchet (1,350 m / 4,429 ft) and ending with a return to Kathmandu, the trek follows the Tama Koshi and Rolwaling Rivers, passing Sherpa and Tamang villages like Simigaun, Beding, and Na. Key highlights include the turquoise lake’s serene beauty, rhododendron forests, ancient Buddhist monasteries (e.g., Bigu Gompa), and legends of the Yeti in this remote valley near the Tibetan border.
This off-the-beaten-path trek, less crowded than Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, offers solitude and an authentic Himalayan experience, with daily hikes of 6–8 hours and a maximum altitude of 4,580 m. It’s ideal for fit trekkers with some high-altitude experience, requiring stamina for steep ascents and rugged terrain. The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for clear skies, mild temperatures (10–16°C daytime, -8 to -10°C nights at higher altitudes), and blooming rhododendrons. Monsoon (June–August) brings slippery trails and landslide risks, while winter (December–February) is cold with potential snow. Permits include the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP) and TIMS card, arranged by Hairy Yak Adventures, supporting conservation and local Sherpa-Tamang communities.
The $870 per person cost for an 8-day Tsho Rolpa Trek with Hairy Yak Adventures is competitive for a teahouse trek, aligning with Boundless Adventure’s pricing ($810–$1,040) and slightly above budget estimates from Reddit users ($600–$900 for 5–7 days). This all-inclusive price for a group of two or more covers:
Permits:
Transportation: Private jeep from Kathmandu to Chetchet (195 km, 7–8 hours, $130–$150 each way, split among 4–6 people) and return to Kathmandu.
Accommodation and Meals: Teahouse lodging (twin-sharing, $8–$10/night, ~$50–$60 for 6 nights), three meals daily (Dal Bhat, noodles, $20–$25/day, ~$120–$150), and tea/coffee ($8–$10/day).
Guide and Porter: Licensed, English-speaking guide ($25–$30/day, ~$200–$240), one porter per two trekkers ($20/day, ~$120–$160, carrying 25 kg).
Miscellaneous: Agency fees, government taxes, and emergency support (e.g., first-aid kit, oximeter).
Analysis of $870 Cost: The $870 price is feasible for a guided teahouse trek, covering permits, private transport, quality lodging, meals, and staff wages, as supported by Boundless Adventure’s range ($810–$1,040). It excludes international flights ($800–$1,500), Nepal visa ($30–$125), travel insurance ($50–$100, covering 4,600 m), tips ($30–$50), and personal expenses (snacks, gear, $20–$50). Solo trekkers may pay $1,000–$1,200 due to non-shared costs. The budget supports local communities through porter wages and conservation fees, ensuring sustainable tourism in the Rolwaling Valley.
The 8-day itinerary is ideal for the Tsho Rolpa Trek, as confirmed by Exciting Nepal and Nepal Independent Guide, balancing 5–6 days of trekking (6–8 hours daily), one acclimatization day, and two travel days. Covering 65–70 km from Chetchet to Tsho Rolpa Lake and back, it includes key stops like Simigaun, Beding, Na, and the lake, with sufficient acclimatization at Na (4,180 m / 13,714 ft). Shorter 5–7-day itineraries (e.g., Reddit user reports) rush the ascent, increasing altitude sickness risks, while longer 10–15-day options (e.g., Mount Mania, Nepal Pyramids) add side trips like Tashi Lapcha Pass or Dudh Kund Glacier. The 8-day plan suits fit trekkers seeking a serene, culturally immersive adventure, with Hairy Yak Adventures ensuring safety and engagement with Sherpa-Tamang heritage.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer clear skies, mild temperatures (10–16°C daytime, -8 to -10°C nights), and rhododendron blooms. Monsoon (June–August) brings slippery trails and landslides, while winter (December–February) is cold with snow risks.
It’s moderately challenging, with 6–8 hours of daily hiking, steep ascents, and a maximum altitude of 4,580 m. Suitable for fit trekkers with 1–2 months of cardio training and some high-altitude experience. No technical climbing is required.
Teahouses offer twin-sharing rooms ($8–$10/night) with basic facilities (outside bathrooms, electricity). Meals (Dal Bhat, noodles, $20–$25/day) are served at teahouses, with vegetarian options due to the no-kill zone past Kyalche. Kathmandu stays are in 3-star hotels.
Teahouses (twin-sharing, $5–$10/night) in Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, and Ghorepani offer basic lodging and meals (Dal Bhat, momos, $10–$15/day). Pokhara stay is in a 2–3-star hotel.
Acclimatize at Na (4,180 m), stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and ascend gradually. Hairy Yak Adventures’ guides monitor health with oximeters and carry first-aid kits. Consult a doctor about Diamox (250 mg) for prevention.