Itinerary
March 31 — April 15, 2025 (16 days)
Arrive and gather at the sanctuary of the Hyatt Regency in the bustling Boudha district of Kathmandu, then venture into the mountains towards the Khumbu Valley taking a scenic approach from the remote Rolwaling Valley. Fill each day with guided morning and evening practice, adapting to our energy levels and environment. At higher altitudes, we will especially focus on practices that activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Learn to cultivate deep rest in challenging conditions.
Enjoy four nights of rugged camping immersed in the mountains. Visit stunning sacred lakes, and maybe even dance with a dakini. Traverse a glacier and rest at Tsho Rolpa Lake (4580 m), one of the largest glacial lakes in Nepal, and cross the majestic Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,750 m / 18865 ft). Encounter pure devotion, love and resilience in the ‘mother of Lawudo’, Ani Ngawang Samten at Lawudo Gompa (4,850 m).
Practice, rest, and absorb the nourishing energy of Lawudo, home to the ‘Cave of Blissful Attainments’. According to Venerable Jamyang Wangmo, author of The Lawudo Lama, ”Just seeing [Lawudo] blesses and transforms the most hardened of hearts and minds to think only of Dharma in one’s life.”
With time for tea at Namche Bazar, bid farewell to the mountains from a helicopter taking us back to Kathmandu. Conclude by savouring a final practice. Visit Boudha Stupa before returning home enriched with wakefulness and blissful energy.
Itinerary Detail
Be prepared for possible changes as we go.
We will run through the daily activities and plan after breakfast every day.
Evgenii or Kristina will lead practice in the morning and evening, except for Day 3 and Day 15 when we will be travelling.
Weather can cause delays in flights. While we will stay as close to our planned itinerary as possible, however, having some flexibility with your arrival and departure dates may make any unexpected delays less stressful.
Day 1, March 31: Welcome to Kathmandu
Check-in at the Hyatt Regency in Boudhanath from 2 pm. Meet and greet fellow trekkers and guides.
5 pm: We will gather at the lobby of the Hyatt and meet for orientation.
7 pm: Sumptuous welcome dinner at the Hyatt Regency
Day 2, April 1: Kathmandu
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
After breakfast, you will have the day to prepare for our journey. There is time to go shopping for gear, if needed. You can go to Thamel for more shops and choices and there are also a few places around Boudha to shop.
Make your own lunch and dinner plans.
8 pm – Evening practice
Day 3, April 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Simigaon (1997m)
6 am – Breakfast
Ready to hit the road by 7 am.
Jeep ride 8-9 hours plus short walk, 1-2 hours to Simigaon
After an early breakfast, we set off on the long drive up into the Rolwaling region. We pass through Dhulikhel and from there follow the Arniko Highway (the old road into Tibet), turning off before Lamosangu and diverting again at Charikot northwards into the valley of the Tama Kosi River. Arriving at Chetchet (1450m) in the late afternoon we will cross the river on a suspension bridge and get the kinks out of our legs with a short trek uphill on stone steps to our overnight lodge at Simigaon (2000m) a pretty village set amongst terraced green fields.
Day 4, April 3: Simigaon via Kyalche to Dongang (2800m)
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
9 am: Start walking
The trail from Simigaon heads right from the lodge and contours through a rhododendron forest towards the river. There's a little bit of undulation before we reach the river and the suspension bridge leading to Riku Village. We don't cross the bridge but stay on the south side of the river, gaining height steadily to Surmuche where we stop for lunch. There are lots of stone steps on this section of trail and we climb away from the river for a couple of hours to Kyalche where there is a single lodge. From here, it's a short descent to the village of Dongang, where we are once again beside the river. We stay in one of the two lodges at Dongang (2800m). We will be walking approximately 6 hours.
7 pm – Dinner
8 pm – Talk or evening practice
Day 5, April 4: Kyalche/ Dongang to Beding (3650m)
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
9 am: Start walking
From Dongang the trail stays close to the river on its south side, gaining height quite gradually over the first 3 and a half kilometres until we reach a small, steel box-section bridge which takes us across the river. There's a sharp ascent immediately after crossing the bridge which leads up to Thangdingma, a good resting place.
Lunch will be en route.
Beyond Thangdingma the terrain changes dramatically, it is drier, more barren and there are fewer trees. Our route continues close to the river and we will get our first views of Gauri Shankar (7145m) today at the head of the tributary Themlung Khola. There are scattered houses in this part of the valley and after crossing a wooden bridge over another tributary, we reach a 'kani' gateway at Changmi Kha where the biggest tree in the Rolwaling valley is located. We overnight at a lodge in the Sherpa village of Beding (3650m) the biggest settlement in the valley. Trekking 6-7 hours.
7 pm – Dinner
8 pm – Talk or evening practice
Day 6: Beding
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
Rest Day
Before proceeding further into the Rolwaling Valley we need to give some consideration to our acclimatisation and Beding is a great place to spend a day. There is no need to do too much, although there are lots of opportunities for short walks and exploration. There is a small monastery built into the cliffs above the village at an elevation of around 4000 metres and this makes a great objective for the day. The resident monks don't see too many visitors, and they will be happy to show us around.
3 pm – Tea time
3:30 pm – Afternoon Practice
6:30 pm – Dinner, free time and rest
Day 7: Beding to Na Gaon (4183m)
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – Start walking
Continue acclimatisation. This is a straightforward yet spectacular day of trekking, as we continue the process of altitude acclimatisation. Trekking above Beding the valley opens out and the trail cuts across pleasant grazing areas with no trees apart from a few scrubby junipers. We will pass a huge boulder bedecked with prayer flags and sporting a colourful painting of the Guru Rinpoche. Our situation becomes increasingly impressive with snow peaks in every direction and numerous waterfalls cascading down the valley sides. We will reach Na Goan, the highest settlement in the valley, by late morning and have lunch at our lodge. The afternoon is free. Trekking 4-6 hours.
7 pm – Dinner
8 pm – Talk or evening practice
Day 8: Na Gaon
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
Rest Day
With its maze of small fields, Na Gaon occupies a dramatic location surrounded by high peaks. Rest or go for short walks to explore the area. Lunch will be provided.
3 pm – Tea time
3:30 pm – Afternoon Practice
6:30 pm – Dinner, free time and rest
Day 9: Na to Tso Rolpa Lake (4580m)
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – Start walking
The trail from Na heads eastwards up the valley, crossing to the south side of the Rolwaling Khola and keeping to that side of the river for an hour before recrossing to the north side. The trail steepens and we get our first view of Parchemuche (Pachermo Peak) (6275m) which rises above the eastern end of the lake. Then, after around 2 hours, we reach a viewpoint just above the lake with great views of many of the peaks of the Rolwaling Himal. The trail that we can see crossing the steep slopes on the south side of the lake leads across the Tashi Lapcha into the Khumbu. Walking approximately 4 hours.
Evening talk or practice will be after dinner.
Day 10: Tso Rolpa Lakeside Camp to Drolambu Glacier Camp (4,560m)
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – Start walking
Today we head to the Trakarding glacier climbing up a 160-meter rock face before reaching the camping site for tonight. Trakarding is a massive rocky terrain. There are some stunning views of the Trakarding Glacier below and the Drolumbau Glacier in the north along with numerous streams flowing from the glacier. Tonight we will set up a lakeside camp. Walking 7-8 hours.
Evening talk or practice will be after dinner.
Day 11: Cross Tashi Lapcha Pass (5800m) (Tashi Labtsa) to Oder or Thengbo (4230m)
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – Start walking
Today the trail is somewhat difficult and physically demanding as we climb a fairly steep trail to Drolumbau Glacier. Once there we will be amply rewarded with some fantastic views of Tengi Ragi Tau (6943m), Bigphero-Go Shar (6729m), Dragkar-Go (6793m) and numerous other peaks along the Tibetan border. Our trail takes us across moraines and some moderate slopes, across areas of glacial ice as we ascend to the summit. Tonight we camp 300m below the summit at the pass. We will descend to the eastern side of the Pass to camp at either Odar (cave) or Thengbo (in tents). Walking 6 to 8 hours.
Evening talk or practice will be after dinner.
Day 12: Odar/ Thengbo to Thame (3820m)
Today’s trek is more relaxing as we descend to Thame. Before entering Thame we catch views of its picturesque monastery on a nearby hill before we finally enter this amazingly quaint Sherpa village. Thame is a gathering place and central hub for Tibetan traders in the region along with their yak caravans making it a relatively colorful hive of activity. We will stay at the family-run lodge.
You have the option to visit Thame Gompa, Thame prayer wheel – this prayer wheel containing 100 trillion mantras – the most in the world – or Thame stupa, an amazing project to bless and protect the region, made in the likeness of Boudha stupa.
Walking 6 – 7 hours.
Evening talk or practice will be after dinner.
Day 13: Walk from Thame to Lawudo (3850m)
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
9 am – Start walking
Today, we will have a shorter walk, 2-3 hours, to Lawudo. We will pass the small Sherpa villages of Samde and Thametang and arrive at Lawudo for lunch. We will have the afternoon to explore Lawudo, visit the mythical cave of the Lawudo Lama and practice there.
6:30 pm – dinner
Evening talk or practice will be after dinner.
Day 14: Lawudo
6:30 am – Tea/ Coffee
7 am – Morning practice
8 am – Breakfast
Lunch will be served at a convenient time around the puja schedule.
April 13, 2025, marks the second anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche showing the aspect of passing away. We are invited to witness or participate in a special ceremony (Puja) taking place at Lawudo. Lama Zopa Rinpoche was the recognised reincarnation of the Lawudo Lama, Kunsang Yeshe, who is said to have meditated in his cave for thirty years. Lawudo and the Khumbu is an extremely beautiful and fascinating region. It is considered to be a “hidden valley” or beyul, a special country blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). In fact, just above Lawudo is a large cliff known as the Dragkarma, or White Cliff, which is said to be the actual entrance to one of the secret valleys of Khumbu. Lawudo offers anyone who sincerely wants to nourish and develop their mind in Dharma and meditation one of the most conducive and inspiring opportunities imaginable.
6:30 pm – Dinner
Evening practice will be after dinner.
Day 15: Lawudo to Namche Bazar to Kathmandu
6 am – Breakfast
7 am – Ready to go! We want to be on the trail in time to arrive at Namche helipad by 10 am. This section of the walk is a beautiful pine tree forest. We will be walking for approximately 2 hours. If there is time, you can shop for some souvenirs or art, buy a latte and explore Namche before catching the helicopter.
9:30 am – at the helipad
We will be departing in multiple helicopters to return to the city. We expect to arrive at the Hyatt in the afternoon.
Free to organise your lunch and dinner
Day 16: Visit Kathmandu
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure.
10 am – Morning practice
Enjoy the day in Kathmandu. Organise your lunch.
4:30 pm – A final practice ending with a group walk to Boudha Stupa
7:30 pm – Farewell dinner at the Hyatt
Jagariya concludes
Day 17:
Breakfast at your leisure at the Hyatt Regency dining room.
Depart after breakfast.
We will organise your transfers to the airport, or you may choose to continue exploring the region.
Three Jewels Adventures
We are working with the capable, caring and kind team from Three Jewels Adventures.
Founder, Amber Tamang is from a small village in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. He became a porter in 1992, to put himself through high school and college; he graduated as a lawyer. Amber is the Managing Director of Three Jewels Adventures, a trekking business. He is an advocate of better working conditions for trekking staff.
Amber has worked as the local guide for Dharma Journeys pilgrimages with Ven Robina since 2001. Those who’ve traveled with him praise his patience and kindness. He is very knowledgeable about local customs of the Himalaya and its people. Amber and his family live in Kathmandu.
Ready to Register?
Please complete our short Jagariya Registration Form so we can ensure this journey and you are a suitable match. If you're accepted, we will send you your invitation with instructions for onboarding and payments. We will take note of your pre- and post-travel arrangements for your journey to Nepal. If you are waitlisted due to demand, we will do our best to include you on our next tour.
What to Pack
Our porters will assist us on the trek, but it’s best to bring only the essentials to the mountains.
We request that you limit your baggage weight on internal flights to 15kg, including carry-on luggage.
We suggest using a rucksack-style bag or a soft and durable bag for the trek. A bag without wheels is advised. Your big bag will be given to our porters to carry for you. You can keep a day bag with items you might like to keep with you such as, your wallet, camera, snacks, water, wind jacket etc.
It is possible to leave bags or items in Kathmandu and we will arrange for these to be transferred to the Hyatt Regency when we return to the city.
Your passport, travel documents, and photocopies of your travel insurance policy
The Rolwaling to Khumbu Valley trek via Tashi Lapcha Pass is a challenging yet breathtaking high-altitude expedition. It combines remote trekking, glacier traverses, and Himalayan culture. Expect sudden weather changes, especially at the pass. Always have waterproof layers handy.
Here is what you should bring. All of these items can be bought in Kathmandu:
1. Clothing
Base Layers (e.g. Thermal base layers (top and bottom) for warmth and moisture-wicking; Quick-dry trekking shirts)
Mid Layers (e.g. Fleece or wool jacket for insulation; Lightweight down jacket for cold mornings and evenings.)
Outer Layers (e.g. Waterproof and windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar); Waterproof trekking pants.
Trekking Pants (e.g. Lightweight trekking pants; Insulated pants, fleece-lined pants or thermal pants for cold conditions.)
Headgear
Insulated beanie or balaclava.
Wide-brim hat or cap for sun protection.
Buff or neck gaiter for dust and wind.
Handwear
Thin inner gloves for mild conditions.
Insulated, waterproof gloves for high altitudes.
Footwear
Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots (already broken in).
Gaiters (for snow and glacier crossings).
Warm trekking socks (3-4 pairs) and liner socks.
Rain Protection
Lightweight poncho or rain cover for you and your backpack.
2. Food and Hydration
Hydration System:
Insulated water bottles to prevent freezing.
Water purification bottle/tablets or portable filter (consider this as an alternative to buying bottled water along the trek as Nepal has a huge sustainability issue with plastic and waste management)
High-Energy Food:
Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and chocolate.
Instant noodles or freeze-dried meals for emergencies.
3. Safety and First Aid
Altitude Medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent AMS and Dexamethasone to treat its symptoms.
First Aid Kit – we will have a basic first aid kit, and we advise you to carry personal first aid
Blister care (moleskin, bandages).
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory meds.
Antiseptic wipes and ointment.
Rehydration salts.
Your medicines and vitamins
Headlamp: With extra batteries (essential for early starts and glacier crossings).
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: SPF 50+.
4. Trekking Essentials
Backpack: 50-70L with good support.
Daypack: 20-30L for essentials on the go.
Trekking Poles: Adjustable and lightweight.
Dry Bags: For waterproofing clothing and gear.
Map and Compass/GPS Device: Essential for navigation.
5. Personal Accessories
Sunglasses
Camera/GoPro: To capture the spectacular scenery.
Power Bank: High-capacity or solar-powered for remote areas.
Notebook and Pen/ Something for journaling or documenting.
6. Miscellaneous
Cash: There is place to withdraw money. Bring some local currency with you, for tips and purchasing snacks and other items along the way.
Toiletries (e.g. biodegradable soap and toothpaste, quick-dry towel and wet wipes, toilet paper and ziplock bags for waste etc.)
Sleeping bag liner
Inflatable pillow
Flip-flops (thongs)