Everest and Rolwaling

 Overview

The Everest and Rolwaling section of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) encompasses some of the world's most iconic and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Home to the towering peaks of Mount Everest (8,848 meters) and Mount Lhotse (8,516 meters), this region offers trekkers an unparalleled adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

Trekkers traverse through the legendary Khumbu region, where they encounter Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and stunning views of Everest and its neighboring peaks. The trek also includes the beautiful and sacred valley of Rolwaling, known also for its remote wilderness, pristine alpine scenery and cultural richness and spirituality.

Highlights of this section include panoramic vistas of the Rolwaling and Everest massif, crossing high mountain passes such as the Renjo La, Cho La, Tashi Labcha and exploring the picturesque Imja Lake, Gokyo Lakes, Tso-rolpa Lakeas well as Everest Base Camp.

The Everest and Rolwaling section of the GHT offers an outstanding mix of cultural immersion, challenging trekking routes, and unparalleled mountain scenery, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers seeking an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) lies in the eastern part of the Nepalese Himalayas, with elevations ranging from 2,845 meters at Monjo to the summit of the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest (8,848 meters), which stands as the park's highest point. Established in 1976, the park spans 443 square miles (1,148 square kilometres) and includes the upper catchment areas of the Dudhkoshi and Bhotekoshi Rivers.

The park features rugged terrain, deep valleys, towering mountains, and gorges, hosting a rich diversity of plants and wildlife along its altitude gradient. Its lower catchment is characterized by a unique forested ecology, including bamboo, birch, blue pines, firs, hemlock, juniper, and rhododendron, while approximately 70% of the area consists of barren land devoid of vegetation.

The park hosts 118 species of birds and a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, red pandas, musk deer, Himalayan thars, Himalayan wolves, and the elusive snow leopard. Alongside Mount Everest, it features six other peaks soaring above 6,000 meters, including Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori.

The Sherpa people, renowned for their enduring traditions, enrich the cultural landscape of this important pilgrimage site in the Khumbu region. Recognized for its exceptional universal significance, the park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Trekkers, mountaineers, and wilderness enthusiasts find themselves entranced by the vastness and majesty of this surreal landscape as they journey into its barren expanse, with the towering Himalayas dominating the horizon.

Rolwaling/Gaurisankar Section: Tashi Labsta to Lapchi and Last Resort:

The Rolwaling lies beyond the Solu-Khumbu (Everest) region's western boundary and the mighty Tashi Labsta pass (5760m). Perhaps some of the least visited areas in Nepal, the mountains and valleys of this region offer unbridled opportunities for the remote trekker and mountaineer. Bordered by the Arniko Highway (the Kathmandu to Tibet road) to the west, the Rolwaling also includes some excellent medium-altitude trails over the Tinsang La and through Bigu Gompa. The Tamang, Gurung, Thami, Jirel, and Sherpa communities, who predominantly inhabit this region, warmly welcome visitors. For an added adventure, you may consider pairing your journey with a bungee jump at The Last Resort.

The neighboring Gaurishankar region has been protected as the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) since 2010. The GCA spans 2,179 square kilometers, covering the then 22 Village Development Committees across the three districts of Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, and Ramechhap. Named after the sacred mountain Gaurishankar (7,134 meters), it is renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The area includes diverse ecosystems, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, and is home to over 2,000 plant species, 34 mammal, and 235 bird species. It features prominent trekking routes such as the Rolwaling Valley trek, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. The conservation area is also home to a vibrant cultural landscape, where various ethnic communities like the Sherpa, Tamang, and Thami people add to its distinctive cultural richness

The area has great potential to develop into prime Buddhist pilgrimage and meditation sites, offering a serene environment for spiritual reflection and practice,

Meanwhile, the Beding-Tso Rolpa area in the region is revered as Beyul Khandro Rolwaling - a hidden valley concealed by Padmasambhava, while the Lapchi valley and mountain in the region are home to one of Milarepa's sacred caves.

 Highlights

• Mount Everest: The highest peak in the world, standing at 8,848 meters, dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking views from various vantage points along the trek; attracting climbers and trekkers from around the globe.

• Sagarmatha National Park (SNP): Enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing for its unique natural and cultural significance and high-altitude ecosystems.

• Biodiversity: SNP hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna adapted to high-altitude conditions, including over 1,000 species of plants and more than 118 species of birds, along with numerous rare and endemic animal species.

• Sherpa Culture: Encounter the rich Sherpa culture as you pass through traditional villages, monasteries, and prayer flags, gaining insights into the unique way of life in the Khumbu and Rolwaling region.

• Everest Base Camp: Trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp offering stunning views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

• Glacial landscapes: Features stunning landscapes such as glaciers, moraines, and icefalls, contributing to its dramatic and scenic beauty.

• Gokyo Lakes: Explore the mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes, a series of turquoise glacial lakes nestled amidst towering peaks, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

• High Passes and viewpoints: Cross challenging high mountain passes such as Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5420m), Renjo La Pass (5,340m); Tashi Labsta pass (5760m), and 360-degree view of the mountains from Gokyo Ri, Kala Pattar and Chukhung Ri offering panoramic vistas of the Himalayas and connecting different valleys.

• Rolwaling Valley: Traverse through the rugged terrain of the Rolwaling Valley, characterized by pristine alpine scenery, remote wilderness, and dramatic landscapes.

• Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with Sherpa, Tamang, Thami, and Jirel communities, visiting monasteries, and participating in traditional rituals and festivities.

• Historical Monasteries: Tengboche, Pangboche, Thame, and Lapchi Monastery as well as Bigu Nunnary.

• Beyul Khandro Rolwaling: Rolwaling valley is one of the seven beyul valleys revealed so far by the tertons.