20 | TRAVEL HIMALAYA SPRING 2019 http://www.travelhimalayamagazine.com
A SHORT WALK IN THE ROLWALING VALLEY
H
idden away in the east-central
region of Nepal not far from Mt.
Everest lies the pristine Rowaling
Valley. It is a place forgotten by
time and humanity. Those who discover the
Rolwaling Valley discover the pristine side of
Nepal that existed generations ago before this
land was discovered by tourists.
The first expedition in the Rolwaling
valley dates back to 1951 and added a sense
of mountaineering history to the region,
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expedition, undertaken by Eric Shipton on a
reconnaissance trip of Everest. This was where
the photographs of yetis footprints were taken;
this would go on to start one of the biggest debates
in mountaineering. After extensive exploration
of the Solukhumbu the team decided to return to
Kathmandu via Gaurishankahr and the as yet
unexplored Rolwaling valley. It was here on
their return to Kathmandu that following the
discovery and naming of Melungtse, the highest
peak in the Rolwaling valley, the team discovered
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became the iconic yeti footstep photographs
and kick started the debate about the Yetis
existence. The village of Bedding is also where
numerous Everest summiteers are from, with
over 29 Sherpa’s from Beding having reached
the summit of Everest. Since the 50s however,Rolwaling has received scant attention compared
to other valleys in Nepal, it is this combination of
a connection to mountaineering history without
the hordes of the Khumbu, that make the valley
such an attractive choice to explore.
The valley, home to Sherpa villages nestled
amongst the vegetation has approximately 300
plant species that call the valley home. The
valley differs from most in Nepal with its east
to west orientation; this provides a much easier
climate for animals to wander. As a result the
valley is home to a large variety of animals
including bears, jackals and most notably the
snow leopard, and according to some the Yeti.
A study of the valleys spiritual and religious
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boast long religious ties and numerous sacred
mountains. According to Buddhist mythology,
Gauri Shanker the 7,134m behemoth that
dominates the valley is said to be the embodiment
of Tashi Tseringma the leader of the Tsher Ring
Mched Inga, also known as the Five sisters of
long life. For Hindus this place symbolizes Lord
Shiva and his consort Parvati. It is clear then,
that for any trekker, mountaineer, pilgrim or
nature enthusiasm that the Rolwaling valley
has a lot to offer. With the aim of exploring the
valley and making our way to Tso Rolpa, the
largest Glacial Lake in Nepal, me and my friend
Herman met in Charikot to start our trip