Langtang to Rolwaling via Tilman Pass

1. Your Guide and Trekking Team

Your experienced guide will lead the expedition from arrival in Kathmandu until the end of the trek. The guide coordinates the team, manages daily arrangements, shares local knowledge, and prioritizes the safety of all participants.

Your trekking team may include:

Sirdar (Team Leader): Oversees the trekking crew, coordinates logistics, and ensures the expedition runs smoothly.

Trekking Guide: Leads the group, manages the daily itinerary, monitors trail and weather conditions, and provides guidance on altitude safety.

Assistant Guides: Support participants, assist with group management, and help organize camps when required.

Porters: Carry trekking equipment, camping supplies, and personal luggage within applicable weight limits.

Camping and Kitchen Staff: Depending on the confirmed package, staff may prepare meals, establish camps, and manage daily camp operations.

Participants must follow the guide's safety instructions, particularly during high-altitude travel and the crossing of Tilman Pass. The expedition leader may modify the itinerary if weather, snow conditions, health concerns, or other circumstances affect group safety.

Alpinist Club arranges appropriate insurance for its trekking staff and provides suitable equipment for the duties and terrain involved.

2. Accommodation in Kathmandu

You will stay in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu before and after the trek. The hotel is selected according to availability and the confirmed package category.

Accommodation generally includes:

• Twin sharing rooms with attached bathrooms.
• Wi-Fi and essential facilities.
• Breakfast included.
• Luggage storage availability.

Hotel Ramada and Sampada Garden are possible accommodation options, subject to availability and booking confirmation.

3. Accommodation During the Trek

The Tilman Pass Trek combines lodge stays with remote wilderness camping, depending on the route and available facilities.

Lodge Accommodation: Where lodges are available, you will stay in basic mountain accommodation with shared or private facilities depending on the lodge.

Tent Camping: In remote sections of the expedition, you will sleep in expedition tents at designated campsites. The camping team will arrange tents and essential camp facilities according to the package.

High-Altitude Camps: Camps near Tilman Pass may be cold, exposed, and basic. Participants should bring an appropriate sleeping bag, insulated clothing, and personal equipment suitable for high-altitude conditions.

Accommodation and camping arrangements may change depending on weather, route conditions, and campsite availability.

4. Meals and Drinking Water

Meals are provided according to the confirmed package and daily itinerary.

A typical trekking menu may include:

• Breakfast: Eggs, toast, chapati, Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, tea, or coffee.
• Lunch: Dal bhat, noodles, rice, pasta, potatoes, soup, or other available local dishes.
• Dinner: Soup, dal bhat, rice, vegetables, noodles, pasta, and other suitable meals.

During camping sections, the expedition kitchen team prepares meals. In lodge sections, meals are generally served in the lodge dining area.

Tea and coffee are provided according to the package arrangements. Additional drinks, snacks, bottled beverages, and personal food purchases may incur extra charges.

Drinking Water: Use treated drinking water throughout the trek. Water should be boiled, filtered, or disinfected using suitable purification tablets or another reliable method. Follow your guide's advice regarding local water sources. Carry a reusable water bottle or hydration system to reduce plastic waste.

5. Luggage and Porter Allowance

Alpinist Club organizes porters to transport personal luggage and group equipment along the trekking route.

The following are the general maximum personal luggage allowances stated for different trip types:

• Lodge Treks: Up to 15- 20 kg per person.
• Tent-Camping Treks: Up to 25-30 kg per person.

Please pack essential items in a duffel bag and carry valuables, travel documents, medication, and other personal essentials in your daypack.

6. Physical Fitness and Trekking Preparation

The Tilman Pass Trek is a demanding high-altitude expedition that requires excellent physical fitness and previous mountain trekking experience. We recommend beginning your preparation at least 3–4 months before departure, with regular hiking on varied terrain, uphill walking, stair climbing, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. Include longer walks of 4–6 hours while carrying a daypack, and train with the trekking boots and equipment you plan to use during the expedition. Experience with multi-day trekking, remote camping, and high-altitude conditions is strongly recommended, as the journey involves steep ascents, long walking days, cold temperatures, and unpredictable mountain weather.

7. Medical Check-Up and Travel Insurance

Good health is essential for participating in this expedition. Arrange a medical check-up before departure and explain the route, altitude, duration, and physical demands to your doctor. A dental check-up is also advisable because altitude, cold, and changes in routine may aggravate existing dental problems. For this high-altitude expedition, we strongly recommend consulting a doctor experienced in mountain medicine.

Travel Insurance: All participants should have comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking, mountaineering activities where applicable, emergency helicopter evacuation, and medical treatment in remote areas. Check the policy's altitude limits and exclusions before travelling.

8. Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

Altitude Sickness: The Tilman Pass Trek reaches elevations above 5,000 m, where altitude sickness may affect anyone. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Follow the acclimatization schedule, walk slowly, stay hydrated, and inform your guide if you feel unwell. Never continue ascending if symptoms worsen. Serious altitude illness requires immediate descent and medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional before departure about preventive medication

9. Safety, Communication, and Emergency Support

Safety and Emergency Support: Tilman Pass is a remote and challenging mountain crossing where snow, ice, poor visibility, and changing weather can increase risks. Depending on the confirmed arrangements, safety support may include experienced mountain guides, technical equipment, a satellite phone, a portable hyperbaric chamber, access to the IFREMMONT medical hotline, and emergency evacuation coordination. The decision to cross depends on weather, trail conditions, and the expedition leader’s safety assessment. If conditions are unsafe, the crossing may be delayed, changed, or abandoned. Any alternative route, such as Ganja La Pass, must be carefully assessed and cannot be guaranteed.

10. Weather and Best Season

Spring and autumn are generally the preferred seasons for high-altitude trekking in Nepal.

Spring (March–May): Longer daylight hours and generally favorable trekking conditions, although snow may remain on high passes.

Autumn (September–November): Often offers clearer mountain views and stable trekking weather, although conditions vary.

Winter: Heavy snow, extreme cold, and difficult pass conditions may make the route unsuitable.

Monsoon (June–August): Heavy rainfall, landslides, and poor visibility can affect lower trails and transport.

Tilman Pass conditions can change rapidly, even during the recommended seasons. The final decision to proceed must depend on current weather, snow conditions, and professional assessment.

11. Equipment and Clothing

Participants must bring personal clothing and equipment suitable for a remote, high-altitude expedition.

Essential items include:

• Insulated down jacket and warm mid-layers.
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers.
• Thermal base layers.
• Trekking boots suitable for rugged terrain.
• Warm gloves, hat, and neck covering.
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected sub-zero temperatures.
• Headlamp with spare batteries.
• Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Water bottles or a hydration system.
• Personal first-aid supplies and prescribed medication.
• Trekking poles.
• Duffel bag and daypack.

Technical Equipment: Depending on the route conditions and the final expedition plan, mountaineering equipment such as a helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, ropes, and appropriate boots may be required for Tilman Pass. The expedition organizer should provide a confirmed technical equipment list before departure.

12. Permits and Official Requirements

The expedition requires the relevant trekking and conservation permits for the approved route.

Permit requirements depend on the final itinerary, the areas visited, and current Nepalese regulations. Alpinist Club will confirm the applicable permits and associated fees before departure according to the package inclusions.

Participants must carry a valid passport and any other documents required for permits and official checkpoints.

13. Responsible Trekking and Environmental Care

The Tilman Pass Trek passes through fragile mountain environments and traditional communities. Participants are expected to respect local customs, cultural sites, and the natural surroundings.

• Carry reusable water bottles.
• Avoid single-use plastics wherever possible.
• Take personal waste back to designated disposal points.
• Respect local traditions and religious sites.
• Follow established trails and your guide's instructions.
• Treat local residents, porters, and support staff with respect.

Responsible trekking helps protect Nepal's mountain environment and supports the communities that make these expeditions possible.

14. Group Size and Expedition Arrangements

The expedition is designed for small groups of approximately 2–10 participants, subject to the final departure arrangements.

A small group allows for better coordination and a more personal experience. However, the pace, camping arrangements, and route decisions will always be based on the needs and safety of the entire group.

The final group size, guide-to-client ratio, staff arrangements, and included services will be confirmed before booking.

15. Important Expedition Information

Tilman Pass is a challenging high-altitude route, not a standard trekking pass. Participants should be prepared for remote camping, limited facilities, demanding terrain, and potential changes to the itinerary.

The expedition leader has the authority to adjust the route or schedule when necessary to protect the group.

By joining the expedition, participants should understand that reaching the pass or completing the original itinerary cannot be guaranteed. Weather, snow conditions, health concerns, and other mountain hazards may affect the outcome.