VIDEO Rolla trek
Rolla Trek is the shortest and easiest trek going inside the GHNP. In case you have only two days for trekking Rolla is actually the only option with Rangthar. Please also check the trek to Rangthar in the Great Himalayan National Park to know which one you prefer.
Rolla is perfect for first-timers to trekking, though you may consider going up to Shilt hut if you have one more day. The trek is suitable for those who do not wish to exhaust themselves but at the same time immerse in the diverse flora and fauna of the Great Himalayan National Park
A couple years ago, the trek began at the roadhead Gushaini. From there, you hike through the ecozone of the park along the Tirthan River to reach the park gate where the national park begins. With recent road expansions, you can go ahead another kilometer to start the trek from Ropa village
Rolla, our first campsite, is located 30 to 45 minutes walking distance from the Park Gate. Do you wish to go further ? Then you need to add at least one day to your trek 🙂
Rolla trek features
Duration of your trek
Day-min : The minimum number of days required for the trek
Day-max : The maximum number of days you can spend on this trek. Prolonged itineraries can be discussed with our team.
Average walking time : Average walking time per day (<3 : easy, 3 to 5 : moderate, >5 : strenuous)
Altitudes of your trek
Min : Minimum altitude of your trek.
Max : Maximum altitude of your trek.
Ascent : An estimate of the total climb during your trek.
Descent : An estimate of the total descent during your trek.
Difficulty of your trek
Stamina : The physical effort involved during your trek. Rated from 0 (easiest) to 100 (most strenuous). If you have an average fitness you can consider all the treks up to 50. See here for more details
Technical : Difficulty of your trek in terms of exposure to danger and required experience.
0 to 20 : No difficulties,
20 to 40 : Walk on good mountain trails,
40 to 60 : Some walks on difficult mountain trails (steep slope, rocks, etc.),
60 to 80: You are exposed to some dangers (void, snow, falling rocks, etc.),
80 to 100 : Experience required (please inquire).
Overall : Average between Stamina and Technical rating.
Duration
Altitudes
Difficulty
Rolla trek map
Trek itinerary in short
A night prior to the trek, you have to reach Gushaini in the Tirthan Valley. A small road following the Tirthan river takes you up to the village Ropa. You have the option of hiring a local taxi from Gushaini to Ropa or ask us to arrange one. As you start from Ropa the Tirthan river will be your companion, and, another village Kauncha will appear soon. Then the trail continues up to the Park gate gradually taking you into a wilder environment. Just before the park gate, you will come across Hippo waterfall. You can definitely take a dip here. After the gate, you remain very close to the river up to Rolla.
Rolla trek elevation profile
Rolla trek ascent and descent
Nothing very steep on this trek. The path goes up and down toward the Park gate through some nice forests. From the Gate to Rolla you are with the chanting river in the wilderness of the GHNP. As the trek distance is short and the elevations throughout the trail are easy for anyone who has included basic fitness as a part of their lifestyle, there is no need to rush. Maintain a steady pace so that you don’t get exhausted and enjoy the trail to the fullest.
Rolla trek best time to go
Best time to trek to Rolla is March, April, May, June, and then the autumn months of October and November. We recommend that you avoid July and August as the monsoons have been bringing heavy showers in recent years owing to climate change. September may also come with rains and the trail will be full of high grasses making it difficult to trek. Adventure enthusiasts may also consider trekking in winter months of December, January and February to experience snow trails, as long as you are comfortable with sub zero temperatures.
JAN
Avoid
FEB
Avoid
MAR
You may go
APR
Good to go
MAY
Best time to go
JUN
Best time to go
JUL
You may go
AUG
Avoid
SEP
You may go
OCT
Best time to go
NOV
Best time to go
DEC
You may go
Contact us for Booking the Rolla trek
Trekking in GHNP
The Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, offers trekkers a wide-ranging experience encompassing stunning vistas, varied terrain, and biodiversity. A lush forest with a wide range of flora and fauna, and to add to the natural beauty you can choose treks to match your adrenaline rush.
Himalayan Ecotourism hosts multiple treks in GHNP. Our treks in the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are for short and long durations and scale from beginner’s to more challenging treks. Whether you are looking for weekend treks in Himachal, treks in Himachal for beginners, or longer and more challenging treks, you will find it on our curated list of treks.
As compared to treks in Nepal or high altitude treks in Himalayas, treks in the Great Himalayan National Park have 2 USPs, they are least crowded as only a handful people trek in the GHNP, and, you can experience a diverse range of flora and fauna at much lower altitudes.
Each trek page has all the information you may need about the trek along with itineraries that are flexible. For more information on trekking holidays in the Himalayas and upcoming treks in Himachal, contact us.
Other treks by Himalayan Ecotourism
From our gallery
Photos of the Rolla trek
Itinerary
Day One : Rolla
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| Morning | The trek starts from the village Ropa which is a 10 - 15 min taxi ride from Gushaini, a prominent town of the Tirthan Valley. After being introduced to your trekking staff you follow the path giving way to the remote villages of the ecozone. Ropa has been recently connected with road and a couple years ago the trek started from Gushaini. After Ropa, another small village Kauncha follows. |
| Afternoon | As your trek is in progress the human population decreases and nature turns into natural wilderness. After walking for 3 hours along with the Tirthan River you reach the park entrance gate. As you cross the park gate you are in the realm of Nature. On your way to Rolla, you will only come across one old wood house where lives the last inhabitant of the Park, Nanni, an old lady who refused to leave the place. Ahead of Nanni's house the path gets narrower and forest will become denser. You can enjoy the diversity of plants and tree species. After hiking for half-an hour from the park gate you will reach the Rolla huts and campsite. Once the tents are pitched you will receive a delicious snack, and enjoy the riverside location of the camp. During evening at the river bank you may encounter wildlife coming to drink water from the river. It is commom to see monkeys and langurs, but even leopards have been spotted ! |
Day Two : Gushaini
| Timing | Details |
|---|---|
| Morning | Wake up with the sound of the Tirthan river. After a copious breakfast everything is packed and you have time to enjoy the place. No hurry you can even have your lunch at Rolla before going back to Gushaini. |
| Afternoon | You go down via the same way to Ropa. You may ask us or your guide to keep a taxi ready to transfer you from Ropa to Gushaini. |
Chalocha trek itinerary
Day 1 : Rolla
Chalocha is 2 hours ahead of Rolla inside the national park. You will need one more day to do this trek.
The day 1 is the same as the Rolla trek.
Day 2 : Chalocha
Leave Rolla in the morning after your breakfast. This allows you to go deeper into the park and enjoy a less frequented, more natural campsite. You remain by the riverside, but of course, as you go deeper into the national park the wilder it becomes.
Chalocha is a nice and easy extension of the Rolla trek if you have 3 days of time. You can either decide to camp at Chalocha or keep your camp at Rolla and cover Chalocha as a day hike on day 2 of your trek.
Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy Chalocha as many species come here to quench their thirst at the river, including the monal pheasant and even the rare Western Tragopan.
Day 3 : Gushaini
It is a longer but still easy descent from Chalocha to Gushaini via Rolla. Count 5 hours.
Gallery
Photos of the Rolla trek
Share your feedback
Thank you for sharing your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and inspires fellow travelers to choose responsible tourism when they journey with us.
Sagar Gupta
I have been visiting Himalayas regularly for years now but the experience with Himalayan Ecotourism was different altogether in terms of comfort, adventure, food, hospitality. The team is superb!
May 12, 2021 at 8:19 pm
Sakina Raja Kapadia
We(family of 4) did the Rolla trek with Himalayan Ecotourism. We were very happy how it was organized. The guide Yograj was strong and friendly, well versed with the trail and flora and fauna. We enjoyed awesome local food by the bonfire. Great job guys, keep it up.
April 3, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Akshat Gupta
Himalayan Ecotourism planned the entire trip for us. Transport from Chandigarh, stay in the Tirthan valley and the Rolla trek. Happy with the overall experience. Everything that was promised was delivered seamlessly.
May 28, 2022 at 11:56 am
Sukanya Nawale
I camped solo with their team who were men and me a single girl. It was the most safe and thrilling experience I had.
November 27, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Sandra Martinez
We had a great experience with Himalayan Ecotourism. They made our stay very comfortable. It was very easy and convenient to have the whole trip planned, from the driver waiting for us at the airport that brought us all the way to the Tirthan Eagle Nest, to the trek and trip back to Ludhiana. The Rolla trek was great and we spotted endemic wildlife, exquisite birds and even a Pine Martin. Even had the chance to explore and learn about the local culture
May 5, 2023 at 12:42 pm
Smita Bhattacharya
You will be hard-pressed to find a better homestay in the Tirthan Valley than Eagle’s Nest and an efficient trek operator as Himalayan Ecotourism. The location is remote and outstanding. I was a solo traveler and everything was taken care of , starting from my landing in Chandigarh to the return.
October 14, 2023 at 9:14 am
Prachiti Chitnis
The entire team and organizers are very professional, kind and knowledgeable. High quality equipment and amazing food
May 28, 2024 at 12:14 pm
Anushree Parekh
We did the Rolla trek inside the GHNP and wild camping at Jalori Pass with Himalayan Ecotourism. It was a private luxury package for 2 people. The entire team was very warm and friendly. The food was amazing, no compromise on any aspect of the trek. The team knows the area well and is highly experienced. Recommend them for a luxury and no hassle experience.
June 1, 2024 at 9:24 am
Shayak Chadha
I had a really fun time with these guys. They are very professional and know their job pretty well. Highly Recommended
June 5, 2024 at 4:34 pm
Chiara Ciampagna
Himalayan Ecotourism will take care of you and ensure you have a memorable and authentic experience. They provided full support for me as a solo traveler, starting from before I got on the plane to Delhi, giving me all the information I needed for a safe journey to the Tirthan Eagle Nest. I chose the women led 2 day trek, entirely run by local women guides. It felt like a luxury camping experience. The best organization in the Himalayas
June 17, 2024 at 11:47 am
Shubha Tiwari
What a fun, safe and empowering experience to trek with all women group of guides. it felt like a family picnic with lots and lots of tasty food and such homely experience along with beautiful nature
July 7, 2024 at 1:11 pm