Glacial and Sediment Hazards in the Rolwaling Valley, Nepal

Glacial and Sediment Hazards in the Rolwaling Valley, Nepal

Glacial lake outbursts are a major hazard in the South Asian Himalaya and other glacier regions of the world. Climate change and glacier retreat have heightened the danger of outburst events, as new glacial lakes have formed and expanded. The outburst discharge from glacial lakes may cause catastrophic flooding and damage in downstream areas. It is thus important to investigate the impact of climate change on glacial lakes and to understand lake behavior. This study examined glacier- and sediment-related hazards in the Rolwaling Valley of Nepal, and field-assessed the Tsho Rolpa glacial lake in the valley. Potential causes of moraine dam failure at Tsho Rolpa include overflow and erosion of the dam caused by ice or boulders falling into the lake, seepage inside the dam, melting of the ice core inside the dam, or an earthquake. The peak outburst discharge from Tsho Rolpa was estimated to range from 7,759 to 90,296 m³/s using different empirical equations. The resulting flood would cause serious damage up to 100 km or more downstream, threatening many people, agricultural lands, forests, hydroelectric projects, and other infrastructure.

Glacial hazards in the Rolwaling valley of Nepal and numerical approach to predict potential outburst flood from glacial lake

Glacial hazards in the Rolwaling valley of Nepal and numerical approach to predict potential outburst flood from glacial lake

In recent years, climate change and retreating glaciers constitute a major hazard in the Himalaya of South Asia. Glacial lakes are rapidly developing or increasing due to climate change. The rapid development of the lake may cause outburst of the lake. The outburst discharge from the glacial lake can cause catastrophic flooding and disaster in downstream area. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the impact of climate change on glacial lakes and to understand the characteristics of the glacial lake outburst. In this study, the field assessment of Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake in the Himalaya of Nepal has been presented and the impact of climate change on this glacial lake has been discussed. The Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake is the largest and most potentially dangerous glacial lake in Nepal. In addition, a numerical model has been also developed for computing the characteristics of glacial lake outburst due to moraine dam failure by seepage and water overtopping. The numerical model is tested for the flume experimental cases. The simulated results of the outburst discharge, the dam surface erosion, and the temporal variation of the moisture movement in the dam are compared with those obtained from the hydraulic model experiments. The moisture profile calculated by numerical model was agreeable with the experimental moisture profile. The simulated failure surface of the dam due to seepage by considering the suction in slope stability analysis gave more agreeable results than the Janbu's simplified method. The results of the outburst discharge and dam surface erosion also agreed with the experimental results.

Glacial hazards in the Rolwaling valley of Nepal and numerical approach to predict potential outburst flood from glacial lake

Glacial hazards in the Rolwaling valley of Nepal and numerical approach to predict potential outburst flood from glacial lake

In recent years, climate change and retreating glaciers constitute a major hazard in the Himalaya of South Asia. Glacial lakes are rapidly developing or increasing due to climate change. The rapid development of the lake may cause outburst of the lake. The outburst discharge from the glacial lake can cause catastrophic flooding and disaster in downstream area. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the impact of climate change on glacial lakes and to understand the characteristics of the glacial lake outburst. In this study, the field assessment of Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake in the Himalaya of Nepal has been presented and the impact of climate change on this glacial lake has been discussed. The Tsho Rolpa Glacial Lake is the largest and most potentially dangerous glacial lake in Nepal. In addition, a numerical model has been also developed for computing the characteristics of glacial lake outburst due to moraine dam failure by seepage and water overtopping. The numerical model is tested for the flume experimental cases. The simulated results of the outburst discharge, the dam surface erosion, and the temporal variation of the moisture movement in the dam are compared with those obtained from the hydraulic model experiments. The moisture profile calculated by numerical model was agreeable with the experimental moisture profile. The simulated failure surface of the dam due to seepage by considering the suction in slope stability analysis gave more agreeable results than the Janbu's simplified method. The results of the outburst discharge and dam surface erosion also agreed with the experimental results.

Rolwaling Trekking - Rolwaling trekking information - Rolwaling Region trekking

Rolwaling region trekking is non touristy trekking trail in Nepal . Rolwaling valley lies on the original expedition route to Mt. Everest and was only accessible to members of these expeditions. Now, people who would like to climb Parchermo peak (6187 m), one of the eighteen designated "Trekking Peaks" in the Himal are allowed to travel through this area. The trek through the Rolwaling Valley is truly one of the best wilderness off-the beaten-path travel experiences. The strain and degree of difficulty are constantly rewarded with visits to remote villages, the magnificence of the always-present mountains and walks through thick Rhododendron forests. On the approach to the Tashi Lapcha pass , the northern skyline is constantly dominated by the summit of Mt. Gauri Shankar 7145m, which was confused with Everest for long time and thought to be the highest mountain in the world. Rolwaling trek takes you through a demographic cross section of Nepal that can not be sampled on any other trek. Since the reopening of rolwaling trekking route the small Sherpa villages of Beding and Na are accessible for trekkers to see the unique and traditional Sherpa culture, untouched by western influence. Since Rolwaling region trekking trail has been open Himalaya Journey Trekking and Expedition - Nepal operate huge number of trekkers in relevent areas.

Trip Fact

Trekking Duration: 23 Days
Starting from: Kathmandu by Bus to Barabise
Ending at: Dolkha by Bus or Private Vechicle Back to Kathmandu
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Highest access of the trek: Kalinchwok 3890 m Meters.
Culture: Particularly based on Sherpa Buddhism Tibetan
Mode of trekking tour: camping trek Only
Himalayan sights: Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal and Langrang Himalayan Range
Splendid breath taking place: Kalinchwok Temple and GauriShanker Himalaya Range

Rolwaling Trekking Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in kathmandu 1334m, Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition’s representative will transfer to hotel , Rolwaling trekking briefing with officially arrangements. overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley Sightseeing and prepare for the Rolwaling Trekking.
Day 03: Kathmandu / Barabise (by bus) .
Day 04: Barabise to Kabre (1605 m.)
Day 05: Kabre to Dolangsa
Day 06: Dolangsa to Bigu Gompa (2310 m.)
Day 07: Bigu Gompa to Chilangka (1923 m.)
Day 08: Chilangka to Dulong (1890 m.)
Day 09: Dulong to Shalu (1500 m.)
Day 10: Shalu to Simi gaon (2000 m.)
Day 11: Simi gaun to Forest camp (2800 m.)
Day 12: Forest camp to Beding (3694 m.)
Day 13: Rest at Beding
Day 14: Beding to Na (4100 m.)
Day 15: Explore around Na
Day 16: Na to Forest camp
Day 17: Forest camp to Chet chet (1500 m.)
Day 18: Chet chet to Chetre (1000 m.)

Kalinchowk, at the height of 3700 meters, has a panoramic view of splendid mountains and the scenic beauty of nature. A six to nine (depends on the people) hours walk from the Charikot, Dolakha district; Kalinchowk bears a tremendous beauty that one must see during the lifetime.
Located at about 150 Kms from Kathmandu, buses ply to Charikot almost every hour. Places like Dolalghat, Khadichaur, Mude falls on the way to Charikot which has its own importance in terms of natural beauty and the height factor.
A six hour walk is worth reaching Kalinchowk. The places like Deurali, Chautari, Gairi and Kuri on the way to Kalinchowk are the rest points for the trekkers. Located at the height where the vegetation line ends one feels the height sickness and tremendous cold .
A very few houses can be seen on the way and the people carry all the load of foods with them when the winter arrive. They stock foods enough for about 3 months so that they do not have to bear the scarcity when the snow falls as there are least chances of getting out of the house during winter because of heavy snow.
But to the surprise the NEA (Nepal Electricity Authority) has been able to install the single phase line at the top i.e at Kalinchowk. People generally cut down the trees and sell the woods and timbre for living due to which the deforestation rate is going higher.

Photos

Kalinchwok

 

Pictures of Kalinchwok

 

 



Information

Kalinchwok is the one of the greatest religious places of the Dolakha.
It is located at the higher regiion of Dolakha district. It is full with natural hills and we can see many mountains scene from there. It is very cool places. At winter season it is fully covered with snow.
To reach the Kalinchwok it takes about 5 hrs from  Charikot, the capital of Dolakha.
 Public beleives that,their wishes are fulfill after reaching there. Many people reached there, yearly.
In Kalinchwok area we can see Chauri gai, Laligurash,and other animals and plants which can grows in lekali monsoon.