18 Nights | 19 days
While the Rodung La Trek does not ascend to very high altitudes, it is still fairly challenging as the trail covers some fairly steep climbs and descents. The trail takes you from Bumthang in Central Bhutan to Trashiyangtse in the far eastern reaches of the kingdom.
The route was once an important trade road in the past but has fallen into disuse now and is chiefly used as a hiking trail. The trail passes through alpine and bamboo forests, meadows and mountain passes, through villages and temples offering hikers an incredible array of biodiversity to appreciate. The Hike typically takes 10 days to complete and is best carried out in winter between October-Early November or in spring between April-Early May.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PARO AIRPORT.
Our company representatives will be there to greet you at the Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
In the afternoon visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong (the national museum of Bhutan).
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Paro.
DAY 2: PARO TO THIMPHU
After breakfast, take a hike to the tiger’s nest (Paro Taktshang), the most visited tourist destination in Bhutan.
After lunch, Drive towards Thimphu.
Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 3: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, visit Kuensel Phodrang, where the largest statue of sitting Buddha is located overlooking the capital city of Thimphu. It will give you a panoramic view of the entire stretch of the city. Visit the Takin preservation center in Motithang, on the way to Motithang visit Changgangkha Lhakhang.
After lunch, visit Thimphu Memorial Chorten and Centenary Park.
Check into the hotel and rest for the day. Before dinner you are also welcome to explore some of the most famous tourist cafes around Thimphu.
DAY 4: THIMPHU TO BUMTHANG
After breakfast, drive towards Bumthang, on the way to Bumthang visit Chendebji Chorten. Halt in Pelela Pass for Photography.
Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Bumthang.
DAY 5: TOKTU ZAMPA TO NGANG LHAKHANG
After breakfast, your transportation will drop you off till Toktu Zampa from where the trek begin. The route takes you around Chamkhar Chhu, a river rich in trout. After passing Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple built by the first Karma Shamar in 13th century you will enter Ngang Yul or ‘Swan Land” named for the swans that were once common in this part of the valley. Near the center of this area you will find Ngang Lhakhang, the “Swan Temple”.
The Ngang Lhakhang was erected by the Lama Namkha Samdrup in the spot where his arrow landed. The design of the Lhakhang inspired by a vision he had.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 6: NGANG LHAKHANG TO UGYENCHOLING
After breakfast, begin the trek with a gradual climb to Phephe La pass (3,353m). Follow the trail until the pass takes you through a picturesque forested region. It is recommended that you allow for stops along the way to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. You will stop for the night at Ugyencholing Manor. This manor houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan and visitors will gain a better understanding of the lives of the landed gentry in traditional Bhutanese society.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 7: UGYEN CHOLING TO PHOKPHEY
Today’s walk is through bamboos, hemlock and finally up to an alpine forest. The camp is in a meadow at the head of the valley.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 8: PHOKPHEY TO PEMI
Today is the day when you finally get to see Rodung La (4,160m), which is located about 3 hrs climb from the camp. From the pass you then continue downhill through a gorge, overlooking scenic mountain valleys covered in lush pine forests. The region is rich in folk lore concerning spirits and yetis. Near the camp you can see a ruined stone building that once acted as a grain storehouse during the reigns of the first and second king.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 9: PEMI TO KHAINE LHAKHANG
This trail winds through the villages of Ungaar, Bulay, Kulaypang and Gomda before bringing you to Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang. One of the oldest temples in the country, it was built in the mid-7th century by the King Songtshen Gampo of Tibet to subdue demons.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 10: KHAINE LHAKHANG TO TANGMACHU
From your camp, the trail goes down to a stream and back up to a basic health unit and a community school in Gorsam. Further on, you pass a Tibetan-style Umling Mani, built by a lama from Tibet, and a Chorten on Zerim La (1,940m). Before reaching the next pass, Tage La (1,760m) you will see Menjabi, a beautiful Bhutanese village with large white houses. The campsite for the night is located South-east of Tage La near Tangmachu High School. Another possibility is to organize transport and drive to Lhuentse, the capital of Lhuentse district. Lhuentse Dzong is considered to be one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 11 : TANG MACHU TO MENJI
After arriving at Kuri Zampa the trek begins to gradually climb up through paddy fields and villages before bringing you to Chusa.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 12: MENJI TO PEMI
Today’s trek has you continue uphill through thick forests overlooking spectacular mountains. The camp is located in a forested area at an altitude of 2,400m.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 13 : PEMI TO TAUPANG
After climbing up to Dongla you will descend through thick evergreen forests until you reach the campsite for the night.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in Camp.
DAY 14: TAUPANG TO TRASHIYANGTSE
Today is the longest day of the trek. It is a gradual descent to Trashiyangtse. As you descend the chirpine and hardwood forests are slowly replaced by oak trees. Your transportation will be awaiting you to drop you off in your hotel.
Lunch will be served along the way. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Trashiyangtse.
DAY 15: TRASHIYANGTSE TO TRASHIGANG.
After breakfast, visit Chorten kora and Gom Kora Lhakhang. Visit Bumdeling National park.
After lunch drive to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Trashigang.
DAY 16: TRASHIGANG TO BUMTHANG
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang. After the long drive, check into a hotel in Trashigang and retreat for the day. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Bumthang.
DAY 17: BUMTHANG TO THIMPHU.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. On the way to Thimphu, halt in Pelela Pass for photography. Visit Chendebji Chorten in Trongsa
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 18: THIMPHU TO PARO
After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way to Paro, visit the Lhakhang (find that Lhakhang).
Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 19: DEPARTURES FROM PARO
After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.