Wild East Rodungla Trek
- 22 Nights 23 Days

- Central & Eastern Bhutan

Dawn breaks through prayer flags on the Rodungla Trek

Duration: 22 Nights 23 Days (Trek- 11 Days)
High Season- March, April, May, September, October & November
Low Season- January, February, June, July, August & December

* Prices (costs) quoted below are for the entire holiday from start to end.

Max. Elevation: 4,160 m
Highest Camp: 3,680 m
Standard: Medium to hard
Best Seasons: October to early November and April to early May
Start: Bumthang
Finish: Trashiyangtse

Wild East Rodungla Trek

Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Arrive to Paro by Druk Air flight. Altitude: 2250 metres.
Day 2: Hike to Taktsang- the Tiger’s Nest.
Day 3: Paro - Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 5: Thimphu -Trongsa
Day 6: Trongsa -Bumthang
Day 7: Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 8: Bumthang - Nganglhakhang (Trek Begins)
Day 9: Nganglhakhang - Ugyenchholing
Day 10: Ugyenchholing-Phokpey
Day 11: Phokpey –Ungaar
Day 12: Ungaar-Taskila. 21 km. 7-8 hours. 1829 metres.
Day 13: Taskila - Lhuentse.
Day 14: Lhuentse-Menji
Day 15: Menji – Pemi
Day 16: Pemi – Taupang
Day 17: Taupang – Trashiyangtse
Day 18: Trashiyangtse (End of Trek) - Trashigang
Day 19: Trashigang - Mongar
Day 20: Mongar - Bumthang
Day 21: Bumthang - Wangduephodrang
Day 22: Wangduephodrang – Paro
Day 23: Depart Paro

(OR- for departure from Guwahati, Assam, India)

Day 19: Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 20: Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati (India)

Day 1: Arrive to Paro by Druk Air flight.
Altitude: 2250 metres

During this flight, one will experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including Bhutan’s high Himalayas too. On arrival at Paro our representative will receive you and check you into your Hotel.. Visit Tag (pronounced 'Taa') Dzong, built in the 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Rinpung Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of the monastic community here. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2: Hike to Taktsang- the Tiger’s Nest

Perched on a mirror-like cliff at a height of 800 metres above the lush valley of Paro, the Tiger's Nest is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche, the second Buddha, flew here on a Tigress and meditated here in the 8th century. Here he propagated Vajrayana-Mahayana Buddhism (Bigger Wheel) that was prophesised by the Buddha at the time of attaining Nirvana. This place beholds the History of the Hidden Land. The walking time is approximately five hours to and fro.

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu
(Distance –65 km. Driving – 2 Hours. Altitude: 2350 metres)

This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa-Chhu ('Chhu' means river or water) downstream to its confluence with the Wangchhu, then upvalley to Thimphu, the Capital. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of Late 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974. Here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King. Overnight hotel.

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing

Visit the 15th century Changangkha Temple, the Takin (National Animal) sanctuary and the view point of Thimphu city- either Kuenselphofrang Nature Park or the Radio Tower, Sangaygang. On the way back visit the Zilukha Nunnery and Dechenphodrang monastic school. Lunch in town. Visit the National library, School of Arts and Crafts, Government Handicrafts' Emporium then the Traditional Hand-made Paper factory. In evening visit the Tashichhodzong- the ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ houses the Throne Room of His Majesty the King, the Main Secretariat Building and the Central Monk Body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the off-office hours- weekends and weekdays after 4 pm (winter) and 5pm (summer). Also see the National Parliament Building and later explore the various handicraft stores in town.

Day 5: Thimphu - Trongsa
(Distance – 205 km. Driving – 8 Hours. Altitude: 2200 metres)

The drive to Trongsa will take about 8 hours. The drive begins with ascent to the Dochula Pass (above) at an altitude of 3150 metres. On a clear day, you can see the whole Bhutanese Himalayan range from here. The pass has 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens constructed by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Then descend to Wangduephodrang at 1350 metres and from here the road again ascends gradually to Nobding and then steeply to the Pelela pass at an altitude of 3300 metres. Pelela Pass is considered to be a border between West and East Bhutan. The road then descends through Rukubji village further down to Chendebji village with its 18th century Nepalese style stupa built by Saint Shida. The drive to Trongsa from here is about an hour and half with great views of the historical Dzong and the valley southwards.

Day 6: Trongsa -Bumthang
(Distance – 68 km. Driving – 3 Hours. Altitude: 2600+ m)

The drive to Bumthang takes about 3 hours and begins with an ascent to the Yotongla pass at 3400 metres. The drive offers views of the Black Mountains, forests and incredible landscapes of Bhutan. Bumthang consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. From this pass the road will descend through pine forests to the Chumey valley of Bumthang. In Chumey, visit the Yathra Weaving Centre and from here the road ascends gradually to the Kikila pass at 2900 m. We then descend to Chokhor valley at an altitude 2670 m.

Day 7: Bumthang Sightseeing

After breakfast hike to Tangbi Mani. It’s a very easy trail to the beautiful village of Tangbi (Thankabi) where the old monastery with its Gomchens (laymen), local community school and the longest Mani-wall in Bhutan are. Their Thangbi Mani Festival is very popular and this year it is from 18th - 20th September, 2013. We return to Jakar for lunch. After lunch visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang and the Swiss cheese processing unit. Here they produce cheese, apple juiceetc. Visit Jakar Dzong. Overnight Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang - Nganglhakhang (Trek Begins)
(20 km. 5-6 Hours. 2896 metres)

The trek route takes you around the Chamkhar Chhu, a river rich in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang, then you enter the swan land "Ngang Yul" with its central swan temple, Nganglhakhang. This part of the valley was at first inhabited by the swans that gave their name Ngang. Lam Namkha Samdrup, having had a vision of how to build a goemba (monastery) shot an arrow to find the exact spot for the temple. A cultural program can be arranged in the evening. Overnight camp.

Day 9: Nganglhakhang - Ugyenchholing
(Highest Point- Altitude 3353 metres)

Climb gradually to Phephela pass alt. 3353 metres the highest point on the trek. Then you follow the trail until the pass takes you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings, we can also view Ugyenchholing palace on the way. Overnight Camp.

Day 10: Ugyenchholing-Phokpey
(17 km. 5-6 hours. 3502 metres)

Ascend through bamboo, hemlock and finally up to the alpine forests. Overnight Camp.

Day 11: Phokpey –Ungaar
(20 km. 6/7 hours, Rodungla 3,800 m)

Continue ascending for half an hour until you reach Rodungla (3,800 m), and then continue downhill through the gorge, overlooking some of the mountain valleys. Towards the camp you see pine trees. Overnight Camp.

Day 13: Ungaar-Taskila
21 km. 7-8 hours. 1829 metres

This trail like a wave winds up and down en route to Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang, one of the oldest in existence. It was built in the mid 7th century by the King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo to subdue demons. Overnight Camp.

Day 13: Taskila - Lhuentse.
(1829 metres)

Drive to Lhuentse guesthouse for lunch and relax. Overnight Camp/Guesthouse.

Day 14: Lhuentse-Menji
(16 km. 4-5 Hours. 1828 metres)

Drive down to Kurizam where the trek resumes gradually up through paddy fields and villages. Overnight Camp.

Day 15: Menji – Pemi
(20 km. 6-7 Hours. 2438 metres)

Continue uphill through the thick forest that overlooks some of the mountains. Set up camp under the shelter of the forest. Overnight Camp.

Day 16: Pemi – Taupang
(21 km. 6-7 hours. 914 metres)

Continue up to Dongla where you can see all the high mountains views. Descend through thicker evergreen forests to our campsite. Overnight Camp.

Day 17: Taupang – Trashiyangtse
( 24 km. 8-9 hours)

Today is the longest trek day. Gradually downhill till Trashiyangtse through chirpiness and hard wood forests similar to oak of the subtropical zone. Overnight Camp.

Day 18: Trashiyangtse (End of Trek) - Trashigang

The drive takes about 2-3 hours. Overnight Camp / Guest House.

Day 19: Trashigang - Mongar

In the morning you can visit the Weaving Centre in Khaling (which is operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan), Sherubtse College in Kanglung (Bhutan's first College), and Zangtopelri Monastery. From here you will head back to Mongar. Overnight at the Hotel in Mongar.

Day 20: Mongar - Bumthang

Drive the spectacular 8-hour route back to Bumthang, with stops for lunch and tea in nearby villages. Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 21: Bumthang - Wangduephodrang

You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight at the Hotel in Bajothang (Wangdue).

Day 22: Wangduephodrang – Paro

After breakfast you will drive to Paro via Thimphu. In Thimphu you can stroll through the Farmers' Centenary Market (vegetable market) to see the variety of food ingredients of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market and rubbing elbows with a significant proportion of Thimphu's population, especially if its the weekend. After lunch you will drive to Paro. At Paro visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner with buttermilk (called 'dao' in Dzongkha). Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 23: Depart Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro Airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell and hope to See You Again.....

(OR- for departure from Guwahati, Assam, India)

Day 19: Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar

Picnic lunch is provided. Begin a breathtaking drive unlike any other you've experienced through eastern villages and satellite towns, alongside sheer drops and scenic views. En route to Deothang is the Polytechnic College. Now you are in the sub-tropical zone. The drive actually takes about 6-7 hours. Overnight hotel.

Day 20: Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati (India)

All the clients have to have their Indian visa prior to their visit to Bhutan from the Indian Embassies abroad. After the completion of the immigration formalities you will be driven to Guwahati (India). The drive takes you about 3-4 hours till Guwahati for you to catch your onward flight or overnight in a Guwahati hotel. Then it's time to say Goodbye...

Note: These trekking itineraries have been designed based on past experiences of visitors to Bhutan and what they experienced about various trek routes. They show the actual duration of the trek only. They can be combined with other cultural tours or treks. The treks are such that you can gain the maximum out of this experience without exhausting you. The treks may depend on seasons. However, these readymade itineraries may not be convenient for some visitors. That is why we would be very happy to, together with you, design a new itinerary to fit all criteria and interests as desired by you. Please write to us with your special interests and/or requirements at bhutanrebirth@gmail.com.

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