The Rodung La trek is a tough one that includes tremendously long and steep descent. Though it does not ascend to very high altitudes, it is still a challenging trek which trails pass through bamboo, alpine forest, meadows and mountains. The trek leads our journey from Bumthang of Central Bhutan to Trashiyangtse, the far eastern reaches of Bhutan. The recommended season for this trek is in winter between October-Early November and in spring between April-Early May.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Paro to Thimphu
Having our breakfast, we drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. A good view of Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal can be observed on the way; it is standing on a hillock above the road.
In the afternoon, we trip to Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery built in 1641. It was built by first Shabdrung and again reconstructed in the 1960s. Also, we will explore National Memorial Chorten. And in the evening, we will browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles. Bhutan is famous for all these stuffs. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Today, we go for a full day sightseeing. First, we visit the National Library, established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures. Then, we observe Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also, we take a look at National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Thimphu to Tongsa
We drive to Tongsa via Dochu-la pass (3,088m) capturing superb views of Bhutan’s highest peaks, namely, Masagang (7,158m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Zongaphugang (7,060m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Gangkar Puensum, the highest (7,497m) and more. Zongaphugang is the table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana. Continuing our trail, we arrive at Tongsa. Overnight at lodge.
Day 05: Tongsa to Bumthang
We visit Tongsa Dzong, an ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family after which, we visit Ta Dzong that was built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. In the afternoon, we take a look at Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The body imprint is found on rocks. Overnight at lodge.
Day 06: Bumthang to Tang to Ugyenchholing – 30 minutes walk
After spending time for sightseeing in the valley, we departure for Tang and drive along the main highway winding through the hillside. From Tang, we start our trekking and walk upto Ugyenchholing Manor, situated on a hillock above the village. Overnight at guesthouse or camp.
Day 07: Ugyenchholing to Phokpey – 5 to 6 hours walk
We walk through the bamboos, alpine and hemlock to reach Phokpey. Overnight at camp.
Day 08: Phokpey to Ungaar – 7 to 8 hours walk
We climb to reach Rodung-la (4,160m), from where we capture mesmerizing views of the surrounding and descend through the rhododendrons, conifers and broad-leafed forest, as well as patches of dwarf bamboo, ferns and tropical species. We walk further to reach Ungaar. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Ungaar to Taskila – 7 to 8 hours walk
We gently climb through chirpine forests and move to Khaine Lhakang, which is considered as one of the 108 temples that was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in 659 to subdue demons. We descent through the trail to reach Taksila, where a two day festival is celebrated in the month of November.
Day 10: Taskila to Tangmachu – 5 to 6 hours walk
Starting our leisure walk to Menjabi, we pass through beautiful houses and terraced fields. We then climb to Tage-la (1,760m) and move downhill to reach Tangmachu village. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Tangmachu to Menji – 4 to 5 hours walk
We cross the river at Kuri Zam and then we wind up gradually through paddy fields and reach Meji. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Menji to Pemi – 6 to 7 hours walk
We move through the narrow ridge and catch the view of forested gorge and mountains beyond. We will see no habitation till we reach Pemi. Overnight at camp.
Day 13: Pemi to Taupang – 6 to 7 hours walk
We continue our trail to Dong-la (3,900m) and enjoy the spectacular views of snowy peaks. We descend through the evergreen forest and reach Taupang. Overnight at camp.
Day 14: Taupang to Tashiyangtse – 8 to 9 hours walk
Early morning, we walk gradually downhill passing by some chirpine and sub-tropical hardwood forests. We then arrive at Tashiyangtse. Overnight at camp.
Day 15: Tashiyangtse to Tashigang
From here we meet our transport and drive to Tashigang town, which is an administrative center of Bhutan’s easternmost district. Overnight at lodge.
Day 16: Tashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
In the morning, we visit Tashigang Dzong, built in 17th century, from where valley view is spectacular. We stroll at the local market and then proceed to next visit at Samdrup Jongkhar. Along the hillside to Kanglung and then to Yongphu-la (2,190m), we then move past dense forest areas and reach Samdrup Jongkhar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati
We drive all the way to Guhawati. Here, our representatives would drop you at the airport and we bid farewell hoping to meet for another awesome trip soon. You will then move further to your destination.
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