Wild East Rodungla Trek
Trek Overview
This trek across the top of eastern Bhutan is on the important trade route that was used, prior to the construction of the National Highway.
Although Rodung La Trek does not ascend to very high altitudes, it is still 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 pass, through villages and temples offering hikers an incredible array of biodiversity to appreciate. The trek provides the opportunity to visit remote dzongs (fortresses/monasteries). 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.
Toktu Zampa (Bumthang) – Ngang Lhakhang, distance – 12 km, time – 4 1/2 hours.
The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chhu River, coming across villages, temples, meadows and forests of blue pine. Camp at Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple) at an altitude of 2,900m.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing, distance – 17 km, time – 7/8 hours.
The trek starts across meadows, dwarf bamboo and crosses enroute several small streams. It further ascends gradually to Phephe la pass (3,360m) marked by tall birch and fir trees. The trail then leads down a stream at 3,200m and valleys filled with dwarf bamboo, prayer walls and stupas. The walk is delightful, breaking out of the forest into broad meadows, pastures of grazing cows and ploughed fields. Camp by the side of the river at an altitude of 2,850m.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Ugyenchholing – Phokpey, distance – 17 km, time – 6 hours.
Today’s route passes through dwarf bamboo forests, meadows and trail dotted with blue alpine flowers. Camp in a meadow at an altitude of 3,650m.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Phokpey – Pemi, distance – 20 km, time – 7 hours.
After about two hours trek from Phokpey is Rodungla pass (4,160m) marked by a chorten with a long, steep descent of nearly 2500m to the valley floor. There are small meadows enroute along with the forests of pines and conifers. Camp at an altitude of 2,950m.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Pemi – Khaine Lhakhang, distance – 21 km, time – 7 / 8 hours.
The route leads through dwarf bamboo with the vegetation changing to ferns and rhododendrons along the route. The trail descends further steeply near a meadow known as Sang Sangbe (2,300m) and then drops off the side of the ridge over a stream at 1700m passing through Ungaar and Zhobi villages enroute. Traversing in and out of several side valleys and villages, the route leads to Khaine Lhakhang, a temple situated at 2,010m.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Khaine Lhakhang – Tangmachu, distance – 18 km, time – 6 / 7 hours.
After traversing in and out of several side valleys, the route ascends climbing gently through the tree line. The next stretch of the route also leads through side valleys reaching to Zerim la pass (1,940m). Passing further through grassy slopes, fields and villages the route leads to Tage la pass (1,760m). Camp is south-east of this pass at an altitude of about 1,700m. The famous Lhuntse Dzong is about 8 km from this camping site.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Tangmachu – Menji, distance – 16 km, time – 5 hours.
Todays trail traverses through rice terraces and cornfields leading to Menji village (1,800m). Campsite near Darchu Pang Lhakhang (temple) situated in a garden of marigold, geraniums, dahlias and nasturtiums.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Menji – Pemi, distance 20 km, time – 7 hours.
The route continues uphill through thick forests full of dense foliage of ferns and creepers, reaching to Pemi village at 2,450m.
Overnight Tent Campsite
Pemi – Taupang, distance – 21 km, time – 7 / 8 hours.
The trek route crosses Dong la pass (3,900m), offering enchanting mountain views and finally descending steeply through thick evergreen forests. The camp is at Taupang village (2,450m).
Overnight Tent Campsite
Taupang – Trashi Yangtse, distance – 24 km, time – 8 hours.
The path through the forests encounters ferns, red-berried palms and several bird species and gradually descends down to Yangtse, the eastern most town of Bhutan.
On completion of trek you will be transferred by road to your overnight accommodation.
What's Included?
- A qualified & licensed English speaking guide
- Visas for Bhutan
- Airport transfers
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
- Accommodation at 3 star hotel
- An experienced driver
- A tour vehicle
- Entry fees & road permits
- Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
- Mineral bottled water
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip.
What's Excluded?
- Flight into Bhutan via Bhutan Airlines & Drukair (can be arranged with us)
- Flight on other airline to catch Bhutan Flight
- Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
- Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Museum or Park fees
- Alcoholic drink.