Wild East Rodungla Trek (18 Days)

Day 01: Arrive at Paro – Halt

The flight into Bhutan is a breathtaking one with views of Mt. Everest. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport you will be received by a representative of Taktsang Tours/ Travels & Treks. Check in at Hotel. After lunch you will be taken for a visit to Ta-Dzong Museum. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Paro – Thimphu

This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (chu means water or river) downstream to its confluence with the Wangchu then up valley to Thimpu the capital. Lunch at hotel Taktsang. Afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten (stupa), here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, telling their prayer beads as they walk. Overnight at Hotel Taktsang.

Day 03 : Thimphu – Sightseeing

A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in town; visit shops and the handicrafts emporium. You may return to the hotel for lunch with your guide and transport. Afternoon drive north up the valley to Dechenchholing (residence of the Queen Mother) to get a wonderful down valley view of Thimphu and Tashichhodzong. Visit the silversmiths at the north end of the valley. Overnight at Hotel Taktsang.

Day 04 : Thimphu – Trongsa

The journey to Central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes approximately 7 to 8 hrs. Packed lunch will be provided. Lunch stop at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Tongsa Tourist lodge.

Day 05 : Trongsa – Bumthang (Jakar)

Drive to Jakar takes approx. 2 1/2 hrs. Tales of the great teacher Guru PadmaSambhava dominates this holy valley. From the viewpoint you can see Jakar Dzong “Castle of the White Bird”. Lunch at Tourist lodge. Afternoon hike up to Lame Gompa, a place built by the 1st king for his two nun sisters, outside of Lame Gompa one can see old style of Bhutanese paper making. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Bumthang – Nhanglhakhang

The trek takes you along Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang – then you enter the “Swan Land” (Ngang Yul) with its center at Temple (Nganglhakhang). This valley was first inhabited only by swans and thus the name “Ngang”. The lama Namkha Samdrup, having dreamt a vision of a Gompa, shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed the Ngang Lhakhang was erected. Overnight at camp. Alt. 9500ft. Dist. 20kms about 5/6 hrs.

Day 07 : Nganglhakhang – Ugyenchholing

Climb gradually to Phephela pass alt. 3353m/11000ft, the highest point on the trek route. 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 surrounding, we can also view Ugyenchholing Palace on the way. Built by the great saint Longchen Rabjampa in the 14th century. This palace Tongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorji in the 19th century. This palace now shelters the descendants of the saint Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). After that you reach camp. Alt. 9300ft. Dist. 23kms. about 7/8hrs.

Day 08 : Ugyenchholing – Phokpey

Ascending through bamboo, hammock and finally up to the alpine forest. Overnight at camp. Alt. 11,500ft. Dist 17kms about 5/6 hrs.

Day 09 : Phokpey – Ungar

Continue up to Phokpeyla alt. 12300ft, which takes about 1/2 an hour, then continues downhill through the gorge, which is about 10000ft down. Overlooking some mountains, valleys and plains. Where towards the camp we meet pine trees. Dist. 20kms about 6/7hrs.

Day 10 : Ungar – Taskila

This is a winding trail, up and down enroute Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang, one of the oldest in existence, built in mid 7th century A.D. by the Tsong Tsen Gampo, 1st king of Tibet, in order to subdue a demon. Alt. 6000ft, Dist 21kms about 6/7hrs.

Day 11 : Taskila – Lhuntshi

Drive up to Lhuntshi guesthouse for lunch. After lunch at leisure. Overnight at guesthouse or camp. Alt. 6000ft.

Day 12 : Lhuntshi – Menji

Drive down to Kuri Zam and the trek starts gradually up through paddy fields and villages. Overnight at camp. Alt. 6000ft, Dist. 16kms about 4/5 hrs.

Day 13 : Menji – Pemi

Continue uphill through thick forest overlooking some mountain views. The camp is under shelter of the forest. Alt. 8000ft, Dist. 20kms about 6/7hrs.

Day 14 : Pemi – Thupang

Continue up to Dongla (La means pass) where you can see all the mountain views. Descending through thicker evergreen forest till you reach campsite. Alt. 8000ft, Dist 21 kms 6/7hrs.

Day 15 : Taupang – Yangtsi

This is one of the longest days on this trek. Gradually downhill till Yangtsi through chirpine and hard wood forest like Oak of sub-tropical zone. Overnight at camp. Dist 24kms about 8/9hrs.

Day 16 : Yangtshi – Tashigang

The drive takes about 2 to 3 hrs. O/n at camp or guesthouse.

Day 17 : Tashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar

After breakfast your drive through the villages starts winding up and down entering through the cliff one of the most existing and adventurous motor able drives. Picnic lunch. Enroute Deothang Technical College. Now you are in sub-tropical zone. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hrs. Overnight at camp or guesthouse.

Day 18 : Samdrup Jongkhar – Gauhati/Exit

The drive takes you about 3 to 4 hrs to Gauhati to catch the flight for your onward journey.