Rodung- La Trek

Day 1: Arrive Paro

During the flight to Paro, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including, the sacred Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro

After breakfast, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Legends says that Guru Padmasambhava came here flying on the back of a tigress and landed at the spot where monastery was later built. The monastery was severely damaged by fire in year 1998 and now has been fully restored in its original grandeur.

In the afternoon, visit the Ta-Dzong, which was built in 1651 as a watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below the Ta Dzong, is fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’, which has a long and interesting history.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu, 55 km,2 hours

After breakfast, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Along the way see the 7th century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in Himalayas by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This temple reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Then drive to Thimphu visiting en route Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist Studies. In the evening visit Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King followed by visit to Trasichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress/monastery. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu – Trongsa, 200 km, 7 hours

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 lodge in Trongsa.

Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang

After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s Royal family. Then visit Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Trongsa Dzong.

After having lunch in Tongsa, we will then proceed to Bumthang crossing the Yotongla Pass. Later in Bumthang visit Jakar Dzong, built in 17^th century during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then visit the Kurjey monastery where Guru Padsambhava left his body imprint in the 8^th century. The temple was later built in 17^th century. In the evening, visit Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6: Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang

The trek begins today. The trek route takes you along the Chamkharchu, a river known for its richness in trout fish. After lunch stop at Thangbi Monastery, you enter the Ngang valley which means “Swan valley” with its Nganglakhang (Swan Temple) in the center of the valley. It is said that in the past, this valley was inhabited only by Swans. Today is very relaxing and easy day. Overnight camp at Nganglakhang in tent.

Day 7: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing (Walking time 7 / 8 hours)

Climb gradually to Phephe la pass (3,360m), the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850m.

Day 8: Ugyenchholing – Phokpey, 17 km, 6 hours

The beginning of trek is muddy and slippery. At about 3,000m it become a small footpath through muddy fields and dwarf bamboo. At about 3,400m the route crosses a meadow with more dwarf bamboo. Climb through the meadow and traverse through forest to another steep, high meadow. The trail leads to a summer pasture surrounded by forests and the ground is dotted with tiny blue alpine flowers.

Day 9: Phokpey – Ungaar, 20 km, 8 hours

Continue ascending for half an hour until you reach Rodungla (4,100m). From the pass, the trail goes downhill through the gorge to Ungar. The campsite at Ungar overlooks some beautiful mountain valleys and plains.

Day 10: Ungaar – Taskila, 21 km, 8 hours

The trial winds up and down passing Drula village, and Khaine Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in existence today, built in mid 7^th century by the King Songtsen of Tibet to subdue demons.

Day 11: Taskila – Lhuentse

Drive to Lhuentse guest house for lunch. After lunch at leisure. Overnight in Guest House or camp.

Day 12: Lhuentse – Menji, 16 km, 5 hours

Drive down to Kuri Zam and trek starts gradually up through the paddy fields and villages. Camp is at 1,850m near Menji village, besides the Darchu Pang Lhakhang situated amidst garden full of flowers of marigold, geraniums, dahlias and nasturtiums.

Day 13: Menji – Pemi, 20 km, 7 hours

The path goes up through the thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons and it’s fairly wide as it’s being used by the cow herders and their herds from Menji. After a long climb, we get to numerous patches of meadow called Pemi. All these meadows are being extensively used as the summer pasture for the cow herds of Menji. Overnight Camp at Pemi (2450m)

Day 14: Pemi – Taupang, 21 km, 7/8 hours

The trail continues upwards to Dongla pass, which present enchanting mountain views. On the opposite side of the pass the trail traverses nine passes, called as nine sisters of Dong la. From there, you descend through the forest until you reach the campsite at Taupang (2,460m).

Day 15: Taupang – Trashi Yangtse, 24 km, 8/9 hours

Start early for the last and longest trek on this route. Today en route you will encounter huge ferns, red-berried palms and occasional leeches. Two hours of trek brings you to the village of Shukshing, a cluster of bamboo huts on the hillside, surrounded by corn fields, banana trees and grazing cows. The trek ends at Trashi Yangtse Dzong.

Day 16: Trashi Yangtse – Trashigang

Morning make a visit to Chorten Kora and drive to Tashigang via Dugsum village where one can witness the weaving and the interesting iron chain made by Drubthog Thangtong Gyelpo in the 15th century. Drive to Tashigang and if time permits walk down to the town. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 17: Trashigang – Bumthang, 289 km, 10 hours

After breakfast drive back to Bumthang, en route visit Mongar Dzong and town. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 18: Bumthang – Punakha, 205 km, 6 hours

Begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Punakha. Lunch would be served en route at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town.

En route at Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea / coffee and then proceed to Punakha hotel for overnight stay.

Day 19: Punakha – Paro, 125 km, 4.1/2 hours

After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress that is the seat of the district administration and the winter residence of the monk body, followed by a stroll of the local market. Then visit, Chimi Lhakhang. It is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, and is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.

After lunch drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 20: Paro Depart

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.