Wild East Rodungla Trek

The trek across the top of eastern Bhutan is tough and involves a tremendously long, steep descent. It used to be an important trade route before the completion of National highway.

Season : The recommended season for this trek is October, early November and late spring.

Day 1 : ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR :
Arrive Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by Our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 2 : Paro - Thimphu :
Morning Paro sight seeing. Visit to Ta Dzong, once a fortified watchtower, it has been serving as the National Museum of the country since 1967. Walk down the trail for visiting Rinpung Dzong, the fortress / monastery which has a long and fascinating history. Afternoon drive at the end of Paro valley to visit Drukgyel Dzong, a symbol of all unsuccessful attempts armies from the north Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders. Visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest shrines of Bhutan. At the end, visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House to get an idea of the lifestyle of local people. Evening drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 : Thimphu :
Full day sight seeing in Thimphu. Visit to Memorial Chorten, the gold topped stupa built in the memory of Third King of Bhutan, Tashichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress / monastery which houses most of the government offices and King's Throne room, National Library, which holds vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, Painting School, which is famous for traditional thangkha paintings, Traditional Medicine Institute, the place worth visiting, here centuries old healing arts still practiced and in the evening visit Handicrafts Emporium, which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted products. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4 : Thimphu - Tongsa :
After breakfast, proceed to Tongsa. 45 minutes from Thimphu drive across Dochula pass (alt. 3100m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. After another 2 hours drive to reach Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Visit to Punakha Dzong, built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then drive towards the south of Punakha arriving at Wangdiphodrang town where lunch would be served. After lunch, visit to Wangdi Dzong, situated majestically at the junction of Punakha Chu and Tong Chu rivers and built by Shabdrung in 17th century. Drive further across Pelela pass (alt. 3300m) with a short stop at Chendbji Chorten, the stupa built in Nepalese style of architecture. Evening, visit to Ta Dzong and the town of Tongsa. Overnight at the lodge in Tongsa.

Day 5 : Tongsa - Bumthang :
Morning visit to Tongsa Dzong, the largest fortress of the country. The foundations of this Dzong were laid by the grandfather of the Shabdrung in 1543 and the real Dzong was completed in 1648 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Here began the root of present dynasty. The first King, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, was Tongsa Penlop before he was unanimously appointed hereditary monarch of Bhutan on December 17, 1907. Drive to Bumthang. Afternoon walking tour in Bumthang valley, visit some of the holy temples that Bumthang is famous for. The Jambey Lhakhang, built at the same time as Paro Kyichu, dates back to time even before Sindhu Raja's reign in Bhumthang. At the Kurje Lhakhang, the bodily marks of Guru Padsambhava remains to this day impressed on solid rock face. Also visit Jakar Dzong, "the castle of the white bird". Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6 : Bumthang - Nganglhakhang :
Trek begins today. The route takes you around Chamkhar Chu, a river rich in trout. Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple built by the first Karma Shamar in Thirteenth century. Further ahead you enter Ngang Yul, "swan land" and at its centre is Ngang Lhakhang, "swan temple". This part of the valley was at first inhabited only by swans who gave their name (ngang) to the place. The Lama, Namkha Samdrup, having dreamt a vision of how to built a Gompa, shot Ngang Lhakhang was erected. Overnight camp at the altitude of 2800m. Distance 20 km, walking time: 5/6 hours.

Day 7 : Nganglhakhang - Ugyenchholing :
Climb gradually to Phephela pass (3,353 m). Follow the trail until the pass takes you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Allow for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Overnight camp at altitude of 2850m.

Day 8 : Ugyenchholing - Phokpey :
Today's walk is through bamboos, hemlock ang finally upto the alpine forests. Overnight camp at altitude of 3600n. Distance 17 kms, time 5/6 hours.

Day 9 : Phokpey - Ungaar :
Continue ascending for half an hour then continue downhill through the gorge, overlooking some of the mountain valleys. Towards the camp you meet pine trees. Overnight in the camp. Distance 20 km, time 6/7 hours.

Day 10 : Ungaar - Taskila :
This trail, like a wave winds up and down till Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang enroute. It is one of the oldest temple in existance today, built in mid 7th century by the King of Tshong Tsen Gompo of Tibet to subdue demons. Overnight in the camp. Distance 21 km, time 7/8 hours.

Day 11 : Taskila - Lhuntshi :
Proceed to Lhuntshi guest house for lunch. After lunch, half day at leisure. Overnight in the camp.

Day 12 : Lhuntshi - Menji :
Arrive firstly to Kufri Zam and the trek from here is gradually up through the paddy fields and villages. Overnight in the camp. Distance 16 km, 4/5 hours.

Day 13 : Menji - Pemi :
Continue uphill through thick forests overlooking mountain views. The camp is under forest shelter at an altitude of 2400m. Distance 20 km, 6/7 hours.

Day 14 : Pemi - Taupang :
Continue upto Dongla where you will have the fascinating mountain views. Descent through thick evergreen forests till you reach camp site. Overnight in the camp. Distance 21 kms, 6/7 hours.

Day 15 : Taupang - Yangtsi :
Today is the longest trek. Its gradually downhill till Yangtsi through chirpine and hardwood forests like oak of sub-tropical zone. Overnight in the camp. Distance 24 km, distance 8/9 hours.

Day 16 : Yangtsi - Tashigang :
End of trek and drive to Tashigang. Overnight at the lodge in Tashigang.

Day 17 : Tashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar :
Tashigang is easternmost district of Bhutan. Morning visit to Tashigang Dzong, built in 17th century and commanding spectacular view of the valley. Then visit twon and local market which is interesting place to visit where people from nearby places come for trade. After that proceed to Samdrup Jongkhar. Enroute visit Deothang Technical Training College, the only such institute in Bhutan. The road further descends fairly rapidly through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and derns. Overnight at the hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 18 : Samdrup Jongkhar - Guwahati :
The drive takes about three hours for Guwahati. Your Connecting Horizons Adventures India representative will drop you at the hotel or airport for onward programme.