The Rodung La Trek is a remote and challenging trek in eastern Bhutan that takes you through some of the least explored regions of the country. The trek passes through lush forests, traditional villages, and offers spectacular mountain views. It’s ideal for trekkers looking to experience Bhutan’s raw, untouched landscapes and authentic culture. The trek typically lasts for 10-12 days and follows ancient trade routes between the districts of Bumthang and Trashiyangtse.
Here’s a 12-day itinerary for the Rodung La Trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Bumthang
Highlights:
Arrive at Paro International Airport.
Take a domestic flight or drive to Bumthang (domestic flight recommended due to long road distance).
Explore the Bumthang Valley, visiting monasteries like Jakar Dzong and Kurje Lhakhang.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 2: Bumthang – Trek Preparation & Sightseeing
Highlights:
Spend the day exploring the Bumthang Valley.
Visit the ancient Tamshing Lhakhang, famous for its 15th-century murals.
Explore the spiritual site of Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake).
Prepare for the trek with your guide and trekking team.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 3: Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude: Bumthang (2,600m) to Ngang Lhakhang (2,800m)
Highlights:
The trek starts from Jakar Dzong, passing through meadows and farmlands.
Hike through forests of blue pine and visit the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple), a beautiful old monastery.
Overnight: Camp at Ngang Lhakhang
Day 4: Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyencholing
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 2,800m to 3,000m
Highlights:
Cross the Phephela Pass (3,360m), offering views of the surrounding valleys.
Descend into the Tang Valley and visit the historic Ugyencholing Palace Museum, a restored noble residence.
Overnight: Camp near Ugyencholing
Day 5: Ugyencholing to Phokphey
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 3,000m to 3,680m
Highlights:
Trek through forests of dwarf bamboo, hemlock, and rhododendrons.
Pass by remote villages and scenic landscapes before reaching your campsite at Phokphey.
Overnight: Camp at Phokphey
Day 6: Phokphey to Pemi via Rodung La Pass
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Time: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 3,680m to 2,950m (via Rodung La Pass at 4,160m)
Highlights:
This is one of the most challenging days of the trek, as you cross the Rodung La Pass.
The pass offers spectacular views of the distant peaks and the valleys below.
Descend to the remote settlement of Pemi, where you’ll camp.
Overnight: Camp at Pemi
Day 7: Pemi to Khaine Lhakhang
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 2,950m to 2,000m
Highlights:
Continue descending through dense forests of pine, juniper, and oak.
Pass by small villages and reach the 15th-century Khaine Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the region.
Set up camp near the temple.
Overnight: Camp at Khaine Lhakhang
Day 8: Khaine Lhakhang to Tangmachu
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 2,000m to 1,720m
Highlights:
The trail continues through more densely populated areas, offering glimpses into traditional Bhutanese rural life.
Descend to the village of Tangmachu, where you’ll camp for the night.
Overnight: Camp at Tangmachu
Day 9: Tangmachu to Menji
Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 1,720m to 1,850m
Highlights:
The trek passes through beautiful terraced rice fields and charming rural settlements.
Cross several small rivers and arrive at Menji, a peaceful village nestled in the valley.
Overnight: Camp at Menji
Day 10: Menji to Tashi Yangtse
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 1,850m to 1,850m
Highlights:
Continue trekking through the lush countryside, crossing suspension bridges and streams.
The trail eventually leads to the district of Tashi Yangtse, where the trek officially ends.
Explore the town and visit the beautiful Chorten Kora, a large white stupa built in a style similar to the famous Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal.
Overnight: Guesthouse or camp in Tashi Yangtse
Day 11: Tashi Yangtse to Trashigang
Drive: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
After completing the trek, drive to Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan.
Visit the Trashigang Dzong, which overlooks the Drangme Chhu River.
Explore the town and relax after the long trek.
Overnight: Trashigang
Day 12: Departure from Trashigang
Highlights:
Transfer to Yonphula Domestic Airport (near Trashigang) for your domestic flight back to Paro or drive back to Paro if you’re continuing your journey by road.
Best Time to Trek:
Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons and other wildflowers are in bloom, and the weather is generally clear.
Autumn (September-November): The skies are clearer, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the temperatures are moderate.
Difficulty Level:
Moderate to Challenging: The Rodung La Trek involves high-altitude trekking, steep ascents and descents, and long trekking days. A good level of fitness is required.
What to Expect:
Remote and less-explored regions of Bhutan.
Stunning high-altitude landscapes, dense forests, and mountain passes.
Traditional Bhutanese villages, monasteries, and local culture.
This complete itinerary for the Rodung La Trek combines adventure, cultural exploration, and the chance to experience Bhutan’s remote eastern regions, making it an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas.
