Wild Est Rodung-la Trek (8 day trek/ 18 days total)
Season: The recommended season for this trek is October, early November and last spring.
This ultimate journey across the top of eastern Bhutan follows what used to be an important trade route before completion of the national highway. The trek is tough, and involves a tremendously long, steep descent. Few groups take up the challenge which this long and demanding journey presents. Bhutan Travel Bureau guides are still researching alternative routes night halts, etc. for some section of this trek, which we hope to be able to offer on a regular basic within 2-3 years.
» Itinerary Details:
Day 01 : Arrive by Druk-air - Paro transfer to Hotel in Paro.
Day 02 : Paro - Thimphu Paro sightseeing pm drive to Thimphu O/N hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03 : Thimphu - Sightseeing O/N at Hotel in Thimphu
Day 04 : Thimphu - Trongsa drive to Trongsa evening visit the Trongsa dzong O/N at hotel in Trongsa.
Day 05 : Trongsa - Bumthang sightseeing O/N at Lodge in Bumthang.
Day 06 : Bumthang - Nganglhakhang the route takes you through the agricultural fields till the camp site. Alt. 2800m. dist. 20km. Time 5 to 6 hours.
Day 07 : Nganlhakhang - Ugyencholing morning visit Nganlhakhang then climb gradually to Phephela pass alt. 3353m. The trail takes you through the beautiful forest area till you reach the camp site. Alt.2850m. dist. 22km. 6 to 7 hours.
Day 08 : Ugyencholing - Phokpey the trails take you through the bamboos, hemlock and finally up to the alpine forests. Camp at alt. 3600m. dist. 17km. Time 5 to 6 hours.
Day 09 : Phokpey - Ungar continue trek through the alpine forests and some of the mountain valleys till the camp site. Alt. 2900m. dist. 20km. Time 6 to 7 hours.
Day 10 : Ungar - Tashila the trail, winds up and down till the village at Drula. Visit the 7th century Khaine lhakhang enroute. Camp at alt. 2590m. dist. 21km. Time 7 to 8 hours.
Day 11 : Tashila - Lhuntshi proceed to Lhuntshi and visit the dzong. After lunch leisure time. Overnight camp.
Day 12 : Lhuntshi - Memji the trail takes you through the valleys till Kuri Zam. Continue climb up through the paddy fields and villages. Overnight camp. Dist. 16km. Time 4 to 5 hours.
Day 13 : Memji - Pemi continue uphill through the thick forests overlooking the mountain vews. Camp at alt. 2400m. dist. 20km. 6 to 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 . dist. 21km. Time 6 to 7 hours.
Day 15 : Taupang - Yangtsi is the longest trek. Gradually go downhill till yangtshi through the chirpine and hardwood forests till camp site. Dist. 24km. Time 9 to 10 hours. End of treks.
Day 16 : Yangtsi - Tashigang drive to Tashigang and visit the Tashigang Dzong. Overnight at lodge in Tashigang.
Day 17 : Tashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar drive to Samdrup Jonkhar, enroute visit the weaving center at Khaling, Womrong Lhakhang and the fascinating views of the mountains. Overnight at hotel in Samdrup jonkhar.
Day 18 : Samdrup Jongkhar - Gauhati for departure
Climate (General): Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be cold and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoons shower in summer (heaviest July & August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to Bring:
Strong and comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, a lot of spare vests and socks, headgear raincoat & warm clothing for the evenings.
Recommendations:
Moderate fitness is required. Few weeks training is advised.
It is also possible to combine tour and trek. E-mail or fax us for detailed itineraries, costs or other pre-departure information.
