Rodungla Trek

Rodungla Trek

Wild East Rodungla Trek

Though not ascending to the highest altitudes, the Rodung La Trek in Bhutan presents a formidable challenge due to its demanding terrain, featuring steep climbs and sharp descents. This historic trail stretches from Bumthang in Central Bhutan to Trashi Yangtse in the far eastern reaches of the kingdom, offering a unique opportunity to traverse the diverse landscapes of Bhutan. Historically, this route was once a vital trade artery, linking Bhutan's central and eastern regions before the advent of modern roads. Today, it has largely fallen into disuse as a trade route and is now predominantly used by avid trekkers and adventurers.

Although the Rodung La Trek does not reach extreme altitudes, the combination of long distances, varying terrain, and significant elevation changes makes it one of the more challenging treks in Bhutan. Navigating this ancient route, with its historical significance and natural beauty, offers a rewarding adventure for those who seek to explore the less-travelled paths of this mystical Himalayan kingdom.

Rodungla Trek, Bhutan

Trip Highlights & Attractions

The Rodung La Trek is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, passing through various ecosystems, from dense alpine and bamboo forests to open meadows and rugged mountain passes. Along the way, trekkers will encounter remote villages, ancient temples, and pristine landscapes, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and natural heritage of Bhutan. The trail is particularly renowned for its biodiversity, with opportunities to spot rare wildlife and unique plant species that are endemic to this region. This trek can also be considered an extension of the legendary Snowman Trek, which connects Bhutan from the western district of Paro to the far eastern district of Trashi Yangtse, making it a comprehensive journey across the kingdom.

Rodungla Trek, Itinerary

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at the Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch, enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum, housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts, offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzongs are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, which is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill from the Paro Valley floor. For those unable to hike, a horse can be arranged for the transfer up to the cafeteria. In the afternoon, visit the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong, which commemorates a victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. Enjoy the stunning backdrop of Mount Jomolhari. Then, return to Paro and visit other sights in the valley. Overnight at your Paro hotel.
Morning drive to the Drukgyel Dzong, which is the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled many invasions by Tibetan armies. Also en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Next, drive to Thimphu and visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, and now houses the School for Buddhist Studies. Evening visit to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King. Then visit Tashichho Dzong, one of the most iconic fortresses in the kingdom. The fortress serves as the office of His Majesty the king and other Government officials. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Morning visit to The National Library, The Arts and Crafts School; and The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Then drive to Trongsa, across Dochula Pass (3,050m) and Pele la pass (3,300m). Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Morning visit to the Trongsa Dzong, which is the largest fortress in the Kingdom and ancestral abode of Bhutan’s Royal family. Then visit Ta Dzong, built as a watch tower to guard Trongsa Dzong. After that, proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon, visit the Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) built in the 17th century. Followed by a visit to the Kurjey Monastery where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in the 17th century. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chhu river, coming across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine, and scrub bamboo. Today is a very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at an altitude of 2,900m. Walking time is about 6 hours.
The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340m. After the path descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyen Choling village. Camp by the side of the river at an altitude of 2,850m. Walking time 7 / 8 hours.
The beginning of the trek is muddy and slippery, and about 3,400 m the route crosses a meadow with dwarf bamboo. Then 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.
Continue ascending for half an hour until you reach Rodungla (4,100m), followed by a steep descent to the valley floor. There are few small meadows en route. After a short wander through dwarf bamboo you get to see pine trees surrounding the campsite.
This trail, like a wave, winds up and down till Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang en route. It is one of the oldest temples, built in the mid 7th century by the King Songtsen of Tibet to subdue demons.
Next from Taskila, proceed to Lhuntse guest house for lunch, followed by leisure time.
Arrive at Kuri Zam and the trek from here is gradually up through the paddy fields and villages. Camp is at 1,850m near Menji village, beside the Darchu Pang Lhakhang situated amidst a garden full of flowers of marigold, geraniums, dahlias, and nasturtiums.
From Menji continue uphill through the humid forest packed with dense foliage of ferns and creepers and a constant whistle of cicadas. Follow to climb steadily for two hours to a ridge top meadow, then plunge back into the forest to reach the camp at Pemi (2,400m) on a narrow ridgetop clearing with a view out to a forested gorge and mountains.
Continue upwards till Dong la (3,900m) which presents enchanting mountain views. On the opposite side of the pass, the trail traverses nine passes, called the nine sisters of Dong la. Finally descend steeply through thick evergreen forests on a trail strewn with rocks, logs to a ridge top meadow. The camp is at Taupang (2,460m), a clearing in the forest with a cowherd’s wooden shelter.
Today en route you will come across 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 cornfields, banana trees, and grazing cows. The trek ends at Trashi Yangtse Dzong.Today en route you will come across 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 cornfields, banana trees, and grazing cows. The trek ends at Trashi Yangtse Dzong.
Morning drive to Trashigang. Vist Trashigang Dzong and the local market. Overnight at the lodge.
After breakfast, drive back to Bumthang en route to visit Mongar Dzong and the town. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
The morning after visiting Bumthang market, then drive to Punakha. Lunch would be served en route at one of the famous restaurants in Trongsa town. En-route at Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea/coffee and then proceed to Punakha hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains

Cost Includes

  • All Meals [Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner]
  • Accommodation is combined in 3 and 4 Star Hotel.
  • All transportation within the country, including airport transfers.
  • Royalty and Govt. Taxes
  • Service of cook, guide and Helper
  • Visa Fee and Airport tax
  • An English-speaking trek Guide.
  • Sightseeing tour as per itinerary.
  • Yak, Ponies to carry supplies
  • Mess Tent, Kitchen Tent and Toilet Tent

Cost Excludes

  • All kinds of Drinks like Mineral water, Beer, Juice, etc.
  • Your Individual Expenses.
  • Foods beyond 3 meals a day
  • Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares.
  • Entry fees for Museums and Monuments.
  • Travel Insurance Premium.
  • Service payments are provided on a personal basis.
  • We will provide sleeping mats, but you must bring your sleeping bags.
  • Tips to the Guide and Porter (Expected)
  • Cost for any services not mentioned.
Trip Facts
Trip ID:
BHTR-06
Trip type:
Bhutan Trekking
Trip grade:
Moderate
Starting from:
Paro
Ending at:
Paro
Trip duration:
20 Days
Base price:
6980 USD
Max altitude:
4160 Meters
Accommodation at:
Lodge/Tea House
Group Size:
4-20 Person
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