Wild East Rodungla Trek (Bhutan)

Paro - Thimphu - Tongsa - Bumthang (Jakar) - Nganglhakhang - Ugyenchholing - Phokpey - Ungar - Taskila - Lhuntshi - Menji - Pemi - Taupang - Yangtsi - Tashigang - Samdrupjongkhar - Gauhati   - 18 Days

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO - HALT :
The flight into Bhutan is a breathtaking one with views of Mt. Everest. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport you will be received by our representative. Check in at Hotel. After lunch you will be taken for a visit to Ta-Dzong Museum. Overnight at Hotel Olathang.

DAY 02 : PARO - THIMPHU :
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (chu means water or river) downstream to it's confluence with the Wangchu then up valley to Thimpu the capital. Lunch at hotel Taktsang. Afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten (stupa), here the faithful circumabulate the shrine dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, telling their prayer beads as they walk. Overnight at Hotel Taktsang.

DAY 03 : THIMPHU - SIGHTSEEING :
A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in town, visit shops and the handicrafts emporium. You may return to the hotel for lunch with your guide and transport. Afternoon drive north up the valley to Dechenchholing (residence of the Queen Mother) to get a wonderful down valley view of Thimphu and Tashichhodzong. Visit the silversmiths at the north end of the valley. Overnight at Hotel Taktsang.

DAY 04 : THIMPHU - TONGSA :
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 Tongsa Tourist lodge.

DAY 05 : TONGSA - BUMTHANG (JAKAR) :
Drive to Jakar takes approx. 2 1/2 hrs. Tales of the great teacher Guru PadmaSambhava dominates this holy valley. From the view point you can see Jakar Dzong "Castle of the White Bird". Lunch at Tourist lodge. Afternoon hike up to Lame Gompa, a place built by the 1st king for his two nun sisters, outside of Lame Gompa one can see old style of Bhutanese paper making. Overnight at Bumthang tourist lodge.

DAY 06 : BUMTHANG - NGANGLAHAKHANG :
The trek takes you along Chamkhar Chu, a river known for it's richness in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang - then you enter the "Swan Land" (Ngang Yul) with it's centre at Temple (Nganglhakhang). This valley was first inhabited only by swans and thus the name "Ngang". The lama Namkha Samdrup, having dreamt a vision of a Gompa, shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed the Ngang Lhakhang was erected. Overnight at camp. Alt. 9500ft. Dist. 20kms about 5/6 hrs.

DAY 07 : NGANGLHAKHANG - UGYENCHHOLING :
Climb gradually to Phephela pass alt. 3353m/11000ft, the highest point on the trek route. Follow the trail until the pass takes you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding, we can also view Ugyenchholing Palace on the way. Built by the great saint Longchen Rabjampa in the 14th century. This palace Tongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorji in the 19th century. This palace now shelters the descendants of the saint Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). After that you reach camp. Alt. 9300ft. Dist. 23kms. about 7/8hrs.

DAY 08 : UGYENCHHOLING - PHOKPEY :
Ascending through bamboo, hammock and finally up to the alpine forest. Overnight at camp. Alt. 11,500ft., Dist 17kms about 5/6 hrs.

DAY 09 : PHOKPEY - UNGAR :
Continue up to Phokpeyla alt. 12300ft, which takes about 1/2 an hour, then continues downhill through the gorge, which is about 10000ft down. Over looking some mountain valleys and plaints. Where towards the camp we meet pine trees. Dist. 20kms about 6/7hrs.

DAY 10 : UNGAR - TASKILA :
This is a winding trail, up and down enroute Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang, one of the oldest in existence, built in mid 7th century A.D. by the Tsong Tsen Gampo, 1st king of Tibet, in order to subdue a demon. Alt. 6000ft, Dist 21kms about 6/7hrs.

DAY 11 : TASKILA - LHUNTSHI :
Drive up to Lhuntshi guest house for lunch. After lunch at leisure. Overnight at guest house or camp. Alt. 6000ft.

DAY 12 : LHUNTSHI - MENJI :
Drive down to Kuri Zam and the trek starts gradually up through paddy fields and villages. Overnight at camp. Alt. 6000ft, Dist. 16kms about 4/5 hrs.

DAY 13 : MENJI - PEMI :
Continue uphill through thick forest overlooking some mountain views. The camp is under shelter of the forest. Alt. 8000ft, Dist. 20kms about 6/7hrs.

DAY 14 : PEMI - THUPANG :
Continue up to Dongla (La means pass) where you can see all the mountain views. Descending through thicker evergreen forest till you reach campsite. Alt. 8000ft, Dist 21 kms 6/7hrs.

DAY 15 : TAUPANG - YANGTSI :
This is one of the longest days on this trek. Gradually downhill till Yangtsi through chirpine and hard wood forest like Oak of sub-tropical zone. Overnight at camp. Dist 24kms about 8/9hrs.

DAY 16 : YANGTSI - TASHIGANG :
The drive takes about 2 to 3 hrs. O/n at camp or guest house.

DAY 17 : TASHIGANG - SAMDRUPJONGKHAR :
After breakfast your drive through the villages starts winding up and down entering through the cliff one of the most existing and adventurous motorable drives. Picnic lunch. Enroute Deothang Technical college. Now you are in sub-tropical zone. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hrs . Overnight at camp or guest house.

DAY 18 : SAMDRUPJONGKHAR - GAUHATI /EXIT :
The drive takes you about 3 to 4 hrs to Gauhati to catch the flight for your onward journey.