Wild East Rodungla (18 Days)
DAY 01 Arrive by Druk-air – Paro
DAY 02 Paro – Thimphu
DAY 03 Thimphu - Sightseeing
DAY 04 Thimphu - Trongsa
DAY 05 Trongsa – Bumthang
DAY 06 Bumthang - Nganglhakhang
DAY 07 Nganlhakhang – Ugyencholing
DAY 08 Ugyencholing – Phokpey
DAY 09 Phokpey – Ungar
DAY 10 Ungar – Tashila
DAY 11 Tashila – Lhuntshi
DAY 12 Lhuntshi – Memji
DAY 13 Memji – Pemi
DAY 14 Pemi – Taupang
DAY 15 Taupang – Yangtsi
DAY 16 Yangtsi – Tashigang
DAY 17 Tashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar
DAY 18 Samdrup Jongkhar – Gauhati for departure
Day 01 Arrive at Airport by Druk-air
During this flight (if boarded from Katmandu) one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport the representative of Bhutan Takin Trails will receive you and transfer you to a hotel for the overnight halt.
Day 02 Paro – Thimphu
In the morning drive up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1951.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari on clear days. Then on the way back visit Ta Dzong, former watchtower that now houses the National Museum and then drive back to hotel for lunch. Then drive to Thimphu following the winding road beside the Paro Chu (Chu meaning river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wang-chu then up the valley to Thimphu capital. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03 Thimphu – Sightseeing
Morning drive for the sightseeing of the Thimphu valley with the Nunnery, National Library, Painting School and Handicraft Emporium and then drive back for lunch. After lunch visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) of His Late Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan. Visit Simthokha Dzong, the first fort built by Zhabdrung who unified the kingdom in the 17th century, now also houses the school for study of National Language – Dzongkha. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04 Thimphu – Trongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Pack lunch will provided at the hotel. Stop for lunch at Chendebjee Chorten. Overnight at lodge/camp in Trongsa.
Day 05 Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast sightseeing of the Trongsa Dzong from outside and also visit the Ta-Dzong which houses the temple for Geysar (warrior deity of the Buddhist religion) and stroll in Trongsa town. After early lunch drive to Jakar (Bumthang) which is about 3 hours drive from Trongsa. Tales of the great teacher Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the viewpoint you can see Jakar Dzong “Castle of the White bird”. Overnight in hotel/lodge.
Day 06 Bumthang – Nganglhakhang
The trek route takes you along the Chamkharchu River, a river known for the richness of trout. Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang – then you enter to the “Swan Land” (Ngang Yul) with the “Swan Temple” (Nganglhakhang) at the center. 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 had a vision of how to build a Gompa, shot a arrow at the spot where the arrow landed was chosen the site where the Lhakhang was constructed. Cultural programme can be arranged in the evening. Overnight in camp, alt. 2,978ft, distance 14 km and about 5 to 6 hours walk.
Day 07 Nganglhakhang – Ugyencholing
The trek starts with a gradual climb till Phephela pass, alt. 3,625m/11,965ft. the highest point on this trek route. The trail you follow 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. You can also view the Ugyenchholing palace on the way. Overnight in camp by the riverside, alt. 2,820 m.
Day 08 Ugyenchholing – Phokey
Ascending through bamboo, Ham lock and finally up to the alpine forest. Overnight in camp, alt. 11,500ft, distance 17 km and about 5 to 6 hours walk.
Day 09 Phokey – Ungar
Continue the trek up to Radungla pass, alt. 12,300ft. which takes about half an hour. Then continue downhill through the gorge, which is about 10,000ft. deep, overlooking some mountain valleys and the plains, then head toward the campsite through the pine trees. Distance is about 20 km and about 6 to 7 hours walk.
Day 10 Ungar – Tashila
The trail winds up and down en route Drula village, and Khaine Lhakhang, one of the oldest in existence from the mid 17th century, built by the 1st King of Tibet, Tsong Tsen Gampo in order to subdue the demons. Alt. 6,000ft and distance of about 21 km, about 6 to 7 hours walk.
Day 11 Tashila – Lhuntshi
Drive up to Lhuntshi Guest for lunch. After lunch at leisure. Overnight in Guesthouse or camp. Alt. 6,000ft.
Day 12 Lhuntshi – Memji
Drive down to Kuri Zam and trek starts gradually up through the paddy fields and villages. Overnight in camp. Distance of about 16 km, about 4 to 5 hours walk, alt. 6,000ft.
Day 13 Memji – Pemi
Continue up hill through the thick forest overlooking some mountains. The camp is under the shelter of the forest. Alt. 8,000ft and about 20 km, 6 to 7 hours walk.
Day 14 Pemi – Taupang
Continue the trek up to Dongla where you can see all the high mountains. Then the trek descends down through thick evergreen forest till you reach the campsite, alt. 8,000ft and distance of about 21 km, 6 to 7 hours walk.
Day 15 Taupang – Yangtsi
This shall be the longest trek on the tour. The trail gradually descends down hill till Yangtsi through chirpine and hard wood forest. Overnight in camp. Distance is about 24 km, about 8 to 9 hours walk.
Day 16 Yangtsi – Tashigang
Morning make a visit to Chorten Kora and drive to Tashigang via Dugsum village where one can witness the weaving and the interesting iron chain made by Drubthog Thangtong Gyelpo in the 15th century. Drive to Tashigang and if time permits walk down to the town. Overnight in Guest house/camping.
Day 17 Tashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar
With pack lunch drive through villages via Kanglung College, and visit the Zangtok Pelri Temple which is just above the college. Then continue the drive up and down the winding road passing through cliffs which is one of the most exciqng and adventurous motorable roads. Lunch at half way. Overnight in camp/guest house. The drive is about 7 to 8 hours.
Day 18 Samdrup Jongkhar – Gauhati
The drive is through the Indian Territory, which takes about 4 to 5 hour to catch the flight for your onward journey.
Season : March, April & October, December
Group condition : Minimum of three persons but two can be entertained after payment of surcharge.
Climate (general) : Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter temperatures can go below freezing point. There is monsoon showers in summer, (heaviest in July and August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to bring : Personal clothing : strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothing for the evenings and winter.
For trekking : Strong, comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, rain coat, & warm clothing for the evenings (lots of spare clothes. A sleeping bag is a must and it is advisable to have a heavy one. A torchlight can be very handy (Note: for trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed).
The trek is in semi alpine to alpine region and nature is relatively tough. Moderate fitness is required and physical fitness check up is advisable. Insect repellant creams or spray will be helpful in a few places.