While the Rodung La Trek does not ascend to very high altitudes, it is still fairly challenging as the trail covers some fairly steep climbs and descents. The trail takes you from Bumthang in Central Bhutan to Trashiyangtse in the far eastern reaches of the kingdom.
The route was once an important trade road in the past but has fallen into disuse now and is chiefly used as a hiking trail. The trail passes through alpine and bamboo forests, meadows and mountain passes, through villages and temples offering hikers an incredible array of biodiversity to appreciate. The Hike typically takes 10 days to complete and is best carried out in winter between October-Early November or in spring between April-Early May.
DAY 1: JAKAR – NGANG LHAKHANG
20KM | 6-7 HOURS | CAMP ALT 2800M
The route takes you around Chamkhar Chhu, a river rich in trout. After passing Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple built by the first Karma Shamar in 13th century you will enter Ngang Yul or ‘Swan Land” named for the swans that were once common in this part of the valley. Near the center of this area you will find Ngang Lhakhang, the “Swan Temple”. The Ngang Lhakhang was erected by the Lama Namkha Samdrup in the spot where his arrow landed. The design of the lhakhang inspired by a vision he had.
DAY 2: NGANG LHAKHANG – UGYENCHHOLING
CAMP ALT 2850M
You begin with a gradual climb to Phephe La pass (3,353m). Follow the trail until the pass takes you through a picturesque forested region. It is recommended that you allow for stops along the way to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. You will stop for the night at Ogyen Choling Manor. This manor houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan and visitors will gain a better understanding of the lives of the landed gentry in traditional Bhutanese society.
DAY 3: UGYEN CHOLING – PHOKPHEY
17KM | 5-6 HOURS | 920M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3680M
Today’s walk is through bamboos, hemlock and finally up to an alpine forest. The camp is in a meadow at the head of the valley.
DAY 4: PHOKPHEY – PEMI
20KM | 6-7 HOURS | 480M ASCENT | 1160M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 2950M
Rodung La (4,160m) is about three hours climb from the camp. From the pass you then continue downhill through a gorge, overlooking scenic mountain valleys covered in lush pine forests. The region is rich in folk lore concerning spirits and yetis. Near the camp you can see a ruined stone building that once acted as a grain storehouse during the reigns of the first and second king.
DAY 5: PEMI – KHAINA LHAKHANG
21KM | 6-7 HOURS | 350M ASCENT | 1340M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 2010M
This trail winds through the villages of Ungaar, Bulay, Kulaypang and Gomda before bringing you to Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang. One of the oldest temples in the country, it was built in the mid 7th century by the King Songtshen Gampo of Tibet to subdue demons.
DAY 6: KHAINE LHAKHANG – TANGMACHU
18KM | 6-7 HOURS | 520M ASCENT | 810M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 1720M
From your camp, the trail goes down to a stream and back up to a basic health unit and a community school in Gorsam. Further on, you pass a Tibetan-style Umling Mani, built by a lama from Tibet, and a chorten on Zerim La (1,940m). Before reaching the next pass, Tage La (1,760m) you will see Menjabi, a beautiful Bhutanese village with large white houses. The campsite for the night is located South-east of Tage La near Tangmachu High School. Another possibility is to organize transport and drive to Lhuentse, the capital of Lhuentse district. Lhuntese Dzong is considered to be one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.
DAY 7: TANGMACHU – MENJI
16KM | 4-5 HOURS | 690M ASCENT | 620M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 18300M
After arriving at Kuri Zampa the trek begins to gradually climb up through paddy fields and villages before bringing you to Chusa
DAY 8: MENJI – PEMI
20KM | 5-6 HOURS | 620M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 2450M
Today’s trek has you continue uphill through thick forests overlooking spectacular mountains. The camp is located in a forested area at an altitude of 2,400m.
DAY 9: PEMI – TAUPANG
21KM | 7-8 HOURS | 1450M ASCENT | 1450M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 2450M
After climbing up to Dongla you will descend through thick evergreen forests until you reach the campsite for the night.
DAY 10: TAUPANG – TRASHI YANGTSE
24KM | 8-9 HOURS | 720M DESCENT |
Today is the longest day of the trek. It is a gradual descent to Trashi Yangtse. As you descend the chirpine and hardwood forests are slowly replaced by oak trees. The final camp of the trek is located in a subtropical forested region.