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.
Day01: Jakar-NgangLhakhang
Distance 20 km, 6-7 hours,
camp altitude 2,800 m. 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.
Day02:
NgangLhakhang-Ugyencholing
Camp altitude 2,850 m. 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. Night camp at Ugyencholing.
Day03: Ugyencholing- Phokhey
Distance 17 km, 5-6 hours, 920
m ascent, camp altitude 3,680 m. 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. Night camp at Phokhey
Day04: Phonhey-Pemi
Distance 20 km, 6-7 hours, 480
m ascent, 1,160 m descent, camp altitude 2,950 m. 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. Night camp at Pemi
Day05: Pemi-Khaine lhangkhang
Distance 21 km, 7-8 hours, 350
m ascent, 1,340 m descent, camp altitude 2,010 m. 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. Night camp at Khaine.
Day06: Khaine- Tangmachu
Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 520
m ascent, 810 m descent, camp altitude 1,720 m. 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. Night camp at Tangmachu.
Day07: Tangmachu-Menji
Distance 16 km, 4-5 hours, 690
m ascent, 620 m descent, camp altitude 1,830 m. After arriving at Kuri Zampa
the trek begins to gradually climb up through paddy fields and villages before
bringing you to Chusa. Night camp at Menji.
Day08: Menji-Pemi
Distance 20 km, 5-6 hours, 620
m ascent, camp altitude 2,450 m. Today’s trek has you continue uphill through
thick forests overlooking spectacular mountains. Night camp at Pemi.
Day09 Pemi-Taupang
Distance 21 km, 7-8 hours,
1,450 m ascent, 1,450 m descent, camp altitude 2,450 m. After climbing up to
Dongla you will descend through thick evergreen forests until you reach the
campsite for the night at Taupang.
Day10:Taupang-Tashiyangtse
Distance 24 km, 8-9 hours, 720
m 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. Night camp at Tashiyangtse.
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