Wild East Rodungla Trekking: 18 Days
An adventurous 18-day trekking journey through eastern Bhutan, combining Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang, and the remote Rodung La route with high mountain passes, pristine forests, monasteries, and untouched village life.
Country
Bhutan
Duration
18 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Trekking
Max Altitude
3750m / 12300ft
Best Season
Mar-Dec
Accomodation
3***hotel twin sharing bed basis during the tour
Meals
Full board meals as per itinerary.
Start/End Point
Paro/Guwahati
Highlights & Overview
Scenic Himalayan flight into ParoCultural exploration of Paro and ThimphuCentral Bhutan journey through Trongsa and BumthangRemote Rodungla trekking routeHigh passes over 3350m and 3700mAncient monasteries and sacred templesDiverse landscapes from alpine forests to subtropical valleysAuthentic eastern Bhutanese village life
The Wild East Rodungla Trekking – 18 Days is one of Bhutan’s most remote and culturally rich trekking experiences. Starting with a dramatic Himalayan flight into Paro, the journey explores Bhutan’s iconic western valleys before heading deep into the heart of eastern Bhutan. The trek follows ancient trade routes crossing high mountain passes, dense rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, alpine meadows, and isolated villages rarely visited by travelers. This trek perfectly blends Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and wilderness, making it ideal for trekkers seeking raw adventure and authentic Himalayan exploration.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Paro Valley Exploration (2280m / 7480ft)
- Day 2: Paro to Thimphu – Capital City Drive (2330m / 7644ft)
- Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing – Dzongs and Culture (2330m / 7644ft)
- Day 4: Thimphu to Trongsa – Central Bhutan Journey (2200m / 7218ft)
- Day 5: Trongsa to Jakar (Bumthang Valley) (2580m / 8465ft)
- Day 6: Bumthang to Nganglhakhang – Trek Begins (2900m / 9500ft)
- Day 7: Nganglhakhang to Ugyenchholing via Phephela Pass (3353m / 11000ft)
- Day 8: Ugyenchholing to Phokpey – Alpine Forest Trek (3500m / 11500ft)
- Day 9: Phokpey to Ungaar via Phokpeyla Pass (3750m / 12300ft)
- Day 10: Ungaar to Taskila – Ancient Monastery Route (1830m / 6000ft)
- Day 11: Taskila to Lhuentse – Cultural Transition (1830m / 6000ft)
- Day 12: Lhuentse to Menji – Village Trek (1830m / 6000ft)
- Day 13: Menji to Pemi – Forest Ascent (2440m / 8000ft)
- Day 14: Pemi to Taupang via Dongla Pass (2440m / 8000ft)
- Day 15: Taupang to Yangtsi – Long Descent Day (1700m / 5577ft)
- Day 16: Yangtsi to Trashigang – Eastern Hub (1070m / 3510ft)
- Day 17: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar – Subtropical Drive (200m / 656ft)
- Day 18: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati – Trip Conclusion (55m / 180ft)
Price Includes
Personal guide & driver with SUV or Toyota coaster bus depending on pax.All touring & transfers throughout.Traditional 3-star hotels with private bathrooms twin sharing based.All meals and bottled water daily.SDF (Sustainable development fee & all taxes.Bhutan visa fees & processing.Monuments feesFarm house visitPrice Doesn't Include
Airfares to/from Bhutan.Personal items laundry, drinks, and designer coffee’s telephone callsHotel room single supplement $ 30 per person per nightSim CardTipping for guide and diverAnything that is not included in official final invoices.Wild East Rodungla Trekking: 18 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Paro Valley Exploration (2280m / 7480ft)
Arrive in Paro by Druk Air with spectacular views of Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake. After airport formalities, drive through the scenic Paro Valley to your hotel. Visit Ta Dzong National Museum to understand Bhutanese culture and history.
Max Altitude
2280m / 7480ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu – Capital City Drive (2330m / 7644ft)
Drive along the Paro Chu and Wang Chu rivers to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Visit the Memorial Chorten and observe daily prayer rituals. Evening stroll around the town.
Max Altitude
2330m / 7644ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing – Dzongs and Culture (2330m / 7644ft)
Explore Thimphu’s cultural sites including handicraft markets and Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic body.
Max Altitude
2330m / 7644ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Thimphu to Trongsa – Central Bhutan Journey (2200m / 7218ft)
Begin the journey to central Bhutan with a long scenic drive. Stop at Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese-style stupa. Overnight at Trongsa.
Max Altitude
2200m / 7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Trongsa to Jakar (Bumthang Valley) (2580m / 8465ft)
Drive to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Visit Jakar Dzong and hike to Lamey Gompa. Witness traditional paper-making techniques.
Max Altitude
2580m / 8465ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Bumthang to Nganglhakhang – Trek Begins (2900m / 9500ft)
Start trekking along Chamkhar Chu River. Visit Tangbi Lhakhang before reaching Ngang Yul, known as the land of swans. Evening cultural program possible.
Max Altitude
2900m / 9500ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Nganglhakhang to Ugyenchholing via Phephela Pass (3353m / 11000ft)
Climb steadily through pristine forests to Phephela Pass, the highest point so far. Enjoy views of Ugyenchholing Palace en route.
Max Altitude
3353m / 11000ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Ugyenchholing to Phokpey – Alpine Forest Trek (3500m / 11500ft)
Trek through bamboo, hemlock, and alpine forests. Camp in serene wilderness surrounded by highland vegetation.
Max Altitude
3500m / 11500ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Phokpey to Ungaar via Phokpeyla Pass (3750m / 12300ft)
Cross Phokpeyla Pass and descend dramatically through deep gorges into lower valleys with pine forests and open landscapes.
Max Altitude
3750m / 12300ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Ungaar to Taskila – Ancient Monastery Route (1830m / 6000ft)
Trek through villages and rolling trails. Visit Khaine Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built to subdue evil spirits.
Max Altitude
1830m / 6000ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 11: Taskila to Lhuentse – Cultural Transition (1830m / 6000ft)
Drive to Lhuentse, one of Bhutan’s most traditional regions. Afternoon free to explore local villages.
Max Altitude
1830m / 6000ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 12: Lhuentse to Menji – Village Trek (1830m / 6000ft)
Drive to Kuri Zam and begin trekking through rice fields and traditional settlements. Experience eastern Bhutanese lifestyle.
Max Altitude
1830m / 6000ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 13: Menji to Pemi – Forest Ascent (2440m / 8000ft)
Steady climb through thick forests with mountain views. Camp under forest cover in peaceful surroundings.
Max Altitude
2440m / 8000ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 14: Pemi to Taupang via Dongla Pass (2440m / 8000ft)
Reach Dongla viewpoint offering panoramic Himalayan scenery. Descend through lush green forests to campsite.
Max Altitude
2440m / 8000ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 15: Taupang to Yangtsi – Long Descent Day (1700m / 5577ft)
Long trekking day descending through chir pine and oak forests into subtropical terrain.
Max Altitude
1700m / 5577ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 16: Yangtsi to Trashigang – Eastern Hub (1070m / 3510ft)
Drive to Trashigang, the commercial center of eastern Bhutan. Explore local markets and villages.
Max Altitude
1070m / 3510ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 17: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar – Subtropical Drive (200m / 656ft)
Scenic drive through dramatic cliffs and valleys. Enter Bhutan’s subtropical zone near the Indian border.
Max Altitude
200m / 656ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 18: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati – Trip Conclusion (55m / 180ft)
Drive to Guwahati, India, for onward flights. End of an unforgettable Wild East Bhutan trekking adventure.
Max Altitude
55m / 180ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Thermal base layersInsulated down jacketWaterproof jacket and pantsTrekking pantsWarm fleeceSun hat and woolen capSocks or wool to wear with bootsSocks, light cotton for under wool socksGears
Trekking polesGood quality trekking bootsSleeping bag (rated -10°C)Daypack (30-40L)Headlamp with extra batteriesSunglasses and sunhatReusable water bottles or hydration bladderPersonal Items
Sunscreen and lip balmSunglassesPersonal medicationToiletriesWater purification tabletsOther Items You Can Bring
Trekking polesHeadlampSleeping bag (-10°C rated)Daypack and duffel bagCamera and spare batteries