Rodungla trek (10 Days & 9 Nights)-Bumthang trek
Example trek from Bumthang
Day 01: Bumthang – Nganglhakhang (Distance: 20 km, time: about 5 hours)
The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chhu (river). Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang and then enter the ‘Swan Land’ (Nang Yul) with its center ‘Swan Temple’ (Nganglhakhang). This part of the valley was at first inhabited only by swans (ngang) from where the name of the village. Overnight in camp at an attitude of 3,116 m.
Day 02: Nganglhakhang – Ugyenchholing (Distance: 23 km, time: about 7 ½ hours.)
Climb gradually to Phephela pass at 3,353m. The trail to the pass leads through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. The walk allows many stops to savor nature’s beauty. Overnight in camp at an altitude of 2,840 m.
Day 03: Ugyenchholing – Phokpey (Distance: 17 km, time: about 5 ½ hours.)
Climb through bamboo, hemlock and finally up to the alpine forest. Overnight camp at an altitude of 3,500 m.
Day 04: Phokpey – Ungar (Distance: 20 km, time: about 6 ½ hours.)
Continue climbing to Phokpeyla Pass at 12,300 ft. This takes about 30 minutes and then continue downhill through the gorge.
Day 05: Ungar – Taskila (Distance: 21 km, time: about 7 hours.)
The trail winds up and down, passing Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest Lhakhang in existence. It was built in the mid 7th century by King of Tibet, Tsong Tsen Gampo, to subdue a demon. Camp at an altitude of 1,830 m.
Day 06: Taskila – Lhuntse
Drive up to Lhuentse guesthouse for lunch. After lunch is leisure time. Overnight in guesthouse or camp at an altitude of 1,830 m.
Note: The actual Rodungla Trek ends at Lhuentse, the following route is part of the Dongla Trek. Those who have already planned for it will continue.
Day 07: Lhuentse – Menji (Distance: 16 km, time: about 4 ½ hours.)
Drive down to Kuri Zam where the trek starts gradually up through the paddy fields and villages. Overnight in camp at an altitude of 1,830 m.
Day 08: Menji – Pemi (Distance: 20 km, time: about 6 ½ hours.)
Continue uphill through thick forests, overlooking mountain views. Camp under the shelter of the forests at an altitude of 2,440 m.
Day 09: Pemi – Toupang (Distance: 21 km, time: about 6 ½ hours.)
Continue climbing up to Dongla from where you can see all the high mountains. Descend through the thick evergreen forest to the campsite at 2,440 m.
Day 10: Toupang – Yangtse (Distance: 24 km, time: about 8 ½ hours.)
There is an early start for the last and longest day on the trek. Descend gradually till Yangtse through chirpine and hardwood forest. Overnight in camp.