Wild East Rodungla Trekking

When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, a Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expeditions representative will welcome you and transport you to your Five-Star Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, drive to Drukgyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), a ruined fortification designed to commemorate Bhutanese warriors' centuries-old victory against Tibetan invaders. Witness the snowy dome of sacred Jumolhari, the "mountain of goddesses," which towers immediately over the Dzong.

Along the route, visit the 7th-century Kichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This temple represents the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, which was once a watchtower but is now home to the kingdom's national museum. It has antique thangka, textiles, weaponry, armor, domestic goods, as well as a broad collection of natural and historical treasures. Then continue down the hill to Rinpung Dzong, which translates as "fortress of heap of jewels" and has a rich and fascinating history.

Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital town. The route leads through the Paro valley to the Thimphu-Paro river confluence at Chuzomsa. The confluence is adorned with three distinct chorten styles. Tacho Lhakhang, the Temple of the Hill of Excellent Horse, is located a little distance away on the left. On the way to Thimphu, you may see Simtokha Dzong. Upon arriving in Thimphu, check into your hotel. Take an evening walk before dinner.

A full day of sightseeing includes a visit to the National Library, which houses a large collection of ancient Buddhist writings, manuscripts, modern academic literature, and printing blocks for prayer flags. Art schools are well-known for their traditional crafts. Traditional Medicine Institute: This is where the Kingdom's plentiful herbal remedies are prepared. The institute also teaches future practitioners the practice of herbal medicine. Memorial Chorten: a stunning stupa built in honor of Bhutan's third king. The murals and statues inside the monument offer a thorough understanding of Buddhist doctrine.

Tashichodzong: This magnificent fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat building, the King's Throne chamber, and various government offices. It is also the summer home of the Chief Abbot. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: Opened in 2001, they are living testaments to Bhutanese customs. Handicraft emporium: it shows a diverse range of wonderfully hand-woven and produced objects.

After an early breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass (3,100 m). If the weather permits, you can view a range of high mountains with high Himalayan peaks to the northeast. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass: Masanggang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Teri gang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (1,170m), Zongpaphugang (7,060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and Gangkar Puensum (7,497m), Bhutan's highest mountain peak.

Continue driving to Wangdiphodrang town for lunch. The descent from Dochula to Wangdiphodrang valley is fairly long, as the elevation difference is 1700 meters. Proceed to Trongsa via Pelela Pass (altitude 3,300m), the traditional border between east and west. The pass is marked with a big prayer flag, and the land is covered in dwarf bamboo grown at high elevation. Stop along route to Chendebji Chorten, erected in the 18th century by a lama called Shida. It is Nepalese in design, with eyeballs painted at four cardinal points.

After the break, take a fast walk by Trongsa Dzong, which was erected by Shabdrung in 1647, and then see the magnificent Ta Dzong (watch tower), which is devoted to the epic hero, King Geser of Ling.Then travel for around 3 hours to Bumthang via the Yutong La pass (altitude 3,400 meters, 29 kilometers from Trongsa).The route continues for another 13 kilometers before entering Chumey, a broad, open farmed valley. Arrive at Bumthang and check into the lodge. After lunch, visit Kurjey Lhakhang (where the saint's body is imprinted on a rock), Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), Tamshing Monastery (which houses one of Bhutan's oldest paintings), and Jakar Dzong (regional administrative headquarters). Later, take a stroll through the village.

Trek from Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang for around 20 kilometers. Trekking begins today. The route takes you around Chamkhar Chhu, a trout-rich river. Lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple constructed by the first Karma Shamar in the 13th century. Ngang Yul, or "Swan Land," is further ahead, with Ngang Lhakhang, the "Swan Temple," at its center. Swans first inhabited this region of the valley, giving the area its name (Ngang). The Lama Namkha Samdrup had a vision of how to build a temple and shot an arrow at the location where the arrow fell; the Ngang Lhakhang was built.

Climb steadily to Phephe La pass (3,353 metres). Follow the trail until you reach the pass, which will take you through one of the most magnificent forested places in the region. Allow for stops to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Trek 17 kilometers from Ugyenchholing to arrive at Phokphey. Today's walk takes us through bamboo, hemlock, and eventually alpine woodland.

From Phokphey Trek to Ungaar, the distance is 20 kilometers. Continue hiking for half an hour till you reach Rodung La Pass (4160M), then descend via the gorge while overlooking some of the mountain valleys. Pine trees may be seen as you approach the campsite.

The trek from Ungaar to Takila is around 21 kilometers. This trek swings up and down until you reach Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang on the way. It is one of the oldest temples in existence today, established in the mid-seventh century by King Songtshen Gampo of Tibet to tame demons.

The walking distance between Lhuntse Trek to Menji is 12 km. Arrive first at Kuri Zampa, and then begin your climb up through the paddy fields and villages.

The distance from Menji to Pemi is 20 kilometers. Continue uphill amid dense trees with mountain vistas. The camp is located in a woodland shelter at an elevation of 2,400 metres.

The distance between Pemi and Taupang is 21 kilometers. Continue up to Dongla for breathtaking mountain vistas. Descend through lush evergreen forests until you reach the campsite.

The walking distance from Taupang to Tashiyangtse is 24 kilometers. Today is the longest journey. It travels gradually downhill to Yangtse through Chir pine and hardwood forests such as oak in the subtropical forest zone.

End the walk and drive to Trashigang. From Tashiyangtse, drive 65 km to Trashigang. Overnight in a lodge in Trashigang.

From Trashigang drive 79 kilometers to Mongar. In the morning, you can go to the weaving center in Khaling (run by the National Women's Association of Bhutan), Sherubtse College in Kanglung (Bhutan's first college), and Zangdo Pelri Monastery. From there, you will return to Mongar. Stay overnight in Mongar.

From Mongar to Bumthang, drive 194 kilometers. Drive the gorgeous 8-hour trip back to Bumthang, stopping for lunch and tea in adjacent villages. Stay overnight in Bumthang.

From Bumthang, travel 198 kilometers to Wangdiphodrang. You'll start the day at the Bumthang market and then drive to Wangdiphodrang, where you can explore the town and shop. The adjacent villages are well-known for their slate and stone sculptures, as well as bamboo work.

From Wangdiphodrang, drive for 109 kilometers to Paro. After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu and then to Paro. If it's the weekend, take a stroll through the market to witness the country's diverse cuisine, which includes baskets upon baskets of spicy peppers, fresh cheese, and mangos. In addition, numerous kiosks sell Bhutanese handicrafts and home goods. It's enjoyable to walk the aisles, taking in the lively ambiance of the market. After lunch, you'll drive to Paro. Visit a traditional farmhouse in Paro and, if desired, take a hot-stone bath before dining on traditional Bhutanese cuisine.

Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan. Leaving with lasting memories and a strong connection to this magnificent kingdom.