This morning, we take a scenic flight from Paro, soaring over Bhutan’s rugged landscapes one last time, carrying memories of Bhutan’s breathtaking beauty and rich culture.
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High-Altitude Eastern Himalayas Trekking in Bhutan
A trek through the heart of Bhutan
The Wild Rodung La Trek explores Bhutan’s remote central and eastern Himalaya along an ancient trade route through forests, meadows, and high passes. Beginning in Bumthang, it reveals hidden villages, old monasteries, and untouched landscapes rarely seen by trekkers.
65-95km
Total Trekking Distance
4,160m
Highest Altitude
Sep-Nov
Best Season
12-16
Group Size
Key Highlights
Pristine Beauty
Bhutan feels like going back in time as its culture and nature has been beautifully preserved
Flaura
Chance to walk through forest filled with Hues of Rhododendron trees
Holy Views
Seek blessings from Monasteries and Stupas along the trail
Wild Rodungla Wilderness
Deep in the wild landscapes below Rodung La Pass, remote valleys, rivers, and scattered hamlets.
Your Journey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Follow Rodongla Trek day by day, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to the journey home.
Highest Point:
Rodung La pass (4,160m)
Region:
Eastern Bhutan
Take a midday flight to Paro, then unwind at one of Bhutan’s top-rated hotels, nestled in the serene outskirts of the valley.
As per the itinerary
All meals included
The Red Panda Brewery at Bhumthang was started in 2006 by Fritz Maurer, originally Swiss but a Bhutanese citizen since 1976. His brewery was the first established beer brewery in Bhutan, and he is still the sole producer of the specialty Weiss bier.
As per the itinerary
All meals included
We continue through remote mountain trails, descending from Pemi into dense forests before climbing toward Khare Larang. The trail winds through rhododendron and pine groves, with occasional clearings offering stunning valley views. By late afternoon, we reach our campsite at Khare Larang, a peaceful spot in the wilderness completing the Rodung La trek.
As per the Itinerary
All meals included
Today’s trek takes us over Rodung La Pass 4,160 m, a breathtaking high point with panoramic mountain views. The trail ascends through rhododendron forests before reaching the pass, where prayer flags flutter in the wind. We then descend into lush woodlands, following a scenic path to Pemi, our campsite for the night.
As per the itinerary
All meals included
Trek to Phokpey 3,600m at the base of the Rodung La. The trail winds through dense forests and alpine meadows, offering stunning mountain views as we gradually gain altitude. By late afternoon, we reach our campsite at Phokpey, nestled in pristine wilderness. Enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by the tranquility of Bhutan’s highlands.
As per the itinerary
All meals included
Drive to the Tang Valley and camp adjacent to a stream at the base of the valley. Its a final opportunity to build fitness and acclimatise before the upcoming climb to Rodung La. The valley has a population of 1816 people living across multiple small village clusters.
As per the itinerary
All meals included
Head on towards the east and drive to Trongsa 2,316m. The most known monument is the Trongsa Dzong which the largest Dzong in the country built in 1647. It is also the ancestral home of the Royal Family, and both the first and second kings ruled the country from Trongsa. Head out for an acclimatisation trek to appreciate the natural world and prepare for the upcoming trek to Rodung La.
As per the itinerary
All meals included
We leave Punakha for a scenic two hour drive to Phobjikha, 3,000m, a stunning glacial valley known for its black-necked cranes. As we ascend, lush forests give way to pine-covered mountains and wide-open meadows. On arrival, we take a gentle acclimatization walk called the Probjikha Nature Trail, through the valley, passing traditional homes and prayer flags. Breathe in the crisp mountain air before settling into your cozy lodge for the night.
As per the itinerary
All meals included
Key Notes
The Rodungla Trek is a remote and rewarding high-altitude journey across the pristine Rodung La Pass, offering sweeping views of untouched Himalayan landscapes. Traversing alpine meadows and deep forests in Bumthang, it’s an immersive experience of Bhutan’s raw wilderness and mountain solitude in Bhutan.
What to Expect
Inclusions & Exclusions
Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.
Included
Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary
Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro with spectacular mountain views
All meals as per itinerary
Not Included
Flights to and from Paro
GST 5%
Gratuity to staff
Any changes to itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for US passport holders (100$ per person per day)
Is This Trek Right For You?
Who This Trek Is Ideal For
At Juniper Outdoor, this journey is thoughtfully crafted for fit beginners and intermediate adventurers who are ready to step beyond the ordinary - seeking a meaningful, immersive outdoor experience that challenges and inspires, without requiring commitment to extreme expedition-level terrain.
Who Can Do This Trek
Fit beginners to intermediate trekkers with good stamina and some prior hill-walking experience can attempt this moderate to challenging route. While not extremely technical, the trek involves sustained ascent/descent and multi-day camping in remote mountain terrain.
Challenges to Expect
High-altude crossing, long daily distances, steep ascents and descents, remote trail with limited evacuation access, rapidly changing weather.
Fitness Expectations
Good cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and comfort with 6–8+ hours of walking on mixed terrain day after day. Some training (hiking, stair work, brisk walking) 4–6 weeks before departure is recommended; prior altitude experience is helpful but not mandatory.
FAQs
Booking with Juniper Outdoor is simple. Once you find a trip that excites you, click the "Contact Us " or “WhatsApp” button on the trip page. This will lead you to a short form that collects your contact information and preferences. Our team will then reach out to you with availability, a brief consultation if needed, and next steps. You can secure your slot by paying a deposit or full amount, after which we’ll send you a detailed pre-departure pack including packing lists, training recommendations (if applicable), and travel tips. We recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance to secure your spot, especially for treks with limited permits or during peak season. If you're planning a private or custom departure, we’ll guide you through tailoring the experience to your group’s needs. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions before or after booking.
Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek - it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.
Absolutely - many of our travelers come solo and end up making lifelong friendships on the trail. You don’t need to assemble a group to book with Juniper. Each trip that’s tagged under “community trip or mentor led trip”has fixed departure dates where individuals, couples, or small groups can signup and join a larger group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. We limit group sizes to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience. If you’d prefer a private departure for your family or friends, we can customize the trip to your pace and interests. For solo travelers, we pair you in shared twin accommodation (or offer a single supplement if you’d prefer your own room/tent). Our trips attract thoughtful, adventurous people, and the community vibe is a big part of what makes a Juniper experience special. Whether you're flying solo or bringing your tribe, we’re excited to welcome you.
Safety is the foundation of every Juniper Outdoor journey. Our approach combines preparedness, training, and compassion - ensuring that every guest feels protected and cared for from start to finish. Each trek is equipped with a comprehensive first-aid and medical kit, including altitude-related medication, bandages, antiseptics, and a portable oxygen cylinder for emergencies. A trained Trip Leader and first responder accompany every departure, fully certified in wilderness first aid and altitude management. Before the trek begins, guests are briefed on essential safety practices, hydration, hygiene, and what to do in case of discomfort. Once on the trail, we conduct daily health monitoring, recording each participant’s oxygen saturation and pulse to track acclimatization and prevent potential issues before they arise. Camps are designed to be clean, hygienic, and secure, with safe drinking water sourced, filtered, and boiled under strict supervision. In remote regions, an emergency evacuation plan is pre-coordinated with Bhutanese authorities and local response units to ensure rapid assistance if needed. Vehicles, ponies, or helicopters may be mobilized depending on terrain and urgency. Our crew undergoes regular safety drills and follows strict sanitation and waste management protocols, ensuring both human and environmental safety. Guests are encouraged to communicate openly about any physical or emotional discomfort - our team prioritizes empathy, confidentiality, and proactive care. Beyond the physical safeguards, safety for us also includes mental reassurance: knowing that your guides are vigilant, calm, and capable. Every decision made in the field follows Juniper Outdoor’s principle - “Safety before schedule”. This ensures that even when weather or logistics demand changes, the comfort and security of our guests always take precedence. We believe that the true spirit of adventure comes not from risk, but from trust - trust in our people, our systems, and our shared respect for the mountains.
At Juniper Outdoor, meals are not just nourishment - they are moments of warmth, hospitality, and connection. Our food service philosophy blends Himalayan simplicity with genuine care. Guests are always served first, with meals beginning only once everyone is seated and comfortable. On arrival at camp or during cold conditions, hot beverages such as tea, coffee, or soup are offered as a gesture of comfort. The guides and kitchen team assist with quiet professionalism - introducing each dish, explaining local flavors, and accommodating dietary preferences. Every camp follows strict hygiene standards: hands are washed before handling food, dishes are covered at all times, and waste is managed responsibly. We serve a balanced mix of Bhutanese, Indian, and continental meals, ensuring variety without compromising on nutrition or safety. For guests with specific dietary requirements - vegetarian, vegan, Jain, or allergies - all preferences are cross-checked before departure and honored diligently. Dining is communal, designed to encourage shared conversation and camaraderie, where stories of the day unfold over steaming plates. Alcohol is avoided on trekking days for health and altitude safety, but a light celebratory drink may be shared post-trek if culturally appropriate and desired by the group. The team ensures mealtimes are unhurried, courteous, and inclusive - the cook, servers, and leader working as one family. Even in harsh mountain environments, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of grace and hospitality, believing that how food is served reflects how deeply we care. When guests sit together under the dining tent, warmed by laughter and lantern light, it’s more than a meal - it’s the heart of the Juniper experience: warmth, humility, and shared humanity in the mountains.
Inclusions
- Accommodation:
- 1 night each at Eco Lodge, Willing Resort, Swiss Guest House & Naksel Boutique Resort or similar
- 4 nights in full-service expedition tents
- All meals throughout the trip (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Guided trekking with full support team (guide, kitchen crew, porters)
- Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
- Permits & park fees
- Sustainable Development Fee (for Indian nationals)
Exclusions
- Flights to/from Paro
- GST 5%
- Gratuities to staff
- Any itinerary changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances
- Single supplement (₹20,000) (private room & tent)
- Travel insurance
Juniper Outdoor expeditions are supported by an experienced and well-equipped logistical crew - ensuring that each traveler experiences comfort and safety while maintaining respect for the wilderness. Every trek includes high-quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining shelters, along with personal duffel carriage (up to 15 kg) handled by trained porters or yaks. Camps are organized with separate toilet and dining tents, maintained with utmost cleanliness and discretion. Each morning begins with a briefing led by the Trip Leader, and each evening closes with a debrief, maintaining structure and open communication. For remote locations, a radio or satellite phone ensures constant contact with the operations base. In parallel, our environmental and cultural protocols are uncompromising. We strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that every campsite is left cleaner than we found it. We never litter, pick plants, or disturb local wildlife. Guests are asked to dress modestly in and around monasteries, villages, and cultural spaces, and to maintain silence or respectful quiet at sacred sites. Music and loud conversation are discouraged in rural communities. We also encourage guests to support local economies by purchasing small crafts, teas, or produce directly from villagers - authentic exchanges that sustain these communities. Each participant shares responsibility for this ethos. Guests are expected to follow leader instructions, report any health issues immediately, carry a small waste bag, and respect group timings to ensure harmony. Team spirit, patience, and cultural sensitivity form the invisible code of Juniper journeys. Every trekker becomes a custodian of the environment, a respectful visitor of local traditions, and a valued member of the Juniper family. Through this collective effort, we preserve what we love - the pristine silence, sacred heritage, and mountain spirit that make the Himalayas timeless.
Who Can Do This Trek
The Wild Rodung La Trek is ideal for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers who want to experience Bhutan’s remote eastern Himalaya without committing to extreme expedition-level terrain. The route is immersive and offbeat - perfect for travelers drawn to both wilderness and cultural depth. You’ll walk through pristine forests, high meadows, and isolated valleys where few trekkers venture, making it as emotionally rewarding as it is scenic.
Challenges or Tricky Segments
The most demanding day is the ascent to Rodung La Pass (4,160 m) - a steady climb that rewards patience and rhythm. Weather conditions in the highlands can change rapidly; occasional mist, rain, or snow may add challenge underfoot.
Camps are remote, so comfort levels are “adventure-standard,” though supported by a full expedition team. Good footwear and steady pacing are key.
Prerequisites / Fitness Expectations
- Capable of walking 12–18 km per day comfortably over mixed terrain.
- Previous high-altitude experience is helpful but not essential.
- A moderate level of cardiovascular fitness and some hill or stair training recommended.
- Ideally, train 4–6 weeks before departure with running, brisk walking, and leg-strength workouts.
- Medical clearance advised for participants above 55 years or with pre-existing conditions.
Trip Leader Etiquette & Role
The Trip Leader is the heart and soul of every Juniper Outdoor expedition - a leader, storyteller, problem-solver, and guardian of our guests’ well-being. Representing the brand across borders and terrains, they carry not just logistical responsibility, but emotional leadership. Their role begins with preparation - understanding the route, weather, and guest profiles - and extends to orchestrating every detail of the experience. Each morning, the Trip Leader conducts daily briefings, sharing the day’s route, expected distances, safety reminders, and local stories that enrich the journey. These briefings are not mechanical; they set the mood, align the group, and infuse meaning into every step. On the trail, the Trip Leader maintains group discipline and pacing, ensuring no one feels rushed or left behind. They coordinate with guides, porters, and kitchen staff to synchronize meal timings, campsite readiness, and rest schedules - quietly managing dozens of moving parts so that the guest’s experience feels seamless. They handle guest expectations with calm professionalism, diffusing anxiety or frustration through empathy and clarity. A true Juniper leader is composed under pressure, communicates decisively, and leads by example. In emergencies, they assess the situation, administer first aid, and immediately report to Juniper HQ, ensuring transparent updates and quick decision-making. Beyond logistics, a Trip Leader embodies Juniper’s deeper values - they create human connections, foster cultural sensitivity, and ensure every participant feels seen and supported. Their authority is built not on control, but on calm presence and earned respect. Whether it’s organizing a spontaneous tea stop in a mountain hamlet or helping a guest overcome self-doubt on a steep climb, the Trip Leader carries the spirit of Juniper Outdoor - one of humility, safety, and transformation in the wild.
Wild Rodung La Trek – Bhutan
Duration: 10 days | Region: Eastern Bhutan | Highest Point: Rodung La Pass (4,160 m) | Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Day 1 | Arrive Paro (2,280 m)
Fly into Bhutan’s spectacular Paro Valley. Meet your Juniper Outdoor trip leader and transfer to your boutique hotel. Evening at leisure to stretch your legs, acclimatize, and join a welcome orientation.
Accommodation: Naksel Boutique Resort | Meals: Dinner
Day 2 | Drive Paro → Bumthang (2,800 m)
Take a scenic domestic flight eastward to Bumthang - the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Short acclimatization walk through Jakar Dzong and local monasteries. Final gear check before the trek begins.
Accommodation: Swiss Guest House | Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3 | Drive Bumthang → Dur | Trek to Thomkhar (3,450 m)
Distance: 12 km | Ascent: ≈ 650 m
Drive to Dur Village and begin your journey on foot through spruce and rhododendron forests. The trail follows a glacial stream, climbing gently to the alpine meadows of Thomkhar Camp.
Accommodation: Full-service camp | Meals: B / L / D
Day 4 | Trek Thomkhar → Rodung La Base (3,950 m)
Distance: 11 km | Ascent: ≈ 500 m
Walk through thick fir and hemlock forest before breaking into open yak pastures. Camp beneath the imposing Rodung La ridge. Evenings often echo with yak bells and fluttering prayer flags.
Accommodation: Camp | Meals: B / L / D
Day 5 | Cross Rodung La Pass (4,160 m) → Pemi (3,600 m)
Distance: 15 km | Ascent/Descent: ≈ +350 m / –600 m
An early start for the main pass of the trek. The climb is steady but rewarding - views of unbroken Himalayan horizons. Descend to camp near Pemi, surrounded by birch forest and alpine streams.
Accommodation: Camp | Meals: B / L / D
Day 6 | Trek Pemi → Khaine (3,100 m)
Distance: 16 km | Descent: ≈ 500 m
A long, gentle descent through remote hamlets where life remains unchanged for centuries. Visit a centuries-old temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche before reaching Khaine Camp.
Accommodation: Camp | Meals: B / L / D
Day 7 | Trek Khaine → Tangmachu → Lhuntse (1,800 m)
Distance: 10 km | Descent: ≈ 1,000 m
Final day on trail. The path meanders down toward the warmer valleys of Lhuntse, passing terraced fields and weavers’ homes known for exquisite Kishuthara textiles. Celebrate your trek’s completion.
Accommodation: Eco Lodge, Lhuntse | Meals: B / L / D
Day 8 | Drive Lhuntse → Trashigang (1,100 m)
Distance: ≈ 160 km (road)
Wind along Bhutan’s most scenic mountain road through gorges and small dzongs. Explore the vibrant eastern town of Trashigang in the evening.
Accommodation: Willing Resort | Meals: B / L / D
Day 9 | Drive Trashigang → Yonphula | Fly to Paro
Enjoy a short, stunning mountain flight back to Paro. Free afternoon for souvenir shopping or optional visit to a farmhouse.
Accommodation: Naksel Boutique Resort | Meals: B / L / D
Day 10 | Departure from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Key Notes
- Total trekking distance: ≈ 65–70 km
- Highest altitude: 4,160 m (Rodung La Pass)
- Best season: April–May & October–November
- Graded: Moderate to Challenging - suitable for trekkers with decent endurance and prior hill-walking experience
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