Today's trek takes you deeper into the wilderness. The morning trail passes through thick fir and hemlock forest, the trees draped with old man's beard lichen—a sign of the pristine air quality in these remote highlands. By midday, you break through the treeline into open yak pastures, vast meadows dotted with grazing animals and the occasional herder's shelter. The immense silence of the high mountains settles around you. Camp is established beneath the imposing Rodung La ridge, your objective for tomorrow. Evenings here are magical—yak bells echo across the valley, prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and the Himalayan peaks glow pink in the alpenglow.
12 km • Ascent ≈ 650 m
The adventure truly begins today. An early morning drive takes you through increasingly remote landscapes to Dur Village, the gateway to the Wild Rodung La Trek. Shouldering your daypack, you step onto the ancient trade route that will guide you through the coming days. The trail winds gently through magnificent spruce and rhododendron forests, following a glacial stream whose milky waters speak of the high peaks above. As you gain altitude, the forest opens to reveal alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers. Camp is set at Thomkhar, a pristine meadow where your expedition team will have prepared a warm welcome—hot tea, a hearty meal, and comfortable tents under a canopy of stars.
Take a scenic domestic flight eastward across the heart of Bhutan to Bumthang—known as the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. This central valley is dotted with ancient temples and monasteries, many dating back to the 7th century. Spend the afternoon on a short acclimatization walk through Jakar Dzong, the 'Castle of the White Bird,' and explore local monasteries where monks go about their daily prayers. This is also your final opportunity for gear check and to purchase any last-minute supplies before the trek begins. Evening briefing covers the route, weather expectations, and safety protocols.
Fly into Bhutan's spectacular Paro Valley, where the dramatic runway approach between towering peaks offers your first glimpse of this magical kingdom. Meet your Juniper Outdoor trip leader at the airport and transfer to your boutique hotel nestled in the valley. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to stretch your legs with a gentle walk through Paro town, acclimatize to the altitude, and join a welcome orientation where you'll meet your fellow trekkers and learn about the incredible journey ahead. The crisp mountain air and the sight of dzongs (fortress-monasteries) perched on hillsides will set the tone for your adventure.
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.
Each Juniper Outdoor experience is tagged with a difficulty rating ranging from Easy to Advanced. These ratings account for altitude, terrain, duration and required endurance. On every trip page, we provide a “difficulty rating from 1 to 5” section that outlines the physical requirements. If you’re new to trekking or high-altitude travel, we recommend starting with a low-altitude journey or a short Himalayan escape that includes guided hikes with support staff. Intermediate trekkers can take on multi-day trails like those in Sikkim or Himachal that are rated 1-2 or 3. Advanced travellers can explore high passes, remote basecamps, or winter ascents that are rated 3-4 or 5. If you're unsure, reach out—we’ll evaluate your background and suggest trips that match your goals and experience. Some treks may require preparation or training, and we’re happy to support you with a personalised training plan. The goal is for you to feel confident and ready, no matter your level.
Our trip cost includes nearly everything you’ll need for a seamless experience.Typically, this covers all accommodations (lodges, campsites, or guesthouses),meals during the expedition, support staff (guides, cooks, porters), permits, transport during the trip (like internal drives or local transfers), and group equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and technical gear. Each trip page has a detailed “What’s Included” section, and we encourage you to review it carefully. What’s not included are your travel expenses like flight tickets to and from the trip start point (unless stated), personal trekking gear(clothing, hiking boots, backpacks), insurance, and incidental personal expenses like snacks or souvenirs. For some international trips or expeditions, flights, visa fees, and extra nights before/after the trip may be additional.Transparency is key at Juniper, so we’re always happy to walk you through the cost breakdown or advise on gear rentals or purchases if needed.
Once you’ve secured your place with a deposit, the real excitement begins! You’ll receive a Pre-Departure Kit via WhatApp with essential trip details: itinerary, gear checklist, fitness guide, weather info, and travel recommendations.Depending on the trip, we’ll also schedule a group orientation call or a one-on-one with our trip leader to walk you through expectations and address questions. For high-altitude or remote treks, we may ask for a basic fitness or medical declaration closer to departure. About two weeks before your trip, you’ll get a final checklist, contact sheet, and emergency protocols. If flights or permits are required, we’ll guide you on how and when to secure them. Our team stays connected with you throughout, ensuring you feel informed and supported. Whether it’s your first trek or your tenth, our goal is to make the lead-up smooth, fun, and empowering.
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.
Life happens — and we aim to be as fair and transparent as possible. If you need to cancel your trip, we request written notice as early as possible. Our standard policy:
Refunds are processed to your original payment method, minus any non-recoverable costs like permits or third-party bookings. In case of trip cancellation due to weather, political unrest, or unforeseen force majeure events, we typically reschedule or offer full credit for future travel. We highly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation due to illness, emergencies, or flightdisruption. Please check individual trip pages, as custom trips or international expeditions may have slightly different policies. Our priority is to find a solution that works for both of us. If you have any additional questions, feel free to connect on our WhatsApp number shared in the contact section.
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