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.
As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.
Preparation depends on your trip’s difficulty, but as a rule, cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and leg strength are key. We recommend you start training at least 4–6 weeks in advance with regular walks, jogs, stair climbing, or hikes with a loaded backpack. Add some strength training for your core and lower body. Consistency matters more than intensity. For moderate or advanced treks, aerobic exercises like cycling, swimming, or running 3–4 times a week are ideal. If your trip involves altitude, building endurance over long, slow sessions will help simulate trail effort. You don’t need to be an athlete, but being well-prepared means you’ll enjoy the journey, not just survive it. We share Juniper Outdoor - training guidelines and sample routines in your pre-departure materials. If you’d like, our team can even create a personalized plan. Remember: the fitter you are, the freer you’ll feel in the mountains.
Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.
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.
We provide a detailed packing list tailored to each region, season, and difficulty. Generally, you’ll need sturdy trekking shoes, a daypack, weatherproof outerwear (like a rain jacket or down jacket), layered clothing for cold and warm conditions, a headlamp, refillable water bottles, sun protection, and personal toiletries. For multi-day treks, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, a warm hat, and trekking poles. Juniper provides all group camping gear — tents, sleeping bags, mats, and technical equipment (ice axes, crampons, if needed). We also help connect you with rental services if you’re missing something, especially for big-ticket items like jackets or sleeping bags. Packing light but smart is key. We’ll send you a downloadable checklist in your pre-departure kit, and our team is happy to review your packing plan with you before you arrive. Good gear means more comfort, confidence, and joy on the trail.
Mountains can be unpredictable, and weather conditions — especially at higher altitudes — can cause delays, blocked roads, or itinerary changes. At Juniper, we’re seasoned at adapting quickly and safely. If the weather disrupts the original plan, our guides will adjust the route or schedule while keeping you informed and safe. We often build in “buffer days” on longer treks to accommodate such events. In remote areas, we stay in touch with local authorities and rescue services for real-time updates. If flights are delayed(common in places like Leh or Lukla), we assist with rebooking support and accommodation arrangements. Our priority is always your safety and comfort. While we can’t control nature, we can control how we respond — calmly, clearly, and with contingency options ready. We recommend giving yourself flexibility in your return travel dates, just in case the mountains decide to hold you a little longer.
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