9 Days Salt Route Trek

Arrive at Guwahati International Airport, meet your tour guide, and begin your three-hour drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s gateway town in the east. Sitting at about 250 metres above sea level, Samdrup Jongkhar serves as the main trading hub for six eastern districts and is known for its exquisite “Buray” silk garments. These handwoven pieces are loved by Bhutanese and travellers alike. Settle in for the night and soak in the relaxed border-town atmosphere.

After breakfast, enjoy a little time exploring Samdrup Jongkhar — you can stroll through the local market or even pop across the border to India’s Mela Bazar for a quick bit of shopping. Later, drive for around two hours to Nelang near Deothang, the starting point of your trek.

Your trek begins with a downhill walk of about 45 minutes until you reach the Duri River, formed by the joining of the Phudungri, Manchuri, and Morongri streams. From here, follow a gentle riverside trail for about two hours, crossing traditional log bridges seven times before reaching Duktsiri for lunch.

After lunch, continue along the Duri River for another two hours, again crossing six charming log bridges before arriving at Radingphu — a vast, flat campsite that can comfortably fit 60–80 tents. Water is plentiful, and the river offers a refreshing spot for a quick dip if you’re keen.

Start the day with a steep three-hour climb to Dotak, which sits on the border of Pemagatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar. This is your lunch stop.

Afterwards, continue uphill for another two hours until you reach Zerim — a peaceful grassy meadow encircled by broad-leaved trees, offering a lovely vantage point over the Deothang Valley. From Zerim, climb gently for an hour before the trail levels out toward Regonpo at the base of Yonglaphu. Water is available from a nearby spring.

A final straight stretch brings you to Mongling on the Tshelingkhor–Pemagatshel highway, your stop for the night. If preferred, you may also drive one hour via the farm road to Demrizam for your overnight halt.

From Mongling, enjoy wide views of Pemagatshel and Deothang as you make your way slowly downhill, crossing the farm road several times. You may choose to visit Yongla Gonpa, famous for its annual Jali Phurpa religious festival led by the Yongla Lam, complete with mask dances and traditional performances. Another worthwhile stop is the Jangchup Chorten built by Rangshikhar Lam.

Continue onwards to Demrizam for the night.

Demrizam has long served as a traditional rest point for traders. Water is abundant, and the river is a pleasant spot for swimming or fishing (permits can be arranged through your tour operator).

Today’s trek begins with a slow ascent for lunch. After your break, descend steeply to the Tonglingdrang Suspension Bridge. From here, climb gradually and follow an even stretch until you reach Denchung beside the Khaling River. The campsite is well-cleared, but water must be fetched from the river about 100 metres away.

Walk along the Khaling River for just over two hours, where you’ll stop for lunch. Afterward, prepare for one of the more challenging sections of the trek — a steep ascent through serene pine forests.

Your efforts are rewarded at Cheya, a beautiful campsite near the tranquil Cheya Tsho (lake), with water readily available.

On your final trekking day, you can either ride directly from Cheya to Trashigang via Khengthogmani, or trek to Khengthogmani and board your vehicle from there. As this section follows a farm road, it’s recommended that your vehicle meets you at Cheya Tsho for boarding.

After breakfast, begin your early drive back to Samdrup Jongkhar and onwards to Guwahati. By now, you’ll be leaving Bhutan with treasured memories, new friendships, and photographs that will stay with you for years. We hope to welcome you back again to the Land of the Thunder Dragon — a place where the mountains, rivers, and forests always have more stories to share. Tashi Delek!