Merak Sakteng Trek

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Tour Overview

Venture into the uncharted territories of East Bhutan on a unique trekking adventure that delves into the fascinating world of the Brokpa people. This semi-nomadic tribe, of Tibetan origin, welcomes you to experience their distinct culture, traditional attire, and timeless way of life. As you hike through the breathtaking pastoral valleys of the protected Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll discover the untouched beauty of Merak and Sakteng villages, and gain a profound understanding of the Brokpa’s remarkable heritage.

Day 1 : Arrival at Paro airport

Upon your arrival to Bhutan, we will first take you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. We will arrange a perfect meal for you in Thimphu after which we will take a stroll around the Thimphu town.

Day 2 : Thimphu Sightseeing

We will give you a tour of whole Thimphu exploring the most famous tourist spots around, most famous of all being The Memorial Chorten, Buddha point, Farmers’ Market, Folk Heritage Museum, Thimphu Tashichho Dzong and more.

Day 3 :Thimphu - Punakha

Enjoy scenic drive to Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass (3150 meters) where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. When you arrive at Metshina Village, you can take 20-minute walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman’s temple popularly considered to be a temple of fertility. Take lunch in one of the restaurants and continue drive to Punakha. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy for being one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 4 : Punakha - Gangtey / Phobjika Valley

About 30 minutes drive from Punakha; you will arrive at Wangduephodrang, the last town before central Bhutan. The district is famous for its fine bamboo work and stone carving. From Wangduephodrang, the road winds up through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons till Lawala pass, which is blanketed with dwarf bamboos. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Drive downhill for little while and you will be awestricken by the stunning views of Gangtey Goenpa and Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, you can hike in Phobjikha valley, the home to the rare Black Necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Overnight in hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 5 : Phobjika / Gangtey to Bumthang

Today you will head Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s the royal family and from where the first two kings ruled the kingdom. The route is along a spectacular winding road, where the popular Bhutanese film “Travellers and Magicians” was shot. Lunch will be served at Trongsa. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You will then proceed to Bumthang, which is often described as the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. En route, visit the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 6 : Bumthang Halt

This day begins with visit to Jambay Lhakhang. Followed by visits to Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Nyingma Goenba. After lunch, we visit Jakar Dzong, (the Castle of white bird). In the evening, we will visit a Farmer’s House for Bhutanese Tea, Alcohol and Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho). We can also organize overnight stay in Farm House. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel, Bumthang or Farmer’s House.

Day 7 : Bumthang to Mongar

The long drive from Bumthang to Mongar lends itself to some spectacular views, sheer drops and rushing waterfalls. The road passes through beautiful Ura Village and then ascends to Thurmshingla pass (3800m) with spectacular mountain views. Then the road descends to Kuri Zampa (570m above the sea level) through ever changing vegetation. From here, you will climb again about 1100m to Mongar town located on the hillside. You can browse through Mongar town and see the lifestyle of the people, which is different from western and central Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Mongar.

Day 8 : Mongar to Trashigang

Today you will drive to Trashigang passing through several villages. When you reach Chazam Bridge, you will take a turn-off road, which goes to Gom Kora temple. You will visit this temple. It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated here and you can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body on the rock near the temple. You will then drive to Trashigang and visit the town area. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.

Day 9 : Trashigang to Chaling to Donmang Chu (Trek starts)

Today, you will drive to Chaling passing through Radhi village. Your trekking crew and pack animals will be waiting here for you. Trek starts with gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow. You will see yaks and sheep grazing with yak herders’ huts dotted on the hills side. Climb further to reach Mendula Pass at 3354m. From this pass, you will descend through rhododendron forests till Donmong Chu at 3124m.

Day 10 : Donmang Chu to Merak

The trail from Domong Chu to Merak mostly follows the river bends. The final stretch has gentle ascend before you Gangu village. After another 45 minutes walk from this village, you will arrive at Merak located at an altitude of 3520m. The campsite located before the village has spectacular views of nearby mountains and village. Visit the local village and meet with the people.

Day 11 : Merak to Miksateng

Today is the toughest journey of the trek crossing the highest Nachungla pass at 4153m. From the campsite climb gradually to the first pass at 3900m from where you can make last glimpse of Merak valley. Continue the trek along the tree line of juniper and rhododendron forests and conquer the Nachungla pass. Then you will descend to Miksateng at 3079m.

Day 12 : Miksateng to Sakteng

First, you will descend to the river, cross it and then follow the riverbank for few hours. Then climb gradually to a hill adorned by small Chorten (Stupa) overlooking the Sakten valley. If you are lucky, you can spot red panda among the trees. Drop down from the ridge and camp on the outskirts of the Sakten village at 2950m.

Day 13 : Explore Sakteng

You will visit Sakteng village and explore the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group.

Day 14 : Sakteng to Joenkhar Teng

Today’s journey will be a longer and so we will start early from the camp. Leaving Sakten, start with short climb to the small hill towards the west end of the village. Then descend down to the river and walk alongside it through the broad leaf forests. We camp in a beautiful meadow near the river by Joenkhar Teng village (1733m). Joenkhar Teng is situated on the hillside and its population comprises of Brokpa and Sharchopa with a community school and an outreach clinic. Overnight in camp.

Day 15 : Joenkhar Teng to Phongmey to Trashigang (Trek ends)

The last day of the trek begins with short climb through the Joenkhar Teng. Cross few of suspension bridges and short climbs to reach Phongmay. Meet your transport and drive to Trashigang. En route you can visit Radhi and Tsangkhar Villages, which are renowned for “bura” gho and kira, a textile made from raw silk. Little further is Rangjung and you can visit the Ranjung Monastery, founded by the HH Garab Rimpoche. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.

Day 16 : Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar

After breakfast, you will drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Few miles drive from Trashigang is Sherubtse the first premier college in the country. The impressive clock tower and green surrounding give this college the feel of a Himalayan hill station. You will stop at Khaling to visit some of the shops and interact with locals. You will have your lunch in one of the local restaurants on the way. You will arrive at Samdrup Jongkhar after passing through varied villages, landscapes and forests. Overnight hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 17 : Depart Bhutan

After breakfast, you will drive to Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. You will be driving through tea gardens, transparent rivers interspersed with quiet villages, and small townships of vibrant culture. From Guwahati you will fly to other destination.

What's Included in Package

✅Accommodation
✅Meals
✅Transportation
✅Tourist Guide
✅Fees & Permits
✅Adventure Equipment’s
✅Camp Assistances
✅All services and Assistance

What's not Included in Package

❌Flights: Domestic and international
❌Insurance (Travel and Health)
❌Personal Expenses

Merak Sakteng Trek

TOUR OVERVIEW

 

  • Cost: $0.0
  • Tour Type: Trekking
  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Difficult
TOUR ITINERARY

DAY1
Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided.

DAY2:
Fly to Paro in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

DAY3:

Hike to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. Overnight Paro.

DAY4:
Fly to Bumthang in Central Bhutan.

DAY5:
Walk across the Phephe La (3530m) and down into the Tang Valley.

DAY6:
Drive to Yongkola across the Thrimgshing La (3780m).

DAY7:
Morning Birdwatching. Drive to Trashigang. Hike from Ngatsang to Sherizam.

DAY8:
Drive to Chaling. Trek to Chuthapthrap (3100m).

DAY9:
Trek to Merak (3500m).

DAY10:
Trek to Mitersteng (3060m) across Nyuksang la Pass (4140m).

DAY11:
Trek to Sakteng (2930m).

DAY12:
Trek to Thakthrik and drive to Trashigang.

DAY13:
Fly to Paro. Transfer to Thimphu.

DAY14:
Sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive to Paro. Overnight Paro.

DAY15:
Morning flight to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing.

DAY16:
Departure. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE ?
  • Minimum of 3 star rated accommodation
  • All meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)
  • All internal transportation (excluding domestic flights if any)
  • Airport pick-drop
  • Professional English-Speaking guide and driver
  • All road permits and entry fees
  • Government fee, royalty and surcharges
  • Adventure Equipment
  • Camp Assistances
  • All services and assistance before, during and after the trip