MERAK - SAKTENG TREK
Overview of the tour
Merak and Sakteng Highland Trek
Embark on a journey to the highland villages of Merak and Sakteng, predominantly inhabited by nomadic communities.
Unique Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in the distinctive culture, attire, and traditional lifestyle of these highland communities, known for their reliance on yaks.
Trekking Options
With various entry and exit points, the trek offers flexibility, allowing you to explore the highland villages and learn from the locals during the optimal spring and autumn seasons.
Living with Communities
Live alongside and engage with the highland communities, gaining insights into their way of life and experiencing firsthand the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan's highlands.
Itinerary and Tour Cost
- On arrival Guwahati Airport you will go through the Immigration formalities and meet with Bhutan Journeys associate from Guwahati.
- 3 hours’ drive through Assam to Samdrup Jongkhar
- Samdrupjonkhar is the eastern gateway to Bhutan.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Depart to Trashigang (7 -8 hours’ drive)
- Pass through Deowathang, military base in eastern Bhutan
- Enjoy the lush tropical vegetation Wamgrong to Kaling
- Visit weaving center started by Women Association of Bhutan
- Kaling Blind School and passes through Yonphula Domesstic Airport
- Shebrutse or Kalung college, 1st university in Bhutan
- Tashigang (3,375ft.), the biggest and most populated districts in the country.
- Visit Tashigang Dzong
- Tashigang town
- Overnight: Hotel
- Distance : 47 km
- Drive from Trashigang through Chaling (2148m), scenic Rangjung town
- Mendula pass at 3154m. Donmong chu.
- Campsite : Merak village (3520m)
- Overnight: Camp
- Distance: 16km, Time: 5hrs. 633m.
- The trek pass through the beautiful Nachungla Pass at 4153m
- Miksateng village
- Campsite at 3079m
- Overnight: Camp
- Distance: 14km, Time: 5hrs.
- Campsite: Sakteng (2950m)
- Overnight: Camp
- Rest day to explore and experience the lifestyle and unique living culture of this ethnic group
- Overnight: Camp
- Distance 17km, Time: 6.5 hrs.
- Joenkharteng village (1733m)
- Overnight: Camp
- Distance: 12km. Time: 4-5 hrs.
- Trek to Phongmay
- Meet transportation and drive to Trashigang.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Depart to TashiYangtsi and drive takes less than 3 hours
- Visit Gom Kora Temple, scared site of Guru Rimpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan
- Doksum village and see woman busy weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric
- Drive to visit TashiYangtsi Dzong. TashiYangtsi is an important district as it lies on one of caravan route leading from western or central Bhutan.
- Visit Chorten Kora Institute of Art and Craft
- Stroll through town.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Depart to Mongar crossing Chazam Bridge and Kolung River.
- Take a diversion road to visit Dametsi Monastery,
- Founded by Chorten Zangmo, one of the most sacred monastery in eastern Bhutan.
- Picnic lunch along the way.
- Drive through Rahdi Loop and explore the Radhi village.
- Drive to Mongar over Korila
- Overnight: Hotel
- Transfer to Bumthang (7-8 hours and it is a long driving day)
- Enjoying the most breathtaking drive with great watching cascading waterfalls through lush forest to Singor
- Pass the highest motorable pass in the kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass – 12, 465ft.
- Botanical garden of Rhododendrons where 23 types of Rhododendrons are available during the flowering season
- Descend to URA village through a rugged terrain
- Drive over Shetrangla pass and descend to Tangsibi to Dechen Pelrithang to Jakar.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Most spectacular valley and an ideal place for hiking easily accessible to visit some of most sacred sites in Bhutan
- Visit Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery, Red Panda Brewery and Jakar town.
- Evening at leisure
- Overnight: Hotel
- Transfer early morning to Phobjikha via Trongsa (7-8 hours’ drive)
- Visit Ta Dzong “The Tower of Trongsa” resorted into an elegant museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity
- Visit Trongsa Dzong– The most massive in structure and its architecture
- Enjoy your journey through the stunning views of the amazing forest and villages
- Drive over Phelepass (3350m 11000ft) surrounded by Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
- Take the road that leads to Phobjikha valley over Lawala pass
- Descend to Phobjikha Valley, a wide open glacial valley and well known as the winter habitat for the Black necked cranes (Grus Nigricolis) – early November to end of March.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Take an eco-nature trail hike through the beautiful alpine setting environment, enjoying the peace and tranquillity
- Visit Gangtey Gompa monastery
- Depart to Punakha, and experience the beautiful sceneries of Bhutan.
- Overnight: Hotel
- Visit Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness.”
- Picnic lunch at the riverside.
- Afternoon white water rafting about 2 hours.
- Drive to Thimphu, over Dochula pass (350m, 10,000ft.)
- Overnight: Hotel
- Visit following places of cultural interest.
- Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue)
- National Memorial Chorten (Stupa)
- Takin Enclosure
- Traditional Paper Factory
- Handicrafts
- Overnight: Hotel
- Weekend Market
- Iron chain Bridge
- Paro Dzong
- Overnight: Hotel
- Excursion hike to Taktsang (Tiger Nest) monastery
- Kyichu Monastery
- Paro Town
- Overnight: Hotel
- Transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight
- Price Includes:
- Accommodation at 3 star hotels
- All meals included (B/L/ D) at 3 star hotels and restaurants
- Transportation for the entire trip
- Service of licensed English speaking tour
- Experience driver
- Visa fee
- Sustainable Development fee
- Entrance fee museum, monument, permits etc.
- Provide Trek equipment, two men sleeping tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table and chair
- Pack ponies for carrying trek equipment
- Mineral Water on culture tour and boiled water water on the trek
- Services of horseman
- Mineral water
- Price Excludes:
- Airfare for your desired flight sector to fly into and depart from Bhutan
- Insurance Document
- Sleeping bag
- Private Expenses
- Drinks
- Tips
