Merak Sakten Treks

Merak and Sakten Trek (finally opens after 3 decades!)

Merak sakten Treks

Be the first one to go! Lengendry trek to the higest villages of Merak and Sakten

1 - 17 October 2012


Trip FactsBe the first one to go to the highest villages in the north eastern Bhutan! The legendary Merak and Sakten, is now opened for the first time after more than three decades of inception of tourism in Bhutan. The twin villages of Merak and Sakten lying above more than 3000m above the sea level is semi-nomadic yak herders with a unique and fascinating culture in the world.
Our tour begins from Paro, where the only airport is in Bhutan. From Paro we take a domestic flight to Trashigang from where we start trek to Merak and Sakten for 7 days. Immerse deep into the culture of these fascinating people via village exploration, cultural programme and trekking. We then drive back to Paro visiting central and eastern districts.Arrive by Drukair, trek to Merak and Sakten, drive back and flying out.

This trip is suitable for people who may not wish to drive and trace back the same lateral route by car. You will land at Paro by Drukair and take a domestic flight to Trashigang to trek to Merak and Sakten. We then drive the high-way back to Paro visiting eastern and central Bhutan.

Detailed Itinerary


Day 1 (1 Oct, Monday): Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. Then visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there you will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314meters. Overnight hotel in Paro.




Day 2 (2 Oct, Tuesday): Hike to Tiger's Nest
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Explore the monastery complex. Later in the evening, you will hike down to the Paro. Visit the local family and if you wish, you can experience traditional hot-stone bath and sit down for a traditional dinner. Overnight hotel in Paro. .




Day 3 (3 Oct, Wednesday): Take domestic flight to Yonphula
Take a domestic flight to Yonphula. From Yonphula, you will drive to Trashigang. En route visit Sherubtse the first degree college in the country. Check into your hotel on arrival. In the evening you can stroll through Trashigang town and see the modest lifestyle of the people in eastern Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.





Day 4 (4 Oct, Thursday): Trashigang-Chaling-Donmang Chu (Trek starts)
From Trashigang, you will take scenic drive for one and half hours to Chaling passing through Rangjung town and 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. Overnight in camp.





Day 5 (5 Oct, Friday): Donmang Chu-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. Overnight in camp.





Day 6 (6 Oct, Saturday): Merak-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. Overnight in camp.





Day 7 (7 Oct, Sunday): Miksateng-SaktenFirst, you will descend to the river, cross it and then follow the river bank 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. Overnight in camp.





Day 8 (8 Oct, Monday): Explore SaktenYou will visit Sakten village and explore the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group.





Day 9 (9 Oct, Tuesday): Sakten-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 10 (10 Oct, Wednesday): Joenkhar Teng-Phongmey-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. On the way, stop at Rangjung and visit the Rangjung Monastery, which is founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.





Day 11 (11 Oct, Thursday): Trashigang-Mongar
You will begin the day by exploring town and the Dzong, which controls the biggest districts in Bhutan. Then you will drive through many small townships, villages and rivers and finally arrive Mongar. Overnight hotel in Mongar.




Day 12 (12 Oct, Friday): Mongar-Bumthang
Drive the spectacular 8-hour route back to Bumthang, with stops for lunch and tea in nearby villages. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.




Day 13 (13 Oct, Saturday): Bumthang
Day excursion to Tang Valley. Tang valley is the most remote valley in Bumthang, and this will make a nice enjoyable excursion. You'll make a stop in Tang valley for lunch and will have a chance to visit the Ugyen Chholing Palace and explore the village. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa. It's a good place to meditate. In the evening you can visit local shops. Overnight hotel in Bumthang..





Day 14 (14 Oct, Sunday): Bumthang-PunakhaYou'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight hotel in Punakha..




Day 15 (15 Oct, Monday): Punakha-ThimphuIn the morning, you will visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzongs and the ancient capital of Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing from the wooden Phallus if you wish. Continue driving to Thimphu via Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. Overnight hotel in Thimphu..




Day 16 (16 Oct, Tuesday): Thimphu
Sightseeing in Thimphu includes: King's Memorial Chorten; the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong); the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin; Folk Heritage Museum; School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school); the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and traditional paper factory. Afternoon is free time. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.




Day 17 (17 Oct, Wednesday): Thimphu-Paro departure
Drive to the airport for departure.