Merak Sakteng Trek

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, offering great views of the impressive peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by our guide and then transfer to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch, you will visit the Rinpung Dzong, the 15th-century massive fortress which now serves as the administrative and monastic center of the valley. From the Dzong, you can walk down to the road head, crossing a traditional wooden bridge. Following this, you will be taken to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples built in the 7th century. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town.

Today, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which is located at the face of the cliff (3100m) offering the best view of Paro valley. According to legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th-century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back to Paro. Then, drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu includes King’s Memorial Stupa (which was built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck), School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), Nunnery temple, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Buddha Point, and Motithang Takin Preserve. In the evening, visit the Tashi Chhoedzong, the seat of the national government. Later, you can stroll through Thimphu city and see the lifestyle of the people. Overnight in the hotel.

Today you can enjoy a beautiful drive to Punakha. Along the way, we will stop at Dochula pass (3150 meters) where on a clear day you can get great views of the Himalayas. In the clear sky, we will see all the Himalayan ranges including the highest peak of Bhutan, Gangkar Puensum (7560m) above sea level. From the pass, drive downhill through the forest of rhododendrons, fir, and hemlock. After lunch, you can take a short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility). Then, continue the drive to Punakha. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the former capital and the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.

Today we will drive to remote Gangtey with a short stop in Wangdue to get a glimpse of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong that sits dramatically on the ridge. We will continue our drive through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons until we reach Lawala pass (3250m). The pass offers amazing views of the Himalayan Mountains. Drive downhill for some time and get 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 the amazing Phobjikha valley and visit the crane center which has detailed information. The Black Necked Cranes migrate from Tibet to this valley in winter.

After breakfast, you will drive to Bumthang. The route is along a beautiful winding road, passing Pele La pass (3400m). 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. We will stop at Chummey Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with different patterns. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, sightseeing in Bumthang includes Jakar Dzong located on a ridge, built in the 15th century. Next, visit Kurjey Lhakhang where body imprints of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century remain preserved on the rock. Then, visit Jambay Lhakhang which was built by Tibetan king Songtshen Gempo in the 7th century. Following this, take a short hike to Tamshing Lhakhang built in the 15th century by the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, you can walk around in Bumthang town and interact with locals.

After breakfast, your journey to eastern Bhutan begins. Eastern Bhutan is different from the west as it is less developed. The route slowly descends into Ura Valley, a stunning village. We will continue our drive through the Thrumshingla National park and stop at Thrumshingla pass 3750m, the second-highest driving point in Bhutan. In clear weather, we can see an amazing view of Gangkhar Phuensum (7540m) and other Himalayan peaks. We will descend to Sengkhor village and have lunch here. Then, continue our drive and see Namling waterfall. We will arrive at Mongar. Overnight at a hotel in Mongar.

After breakfast, you will drive to Trashigang. From here, the road climbs for a while to Kori La pass (2400m). As you descend from the pass, you will cross a small town. Then, continue your drive until you reach Dangme Chhu river bridge, from where you climb to Trashigang. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

8Km | 6 hours | 1554m Ascent | 230m Descent | Camp altitude 3124m

In the morning, you will drive to Chaling passing through Radhi village. Your trekking staff and pack animals will be waiting here for you. The trail starts with a gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow. Here you can see yaks and sheep grazing with yak herders’ huts dotted on the hillside. Continue climbing to reach Mendula Pass (3354m). From this pass, you will descend through rhododendron forests until you reach Donmong Chu at 3124m.

10Km | 4 hours | 36m Ascent | Camp altitude 3520m

Today the trek from Domong Chu to Merak mostly follows the river bends. The final stretch has a gentle climb before you reach Gangu village. After another 50 minutes of walking from this village, you will arrive at Merak, located at an altitude of 3520m. The campsite just before the village has great views of nearby mountains and the village. Explore the village and meet with the local people.

14Km | 6 hours | 633m Ascent | 1074m Descent | Camp altitude 3079m

The trail is quite hard today, crossing the highest Nachungla pass at 4153m. From the campsite, climb gradually to the first pass at 3900m, from where you can get a last glimpse of Merak valley. Continue the trek through the forest of juniper and rhododendron and finally reach the Nachungla pass. From the pass, you will descend to Miksateng at 3079m.

14Km | 5 hours | 81m Ascent | 310 Descent | Camp altitude 2950m

The trail descends to the river. Cross it and then follow the riverbank for a few hours. Then, climb gradually to a hill marked by a small Chorten overlooking the Sakten valley. Here you can spot Red Pandas among the trees if you are fortunate. The trail descends from the ridge and finally reaches the camp at Sakten village at 2950m.

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

17Km | 7 hours | 74m Ascent | 1291m Descent | Camp altitude 1733m

Today our trek will be longer, so we will start early from the camp. Leaving Sakten, start with a 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 broadleaf 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 includes Brokpa and Sharchopa people with a community school and a health clinic. Overnight in camp.

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

In the morning, drive from Trashigang to Yonphula, which will take an hour of uphill climbing through beautiful villages and farmland, and then finally to the airport. The airport is at an elevation of 2750m. From the airport, if the weather is clear, you can catch Mount Jumolhari in the distance. The 35-minute flight offers great views of the northern Himalayan ranges of Bhutan and beautiful valleys. Arrive at Paro Airport, then check into the hotel. After lunch, visit the archery playing ground where locals play matches traditionally and mingle with them. Later in the evening, walk in Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Drive to Paro Airport for your flight. Our representative will bid you farewell.