Be the first amongst many to follow the trek to the heart of Merak and Sakteng rural villages and get into the life of nomadic yak herders. Lying at an altitude of 3,000 m, Merak and Sakteng have been closed to tourism to preserve the traditions and culture of the Brokpa people, a semi-nomadic group in Eastern Bhutan.
Program
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Day 1
Thimphu
The flight to Paro offers a breathtaking view of the mighty Himalayas. After you have completed your visa formalities, our representative will receive you at Paro International Airport and accompany you on a tour of Paro. Overnight in Thimphu
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Day 2
Bumthang
The drive to Bumthang is long and scenic along the breathtaking highway. We will stop at Tronga for a short break and lunch. Then, we will drive into the beautiful valley of Bumthang and rest for the evening.
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Day 3
Bumthang
Bumthang, meaning ‘beautiful place’, has much to offer. We will visit the most revered Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang, as well as the Burning Lake, also known as Mebar Tsho and a few other local sights.
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Day 4
Mongar
Today the drive will be about 5. half hours to Mongar, crossing the Phrumsengla Pass which is also a second highest motorable mountain pass in Bhutan, with first being the Chele la Pass in Paro. Over night in Mongar.
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Day 5
Trashigang
Drive to Trashigang, which is approximately about 3 hours. Local sightseeing.
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Day 6
Trashigang to Chhaling (Dromgo chhu)
Your trek begins after a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Trashigang to Chaling, passing through Rangjung town and Radhi Village. At Radhi, you will be greeted by your trekking crew and accompanied by pack animals. The trek begins with a gradual ascent towards Shaktimi Meadow. On your trail, you will come across yaks and sheep grazing in numbers with yak herders’ huts spread on the hillside. Further climb will take you to Mendula Pass at 3354m. From here, you will descend through the rhododendron forest till Domgo Chu at 3124. Camp here for the night.
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Day 7
Dromgo Chhu - Merak
The trail from Domgo Chu to Merak follows the banks of a meandering river. A gentle ascent for a while will take you to the Gangu Village. A 45-minute walk from here will take you to Merak at an elevation of 3,520 m. The campsite is located at the entrance of the village. Affords spectacular views of the nearby village and the surrounding mountains. Visit the nearby village and meet the local people, mostly nomadic yak herders. Spend the night in the camp.
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Day 8
Merak - Mitserteng
Crossing the Nachungla pass at an altitude of 4153, today’s trek is the most arduous day of the entire trek. Climbing gradually from the campsite, cross the first pass at 3900m, from where you can get a last glimpse of Merak Valley. Passing through the tree line of Juniper and rhododendrons, conquer the Nachungla Pass. From here on, you will descend to Mitserteng at 3,079 m and camp there for the night.
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Day 9
Mitserteng - Sakteng
Descending further, you will cross a river and follow the riverbank for another few hours. Then, climb gradually until you reach a hill adorned with a small Chorten (stupa) overlooking the Sakteng Valley. On your way, if you are fortunate, you will come across a red panda in the woods. Downhill, passing from the ridge, you reach the outskirts of Sakteng Valley at 2950m. Camp here for the night.
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Day 10
Sakteng
Explore the settlement pattern, lifestyle and culture of this ethnic group, primarily made up of semi-nomadic yak herders. Spending a few hours with Yak herders, along with their yaks, is an experience worth having.
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Day 11
Sakteng - Joengkhar Teng
Today’s destination is long. We start early. Begin with a short climb towards the western end of the village, which will lead up to a small hill. Downhill, descend to the river and follow its bank through the broad-leafed forests. We will camp by the river near Joenkhar Teng village, at an elevation of 1,733 m. Joenkhar Teng is home to the Brokpa and Sharchokpa communities.
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Day 12
Joengkhar Teng - Phongmey(Trashigang)
The final day of the trek starts with a short climb from Joenkhar Teng. The trail passes over several suspension bridges. Another short climb will take you to Phongmay, where the transport team will be waiting for you. Drive to Trashigang and arrive by midday, then visit Rangjung Monastery, the seat of His Eminence, Garab Rinpoche. Overnight in a hotel in Trashigang.
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Day 13
Bumthang
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang, yet another long drive, approximately 8 hours. Free evening.
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Day 14
Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha, a 4-hour drive. Gangtey is a glacial valley and home to the endangered black-necked crane, which migrates during winter. The birds are seen during the 1st week of November until February.
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Day 15
Thimphu
Visit Gangtey Goenba in the morning, and proceed to drive to Punakha, which is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Visit Punakha Dzong. Drive to Thimphu in the evening.
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Day 16
Taktsang Hike
Drive to the trail route of Taktsang Monastery in Paro. Taktsang is a Buddhist monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. You will hike to the Monastery for about three hours; after a tour of the Monastery, walk toward the cafeteria, where lunch will be served. The cafeteria is a beautiful viewpoint from which the Taktsang Monastery is visible. After lunch, hike down where the car will be waiting to take you to the hotel. On the way, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang for a free evening.
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Day 17
Departure
Drive to the airport, where our guide will bid you farewell for your trip back home,
Prices shown are for 3 star hotels. A custom trip with 4- or 5- hotels can be arranged in the cities but only basic accommodation in home stays are available during the trek.
| Group Size | Price/Person (USD) |
| 2 | 5284 |
| 4 | 4355 |
| 6 | 3982 |
| 8 | 3772 |
| 10+ | 3688 |
Guests wishing to stay in a single room will incur a single supplement charge of $343.
Included
- Visa fee and SDF
- Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis
- Full board meal plan with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Registered English speaking Guide
- Comfortable luxury private vehicle (according to group size)
- Complimentary water
- Entrance fees to parks, monuments, and monasteries listed on itinerary
Excluded
- Airline Tickets
- Table drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Any expenses arising out emergency situation
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the included section