Merak Sakteng Trek
Overview
Bhutan’s Merak Sakteng Trek offers a unique glimpse into a semi-nomadic way of life. Trek
through a protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in the far east of Bhutan in
Trashigang district, traversing scenic valleys as high as 4100 meters. Ascend the altitudes
through villages such as Joenkhar, Thakthi, and the renowned Merak and Sakteng, experiencing their distinct cultural life and vernacular architecture. This moderate trek offers comfortable campsites, blending seamlessly with the local aesthetic. Facilities such as tenting sheds, toilets, kitchens, dining areas, and water supply are available. Choose this Bhutan trekking adventure to discover her nomadic communities.

Trip Highlights
- Experience the lifestyle and culture of the Merak and Sakteng people.
- Explore alpine meadows, mountain passes, and subtropical forests
- Visit Radhi village
- Tour a farmhouse and immerse yourself in their daily life.
- Visit historic Buddhist monasteries
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Duration
17 Nights/18 Days
Trek Difficult level
Moderate
Avg. Walking Time
4-5 Hours
Avg. Walking Dist.
6-8 Km
Group Size
2 & above
Accommodation
Hotels/Camp
Best season
Sep-Dec
Highest Altitude
4200 m
Route Map

Itinerary
Arrive at Guwahati airport in Assam, India. Meet our representative and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, a trade hub for eastern Bhutan. In the evening stroll around the town. Overnight at Hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.
After an early breakfast, drive north to Trashigang. En-route we visit a local weaving center in Khaling. Later in the afternoon, we visit Trashigang Dzong, the administrative center for the valley. Overnight at Hotel in Trashigang.
Drive to Trashiyangtse, visit Gomkora temple, Doksum village along the way. In Trashiyantse, visit Traditional Art School, Chorten Kora, and stroll around the village and its small town. Return to Trashigang overnight. Overnight at Hotel in Trashigang
From Trashigang drive for about 2 hours to the road end at Chaling at 2135m. Then begin trekking with a gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow, with yaks and sheep grazing with some yak herders’ huts scattered on the hillside. Continue the climb to reach Mendula Pass at 3345m. After the pass, it is all downhill through the rhododendron forests till campsite at a beautiful meadow known as Donmong chu by the river at 3145m. Overnight in camp.
Today we trek along the Donmong Chu River through the rhododendron forests and shrubs. Today’s trail skips steep climbs and follows the river bends, gradually gaining height. The first village we come across is Gangu (3430m) and after another 45 minutes, we arrive at a large Merak village at an elevation of 3520m. Overnight in Camp.
We start early from the camp, towards the east with a gradual climb to the first pass at 3900m. Today we cross the highest pass along with some smaller passes and ridges so it might be the toughest day this trek. We continue along the tree line till we reach Nachungla Pass at 4150m. Catch a glimpse of 360 views of Bhutan peaks, Arunachal and Tibet. From the pass, it is a long descent to Miksateng village campsite at 3060m. Overnight in camp.
After breakfast, we descend down to the river and then climb gradually towards a small pass with a small Chorten (stupa) on the hill overlooking the Sakteng valley. From the ridge, we descend down to the valley, cross the river into Sakten village at an altitude of 2950m.
Overnight in camp
Today we rest at Sakteng exploring its beauty. In the morning, we visit the village, local homes, temple, meet with people, and witness the lifestyle and unique living culture of this ethnic group. In the afternoon, we watch the cultural show performed by locals. Brokpas have unique yak and ache Lhamo dances. We can also try the local liquor with a special ceremony. Overnight in Sakteng.
Today we trek for about 6-7 hours with a gradual descent. As the journey seems long so we start early from the camp. Leaving Sakteng, we march forward for the Joenkhar Teng and camp right next to the river at an altitude of 1750m. Overnight in camp
Our last day of the trek begins with a short climb through Joenkhar Teng and a long descent crossing suspension bridges and a short climb to reach Phongmay (1770m). Afterward, drive to Mongar town, which takes about 5hrs via Trashigang. Overnight at Hotel in Monger.
After breakfast, we begin a long and spectacular drive west to Bumthang, across Thrumshingla National park, witnessing the drastic vegetation and landscapes, rich in birds and other wildlife. We also pass through many small hamlets and villages along the way before arriving in Jakar in the evening. Overnight at Hotel in Jakar.
In the morning visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. From Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro). After lunch, hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later, visit Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, and then take a stroll through Bumthang’s market area before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast take a long drive to Punakha. From Jakar, cross into Chumey valley, then across Yontongla pass, we arrive in Trongsa, where we stop to peek at the Tower of Trongsa Museum and also see the impressive Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa Dzong is one of the largest fortresses in Bhutan. Traverse Pele la pass (through Black mountain national park) and descend into semi-tropical Punakha-Wangdue valley, where we arrive in the evening. Overnight at Punakha.
After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). And drive for about 12 km and from the road, point takes a walk across the rice fields and a river to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang. It houses the paintings and statues belonging to the Nyingmapa tradition. Visit Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chime Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Afterward, drive to Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Buddha Point, Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong. In the evening, drive to Paro. Overnight at Paro in Hotel.
After Breakfast visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently. You’ll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the Dzong. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. After Lunch, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. overnight hotel in Paro.
Early in the morning, make an excursion to Taktsang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. (The hike demands a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost). Just on the outskirts of Paro town, visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and have the opportunity to meet the local villages in a local farmhouse. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.
After early breakfast drive to Paro Airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
COST INCLUDES
- Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 Per night per person
- Visa
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- All meals
- Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide
- Entrance fees
- All internal taxes & charges
- Mineral Water
Facilities provided on the trek
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Trekking cook
- Helpers
- Ponies and yaks
- Tents, Sleeping tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent and shower tent
- 3 meals a days
- Mattresses and all other trekking accessories.
- Hot water bag
COST EXCLUDES
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips
- Internet and Phone bills
- Other personal expenses