Merak-Sakteng stands out as a distinct attraction in Bhutan. Unlike anywhere else in the country, it offers a visitor to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and vernacular in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in Trashigang Dzongkhag (District), in Eastern Bhutan.
It is a moderate trek (between 1,500m and 4,100m) traversing through the semi-nomadic villages of Gengu (3400m), Merak (3500m), Sakteng (2800m), Thakthi (2200m), and Joenkhar (1700m). Tour operators are not mandated to use a particular trail but the most common trail usually begins from Chaling and ends in Phongmey. Both these Geogs of Merak and Sakteng are an important watershed for Ngere Ama chu and Gamri chu rivers respectively.
The campsites have been designed aesthetically to blend with local architecture and ambiance. Enclosed by a stonewall (with a gate to bring in the ponies to unpack trekking paraphernalia), the campsite is equipped with facilities such as tenting sheds, toilets, kitchens (in some), dining area and water supply. A signage describing the location, altitude, forest type, fauna, additional hiking trails in the locality, distance and time to next camp welcomes a visitor to each campsite.
|
Max Elevation |
4,100 m |
|
Min Elevation |
1,500 m |
|
Difficulty |
Medium |
|
Season |
March, April, May, September, October, November |
|
No. of Days |
7 Days |
What is included in the tour
- Group medical kit
- Return airport transfer and transport to/from the trek
- Horsemen and helpers
- Food, Transport and Accommodation
- Camping in twin sharing tents
- Bhutan visa services and fees
- Trekking expedition leader
- Sleeping bags and insulated mat
- Entry fees and trekking permits
- English speaking guides and for other languages like Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish and German, there will be a surcharge.
Things To Carry
- Trekking Shoes
- Winter hat and gloves
- Waterproof jackets and pants
- Backpack with a rain cover
- 3 liters water bottle
- Hiking poles
- Head lamp with extra batteries
- Toiletries
- Personal Medical Kit
-
Comfortable Clothing
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
- Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
- Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic drink
- The MERAK SAKTENG TREK is not recommended for children between the ages of 0-13 years, or for those suffering from respiratory, cardiac, or circulatory disorders that hampers health and restricts mobility.
- A good amount of fitness and mobility is a prerequisite for this activity.
- The tour begins at Paro International Airport and ends at either Guwahati Airport or Paro International Airport. If you are travelling by road, you will be dropped off to Jaigoan (India), a bordering town to Bhutan.
- You will be asked for a scanned copy of your passport, with a minimum 6-month validity, prior to the trip. We shall need the same to take care of your visa application procedure.
- On arriving at the airport, please present a printed copy or a mobile voucher of your booking, for verification.
- International travel and insurance is not included in the package. Please book your flights and purchase your insurance prior to flying.
Day 1: Chaling - Damnongchu
The trek to Merak will start from Chaling reached by following an unsealed road from Rangjung. Damnongchu camping area is located after Mindrula which lies at about 3,316m / 10,880ft.
|
Distance |
4 km |
|
Time |
3 hours |
|
Ascent |
........... m |
|
Camp Altitude |
3,316 m |
Day 2: Damnongchu - Merak
The trail from Damnongchu to Merak goes along the river bank with gradual ups and downs. Over night at Damnongchu Camp.
|
Distance |
5 hours |
|
Time |
5 hours |
|
Ascent |
. .......... m |
|
Camp Altitude |
3,499 m |
Day 3: Merak - Miksa Teng
The trek from Merak to Miksa Teng is long and of medium difficulty. It will pass through the beautiful Nagchungla pass (approx 4,100m / 13,451ft). The campsite is located in a clearing surrounded by rhododendron trees.
|
Distance |
16 km |
|
Time |
5 hours |
|
Ascent |
Ascent 633 m |
|
Camp Altitude |
3079 m |
Day 4: Miksa Teng - Sakteng
Trek to Sakteng from Miksa Teng is easy making your way through beautiful woods with a short climb before reaching Sakteng. Overnight at Camp.
|
Distance |
14 km |
|
Time |
5 hours |
|
Ascent |
........... m |
|
Camp Altitude |
2,950 m |
Day 5: Sakteng Day Halt
Time to explore this remote Himalayan village.
|
Distance |
........... |
|
Time |
............. |
|
Ascent |
........... m |
|
Camp Altitude |
............. m |
Day 6: Sakteng - Jyonkhar Teng
Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng trek is an easy trek comparing to previous days. It is mostly downhill to Jyonkhar Teng camp.
|
Distance |
17 km |
|
Time |
6.5 hours |
|
Ascent |
........... m |
|
Camp Altitude |
1,859 m |
Day 7: Jyonkhar Teng - Phongmay
The final day. This day is full with ups and down until you reach the road that head to Phongmay. Drive to Tashigang.
|
Distance |
12 km |
|
Time |
5 hours |
|
Ascent |
. .......... m |
|
Camp Altitude |
1,981 m |
