- Description
- Specifications
This Merak & Sakteng Trek is 14 days Bhutan tour package combined with 6 days best eco trek in Bhutan. 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.
Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu
We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city
- Visit the weekend market (Thu-Sun): An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country.
- In the evening we will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city.
- Visit Tashichho Dzong: Houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and government secretariat buildings, beautiful arts and crafts, built in 17th century.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country.
- Cheri Monastery: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies.
- Memorial Chorten: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day.
- Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley.
- Changangkha Lhakhang: Changangkha Lhakhang is locatedon a small hill overlooking the Thimphu Town below. The main relic of Changangkha Lhakhang is the Chenrigzi in an 11 headed thousand arms manifestation.
- Visit textile museum: The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (2.5 Hrs)
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan.
- Dochula pass 3150m: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges.
- Visit Lamperi Botanical Garden: The park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you can find about 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendrons and spot some of the 220 species birds.
- Visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang
- Enjoy the walks on the suspension bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana
- Overnight in Punakha
Day 04: Punakha to Paro (3.5 Hrs)
As we proceed to Paro,
- Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child.
- Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.
- Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below.
- Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan.
Day 05: Site seeing in Paro
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. Overnight in Paro
Day 06: Paro to Tashigang (fly-out)
The flight from Paro to Yonphula Airport (Trashigang) is beautiful over the mountains. Yonphula Airport.
- Arrive in Trashigang, the easternmost district of Bhutan, and transfer to your accommodation.
- Explore Trashigang town and visit the Trashigang Dzong, a fortress overlooking the town.
- Overnight stay in Trashigang.
Day 07: Trashigang to Chaling
- Drive from Trashigang to Chaling, the starting point of the trek.
- Begin trekking towards Merak, following the trail along the Gamri River.
- Trek through dense forests and picturesque valleys.
- Arrive at the village of Chaling and set up camp for the night.
- Dinner and camping overnight in Chaling.
Day 08: Chaling to Merak
- Continue trekking from Chaling to Merak village.
- Trek through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests.
- Encounter yaks grazing in the high-altitude pastures.
- Arrive at Merak village, where you'll be greeted by the friendly Brokpa people.
- Explore the traditional village and interact with the locals.
- Dinner and camping overnight in Merak.
Day 09: Merak to Miksa Teng
- Trek from Merak to Miksa Teng, another picturesque village in the region.
- Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Pass by yak herder camps and grazing grounds.
- Arrive at Miksa Teng village and set up camp for the night.
- Dinner and camping overnight in Miksa Teng.
Day 10: Miksa Teng to Sakteng
- Continue trekking from Miksa Teng to Sakteng village.
- Trek through rugged terrain and dense forests.
- Cross high mountain passes and descend into the Sakteng Valley.
- Arrive at Sakteng village, the largest settlement in the region.
- Explore the village and learn about the unique culture and traditions of the Brokpa people.
- Dinner and camping overnight in Sakteng.
Day 11: Sakteng Exploration
- Spend the day exploring Sakteng village and its surroundings.
- Visit the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna including the elusive red panda.
- Explore nearby monasteries and sacred sites.
- Learn about the traditional way of life of the Brokpa people through cultural interactions.
- Dinner and camping overnight in Sakteng.
Day 12: Sakteng to Trashigang
- Trek back from Sakteng to Chaling, retracing your steps through the wilderness.
- Say farewell to the Brokpa villagers and stunning landscapes of the region.
- Drive from Chaling back to Trashigang.
- Overnight stay in Trashigang.
Day 13: Tashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar (6 hrs)
The journey from Trashigang to the plains of Samdrup Jongkhar is picturesque and breathtaking. The drive is mostly through the deep forest, small curves, and few little villages. The drive ends with a view of the plains of India and descending in the warm plains of Bhutan India border town. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar, altitude 173m
Day 14: End of Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan