Trek to the highlands of merak and sakteng
Merak and Sakteng in Eastern Bhutan are the Twin Jewels of the East. It was long closed to outsiders. The beautiful far flung regions of Merak and Sakten present Bhutan travelers with the unique opportunity to see two of the least known valleys in the kingdom.
Till Merak there is a dirt road but to reach Sakten , you need to trek for two days from Merak and require a certain level of physical fitness.
If you are not a trekking person then you can choose to visit only Merak village to get the glimpse of the Nomadic lifestyle.
There are many activities that you can engage in while you are visiting these villages.You can trek to the sacred mountain of Jomo Kuengkhar in Merak , witness the yak dances unique to the region or catch a performance of the famous nomadic opera, Ache-Lhamo.
You can also experience the simple generosity of the Brokpa people, learn how their traditional garb is still fashioned from yak skin and listen to timeless tales of the yeti which form an inseparable part of Brokpa lore.
Journey into the hidden valleys of Merak and Sakteng and discover the exquisite eastern wilderness of Bhutan.
Duration: 11 Nights/ 12 Days
Location:Paro- Tashigang – Radhi – Merak – Miksa Teng – Sakteng – Jyonkhar – Phongmay.
Day 01: Arrive At Paro (2,280M)
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight.
On arrival at Paro International Airport, after completing immigration and custom formalities, the representative from Bhutan Inbound team will receive you and transfer to hotel.
- After lunch/Brief Refreshment, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) located on a promontory overlooking the valley. The building was originally built as a watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a fine collection of national costumes and fabrics, an extensive gallery of thangkas, impressive stamp gallery, showcasing armor and silverware.
- Visit Ringpung Dzong, (the fortress of the heap of Jewels built in the 17th century) which houses the office of the district governor and district monastic body. Walk down the stone path and through the traditional wooden bridge, which is one of the fine specimens of Bhutanese architecture and explore Paro village town.
Overnight At Hotel in Paro.
Day 02 : Paro – Yonphula Tashigang – Radhi
Paro- Yonphula – Tashigang- Radhi- 1,630M/ Phongmey – 1,800M, Day excureion. Take a domestic flight from Paro to Yonphula Drive towards Trashigang Have lunch there and after lunch drive to Rangjung (1,200m) and explore Radhi village, yet another place very famous for traditional hand weavings. Radhi is a well-known community in the east for the production of bura (raw silk) textiles. Textile production has become a major income source for the people of Radhi, especially in the off-agricultural seasons. Around 200 households here are dependent upon bura weaving and all use the traditional back-strap.
Overnight at homestay at Radhi.
Day 03: Radhi To Merak :-
We will pass Chaling village, cross a pass and descend into Damnongchu valley. Short drive uphill afterwards, arrive in the first “Brokpa” (Yak herders) village of Gengu with a temple. Shortly after, you arrive in Merak village.
Overnight at homestay at Merak
Day 04: Explore Merak
Explore Merak After breakfast, today the whole day will be devoted to visit in and around the Merak village. It involves visit to the local home, if possible, school, interaction with people and delving deeper into their social, cultural and religious structure of this unique community. Merak is a large village with about 60 or so households, located at an elevation of 3480m.
Overnight at homestay at Merak
Day 05 : Merak- Miksa Teng
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: 6Km; Time: 5Hours; Ascent 633m;Camp Altitude 3079M
Overnight at Camp
Day 06: Miksa Teng- Sakteng
Time to explore this remote Himalayan village.
Overnight at homestay in Sakteng
Day 07 : Sakteng Day Halt
The diverse rituals and customs of the Brokpa people make Sakten an interesting place to visit.
Overnight at Campsite
Day 08 : Sakteng- Jyongkharteng
Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng trek is an easy trek comparing to previous days. It is mostly downhill to Jyonkhar Teng camp. Distance: 17Km; Time: 6.5Hours; Camp Altitude 3079M.
Overnight At Campsite
Day 09: Jyongkharteng- Phongmey – Tashigang
The final day. This day is full with ups and down until you reach the road that head to Phongmay. Drive to Tashigang. Distance: 12Km; Time: 5Hours;Camp Altitude 1981M.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 10: Yonphula- Paro
Fly from Yonphula , it takes about half an hour, however if you have time we can go by road which will take about 12 hours. However if you choose to fly then you can do Taktsang hike on same day as domestic flights are usually in morning.
Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery where they brew many styles of beers considering the different drinking palates for taste, making sure that all beer-lovers are satisfied. This added to the innovative nature of craft brewers all over the world have taken the market by storm, allowing them always to brew something new.
Take a stroll through Paro town, a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 11: Taktsang Hike
- Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest) is the most recognizable sites in Bhutan. Built precariously on a hillside cliff, it sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Accessible only by foot, we follow a trail decorated with colorful prayer flags along the way to protect travelers from evil spirits. Built over the caves that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in for three years, this eighth-century father of Bhutan Buddhism is said to have been brought there on the back of a tigress. One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan it offers breathtaking views to those energetic enough to make it to the top.
- Later visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan , Kichu Temple.
- In the evening ,you can also try a traditional hot stone bath & try a hand on local archery game.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 12: Departure
Bhutan Inbound Team will drop you all till Airport & bid you farewell
HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Trek in the far eastern and secluded regions the kingdom
Discover the scenic pastoral valleys of Merak and Sakteng.
Experience the unique semi-nomadic traditions and customs.
Visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Embark on the thrills of Himalayan trek routes
Traverse the trails of wild blossoms
Earn a reward of breathtaking landscapes
Enjoy the Architectural grandeur of Paro Dzong And Ta Dzong/National Museum
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 3230
PACKAGE INCLUSION
A Sustainable Tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education, helath, road sectors, etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Complimentary from company:
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for the guide and driver