Trip Overview
Guwahati>Samdrup Jongkhar>Trashigang >Merak>Sakteng>Tashi Yangtse>Mongar>Lhuentse>Tashigang>Guwahati
Merak Sakteng Trek passes through the famous Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected nature reserve in eastern Bhutan. The sanctuary is typical Himalayan terrestrial ecosystems, combing alpine meadow, temperate forest and warm broad leaf forest. According to the surveys conducted by the World Wildlife Fund some 203 species of plants, 119 species of birds and 18 species of mammals have been confirmed. The park is home to the snow leopard and red panda which are classified internationally as “highly endangered” species. While the park was created to conserve its rich flora and fauna, it was also created with the intention of further research on the mythical Yeti, whose tales of wandering in the valley is very popular among the locals. Whilst there are no scientific proofs confirming the presence of this mythical creature or the abominable snowman, a visit to Merak Sakteng will question science as locals insist that there have been many sightings of Yeti in this region.
Merak and Sakteng lies in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and its the home to the Brokpa people known for their unique cultural heritage of the Brokpa (normadic) people and the communities are known for one of Bhutan’s unique and semi-normadic lifestyles. The culture and history here is very different from the other parts of Bhutan due to its long isolation from the world. Therefore the Merak Sakteng Trek was developed as a unique attraction in Bhutan. Very few westerners have been here and a visit here cant get more off-the-beaten path than anywhere else. The trip also includes some of the least-visited villages and eastern Bhutan.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Guwahati and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar.
Guests will be welcomed at the Guwahati international airport by our staff and after quickly loading up the bikes and equipment, we’ll start driving towards Bhutan. The drive passes through many Indian villages and countryside and enters Bhutan through the border town of samdrup Jongkhar. Explore the town in the evening. It is very interesting to see a mix of Bhutanese and Indian lifestyles living together since times immemorial. Overnight in hotel. Drive time 4 hours
Day 2
Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang.
After breakfast, you’ll start driving to Trashigang. The drive is beautiful through sub-tropital vegetation and temperate forests along the most important eastern road circuit that connects most of the eastern parts of Bhutan. You can also visit the most important university, the Sherabtse college in Kanglung to get a feel of campus life in Bhutan. It is legendary in every respect as majority of its alumni make up the working population in Bhutan. Continue to Khaling and visit the National Institute for the Visually Impaired (NIVI). This institute was started in the year 1973 with its first three students. The first principal of the institute was Mr. Einar Kippenes, a Norwegian. The establishment of the institute was the personal initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Namgyel Wangchuck, the then honorable minister of Trade Industry and Forests. Today the institute produces a number of intelligent, talented, hardworking and dedicated citizens every year, who serve the nation in different capacities and ways.
Visit the Khaling textile weaving center which is operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan. Explore Trashigang town in the evening.
Day 3
Tashigang to Merak. First day Trek
After breakfast a 16 km ride meanders along the Gamri river which brings you to a small township of Rangjung. There upon a hill lies the famous Rangjung Ösel Chöling monastery, established by Dungse Garab Dorje Rinpoche in 1989. Visit the temple which is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Continue to Radhi on a nice unpaved farmroad for 6 km and then drive further up to the beautiful Shatimi meadows inhabited by travelling nomads with yaks and sheep. Continue to hike on a beautiful stretch of the trail adjacent to the river through Rhododendron forests and shrubs and gradually ascend to the beautiful meadows of Gangu where you’ll be welcomed by friendly Brokpas (highlanders) with red cheeks and smiling faces. The ride is from Gangu to Merak is on scenic meadows which makes for a great hiking trail. The village is one of the two main strongholds of the Brokpas and continues to remain as one of the most isolated villages in Bhutan. Explore the village in the evening, interact with locals, visit their houses and be served by the communities. Hiking time - 4 hours
Day 4
Sightseeing and exploration in Merak
Merak and Sakteng are part of a special community-based tourism project where the interaction with the locals is highlighed. We’ve added this day for further exploration of the village and its residents. Get into the lifestyles of the nomads, witness Yak milking, butter churning, cheese making and listen to a lot of Yeti stories told with real dexterity and realness. You can then visit the community school in the morning and share your stories with the teachers and students who are more than happy to have a rate guest lecturer. We also organise games like archery and traditional darts and you may try a hand as well. Our guests have really enjoyed participating in the games. If even have a policy to discount your daily tourists fees based on the numbers of hits you make on a target set 80m away. If you have 5 kareys (hits), we discount 5 days worth of your daily tourist fees!! So come prepared. No matter how skeptical one might be about the existence of Yetis, when you are here it is really hard not to believe as the Brokpas will convince you that the Yeti does exists as their stories of encounter with the abominable snowman seem to be undeniable. We’ll spend the whole evening talking to locals around the campfire.
Day 5
Merak to Miksateng. Approx 11 km, 633 m ascend, 1074m descend.
Today’s first leg of the ride is characterised by riding through the measows of Merak village and gradually ascending towards the Nachungla pass at 3750m today. As you bikers climb the highlander’s meadows, you will be traversing smaller ridges and alpine forests. The view from the ridge offers a bird’s-eye view of the underlying Merak village blanketed in morning smog. Continue on a amazing singletrack gradual descend from the pass through a forests of Juniper and Rhododendrons, crossing small steams and then the trail goes on an steep descent for a good 3 km till you reach your campsite Miksateng at 3079 m.
Day 6
Miksateng to Sakteng. Approx 12 km, 5 hours, 81m ascend, 310 m descend.
After a hearty breakfast, you will continue to descend to the river and after crossing it the trail continues on beautiful singletrack running adjacent to the river all the way to the Sakteng River basin. Here visit the crash site where the last remnants of the properllor from a plane remains. A brief ride across the river basin enters the scenic Sakteng village, a beautiful village located ideally on a sprawling meadow. The campsite is located next to the river at 2950m.
Day 7
Sakteng Village Exploration
Sakteng is comparatively a bigger settlement than Merak as it comprises of smaller adjoining villages of Tengma and Borangtse. Today you will visit village homes, schools, the park office and also take a short hike to the local temples located atop the hill overlooking the village. Sakteng is also similar to Merak as they speak the same language, wear the same dress and spiritual sentiments. In the afternoon we have teamed up with local residents to showcase you their culture and lifestyles by a cultural show. Locals will also perform mask dances and traditional dances and singing where you can also participate to feel the pulse of Brokpa life. You can also check out the local handicrafts like textiles and ornaments that local people might look forward to sell.
Day 8
Sakteng to Joenkhar and drive to Radhi. Approx 12 km, 6 hours, 74m ascend, 1291m descend.
Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng is a fantastic downhill stretch on a pony trail. Leaving Sakteng at the west side of the village involves riding on scenic meadows, and then the trail descend down to the river and runs adjacent to the river for several km. Before arriving Joenkhar, the riders are welcomed by a suspension bridgeand the trail on this part is rich in flora and fauna, particularly with a large variety of birds. Joenkhar Teng is a beautiful campsite next to the Jyonkhar village at 1733m. The village is a mix of Brokpas (highlanders) and Sharchogpas (from the low lying valleys of Eastern Bhutan). We’ll head to Radhi village for a night halt to experience Sharchogpa (people from Eastern Bhutan) life which is quite different from the Highlanders. Radhi, popularly known as the ‘Rice Bowl” of the east is a hotspot for wool textiles called Bura weaving. Witness how raw silk is prepared, dyed and hand-loomed to make some of our exquisite dresses. Some of our guests have often spent the whole day learning how to make a few patterns by hand. Continue down to Rangjung and stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 9
Rangjung to Tashi Yangtse. 50km drive, 4 hours
Today we continue back to Tashigang and drive towards Tashi Yangtse valley. we will be exploring the following sights for the day: Gom Kora Twenty four km from Trashigang, the Gom Kora temple is set on a small alluvial plain overlooking the river. Surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees, it looks like an oasis in an arid landscape. It is one of the famous places where Guru Rinpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon that dwelt in a huge black rock.
Continue to Yangtse and visit Chorten Kora: This dazzling white stupa situated on the riverbank is built in the same style as the Boudanath Stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Stay overnight in a farmhouse.
Day 10
Easy Day Sightseeing in Trashi Yangtse
Today we will visit the Chorten Kora temple in the morning and visit the popular Zorig Chusum Institute of traditional arts and crafts. The centre is famous for its wooden bowls, commonly known as Dapas and Phobs that are sold all across the country. Guests could take part in learning a few art forms here. Continue to drive to Bomdeling National Park and enjoy a nice hike around the valley.
Day 11
Tashi Yangtse to Mongar. 110 km Drive, circa 5 hours
Drive towards Mongar after breakfast. We begin the long journey from the Eastern corner of the country towards the West, and the first major town we get to is Mongar. Passing through the Kori-la pass at an altitude of 2400m, and through meandering roads, our drive of 110 kms takes about 4 hours.
Mongar is known for lemon grass that produces essential oil and the hydropower project on Kurichhu. In fact, though Mongar has little to offer to tourists, it is the fastest growing district in the east. The new Mongar dzong was built to replace the old Zhongar dzong, which is now in ruins.
Day 12
Mongar to Lhuentse
Drive to Lhuntse. Lhuntse is one of the most isolated and rural settlements in Bhutan. It is mostly covered by beautiful conifer and pine forests. One of the most picturesque sights in Lhuntse is the Lhuntse Dzong.
Visit Khoma village (10 Minute). Khoma Village is most known for the most famous and expensive hand woven Bhutanese textile, “Kishuthara”, amongst others.
Kishuthara weaving: is the main source of income for the people in this place. Kishuthara is fabric made by silk on silk weaving with intricate hand laced patterns. This is highly regarded and most expensive textiles in Bhutan. Today is a special day for textile lovers because you see this famous textile at its originating place and how it is made. Guests will see the weaving technique as well as have the opportunity to interact with the different weavers in the village to better understand and study their weaving techniques, process and tools. You can try weaving with the weavers.
Stay overnight in a farmhouse.
Day 13
Lhuentse to Tashigang. 120km, 6 hours drive
After breakfast,drive to Tashigang via Mongar. The road from Mongar to Trashigang, the eastern most region, begins through lush forests and ferns passing over the Kori La at 2700 m
After about an hours journey you reach the village of Ngatshang, the site of one of the fiefdoms before unification of the nation. Descending rapidly through corn fields and banana groves, you reach Yadi village.
From Yadi you descend on a beautiful stretch of hairpin bends tand continue to drive adjacent to the Dangmechu river to Tashigang. Over night at the hotel.
Day 14
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar. Drive time 8 hours
Drive to the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar the same way. Drive takes about 8 hours.
Day 15
Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati (150 km, 4 hours)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Guwahati in a in our Indian partner’s car who will you’ll drive you to Guwahati airport or to a hotel
Trip Inclusions
What’s included
- Bhutan Tourism Royalty/Levy ($65 per day per person)
- Visa Fees ($40 per person)
- All necessary permit fees
- All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees
- Drinking mineral water
- English-speaking tour leader and driver
- All hotels of 3-star category and Camping equipment
- All trekking equipment and Haulage
- All meals in standard restaurants
- All transfers in comfortable tourist bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Yes. Almost all international visitors need a visa, arranged in advance through a licensed operator like Bhutan Travel Club — you cannot get one on arrival independently. A one-time visa fee of USD 40 applies, and we take care of the whole application once your trip is confirmed. Indian nationals travel on a permit instead of a visa.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
Bhutan charges a daily Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person, per night (USD 50 for children aged 6–12; free for children 5 and under). Indian nationals pay Nu. 1,200 per night. The SDF funds free healthcare, education and Bhutan's carbon-negative conservation, and is arranged together with your trip — there is nothing extra to pay on arrival.
When is the best time to take this trip?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most popular, with clear skies, mild days and the biggest festivals. Winter is quiet, crisp and great value with sunny days, while summer (June–August) is lush and green with occasional afternoon rain. We are happy to advise on the best window for your dates.
How do I book and pay for my trip?
Once we have finalised your itinerary we send a confirmation invoice. Payment is by secure bank wire transfer or card. Your SDF and visa are processed together with the tour, so everything is settled before you arrive — no cash handovers on the ground.
Is Bhutan safe, and will I have internet?
Bhutan is consistently ranked one of Asia's safest destinations, with very low crime and welcoming people. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and towns, and a local SIM card with mobile data is inexpensive and easy to buy after you arrive.
What should I pack?
Bring layers for changeable mountain weather, a warm jacket for evenings and high passes, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a modest outfit — long trousers or skirt and covered shoulders — for visiting dzongs and temples. Your guide will advise on anything specific to your itinerary.
How fit do I need to be for this trek?
A good level of general fitness is important. You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day over uneven ground at altitude, on several consecutive days. Regular cardio and some hill walking in the weeks before you travel will make the trek far more enjoyable.
Will I be affected by the altitude?
Many Bhutan treks cross passes above 4,000m, so some altitude effect is normal. We build in acclimatisation, keep a steady pace, and our guides carry a first-aid kit and watch for symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and ascending gradually are the keys to feeling good up high.
Where do we sleep and eat on the trek?
On camping treks you sleep in comfortable twin tents that our crew pitches for you each day, with a separate dining tent and hot, freshly cooked meals. Pack ponies or porters carry all the camp gear and luggage, so you only need to walk with a light daypack.
What is the best season for this trek?
Late March to June and mid-September to mid-November offer the most stable weather and the clearest mountain views. High passes can be snow-bound in deep winter, so trekking dates are more limited than for cultural tours.