Merak-Sakten Trek

During clear weather, your flight to Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent 15th-century fortress that now serves as the administrative center of the valley. From the dzong, take a pleasant walk down to the road, crossing a traditional wooden bridge along the way. You will then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Paro town. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, begin your hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site, perched at an altitude of 3,180 meters. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, the 8th-century spiritual master, flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate. Enjoy lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant located midway up the mountain. After exploring the monastery, hike back down to Paro. In the evening, drive to Thimphu. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

In Thimphu, begin your sightseeing with a visit to the King’s Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Continue to the nunnery temple, followed by the School of Arts and Crafts, where students learn traditional Bhutanese painting and crafts. You will also visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and a handmade paper factory, before exploring the grand Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious center of the country. After lunch, take a short drive to Kunselphodrang to admire the magnificent 169-foot bronze Buddha statue overlooking the valley. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), there is an opportunity to visit the bustling Thimphu Weekend Market, where locals from nearby villages sell fresh farm produce. Later in the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the streets of Thimphu city. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Set out on a picturesque journey to Punakha, driving through winding mountain roads and lush landscapes. Along the way, pause at Dochula Pass (3,150 m), a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking Himalayan vistas on clear days. Further along, arrive at Metshina Village and enjoy a short walk of about 20 minutes through farmlands to reach Chimi Lhakhang, a sacred site associated with the Divine Madman and known for its fertility blessings. Stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing your drive toward Punakha. Once in Punakha, explore the remarkable Punakha Dzong, admired for its striking architecture and beautiful riverside setting. Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.

A short drive of around 30 minutes from Punakha brings you to Wangdue Phodrang, the gateway to central Bhutan, well known for its skilled bamboo weaving and stone craftsmanship. From here, continue along a winding road that ascends through thick forests of oak and rhododendron to Lawala Pass, where dwarf bamboo carpets the landscape and wide Himalayan views unfold.

Descending from the pass, enjoy spectacular scenery as Gangtey Goenpa and the serene Phobjikha Valley come into view. Visit the monastery, an important center of the Nyingmapa school in western Bhutan, and take in its tranquil setting. Later in the afternoon, explore the valley on a scenic hike, home to the rare Black-necked crane that migrates here from the Tibetan Plateau during winter. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.

Today you will head Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s the royal family and from where the first two kings ruled the kingdom. The route is along a spectacular winding road, where the popular Bhutanese film “Travellers and Magicians” was shot. Lunch will be served at Trongsa. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You will then proceed to Bumthang, which is often described as the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. En route, visit the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Spend a full day exploring the cultural highlights of Bumthang. Visit the impressive Jakar Dzong, followed by Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site linked to Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet. Continue to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country dating back to the 8th century, and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed stroll through Bumthang town, offering a chance to meet locals and experience daily life. Overnight stay at your hotel in Bumthang.

The long drive from Bumthang to Mongar lends itself to some spectacular views, sheer drops and rushing waterfalls. The road passes through beautiful Ura Village and then ascends to Thurmshingla pass (3800m) with spectacular mountain views. Then the road descends to Kuri Zampa (570m above the sea level) through ever changing vegetation. From here, you will climb again about 1100m to Mongar town located on the hillside. You can browse through Mongar town and see the lifestyle of the people, which is different from western and central Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Mongar.

Today’s journey takes you to Trashigang, passing through picturesque villages along the way. En route, stop at Chazam Bridge and take a detour to visit Gom Kora Temple, where it is believed that Guru Rinpoche once meditated. Nearby, you can see rock impressions said to bear the mark of his thumb, hat, and body. After the temple visit, continue your drive to Trashigang and explore the town, taking in its local charm. Overnight stay at a hotel in Trashigang.

8Km | 6 hours | 1554m Ascent | 230m Descent | Camp altitude 3124m

Today, you will drive to Chaling passing through Radhi village. Your trekking crew and pack animals will be waiting here for you. Trek starts with gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow. You will see yaks and sheep grazing with yak herders’ huts dotted on the hills side. Climb further to reach Mendula Pass at 3354m. From this pass, you will descend through rhododendron forests till Donmong Chu at 3124m.

10Km | 4 hours | 36m Ascent | Camp altitude 3520m

The trek from Domong Chu to Merak mainly follows the curves of the river, with the last section gently rising toward Gangu Village. From Gangu, it’s about a 45-minute walk to reach Merak, perched at an altitude of 3,520 meters. The campsite just before the village offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the village below. Take time to explore the local settlement and interact with the residents.

14Km | 6 hours | 633m Ascent | 1074m Descent | Camp altitude 3079m

Today marks the most challenging section of the trek as you cross the towering Nachung La Pass at 4,153 meters. From the campsite, begin a gradual climb to the first ridge at 3,900 meters, offering a final view of the Merak Valley. The trail then winds along the treeline, passing through fragrant juniper and rhododendron forests, before reaching the summit of Nachung La. Afterward, descend to Miksateng, located at 3,079 meters.

14Km | 5 hours | 81m Ascent | 310 Descent | Camp altitude 2950m

First, you will descend to the river, cross it and then follow the riverbank for few hours. Then climb gradually to a hill adorned by small Chorten (Stupa) overlooking the Sakten valley. If you are lucky, you can spot red panda among the trees. Drop down from the ridge and camp on the outskirts of the Sakten village at 2950m.

You will visit Sakteng village and explore the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group.

17Km | 7 hours | 74m Ascent | 1291m Descent | Camp altitude 1733m

Today’s trek covers a longer distance, so we will start early from the camp. Departing from Sakteng, begin with a short climb to a small hill at the western edge of the village, then descend toward the river and follow its course through lush broadleaf forests. Our campsite for the night is in a scenic meadow near Joenkhar Teng Village (1,733 m). Perched on a hillside, Joenkhar Teng is home to Brokpa and Sharchopa communities, and features a local school and a small outreach clinic. Overnight stay at the camp.

The last day of the trek begins with short climb through the Joenkhar Teng. Cross few of suspension bridges and short climbs to reach Phongmay. Meet your transport and drive to Trashigang. En route you can visit Radhi and Tsangkhar Villages, which are renowned for “bura” gho and kira, a textile made from raw silk. Little further is Rangjung and you can visit the Ranjung Monastery, founded by the HH Garab Rimpoche. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.

After breakfast, begin your drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Just a few miles from Trashigang, you will pass by Sherubtse College, the country’s first premier college, whose charming clock tower and verdant surroundings give it a Himalayan hill station vibe. Continue to Khaling, where you can explore local shops and mingle with the villagers. Enjoy lunch at a roadside restaurant before driving through scenic villages, forests, and varied landscapes, eventually reaching Samdrup Jongkhar. Overnight stay at a hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Start your day with a drive to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, passing through lush tea gardens, clear flowing rivers, tranquil villages, and lively small towns rich in local culture. From Guwahati, you will take a flight to your next destination.