Merak Sakteng Trek and Tour in Bhutan - 16 days

On this day, you will fly to the Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan. Paro's flight is mesmerizing; as you look down from the aircraft window, you will see the landscape with green hills and snow-capped mountains far on the horizon. You will be welcomed by Our Bhutanese guide from the Third Rock Adventures upon your arrival at the airport. From thereon, you will be escorted to your hotel. Our guides will brief you about the trek for the days to follow.

After some refreshment, you can go for a quick hike to the nearby Rimpung Dzong. It is a beautiful Buddhist Monastery that once was a fortress of the Drukpa Lineage of the 17th century. The monastery currently houses the monastic body and the administrative governance offices of Bhutan. You will pass through a wooden bridge, after visiting Rimpung, towards Kichu Lhakhang. It is an ancient and sacred shrine of the Buddhist. As you walk through the streets of Paro, you will come across ancient architectural buildings.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro. 

One of the most popular destinations known in Bhutan is Tiger’s Nest Monastery. No trek in Bhutan is complete without the visit to Tiger’s Nest, also known locally as Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Palpung.

The hike to Tiger’s Nest begins with an easy walk through a forest of pine. After some climb, you will reach an area high above, on most mornings filled with mist. From there on, you will reach the Tiger’s Nest monastery. As per the legend, Guru Rimpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, flew on the back of a tigress and manifested it as a place for his three months of meditation. Guru Rimpoche was a holy tantric who is believed to have brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It was built in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro and has been the main place of worship for the Buddhis pilgrims. After enjoying the majestic views of the valley from the monastery, you will head back to Paro and leave for Thimphu.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu. 

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is one of the economic hubs of the country. Early morning after having breakfast, you will head on a sightseeing tour in Thimphu. Among the places worth visiting is King’s Memorial Chorten. It is situated in the southern central part of Thimphu in Doeboom. It was built in 1974 to honor Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who was the third Druk Gyalpo. You can then visit a nunnery temple, then to the School of Arts and Crafts, and you can even observe the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. After that, you can visit the nearby paper factory and then head to Tashichodzong. It is a Buddhist monastery sitting on the western bank of the Wang Chhu river.

Then after having lunch, you will drive to Kunselphodrang. You will instantly spot a huge 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha. It overlooks the green hills on all sides. On the weekend spanning from Saturday to Sunday, you can visit the Weekend Market where the villagers sell their local produce. It is located near Kunselophodrang on the bank of the river. In the evening you can enjoy your walk in the streets of Thimphu.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu. 

On this day, after having breakfast, you are driven to Punakha. There will be a stop at Dochula pass En route, situated at an altitude of 3,150m/10,334ft. On a clear day, you can get amazing views of the high-standing Himalayas.

After a while, you will reach Metshina Village, where you can walk for about 20-minute through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang. It is a popular monastery near Lobesa, which in English translates to ‘The Fertility Temple.’ It was built in 1499 AD by Ngawang Choegyel, who was the 14th Drukpa hierarchy. You will begin by taking lunch in the nearby restaurants along the way. As soon as you reach Punakha, you will go to visit Punakha Dzong. It is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan and is the administrative center of Punakha. It is also known to be the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in the country. In the evening, you will head back to your hotel for the night.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha. 

After having breakfast, you will drive from Punakha to Wangduephodrang, which takes about 30 minutes. It is the last town before central Bhutan. The district is situated in central Bhutan and is famous for its fine bamboo work and stone carving. The word “Wangdue” in English is translated to the country's unification, while “phodrang” is translated to Palace, and the name clearly defines the place.  

The drive will continue from Wangduephodrang through lush oak and rhododendron forests until you reach Lawala pass. The Lawala pass is covered with dwarf bamboos and offers scenic views of the high-standing Himalayas. The drive continues downhill for a short while. As you proceed, the views of the mesmeric Gangtey Goenpa and Phobjikha Valley will come into view.

 You will visit Gangtey Goenpa, founded in 1613, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. In the afternoon, you can take a hike in Phobjikha valley. There are many monasteries, temples and it is also famous for being the home to the rare Black Necked Cranes during the winter when they migrate from the Tibetan Plateau.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Phobjikha.

On this day, you will be touring Bumthang from Phobjikha valley. The early morning drive will take you to Trongsa. Trongsa is also located in central Bhutan, and the name translates to “new village” in English. It has housed Bhutan’s royal family for generations. It is the place where the first two kings of the country ruled the kingdom.

The route from here is famous among Bhutanese as one of their movies, “Travellers and Magicians,” was shot on these winding roads. You will get a chance to enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch at Trongsa. After having lunch, the tour will continue to Trongsa Dzong, and It is an architectural masterpiece and is the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Every tourist’s dream to come across something so beautiful, majestic, and massive.

The ride then takes you to Bumthang. Bhutan's spiritual heart contains a high number of ancient temples and sacred sites. After that, you go to visit the Yathra (textile weaving) factory. The Yathra’s are designed in this factory. The Yathra’s made here are unique to Bumthang, and you can watch the weavers in action.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.

A full-day tour in Bumthang is very exciting, with visits to prehistoric temples and monasteries. You will first begin with a visit to Jakar Dzong, and It is the fortress of Bumthang located on a ridge above the town. You will then head to Kurjey Lhakhang, the final resting place of the country's first three Kings. Jambay Lhakhang comes third on our trip as it is known best for being built-in 659 CE by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Then you move on to visiting Tamshing Lhakhang Monastery, which now houses the Sungtrual Rimpoche.

After a long and exciting tour, you will walk around Bumthang town and get introduced to locals.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.

On this day, the long drive starting from Bumthang to Mongar offers one of the most mesmerizing views throughout the trip. With waterfalls and lush greenery all around your head on to the lovely Ura Village. The road then takes an ascends to Thurmshingla pass (3,800m/12,467ft) with spectacular mountain views. After, there is a sharp descend to Kuri Zampa (570m above sea level) as it passes through ever-changing vegetation.

The route takes a climb again towards Mongar town, which is located on the hillside. As you reach Mongar, you can observe the fascinating lifestyle of the people. You will realize that the way of life in western Bhutan is entirely different from central Bhutan. You will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Mongar. 

The drive today takes you to Trashigang while you pass through many small villages. Upon reaching Chazam Bridge, you will move on a path to the turn-off road that heads to Gom Kora temple. Visiting the temple is a must in this eastern part of Bhutan as it is one of the most beautiful temples in Bhutan. Located on the river side, it is a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrims. There is a legend that the tantric Guru Rinpoche meditated here. You will even see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and even his body on the rock near the temple. The drive will then take you to Trashigang, where you will go about strolling on the town's streets.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Trashigang.

Today you will drive to Merak, the nomadic Brokpa village, on an unpaved road. En route, you will come across Rangjung Town and Radhi Village, renowned for “bura” gho and kira, a textile made from raw silk. After arrival in Merak, you can enjoy conversing with the lovely and welcoming villagers.

Stay overnight at camp in Merak.

On this day, you will have to stretch your muscles to the fullest as it is a challenging day. You will have to walk for around 6 hours to reach your destination-Miksateng. As you head from the campsite, you will take a gradual climb to the first short pass of the day. From there, you can already see the end of the Merak village- disappearing slowly from sight.

The trek passes through the tree line of juniper and rhododendron forests, leading to the major high pass, Nachungla pass, situated at 4,153m. It is a challenging climb but conquering it makes you filled with pride. The trek will eventually take a descend to Miksateng from thereon. After reaching the campsite, you can drink some hot soup and take a rest.

Overnight stay at camp in Miksateng.

On this day, you will begin the trek by taking a descend to the river. After crossing it, you will take the trail that follows the riverbank for a couple of hours. From thereon, you take a gradual climb uphill adorned by small Chortens overseeing the Sakteng valley. In the case where the Buddhist god's grace is upon you, you can spot the rare Red Panda among the tree lines.

As you see the ridge, you will drop down from it and head towards your camp, which is on the outskirts of the Sakteng village, sitting at an elevation of 2,950m/9,678ft.

Stay overnight at camp in Sakteng.

Today is an exploration and rest day to be enjoyed at the second main attraction of the trek, Sakteng. Sakteng village is a lovely place where you get to intermingle with a lot of the villagers there. Take the assistance of your guide to getting introduced to the villagers living in the area. They are friendly and welcoming. These ethnic groups have their unique traditions and cultures worth learning about.

After exploring the nearby village, you can also take a quick hike to the upper area for wonderful natural views. You will head back to your camp in Sakteng and prepare for the next day's trek.

Stay overnight at camp in Sakteng.

Leaving Sakten, start with a short climb to the small hill towards the west end of the village. Then descend to the river and walk alongside it through the broadleaf forests. On the way, you will be met by your car and drive back to Trashigang.

En route, you will come across Joenkhar village, located on the hillside and mostly inhabited by the Brokpa and Sharchopa community. They have a community school and an outreach clinic in the village, which you can observe later. If you wish, you can also visit the Ranjung Monastery, established in 1989 by the HH Garab Dorje Rimpoche. You will be transferred to your hotel on arrival at Trashigang.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Trashigang.

After having a lovely breakfast at the hotel, you will take a ride to Samdrup Jongkhar. You will spot Sherubtse from a few miles from Trashigang. It is prominent for being the first premier college in the country. If you make a stop there, you can view the amazing clock tower and green surrounding. The college feels like it is situated in a hill station. You can also stop briefly at Khaling to visit some of the shops to buy souvenirs. This will also allow you to interact with the locals and understand more about the place and their way of life.

After having your lunch in a local restaurant, you will head back to the road. After passing a few villages and forests on the way, you will arrive at Samdrup Jongkhar. You will be transferred to your hotel there.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

On this day, you will be departing from the naturally mesmerizing country, Bhutan. You will be driven to Guwahati after breakfast. Guwahati is the capital city of Assam. Along the way to Guwahati, you spot tea gardens, clear rivers, and quiet villages.

You will then board a flight from Guwahati to homewards. From here on, our representatives from Third Rock Adventures will bid you a farewell and hope for your return for another trek with us in the land of mystic Bhutan.