Merak - Sakteng Trek
6 Nights 7 Days
Trek Facts
- Dificulty Level:
Easy-Medium 
Duration: Six Nights/Seven Days
Altitude: 2,400m-4,200 m
Season: Summer
Group Size: 1 Pax & Above
Package Includes
Three-star plus hotel accommodation, three meals a day, SUV/mini bus/coaster, guides, trekking gears, camping equipments, entry fees, mineral water, cultural program (in groups of 10 or more people), & taxes.
Package Excludes
Air tickets, travel insurance, drinks, visa fee & laundry.
Video
This six-day trek is befittingly for those who cannot endure high altitude climbing. The trek connects Paro, the airport district, and Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city; passing through mountains, rides, lakes, meadows, and alpine landscape dotted with alpine and dwarf rhododendron forests.
One major attractions of this trek is the glimpse of the panoramic Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world.
The distance between the rest camps is relatively short with altitudes ranging between 2,400-4,200 m.
Attraction
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, culture and life in Trashigang (ethnically the richest district in Bhutan), the castle-fortress of Trashigang, local festivals, raw silk weaving in Radhi village, Brahmi (another tribal group) in Chaling village, the historical remains of an ancient kingdom at Damungchung and Chaling, Blue poppy (Meconopsis) endemic to the valley, rare birds and animal species, and numerous tales of locals’ encounters with Yeti.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Chaling – Damnongchu
The trek to Merak begins from Chaling, which can be reached by following an unsealed road from Rangjung. The camping area is at Damnongchu, located after Mindrula and lying at about 3,316m.
Day 2: Damnongchu – Merak
Time: 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 3,499m.
The trail from Damnongchu to Merak goes along the river bank with gradual ups and downs. Overnight camp at Damnongchu.
Day 3: Merak - Miksa Teng
The hike from Merak to Miksa Teng is long and of medium difficulty. One will pass through the beautiful Nagchungla pass (4,100m) before reaching the campsite located in a clearing and surrounded by rhododendron trees.
Day 4: Miksa Teng - Sakteng
The trek to Sakteng from Miksa Teng is easy. You will traverse through beautiful woods with a short climb before reaching Sakteng. Overnight stay at the camp in Sakteng.
Day 5: Sakteng Day Halt
Today will be a rest day at Sakteng to explore this remote Himalayan village.
Day 6: Sakteng – Jyonkhar Teng
Time: 6.5 hours, Camp Altitude: 1,859m.
The trek from Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng is an easy one as compared to previous days. One has to mostly walk downhill to Jyonkhar Teng camp.
Day 7: Jyonkhar Teng - Phongmay
Time: 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 1,981m.
It’s the final day of the trek today. Walk up and down until you reach the road head at Phongmay after which you will drive to Trashigang.
