Merak Sakteng Trek

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly received by a representative from Himaquest Tours. After check-in and a brief orientation, visit the National Museum and the historic Paro Dzong. Later, take some time to explore the charming Paro town before unwinding for the night at your hotel.

After breakfast, begin your hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, perched at 3180m. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, an 8th-century spiritual master, flew to this site on the back of a tigress to meditate. Along the way, stop for lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant, located halfway up the mountain. After exploring the monastery, hike back down to Paro. In the evening, drive to Thimphu for an overnight stay at a hotel.

In Thimphu, visit key attractions such as the King’s Memorial Chorten, nunnery temple, School of Arts and Crafts, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, traditional paper factory, and the grand Tashichodzong, the King’s office. After lunch, drive to Kunselphodrang to see the 169-foot bronze Buddha statue, offering a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. On weekends, explore the Weekend Market, where local farmers sell fresh produce by the river. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through Thimphu city. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Drive to Punakha, enjoying scenic views along the way. Stop at Dochula Pass (3150m) for breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. At Metshina Village, take a short 20-minute walk through rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple of the Divine Madman. After lunch, continue to Punakha and explore the stunning Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses. Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.

A 30-minute drive from Punakha takes you to Wangduephodrang, known for its bamboo crafts and stone carving. The journey continues through dense oak and rhododendron forests, reaching Lawala Pass, which offers stunning Himalayan views. Descend into the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, home to Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. In the afternoon, enjoy a hike through Phobjikha Valley, a winter habitat for the rare Black-Necked Cranes. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, where the first two kings ruled. The journey follows a scenic winding road, famously featured in the Bhutanese film Travellers and Magicians. After lunch in Trongsa, visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Later, continue to Bumthang, known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Along the way, stop at a Yathra weaving center, where you can observe artisans crafting traditional textiles with unique Bumthang patterns. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Spend the day exploring the cultural and spiritual sites of Bumthang, a region rich in history. Visit Jakar Dzong, known as the "Castle of the White Bird," and explore Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred temple linked to Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet. Discover the ancient Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 8th century, and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Bumthang town, engaging with the friendly locals. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

The drive from Bumthang to Mongar offers stunning views of steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The journey takes you through the picturesque Ura Village before climbing to Thrumshingla Pass at an elevation of 3,800 meters, where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas. Afterward, the road descends to Kuri Zampa at 580 meters above sea level, passing through diverse vegetation. From here, the route ascends once again, climbing approximately 1,100 meters to reach Mongar, perched on a hillside. Take some time to explore Mongar town, which offers a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the local people, distinct from those in central and western Bhutan. Overnight stay in Mongar.

Today, you will travel to Trashigang, enjoying the views as you pass through various picturesque villages. Once you reach Chazam Bridge, take a side trip to explore Gom Kora Temple, a revered site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. The temple is famous for the imprints of his thumb, hat, and body found on a rock nearby. Afterward, resume your journey to Trashigang, where you can explore the local town. Overnight stay in Trashigang.

Today, you'll travel to Chaling, passing through Radhi village, where you'll meet your trekking team and pack animals. The hike begins with a steady climb toward Shaktimi meadow, where you'll encounter yaks and sheep grazing, with traditional yak herders' huts perched on the hillside. From here, continue your ascent until you reach the Mendula Pass at 3354m. Afterward, descend through a lush rhododendron forest, making your way to Donmong Chu at 3124m, where you'll set up camp for the night.

The trek from Domong Chu to Merak covers 10 km in about 4 hours. The trail mostly follows the river's curves, with a gentle climb in the final stretch before reaching Gangu village. After a 45-minute walk from the village, you'll arrive at Merak, situated at 3520m. Your campsite, located just before the village, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the village itself. After setting up camp, take the opportunity to visit the village and interact with the locals.

Today’s trek, covering 14 km in about 6 hours, is the most challenging of the journey, taking you over the highest point, Nachungla Pass, at 4153m. The day begins with a gradual climb from the campsite to the first pass at 3900m, where you can catch a final view of the Merak Valley. From here, the trail continues through juniper and rhododendron forests, leading up to Nachungla Pass. After reaching the pass, the descent begins, taking you to Miksateng at an altitude of 3079m.

In about 5 hours, you'll trek 14 km, beginning with a descent to the river, followed by a riverbank walk for several hours. The trail then ascends gradually to a hill with a small Chorten, overlooking the Sakten Valley. If you’re lucky, you may spot a red panda in the area. The trek concludes with a descent to the outskirts of Sakten village, where your camp for the night is set up at an altitude of 2950m.

Visit Sakteng village, home to the indigenous Brokpa people, and immerse yourself in their unique nomadic lifestyle. As you wander through the village, you’ll discover their vibrant customs, traditional dress, and strong cultural ties to the land, shaped by centuries of yak herding and farming. The Brokpa people live in harmony with nature, preserving ancient rituals and customs that remain largely untouched by modern influences. Explore their stone houses and interact with the locals to gain insight into their deep connection to the environment and their semi-nomadic way of life. This cultural immersion offers a rare opportunity to learn about the traditions and daily routines of one of Bhutan's most unique communities.

Today’s trek covers 17 km over 7 hours, with a gentle climb and significant descent. Starting early from camp, you’ll leave Sakteng and take a short climb up to a small hill on the western edge of the village. From there, descend toward the river and follow its path through lush broadleaf forests. The campsite is located in a peaceful meadow near Joenkhar Teng village (1733m). Joenkhar Teng is perched on a hillside, home to the Brokpa and Sharchopa communities, and features a local school and outreach clinic. Overnight stay in camp.

On the final day of the trek, start with a brief climb through Joenkhar Teng before crossing a few suspension bridges and taking short ascents to reach Phongmay. Here, you'll meet your transport for the drive to Trashigang. Along the way, visit the picturesque villages of Radhi and Tsangkhar, known for their exquisite "bura" gho and kira, textiles made from raw silk. A bit further, stop at Rangjung to explore the Ranjung Monastery, founded by HH Garab Rimpoche. Upon arrival in Trashigang, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, passing Sherubtse College with its scenic views. Stop at Khaling to visit shops and interact with locals, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue through villages, forests, and landscapes until you reach Samdrup Jongkhar. Overnight in a hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, enjoying scenic views of tea gardens, rivers, and villages along the way. In Guwahati, you will catch a flight to your next destination.