Merak Sakteng Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu(60kms and 1 hr drive)

Once you land at the Paro International Airport(2250mtrs), you will be well received by our Professional Tour Guide and Driver.

After that, proceed to Thimphu visiting a few places on the way:

Tachog Monastery and Iron Bridge: Viewing from a hilltop, this Monastery was built in the 15th century by a great spiritual master Thang Thong Gyelpo. In addition, he also built an Iron Bridge which your guide will show you on the way to the Monastery. After the Monastery, continue till the mid-way where you will witness the confluence of two rivers, “Pa Chu” and “Wang Chu” accompanied by three different types of Stupas (Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Nepalese). After a short walk, continue your journey till you reach Thimphu(Capital City of Bhutan).

After the arrival, have lunch/snacks and explore the Capital City on foot. Evening visit

 Tashichho Dzong(Fortress): Built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(First Governor of Bhutan), it is divided into two parts: Administrative block and Monastic block. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Moreover, the annual Festival “Tshechu” is also celebrated at this Fortress. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Local Sightseeing

After breakfast visit the following places:

Cheri Monastery: Take a 45 minutes drive to reach the base of Cheri Monastery and embrace an hour hike to the Monastery. Built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the retreat centre for the Drukpa lineage of  Kagyu sect of Buddhism. Your guide will give you the insights of the Monastery.

Kuensel Phodrang(Buddha Point): Standing at a height of 169ft(51.5m) is The Buddha Dordenma which was built from 2006 to 2015 to have peace and prosperity in the world.

Takin Preserve Centre: Here you can witness the National Animal of Bhutan Takin who has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Mythologically it was created by a great spiritual master Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man) in the 15th century and it is an endangered species.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery: Established in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo(Iron Bridge Builder),Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Here the nuns they study Buddhism and dedicate their lives for community service. Currently is has about 70 nuns.

National Library and Archives: This Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan where sacred religious books and manuscripts are collected. In addition, it also has the world’s Largest Book.

Painting School: It is a school where students learn 13 arts and crafts like wood carving, painting, embroidery, sculpturing, tailoring, etc. You can witness the students learning the skills in different classrooms.

Simply Bhutan: It is a living museum where you will experience the Bhutanese way of living. You will be engaged in different activities like tasting the local wine, dancing in the folk music, playing archery, etc.

Textile Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, it showcases the textile and the art of weaving. Make a visit to know the textiles and the techniques used to weave the Bhutanese attire.

Centenary Vegetable Market: Explore the local vegetable market where you will find the local and organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc.

Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground: Here you will witness the live Archery(National Game) matches. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha and local sightseeing (80kms and 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast proceed to Punakha(1350mtrs) and visit the following places:

Dochula Pass(30mins): On the way to Punahka, stop at Dochu La Pass(3150m) to witness the 108 stupas built in 2003 by the Queen Mother. Additionally, you will also have a view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges if the weather is clear.

Lamperi Royal Botanical Park: It has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you would find about 38 out of 46 species of rhododendron of Bhutan and spot some species birds and animals.

Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): Upon reaching Punakha, take a short hike towards Chimi Lhakhang crossing a small village and paddy fields. Built in 15th century by Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man), the temple is know as No Dog Temple. However, today it is also known as the temple of fertility where people come to get the fertility blessing if they are barren. People all around the globe visits the temple and receives the fertility blessing. Your guide will narrate the story of No Dog Temple and show you the evidences of fertility.

Punakha Dzong(Fortress): Lying between the two rivers, Pho Chu(male river) and Mochu(female river) is Punakha Dzong previously known as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for war tactics. Today is serves as the winter residence of Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Suspension Bridge: It is one of the longest Suspension Bridges in Bhutan with the length of about 300mtrs. It connects the Dzong with the villages on the other side of Pho Chu. Take a short walk on the bridge, experience the cool breeze with the flattering flags and mingle with the locals.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Built in 2008 by Yab Ugyen Dorji and his wife, the nunnery serves as Buddhists college for nuns. Today it has about 100 nuns undergoing training. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Paro and local sightseeing (140kms and 3 hrs drive)

After the breakfast proceed towards Paro(2250mtrs) and visit the following places:

Dungtse Lhakhang: The temple was built in the form of chorten(stupa) by Thang Thong Gyalpo in 15th century to subdue a serpentine force that was located at the foundation of the temple. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven.

Ta Dzong(National Museum): Built in 1649 as a watch Tower by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal so that they could watch over Paro Valley or enemies coming. Later in 1968, it was established as a National Museum of Bhutan.

Paro Ringpung Dzong(Fortress of Heap of Jewel):  Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for administrative and monastic purposes for Paro Districts. In 1993 some scenes of a film named Little Buddha were also filmed in this Dzong. Later you can try wearing our national dress Gho(male)/Kira(female) and take photographs(optional). In the evening, explore Paro market by walk. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 05: Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Hike

Day 06: Paro to Tashigang (Via Flight to Yonphu La Airport). Alt: 1175mtrs, time 45mins flight.
Yonphu La Airport is one of the Domestic Airports that we have in Bhutan lying in the eastern peart of Bhutan(Trashigang). It is similar to Luk La Airport in Nepal. After you land in Tashigang visit Trashigang Dzong: It was built in 1659 by Chhogyal Minjur Tempa to defend against Tibetan invasions. This imposing fortress is strategically built on a hill top overlooking the Dangmechu River. Explore Tashigang town. After that, rest and prepare for the next day’s trek. Overnight stay in Trashigang

Day 07: Ranjung to Chaling to Damnongchu (Trek Starts- 15kms, 7hrs trek, 3090mtrs). 
Drive for an hour to reach Chaling and start your trek towards Damnong chu. As you proceed further, you will encounter Mindru La(3320mtrs) Pass. Descend till you reach you campsite at Damnongchu.

Day 08: Damnongchu to Merak(11kms, 5hrs trek, 3500mtrs).
As you trek further from here, you will reach to a place/village know as Merak. The trail goes along the Damnongchu till Merak with a few up and down hills. Overnight stay at campsite/guest house in Merak.

Day 09: Merak to Miksa Teng(19kms, 7hrs trek, 2865mtrs).
As you proceed further towards Miksa Teng, you will encounter Nagchung La(5,059mtrs) pass It will pass. Descend along the river and climb a little to reach the village of Miksa Teng. Overnight stay in the camp/local guest house.

Day 10: Miksa Ten to Sakteng(10kms, 4hrs trek, 3000mtrs).
The Trek through the beautiful forest is not that difficult. However, you need to climb a little before reaching Sakteng. You may encounter red pandas while you are trekking through the woods. Overnight stay in camp/guest house.

Day 11: Exploring Sakteng(Optional)

If you want then you can spent one day in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the flora and fauna, wild animals(red pandas, bears, etc.), different bird species. You can also visit the village and mingle with the locals and witness their way of living. However, you can also skip this part if you want and proceed further towards Jyongkhar. Overnight stay at Sakteng.

Day 12: Sakten to Jyongkhar Teng(16kms, 7hrs trek, 1860mtrs).
This trek is also not difficult as you will mostly walk downhills or plains. Overnight stay in Jyonkhar Teng campsite which is located near a river.

Day 13: Jyongkhar Teng to Phongmey/Radhi/-Ranjung (Trek Ends-13kms, 5hrs trek, 2000mtrs).
This is your final destination of the trek. As you reach Phongmey and Radhi, they have many attractions and beautiful villages in these two places. Radhi is  popularly known as the ‘Rice Basket” of the east which is also popular for it’s woolen textiles known as Bura. On the other hand, Phongmey is another gewog which shares its border with Arunachal Pradesh(India). It is also believed that the local protector deity Chukpo Jambay Wangpo also resides here. Overnight in Ranjung/Tashigang.

Day 14: Tashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar(170kms,6 hrs drive, 173mtrs).
After the breakfast drive towards Samdrup Jomgkhar(Bhutan-India border). Overnight stay in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 15: Daparture

After the breakfast drive towards Guwati Airport(India).Taking the good memories of Bhutan, we will say “Lok jay gay”(will meet next time). Please visit Bhutan again and refer us to your friends and families at +97517236237 or mail us at travelmorebhutan@gmail.com.