Duration: Eight Days, Seven Nights
Highest Elevation: Nagchungla pass at 4200mtrs
Standard: Moderate
Start: Chaling, Trashigang
Finish: Phongmey, Trashigang

Summary:
This is a special cultural and nature trek of an isolated Merak & Sakteng village in the far remote east of Bhutan. It has been opened for tourism only from the beginning of 2010. Until now a handful of tourists and researchers were permitted to this area with special permissions. This area was closed to protect the unique cultural heritage of this Brokpa people and in part to give the mythical Yeti some peace, whose tales of wandering in the valley is very popular among the natives. The Brokpas (highlanders) population of Merak and Sakten are semi-nomadic yak herder, who speak different dialect and wear a completely different outfit from other Bhutanese.
The eight-day trek visits both Merak and Sakteng village and gives you ample opportunity to experience firsthand, the living culture and tradition of this tribesman.

 

Day 1: Trashigang – Chaling (7050ft) – 7hrs – Damnongchu (10131ft)

The trek to Merak will start from Chaling and the feeder road goes up to Chaling from Rangjung. The feeder road from Rangjung to Chaling is about 15 kms which takes about 1 hour by car. The first halt will be at Damnongchu. Damnongchu camping area is located after Mindrula which lies about 10,880ft above sea level.

 

Day 2: Damnongchu – 5 hrs – Merak (11480ft)

The trail from Damnongchu to Merak goes along the river bank with gradual ups and downs. The final stretch is a very gentle incline after which you enter Merak village. The campsite, located before the village, has spectacular views of the nearby mountains and the village. There is also a guesthouse where tourists can stay if they choose not to camp.

 

Day 3: Merak Halt
Day halt at Merak to explore the village and experience the traditional lifestyle of this nomadic people. Visit farm houses and interact with local people.

 

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Day 4: Merak – 7.5 hrs – Miksa Teng (9400ft)

The trek from Merak to Miksa Teng is of medium difficulty. It will pass through the beautiful Nagchungla pass. Right after the Nagchungla pass descend, the trek is mostly along the river and there is a small climb before reaching the village of Sakteng. The campsite is located in a clearing surrounded by rhododendron trees. It is beautiful when the flowers are in full bloom.

 

Day 5: Miksa Teng – 3.5 hrs – Sakteng (9850ft)

Trek to Sakteng from Miksa Teng is easy making your way through beautiful woods with a short climb before reaching Sakteng but it is not very difficult. If lucky, trekkers may be able to spot a red panda among the trees. The Sakteng campsite is located on the outskirts of the village. Sakteng also offers trekkers the option of spending the night in a guesthouse instead of camping.

 

Day 6: Sakteng Halt
Day halt at Sakteng to explore the village and experience the traditional lifestyle of this nomadic people. Visit farm houses and interact with local people. The traditional Yak dance of Merak and Sakteng could be organized on demand.

 

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Day 7: Sakteng – 6.5hrs – JyonkharTeng (6100ft)  

Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng trek is an easy trek compared to the previous treks. It is mostly downhill and walking on a plain path. Some trekkers can also make it to Phongmay or Radhi but a halt in Jyonkhar Teng is recommended. Jyonkhar village is located few minutes walk from the campsite. Jyonkhar also has a community school. Jyonkhar Teng campsite is located near a river.

 

Day 8: Jyonkhar – 5hrs – Phongmay/Radhi(6500ft)/Trashigang

 

 

Email boonserm.tours@gmail.com for reservation and trip planning.