Trip Summary
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Duration: 18 Days, 17 Nights
- Activity: Bhutan Trekking, Cultural Immersion
- Altitude Range: 1,500 meters to 4,100 meters
- Trek Route: Chaling to Phongmey via Merak and Sakteng
- Full Route: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, Phongmey, Trek (8 days), Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar
- Departure: Paro International Airport
- Return: Samdrup Jongkhar, Indo-Bhutan Gate
- Trip Cost: $9,742 per person
- Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
- Last Updated: March 2026
About the Merak Sakteng Trek
The Merak Sakteng Trek is an 18-day trekking expedition through Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Trashigang District, eastern Bhutan. Truly Bhutan Travel runs this route from Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar, with eight days of trekking between Chaling and Phongmey. The trek crosses Nagchungla Pass at 4,100 meters. Along the route, you pass through the Brokpa villages of Merak at 3,500 meters and Sakteng at 2,800 meters.
The Merak Sakteng Trek is one of the few routes in Bhutan where trekking and cultural immersion combine at this depth. The Brokpa people of Merak and Sakteng live a semi-nomadic life tied to their yaks. They follow seasonal migration routes between highland summer pastures and lowland winter settlements, largely unchanged for generations.
Experience Snapshot
I first walked into Merak early on an October morning. The highland air was sharp and the yaks were still grazing on the hillsides above the village. The Brokpa women wear a distinctive felt hat shaped like a five-petal flower, unlike any traditional dress elsewhere in Bhutan. In Sakteng, a family invited me in for butter tea beside an open fire. The warmth of that exchange stays with me more than any mountain view on the route.
What Is the Merak Sakteng Trek?
The Merak Sakteng Trek is a moderate 8-day trekking section within an 18-day itinerary across eastern Bhutan.
- The trek begins at Chaling and ends at Phongmey in Trashigang District.
- The route passes through Damnongchu at 3,316 meters, Merak at 3,500 meters, Miksa Teng, Sakteng at 2,800 meters, and Joenkhar at 1,700 meters.
- The highest point is Nagchungla Pass at 4,100 meters.
- The full circuit lies inside Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area of 650 square kilometers established in April 2003.
The Brokpa are the semi-nomadic inhabitants of Merak and Sakteng. They migrate with their yaks between highland summer pastures and lowland settlements in winter. Their economy relies on yak products, including cheese, butter, and dried meat. These are traded for grain in villages like Radhi, Phongmey, and Trashigang town. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During both seasons, the Brokpa communities are present in the villages.
What Is Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary?
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary covers 650 square kilometers in Trashigang District, eastern Bhutan. The Bhutan government created the sanctuary in April 2003 to protect the biological and cultural diversity of the region. The sanctuary borders the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang) to the north and east. To the west, it connects to Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary through a biological corridor within the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex (B2C2). Both Merak and Sakteng lie within the sanctuary boundary.
The sanctuary protects the watersheds of two major rivers. Merak lies within the Ngere Ama Chu watershed. Sakteng lies within the Gamri Chu watershed. Both river systems originate within the sanctuary and flow south toward the Brahmaputra plain in Assam.
Welcome greetings and transfer to hotel for refreshment. You will acclimatize the day by doing some light sightseeing to Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels)/ Kichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest temple of the country)/ Wondering around Paro town and interacting with local. Overnight Paro.
After wholesome breakfast, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel and on the way back spend your day hike to Taktsang monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, (4-5hrs round-trip) Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. It clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. Lunch at the hillside café. (Ponies & horses optional; fees not included). Bhutanese style farewell dinner at a village home. Hot stone bath, optional. Overnight Paro.
Drive to Thimphu along the riverside. Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of Himalayas. After check-in, drive to Buddha gang to enjoy the city-view of Thimphu. Circumambulate the Memorial stupa followed by a walking tour around city; Hongkong market/ Norzin lam/ Main traffic area/ Clock tower and etc. Overnight Thimphu.
Sightseeing includes; Sangay gang/ Nunnery/ National library/ Zorig Chusum/ Heritage & Textile museums/ Traditional hospital/ Tashicho Dzong/ Traditional paper factory, etc.
Take some optional hikes to the monasteries at the ridge top, interact with the monks. Attend weekend market, craft bazaar and enjoy the archery match at the national stadium. Overnight Thimphu.
Stop for mountain-view at Dochula pass (3150m)/ Walk in 108 stupas & Druk wangyel and drive to Punakha. Hike to Khamsum Yelling stupa built on the top of the hill for world peace. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of the Great Happiness) and the famous fertility temple – Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight Punakha & Wangdue.
Embark on a scenic drive to Bumthang “the spiritual heartland of Bhutan,” over the Black mountain ridge via Pelela pass (3300m) & Youtongla pass (3425m). Chendbji chorten (large Nepalese stupa)/ Trongsa Dzong & town/ Yathra weaving center after arriving Bumthang, do some easy sightseeing in Bumthang. Overnight Bumthang.
In morning, spend time in Jakar Dzong (fortress) followed by spiritual hikes to some ancient monasteries & temples such as Jambay Lhakhang/ Kurjey Lhakhang/ Tamshing Lhakhang. After lunch drive to Tang valley and visit the holy Menbar Tsho (burning lake). In evening visit Kharchu draktsang (monastery) and enjoy the sunset. Overnight Bumthang.
Embark on a fantastic drive to the eastern Bhutan. This journey will unfold the rivers, landscapes, cliffs, and different types of forest, waterfall and the distant glacial peaks.
Picnic lunch will be arranged at the tip of the waterfall near Namling’s rocky cliff.
Stop at Thrumshingla pass (3800m) to view Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7541m). On arrival, walk around Monggar town and talk to the locals. Overnight Monggar.
Drive on the countryside via Korila pass (2400m) where you’d offer butter lamps to the mountain God. Have lunch in Trashigang town and head on to Rangjung. Visit Rangjung monastery, if you are lucky you might get the chance to meet the reincarnated saint. You will meet your trekking crew of nomads in Phongmey village. Overnight camp.
After breakfast walk through the paddy field and cross a small village. Here on you will be walk amidst the oak trees beside the river. Damnongchu camping area is located after Mindrula, 3,316m.
The trail from Damnongchu to Merak goes along the riverbank with gradual ups and downs for almost 5 hours. Overnight at Damnongchu Camp, altitude 3,499 m.
The trek from Merak to Miksa Teng is long and of medium difficulty. It will pass through the beautiful Nagchungla pass (approx. 4,100m / 13,451ft). The campsite is located in a clearing surrounded by rhododendron trees.
Trek to Sakten from Miksa Teng is easy making your way through beautiful woods with a short climb before reaching Sakten. Overnight at Camp.
Explore this beautiful, unique and culturally rich nomadic village. People are extra warm and friendly. You will be invited to their homes for butter tea and drinks beside fire. The sources of their livelihood are depended on yaks & sheep.
6 1/2 hours, camp altitude 1,859 m. Sakten to Jyonkhar Teng trek is an easy trek comparing to previous days. It is mostly downhill to Jyonkhar Teng camp.
5 hours, camp altitude 1,981 m the final day. This day is full with ups and down until you reach the road at Phongmay. Farewell to crews and head to Trashigang. Check in your hotel, shower and rest. In evening, stroll around the charming town of Trashigang. Overnight Trashigang.
In morning, visit the Trashigang Dzong and head on to Samdrup Jongkhar En route stroll around several villages and town like; Kanglung, Khaling, Womrong, Narphung etc. Picnic lunch will be arranged near the Mirror cliff. Hang wind-horse flags to bring blessing and safety on your return trip to back home. On arrival, spend some time in the town and shop for souvenir. Farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight Samdrup Jongkhar.
Transport will be arranged. Our representative will bid you farewell at the Indo-Bhutan gate. Travel through the plains of Assam toward Guwahati (India). Tashi Delek!
The best seasons for the Merak Sakteng Trek are spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. During both seasons, the Brokpa communities are present in the villages and the Nagchungla Pass at 4,100 meters is open. Avoid winter months from December to February. During this period, the Brokpa migrate to lower settlements and Nagchungla Pass closes due to snow.
The Merak Sakteng Trek is graded moderate. Altitude ranges from 1,500 meters to 4,100 meters. The most demanding section is the crossing of Nagchungla Pass on Day 12, which takes five to six hours. Daily walking times range from four to six and a half hours. Prior trekking experience is an advantage, though the route does not require technical skills. Your Truly Bhutan Travel guide adjusts the pace to suit your group.
The Brokpa are the semi-nomadic Yak herders of Merak and Sakteng in eastern Bhutan. They migrate seasonally with their yaks between highland summer pastures and lowland winter villages. Their economy relies on yak products, including butter, cheese, and dried meat. These are traded for grain in Trashigang and surrounding villages. The Brokpa wear a distinctive five-petal felt hat, the tsipee cham, found nowhere else in Bhutan.
Email Truly Bhutan Travel at [email protected] or send a WhatsApp message to +975 77111115. Share your preferred travel dates, group size, and season. The team responds within 24 hours with a confirmed quotation. Spring and autumn departures fill ahead of season. Early booking secures your preferred dates and trekking crew across all eight trek days.
The Merak Sakteng Trek costs $9,742 per person. The cost covers all 18 days: city hotel nights, trek camp nights, meals, guide, trekking crew, pony handlers, and the Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per day. Contact Truly Bhutan Travel at [email protected] or WhatsApp +975 77111115 for a full breakdown.
Yes. An experienced, English-speaking Truly Bhutan Travel guide accompanies you for all 18 days. Bhutan government regulations require all international visitors to travel with a licensed guide. In addition, your trekking crew includes local Brokpa guides, porters, and pony handlers from the Merak and Sakteng communities. This ensures your experience is connected to the people and culture of the route.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Best Season for the Merak Sakteng Trek
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are the two viable trekking seasons. In spring, the rhododendron forests below Nagchungla Pass flower from late March. In autumn, the skies clear after the monsoon and the highland pastures are still green. Both seasons offer stable conditions on the high pass and warm community life in the villages. In contrast, winter brings snow to the pass and sends the Brokpa community south to the lowland valleys.
Getting to the Trek Start
All international arrivals land at Paro International Airport. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate scheduled flights from Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, and Mumbai. The overland journey from Paro to Phongmey covers approximately 640 kilometers. The drive unfolds across nine days of sightseeing and staged driving. Truly Bhutan Travel coordinates all road transport, accommodation, and crew logistics for the full 18-day journey.
Altitude and Acclimatisation
The trek reaches its highest point at Nagchungla Pass, 4,100 meters, on Day 12. The preceding days build altitude gradually from Paro at 2,200 meters through Thimphu, Bumthang, and Mongar. The trek itself climbs progressively from Chaling to Merak before the high pass crossing. Drink water consistently and walk at a steady pace on ascent days. Inform your guide of any symptoms of altitude sickness at the earliest sign.
Trekking Campsites
All campsites on the Merak Sakteng Trek are established sites within Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. Each camp is enclosed by a stone wall with a gate for the ponies. Facilities include sleeping tents, a dining tent, a kitchen tent, and toilet facilities. Signage at each campsite gives the altitude, forest type, local fauna, and distance to the next camp. Truly Bhutan Travel provides all trekking equipment for the camp. You bring your personal sleeping bag and clothing.
Exiting Bhutan via Samdrup Jongkhar
This itinerary exits Bhutan by road through Samdrup Jongkhar into Assam, India. The overland exit suits groups with onward travel through northeastern India. Road transfer to Guwahati airport takes approximately three to four hours from the border. Groups returning by air from Paro should arrange a domestic transfer or internal flight before the final departure day. Confirm your exit preference with Truly Bhutan Travel at the time of booking.
A Trek into One of the Most Isolated Communities in Bhutan
The Brokpa villages of Merak and Sakteng sit inside a protected area closed to all visitors without a special permit. Access requires government authorization, a licensed operator, and a local crew. As a result, the experience on this trek is unlike any other route in the country. The communities here have maintained a way of life built on yaks and seasonal migration. Their language and dress are found nowhere else in Bhutan. Truly Bhutan Travel coordinates every aspect of that access, from the permit to the pony handlers.
The invitation into a Brokpa home for butter tea is not a performance. The Brokpa welcome guests on their own terms. That directness is what makes this trek different.
What the Full 18-Day Route Delivers
The 18 days cover the full breadth of Bhutan. The journey runs from the Paro Valley in the west to the Samdrup Jongkhar border in the east. The journey through Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, and Bumthang before the trek begins gives cultural depth to the eastern highlands. Nagchungla Pass at 4,100 meters is the physical and experiential centerpiece. The descent through Sakteng and the overnight at Joenkhar Teng brings the trek back to lower ground. The pace across those final two days is unhurried. The full 18 days form a complete arc from the capital to the frontier.
Book Your 2026 or 2027 Merak Sakteng Trek
Spring 2026 dates run from March through May. Autumn 2026 dates run from September through November. Both 2027 seasons are open for booking. This route accepts a limited number of guests per departure. The trekking crew from Merak and Sakteng books in advance of each season. Contact Truly Bhutan Travel at [email protected] or WhatsApp +975 77111115 to confirm your dates. The team sends a full quotation within 24 hours.
Alternative Tours with Truly Bhutan Travel
Bhutan Travel Info
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
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