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Merak-Sakeng stands out as a distinct attraction in Bhutan. Unlike anywhere else in the country, it offers a visitor to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and vernacular in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in Trashigang Dzongkhag (District), in Eastern Bhutan.
It is a moderate trek (between 1,500m and 4,100m) traversing through the semi-nomadic villages of Gengu (3400m), Merak (3500m), Sakteng (2800m), Thakthi (2200m), and Joenkhar (1700m). Tour operators are not mandated to use a particular trail but the most common trail usually begins from Chaling and ends in Phongmey. Both these Geogs of Merak and Sakteng is an important watershed for Ngere Ama chu and Gamri chu rivers respectively.
The campsites have been designed aesthetically to blend with local architecture and ambiance. Enclosed by a stonewall (with a gate to bring in the ponies to unpack trekking paraphernalia), the campsite is equipped with facilities such as tenting sheds, toilets, kitchens (in some), dining area and water supply. A signage describing the location, altitude, forest type, fauna, and additional hiking trails in the locality, distance and time to next camp welcomes a visitor to each campsite.
The trek lies within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS). It was created in April 2003 with a strong agenda for conservation and to protect the unique assemblage of biological and cultural diversity in the region. It covers an area of 650 km2 and is bordered by the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang) in the north and east, Phongmey Geog and Kangpara Geog in the west, and Shingkhar Lauri Geog in Samdrup Jongkhar. It is connected to Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary by a biological corridor, a part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex (B2C2).Both International & domestic Flight fares.
Visa fees USD 40.
Travel insurance coverage.
Drinks/Beverages.
Communication charges, laundry, tips, porters at hotels.
Other expenses of personal nature.
Tour Money transfer Fee.
Day 1 : Arrive in Paro International airport
Altitude: 2280m.
Paro – Thimphu.
Distance: 55km.
Estimated time:1 ½ hours.
You will be welcome by our representatives at International airport. After completing customs & Immigration formalities. We will drive to capital city Thimphu.
Afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten ,built in 1974 in the memory of Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Takin Reserve, the National Animal of Bhutan, (budorcas taxicolor/ Drong Gyemtse’.) is found and Radio tower, it offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags.
In the evening visit Tashichhodzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion", built in 1641. It houses His Majesty’s Secretariat and the Central Monk Body. Across the river you can see the National Assembly building. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2 : Thimphu – Punakha
Altitude: 1280m
Distance: 71km.
Estimated time:2 hours.
Morning visit Semtokha Dzong,built in 1627 and it is the oldest Dzong in the country and now houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
Stop at Dochula ( altitude 3088m) , drive 23km from Thimphu which will take about 45 minutes where you can enjoy the viewpoint of Eastern Himalayas. The 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the soldiers lost.
En route visit Chhimi Lhakhang atop a small hillock, built in 1499 by the 14th Drukp Kinley during his first visit in this vally. Temple renowned for its fertility blessings.
Afternoon short expedition Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (stupa), 3 hours round trip: One of the only such chorten in the world, constructed in 1992. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 3 : Punakha - Trongsa
Altitude 2200m
Distance: 155 km
Estimated time: 6 hours.
Morning visit Punakha Dzong,The ancient capital of Bhutan and now winter residence of Chief Abbot (Je Khempa), built in the year 1637. En route visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market.
After wangdi, journey pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress till we reach at Pele La_altitude3420m, boundary between western and central Bhutan. Stop at Chendebji Chorten_altitude2430m: Similar style of the great Bodhanath Chrten Nepal. Built in order to subdue harmful, anti religious demons.
Afternoon visit Trongsa Dzong, Longest fortress and in the centre of the kingdom, built in year 1647.Ta Dzong means “watchtower”: built1652 by Choeje Minjur Tenpa, the first governor of Trongsa. Explore Trongsa market and Overnight hotel in Trongsa.
Day 4 : Trongsa - Bumthang
Altitude: 2600m.
Distance: 68 km.
Estimated time: 2 ½ hours..
Morning start journey and Stop at Yotongla pass (altitude3425m) for superb view and at Chumey private Yatha weaving Centre.
Afternoon visit Jakar Dzong,historic Jakar Dzong, builtt in 1646 AD by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal ruler) Jambay Lhakhang, One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century and Kurjey Lhakhang, associated with Guru Rinpochoe, who brought Tantric Buddhism in to Bhutan and Tibet.Explore Bumthang town and overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 5 : Bumthang – Mongar
Distance: 198km.
Estimated time: 7 hours.
The journey continues eastwards winding through more rugged terrain and pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass (4,000 m). Gradually drop down to Sengor, watching cascading waterfalls on the way.The descent stops at 700m, on a bridge over the Kurichu. Ascent again through pine forest, maize fields and eastern hamlets to Mongar town.
In evening visit Mongar Dzong, built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs. Overnight hotel in Mongar.
Day 6 : Mongar – Trashigang
Altitude: 1100m
Distance: 91 km.
Estimated time: 3 hours.
Drive through leafy forest filled with ferns pass through the Kori-la pass (2,450m), marked by a pretty chorten and a mani wall, we descend rapidly through corn fields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzags just below Yadi, a fairly recent and now fast-growing settlement.Afternoon visit Trashigang Dzong, built in 1659, the Dzong serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The Dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside.Overnight hotel Trashigang.
Day 7 : Chaling – Damnongchu ( Trek begin).
Campsite: Altitude 3,316m.
The trek to Merak will start from Chaling reached by following an unsealed road from Rangjung. Damnongchu camping area is located after Mindrula which lies at about 3,316m / 10,880ft.
Day 8 : Damnongchu - Merak
Campsite:Altitude 3,499m.
Estimated time: 5 hours.
The trail from Damnongchu to Merak goes along the river bank with gradual ups and downs.
Day 9 : Merak - Miksa Teng
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.
Day 10 : Miksa Teng - Sakteng
Trek to Sakteng from Miksa Teng is easy making your way through beautiful woods with a short climb before reaching Sakteng. Overnight at Camp.
Day 11 : Sakteng Day Halt
Time to explore this remote Himalayan village
Day 12 : Sakteng – JyonkharTeng.
Campsite: Altitude 1,859m.
Estimated time: 6 1/2 hours.
Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng trek is an easy trek comparing to previous days. It is mostly downhill to Jyonkhar Teng camp
Day 13 : Jyonkhar Teng – Phongmay
Campsite: Altitude 1,981m
Estimated time: 5 hours.
The final day. This day is full with ups and down until you reach the road the head at Phongmay.
Day 14 : Trashigang – Bumthang
Distance: 289km 91 km.198 289
Estimated time: 10 hours.
Day 15 : Bumthang to Thimphu
Altitude: 2993m.
Distance: 328 km.
Estimated time: 10 hours.
Morning drive to phobjikha via Trongsa and stop at Trongsa view point for photo session.Afternoon visit Gangtey Gomp,the oldest and largest Nyingma Bhuddist centre, established in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalsé Rinpoche . Phobjikha valley to view magnificent bird,The Black Neck Crane”.These endangered birds fly south from Siberia and farm house. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 16 : International departure from Paro
Today, your guide will escort you to Paro Airport to bid you farewell. We hope your stay in Bhutan will be a memorable one. This introductory trip to Bhutan will impress you and make you want to come and see more of Bhutan in the future.
| No of pax | Age Limit | Price per pax (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Above 12 years | $ 4000 / Adult |
* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount * Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.
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