Discover one of Bhutan’s most rewarding trekking experiences through the remote valleys of Merak and Sakteng, home to the indigenous Brokpa community. Indeed, this scenic journey takes you across alpine meadows, yak pastures, and pristine mountain landscapes, while also offering a rare opportunity to experience the traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle that has been preserved for generations.
Located in eastern Bhutan, within the beautiful Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, these villages are known for their rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and stunning natural surroundings. Furthermore, along the way, you may spot unique Himalayan wildlife and, in addition, gain insight into the daily lives of the Brokpa people, who continue to raise yaks and produce traditional dairy products. Altogether, this trek is a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, authentic cultural encounters, and peaceful wilderness.
4,720 m
12 km
5 hours Average
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, one of Asia’s most scenic airports, our representative will warmly receive you and provide a brief orientation about your journey. If flights are booked through us, we will try our best to arrange suitable seats for breathtaking Himalayan views during the flight. Later, explore Paro town and enjoy your first glimpse of Bhutanese culture. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
Day Overview after breakfast, embark on an unforgettable hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, perched 200 metres above the Paro Valley. Legend holds that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress and meditated for three months, making it Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage site. The six-hour round trip includes a relaxing stop at a hillside cafeteria with stunning monastery views. Afterward, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by King Songtsen Gampo. Finally, unwind with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at a local farmhouse before settling in for the overnight stay.
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for a scenic 25-minute domestic flight to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Upon arrival, meet your guide, check in to your hotel, and begin exploring the beautiful Bumthang Valley.
Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, followed by Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred pilgrimage site associated with Guru Rinpoche. Continue to Tamshing Lhakhang, renowned for its ancient murals and rich Buddhist heritage.
After breakfast, explore the highlights of Bumthang Valley. Visit Jakar Dzong, Jakar Lhakhang, and the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites.
In the afternoon, visit the Swiss Cheese Factory and Red Panda Brewery. If time permits, enjoy a short walk through the nearby villages before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay in Bumthang.
Afterward breakfast, set off on a scenic drive toward Mongar, winding through dense forests, traditional villages, and spectacular viewpoints across Bhutan’s mountain landscapes. Eventually, you’ll arrive in one of eastern Bhutan’s busiest commercial towns. Thereafter checking into your hotel, spend the evening relaxing and exploring the local surroundings at your own pace.
After breakfast, continue your journey to Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Trashigang Dzong, dramatically perched on a ridge above two rivers. Afterward, head to the Khaling National Institute for the Visually Impaired, then the National Handloom Development Centre to see traditional weaving. Finally, stroll through Trashigang’s lively streets before returning to your hotel.
After breakfast, drive roughly two hours from Trashigang to Chaling, where the trek begins. From there, the trail climbs gradually through alpine meadows, past grazing yaks and sheep and scattered herders’ huts. Eventually, you reach Mendula Pass (3,345 m), rewarded with magnificent mountain views. Afterward, descend through lovely rhododendron forests to the riverside campsite at Donmong Chu, overnighting amid pristine Himalayan wilderness.
As you steadily gain elevation, the trail winds through forests, alpine meadows, and highland pastures, eventually leading to Damnongchu, where tents await amidst pristine Himalayan wilderness.
Today, the trail follows the river, offering gentle ascents and descents through pristine landscapes. Eventually, it reaches the remote highland village of Merak, home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa community. Here, you’ll experience one of Bhutan’s most unique cultures and traditions firsthand. Afterward, spend the night camping amidst spectacular mountain scenery.
Continue your trek towards Miksa Teng, crossing the magnificent Nagchung La Pass at approximately 4,100 metres, one of the highest points of the trek. The trail rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views before descending to a peaceful campsite surrounded by colourful rhododendron forests.
Today, the trek turns gentle as you wind through forests and rolling hills toward Sakteng’s enchanting valley. Along the way, dramatic mountain scenery unfolds, revealing one of Bhutan’s most remote settlements, home to the indigenous Brokpa people. Finally, settle into an overnight camp in this serene Himalayan valley.
Today, the trail eases into a gentle walk through forests and rolling hills toward Sakteng’s enchanting valley. Along the way, dramatic mountain scenery unfolds, revealing one of Bhutan’s most remote settlements, home to the indigenous Brokpa people. Finally, settle into a serene overnight camp in the valley.
Resume your trek with a predominantly downhill trail through forests, open meadows, and mountain streams towards Jyengkhar Teng. Compared to previous trekking days, today’s walk is relatively easier, allowing ample time to appreciate the untouched natural beauty of eastern Bhutan. Overnight at camp.
On the final day of your trek, continue through rolling terrain with a series of gentle ascents and descents before reaching the road head near Phongmey. From here, drive back to Trashigang where you can enjoy a comfortable hotel stay after completing your memorable Himalayan trekking adventure.
After breakfast, head back to Trashigang, then spend the day exploring its cultural sites. First, visit Trashigang Dzong; next, Khaling’s weaving center and the Institute for the Visually Impaired. Afterward, optionally see Rangjung Monastery and Radhi. Alternatively, weather permitting, fly from Yonphula Airport to Paro instead.
After breakfast, begin a scenic drive from Trashigang to Bumthang, crossing the beautiful landscapes of eastern and central Bhutan. The journey passes through dramatic mountain roads, lush forests, and traditional villages. En route, enjoy views of the countryside and make short stops at viewpoints and local settlements. Continue via Mongar, Thrumshingla Pass (3,750m), and Ura Valley before arriving in Bumthang
Then, transfer to Batpalathang Airport for your scenic flight to Paro. Upon arrival, your team greets you and heads to Drukgyel Dzong, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang, before checking into your final-night hotel. Alternatively, weather permitting, fly directly from Yonphula Airport to Paro instead.
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight with beautiful memories of Bhutan’s landscapes, culture, and trekking adventure.
Tashi Delek!
The trek is considered moderate and is suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness. Daily walking is generally 5–8 hours over mountain trails, meadows, and high passes, with altitudes reaching around 4,000 meters.
The ideal seasons are:
These months offer the best trekking conditions.
The trek usually starts from Chaling (or nearby trailheads) and ends at Phongmey, passing through the remote villages of Merak and Sakteng in eastern Bhutan.
This trek offers a rare opportunity to:
Essential items include:
Days
Persons
1 Guides
Days
Persons
1 Guides
Days
Persons
1 Guides
