Merak-Sakteng Trek

7-days trekking, 22-days total,

exit Bhutan to Assam, India

April 2 - 23, 2012 (with Paro Tshechu)

November 10 -  December 1, 2012 (with Trashigang Tshechu)

DAY 1 ARRIVE in PARO
DAY 2 PARO
DAY 3 PARO – THIMPHU
DAY 4 THIMPHU
DAY 5 THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
DAY 6 PUNAKHA –WANGDUE - GANGTEY
DAY 7 GANGTEY – TRONGSA
DAY 8 TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
DAY 9 BUMTHANG
DAY 10 BUMTHANG
DAY 11 BUMTHANG – MONGAR
DAY 12 MONGAR – TRASHIGANG
DAY 13 TRASHIGANG (Excursion to Trashi Yangtse)
DAY 14 to 20 Merak - Sakten Trek

DAY 21 TRASHIGANG – SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
DAY 22 SAMDRUP JONGKHAR – GUWAHATI – DELHI or GUWAHATI via KOLKATA to BANGKOK

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Sakteng-Merak Trek

5-days trekking, 20-days total,

exit Bhutan to Assam, India

The following is the proposed itinerary if time is of essence allowing for 5-nights in the Merak-Sakteng area only. The sample itinerary starts from Chaling heading to Merak first because of the steep climb to Nagchungla pass if the trek should be undertaken in reverse, coming from Sakteng.

Day 1: Trashigang – Chaling (7050 ft) – 7 hrs – Damnongchu (10131 ft)
Drive from Trashigang via Rangjung to Chaling and trek to Damnongchu. Damnongchu camping area is located past Mindrula at an elevation of 10,880 ft above sea level.

Day 2: Damnongchu – 5 hrs – Merak (11480 ft)
The trail from Damnongchu to Merak follows along the river bank with gradual ups and downs. The final stretch goes gently uphill to Merak village. The campsite, located before the village, has fine views of the surrounding mountains and the village itself.

Day 3: Merak – 7.5 hrs – Miksa Teng (9400 ft)
Trek from Merak to Miksa Teng is a little more challenging as it ascends over the scenic Nagchungla pass. Cross Nagchung La and descend to Miksa Teng campsite located in a clearing surrounded by rhododendron trees, particularly beautiful when the flowers are in full bloom.

Day 4: Miksa Teng – 3.5 hrs – Sakteng (9850 ft)
Trek from Miksa Teng to Sakteng, an easy and enjoyable route through beautiful woods, then follow along the river until a short climb to reach the village of Sakteng. If lucky, you may be able to spot a red panda among the trees. The Sakteng campsite is on the outskirts of the village.

Day 5: Sakteng – 6.5 hrs – Jyonkhar Teng (6100 ft)
Trek mostly downhill to Sakteng to Jyonkhar, and camp near the river and the village.

Day 6: Jyonkhar – 5 hrs – Phongmay / Radhi (6500 ft) /Trashigang
Trek to Phongmay or Radhi further down the trail, where the trail ends and motorable road begins. Both villages are very scenic and particularly enjoyable to visit. Radhi, referred to as the "Rice Bowl of the East" is also well-known for its weaving, woolen textiles called Bura.

While Merak-Sakteng can be ideally visited during the spring and fall, lesser attractive months of the year should not be overlooked as Merak-Sakteng like Bhutan as a whole is a viable year-round destination and even summer and winter seasons offer unique opportunities to experience this remote and exclusive area.

1. June Pink Poppy Season:

The Nagchung La area up to the top of the pass is very scenic in June, when Pink Poppy blooms. While it main rain frequently, the rain is not constant but the nature is lush and colors vibrant. Tourists may tour the area but are not allowed to cross the pass at this time of the year due to possible landslides on the other side of  the Nagchungla pass.

2. Winter Season:
A) Visit to Merak and Sakteng villages only:

While in general the main reason for not wanting to tour Merak and Sakteng in winter months is the cold and that Nagchungla pass is closed due to heavy snow, and also possibly because many Brokpas leave their villages at that time of the year. On another hand, fact is enough Brokpas remain to cater to tourists and being allowed to  visit just up to Merak or Sakteng, the key Brokpa villages, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy the solitude of winter amidst the pristine nature and a few natives with handful if any other tourists around.

B) Merak – Danglingtsho (Khaling) Trek:

This trek, though not as yet open to tourists promises to become another option for tourists to trek in the remote parts of eastern Bhutan. Further south and of much milder climate on account of lower elevations, Merak - Khaling route will be feasible for trekking from October to May.

Other tour options in Merak-Sakteng area:
 
If you wish to spend more time in the area it is well worth it to spend a day in Merak as you can not only rest but have an opportunity to explore the village as well as the neighboring village of Ganggu and interact with the Brokpas.
 
It is also recommended to spend a full day in Sakteng village. As Merak, Sakteng is permeated by the myths and belief in the existence of Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, and the worship of Aum Jomo, the protecting deity of the Brokpas. The Sakteng valley is also larger than that of Merak and has more villages in its vicinity to explore than Merak.
 
Last recommended add-on constitutes a roundtrip climb of Jomo Kungkhar a mountain near Merak village. This short side trek offers to explore the myth of the refuge of Aum Jomo, an important Brokpa deity. This trip is especially fascinating to do in the spring when a 5-day festival is celebrated by the Brokpas to propitiate the spirit of Aum Jomo. The trip to Jomo Kungkhar is done as two days, one night add-on to the Merak-Sangteng trek itinerary.

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Bird-watching in Merak Sakteng