13 Days Merak
Sakteng Trek
Journey into the remote valleys of eastern Bhutan to walk ancient highland trails and experience the distinctive culture, traditions and hospitality of the Brokpa communities.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TREK →
Walk into the World of the Brokpa
The Merak Sakteng Trek explores one of Bhutan’s most remote and culturally distinctive regions. The trail connects the highland settlements of Merak and Sakteng in the far east.
These valleys are home to the Brokpa, a semi-nomadic people with their own language, traditional clothing, customs and centuries-old relationship with the highland environment.
Walk through rhododendron forests, mountain pastures and protected wilderness while staying near communities that receive relatively few international visitors.
Experiences Along the Trail
Discover eastern Bhutan’s protected landscapes, remote settlements and distinctive highland traditions.
Brokpa Culture
Learn about the language, clothing, traditions and pastoral lifestyle of Bhutan’s Brokpa communities.
Merak Village
Explore a remote highland settlement surrounded by mountain pastures and forested ridges.
Sakteng Valley
Experience village life in one of Bhutan’s most isolated and culturally distinctive valleys.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Trek through protected forests supporting diverse Himalayan plants, birds and wildlife.
Rhododendron Forests
Walk through colourful rhododendron and conifer forests, especially beautiful during spring.
Eastern Bhutan
Discover Trashigang and landscapes rarely included in shorter journeys through western Bhutan.
Your Merak Sakteng Journey
Open each day to view the route, cultural encounters and overnight destination.
DAY 01Arrival in ParoWelcome and acclimatisation+
Meet your guide at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel for rest and orientation.
- Airport reception
- Journey briefing
- Overnight in Paro
DAY 02Fly to Yonphula and Transfer to TrashigangFlight subject to schedule and weather+
Take a scenic domestic flight to eastern Bhutan and continue by road to Trashigang.
- Domestic flight
- Eastern Bhutan introduction
- Overnight in Trashigang
DAY 03Trashigang Cultural ExplorationAcclimatisation and trek preparation+
Explore Trashigang and complete final preparations for the highland journey.
- Trashigang Dzong when accessible
- Local town and market
- Equipment review
DAY 04Trashigang to Chaling and DamnongchuDrive and approximately 3–4 hours trekking+
Drive to Chaling and begin walking through forest and grazing land toward the first campsite.
- Meet the trekking team
- Gradual introductory walk
- Camp near Damnongchu
DAY 05Damnongchu to MerakApproximately 5–6 hours trekking+
Continue across open highland terrain and forest before reaching the remote settlement of Merak.
- Mountain pastures
- Arrival in Brokpa country
- Camp or local accommodation in Merak
DAY 06Explore MerakCultural immersion and acclimatisation+
Spend the day learning about Brokpa traditions, pastoral life, architecture and community customs.
- Village walk
- Community encounters
- Second night in Merak
DAY 07Merak to MiksatengApproximately 6–7 hours trekking+
Leave Merak and cross a high pass before descending through rhododendron forest toward Miksateng.
- High-pass crossing
- Forest and alpine scenery
- Camp at Miksateng
DAY 08Miksateng to SaktengApproximately 5–6 hours trekking+
Follow forest trails and river valleys before reaching the culturally distinctive village of Sakteng.
- Protected wilderness
- Arrival in Sakteng
- Camp or local accommodation
DAY 09Explore SaktengCommunity and nature experiences+
Explore Sakteng’s village lanes, homes, temples and pastoral landscapes with your local guide.
- Brokpa cultural encounters
- Optional nature walk
- Second night in Sakteng
DAY 10Sakteng to Jongkhar TengApproximately 6–7 hours trekking+
Begin the descent from Sakteng through forest, farmland and changing vegetation toward Jongkhar Teng.
- Forest descent
- Village landscapes
- Final trekking camp
DAY 11Complete Trek and Return to TrashigangShort walk and private transfer+
Complete the final trail section, meet your vehicle and return to Trashigang for a comfortable hotel night.
- Farewell to trekking team
- Private road transfer
- Overnight in Trashigang
DAY 12Fly from Yonphula to ParoFlight subject to weather and schedule+
Transfer to Yonphula Airport and fly across Bhutan to Paro. Spend the remaining day resting or exploring the valley.
- Domestic flight
- Paro hotel transfer
- Overnight in Paro
DAY 13Departure from ParoPrivate airport transfer+
Transfer to Paro International Airport according to your flight schedule.
- Breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Departure assistance
What Your Journey Includes
Your confirmed quotation will identify every accommodation, trekking service, domestic flight and applicable fee.
Included
- Selected hotel accommodation
- Trekking camps or local accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Licensed Bhutanese trekking guide
- Local support team and camp cook
- Pack animals for trekking equipment
- Private vehicle and driver
- Airport and trailhead transfers
- Listed sightseeing and entrance fees
- Drinking water during the journey
- Visa-processing assistance
- Evara Travel support
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights unless stated in quotation
- Travel and medical insurance
- Emergency evacuation expenses
- Personal trekking equipment
- Personal sleeping bag unless confirmed
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal shopping and expenses
- Laundry and room services
- Tips for guides and trekking crew
- Hotel or room upgrades
- Unlisted services
Domestic flights, visa charges and Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee will be confirmed separately in your quotation.
Preparing for Merak and Sakteng
Fitness
Regular fitness and preparation for consecutive walking days on uneven trails are recommended.
Remote Region
Facilities, road access and communications are limited within the trekking region.
Accommodation
Trekking nights may use supported camps or simple local accommodation as operationally confirmed.
Weather
Conditions can change quickly, with cold nights, rain, wind or mist possible throughout the journey.
Community Respect
Always ask before photographing residents and follow your guide’s advice regarding cultural etiquette.
Essential Equipment
Bring trekking boots, warm layers, waterproofs, a daypack, sun protection and personal medicine.
Yonphula flights are weather-sensitive. The itinerary may require road transfers or schedule adjustments if flights change.