Merak Sakteng Trek

Best Price Guaranteed, Easy to change Date, Instant Confirmation

Book This Trip

Trip Duration 07 Days

Group Size 2-16 People

Maximum Altitude 4,153 m

Difficulty Grade Medium

Best Seasons Mar-May / Sep-Nov

Trip Extension

Trip Highlights of Merak Sakteng Trek

The following are some major highlights of Merak Sakteng Trek:

Brokpa Culture: The Merak Sakteng trek allows you to experience the lifestyle of semi-nomadic Brokpa people. These people have been living in the highlands for several centuries now. They are known for their unique traditional attire, intricate weaving, and yak herding practices.
High Mountain Passes: An interesting element of the Merak Saktheng Trek is that you will go through Unchanged Pass. It is high at an elevation of 4,153 meters. This climb may be challenging, but it can be rewarding for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary: The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction of the Merak Sakteng Trek. This sanctuary is a remote protected area that aims to preserve the location’s ecological elements. Moreover, the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is home to species like red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and several bird species.
Rhododendron Forests: You will come across dense Rhododendron forests during the Merak Sakteng Trek. The beauty of the Rhododendron flowers depends on the season you’re trekking. Trekkers can find the most beautiful scenery of these flowers during the spring season. Early fall is just as good to pass the beauty of these rich, red flower trees.
Alpine Meadows and Pastures: The simple valley life of the people along the alpine meadows and pastures can be a fascinating sight. People who have been living in the city can relate more to such an experience. From yak pastures to sights of people raising livestock and the alpine visuals along the trek, you will be offered nothing but an aesthetic sight.
Remote Himalayan Villages: The remote Himalayan villages of Merak and Sakteng are best known for their friendly locals. Even though they are far from the modern world, they are always keen to learn about those visiting them from the outside world. You will get to share stories and have them tell you about their own lives and cultures, while you get to relish traditional food items and diverse traditions.
Photography Opportunities: The rhododendron forests are rather dense and serve beautifully as a photography backdrop. The Brokpa people will give you many photographic moments as well.
Cultural Monuments: Rangjung Monastery, which was founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche, is a major cultural monument you’ll visit during the Merak Sakteng Trek. Furthermore, there are plenty of smaller chortens you will find on your trails.
Scenic Rivers and Suspension Bridges: Eastern Bhutan offers you the views of scenic rivers that are perfect looking amid the picturesque meadows. Also, you will be passing suspension bridges that add to the adventure.
Off Beaten Path: If you are an adrenaline junkie, you will likely love trekking through the off-beaten pathways of the Merak and Sakteng Trek. This trek will not bore you at any moment.

Overview of Merak Sakteng Trek

Bhutan in the Eastern region is very mystical. The remote region is different from the more populated and popular Paro Valley. However, you can find yourself immersed in the naturally rich beauty and authentic culture of the semi-nomadic Brokpa people at Merak and Sakteng villages when you go on the Merak Sakteng Trek.

The week-long trek is perfect for all types of trekkers. Though not as popular as the main cities, Merak and Sakteng have grown in popularity among trekkers and visitors worldwide, especially in recent times.

In this 7-day trek, you will be exploring brilliant corners of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary along with Merak and Sakteng villages. To know more about the Merak Sakteng trek, be sure to read till the end of this article!

Merak Sakteng Trek Overview

The Merak Sakteng Trek is perfect for trekkers who are physically fit and enthusiastic about challenging adventures. Within 7 days, you will have experienced the natural and cultural richness of Merak and Sakteng while also having learned about different wildlife creatures whose habitat is in Eastern Bhutan.

This trek offers a walk through multiple terrains, river valleys, high passes, and villages that are still living in traditional ways. If you want to know more about the people of Bhutan, you’re in for a treat as the Merak Sakteng trek offers you an insight into the lives of the Brokpa culture.

Further, the trek is moderately difficult. Though very popular currently, the trekking destinations remained untouched by the outer world. Taking on this journey is going to be very rewarding. Another best part about this trek is that it is not very time-consuming, so even busy individuals can take a week or a few days more in addition and go on this journey.

Itinerary of Merak Sakteng Trek

DAY
01

Day 01: Chaling to Damnongchu

On the first day, you will travel from Trashigang to Chaling by road. You will pass Rangjung town and Radhi village. You will climb through Chaling, after which you will cross Shaktimi meadow, where you can find grazing animals.

At an altitude of 3,354 m, you will reach Mendula Pass which offers the most brilliant views of the surroundings. Then, you will descend through rhododendron forests and finally reach the Donmong Chu camp at 3,124 m. You can enjoy a warm meal at the campsite under the night sky.

Accommodation Campsite

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Altitude 3,124 m

DAY
02

Day 02: Damnongchu to Merak

You will pass riverbanks, lush forests, and villages on this day. The trails will take you along Gangu village. It is a traditional Bhutanese village. Before reaching Merak, trekkers can rest for around 45 minutes. You can enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains and the Bhutanese culture when here.

Trekkers will set a camp before the village. By evening, you can immerse in Brokpa culture at Merak and learn how they have been leading a semi-nomadic life while herding animal stock.

Accommodation Campsite

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Distance 16 km

Trek Duration 5 hours

Altitude 3,520 m

DAY
03

Day 03: Merak to Miksa Teng

Trekkers will take the most challenging journey on this day as they go across the Nachungla Pass, at 4,153 m. You will come through beautiful juniper and rhododendron forests, and get an overall breathtaking view of the Merak Valley.

After you reach the pass, you can descend to Miksa Teng. It is a quiet yet visually alluring campsite. You can finally rest for the day here.

Accommodation Campsite

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Duration 5 hours

Altitude 4,153 m

DAY
04

Day 04: Miksa Teng to Sakteng

From Mikda Teng, trekkers will trek down to Sakteng, crossing lush forests, suspension bridges, and streams. Sakteng is the primary significant location in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. You will set a campsite here and relax for the day.

Accommodation Campsite

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Distance 14 km

Trek Duration 5 hours

Altitude 2,950 m

DAY
05

Day 05: Day Halt at Sakteng

On this day, there will be no trek. If you want, you can hike to closer locations. However, many trekkers choose to stay at Sakteng while acknowledging the surroundings. A few attractions for this day could be engaging with the Brokpa community and observing their way of life, including weaving and yak herding. You will stay the night at Sakteng.

Accommodation Campsite

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY
06

Day 06: Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng

You will descend from Sakteng to Jyonkhar Teng on this day. Trekkers have to cross suspension bridges and dense forests on the sixth day as well. Jyonkhar Teng serves as a peaceful campsite. It is a village dominated by the Brokpa and Sharchop communities. The village also has a community school and a clinic.

Accommodation Campsite

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Distance 12 km

Trek Duration 6 hours

Altitude 1,800 m

DAY
07

Day 07: Jyonkhar Teng to Phongmay to Trashigang

Finally, on this day, you will complete your 7-day Merak Sakteng trek by descending to Phongmay village. You will drive back to Trashigang from here. Trekkers will stop for a quick worship at Rangjung Monastery before finally concluding their day.

You can take this day not only to rest well at night in your hotel room but to reflect on the lifetime worth of a journey.

Accommodation Hotel

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek Distance 20 km

Trek Duration 7 hours

Trip Extension

Suppose you have more time in Nepal after this trip. In that case, we can help you to extend your trip by running different treks in Nepal, tours in Bhutan and Tibet, Jungle safari tours at Chitwan, Bardia, and other National parks, Nepal luxury hotel booking, Rafting, Ultra-light flights, or any other travel-related services. You can get more information here.

Includes/Excludes

We are updating the contents.

Best Time For Merak Sakteng Trek

There are visitors going to the Merak Sakteng Trek throughout the year. However, it is during autumn and spring that you see the largest crowds there. In addition to this, since this location is not excessively crowded, peak season trekking will not necessarily hamper peace during the journey.

The best two months are explained in detail below:

Spring

Spring in Merak Sakteng is absolutely breathtaking. You will be able to get a clearer view of the yak grazing locals, their habitats, and the landscapes overall. Also, the spring season sees the bloom of the ever-stunning rhododendron trees. You will see these flowers in red, pink, and even white colors.

The air is fresh and slightly chilly. Hence, you don’t have to worry about it being too hot or cold. When you begin your journey in the morning, the cool surroundings will give your body the perfect kickstart for a day-long trek.

In addition to this, finding local service, whether it is accommodation along the journey or smooth logistics, you can get better access during this season. There is a lesser likelihood of delays of flights and trekking days because the trails are undisturbed and rainfall is not likely.

Autumn

Autumn is one such season when you can enjoy the coolness of the early winter while still being able to comfortably trek. Like spring, autumn is neither too hot nor too cold. If you’re lucky, you may even come across a rare wildlife sighting like the red panda.

Additionally, autumn offers you a perfect view of the surroundings from the beginning to the end of the trek. Even when you’re at a higher altitude, you can be less worried about too many clouds blocking your view of the landscapes and valleys.

Local services are available during the spring season, which makes facilities more accessible than off-season. Though a peak season, you can still trek peacefully because the trekking destination does not see too many crowds. Further, the trails are undisturbed, and rainfall is not likely.

Other Seasons: Winter and Summer/ Monsoon

Winter and summer, or monsoon, are some of the less preferred seasons for trekking to Merak Sakteng. Regardless, there are many adventure heads who trek during these seasons for the sake of an adrenaline rush.

It is suggested that the trekkers choose peak seasons like spring and autumn instead of winter or summer and monsoon. The safety factors play a big role in why these seasons are not recommended. The trails may be wet due to unpredictable rainfall during the summer and monsoon.

Likewise, summer heat can be intolerable regardless of the altitude, especially for trekkers who are ascending and descending steep pathways. Winters can be extremely cold, especially at night. The drop in temperatures may cause severe health hazards if the trekker’s body fails to adjust to the air.

Things To Remember During the Merak Sakteng Trek

When you’re going on the Merak Sakteng trek, there are a few things you need to remember in order to trek safely. The following points are necessary to be kept in mind for everyone to maintain their dignity during travel and to ensure they travel safely and respectfully:

Dress Modestly

Merak Saktheng is a trek in remote Bhutan. This means you need to wear modest clothes when you’re trekking or visiting religious sites. Most of the locals hold an orthodox mindset when it comes to dressing up. And, as you may even observe during your visit, the locals are always dressed modestly.

Therefore, try to cover your body and avoid wearing extremely revealing clothes. Shorts with decent length and loose clothes can be appropriate during warmer months. Try not to wear excessively tight clothes, even if it’s to show respect to the locals and their culture.

Photography Tips

You will begin your journey in the morning. And, you may end your journey each day within 5 to 6 hours. This timing will give you the best opportunity to capture some of the most aesthetic pictures on the journey.

Golden hour offers the most satisfying photographs regardless of whether you’re capturing the pictures from a mobile phone or a professional camera. Golden hour refers to the golden time during sunrise and sunset. If you’re taking pictures of the locals, make sure to ask for permission first.

Physical Preparation

Going on a moderately difficult remote trek like Merak Sakteng requires practice and physical fitness. If you’re someone who thinks you can excel in the trek without much practice simply because you are physically fit, you may be wrong!

The trek takes the trekkers through pathways both uphill and downhill. These pathways can challenge all kinds of trekkers if they don’t train well through cardio, jogging, aerobics, or even hikes with loads at locations closer to their home.

Mental Preparation

Many trekkers come physically prepared. But they tend to forget that mental preparation can be just as important. When you are trekking in remote locations, especially if you’re at such a place for the first time, things can get overwhelming.

When you find out about the distance you will walk for the day, or when other trekkers seem to be at a faster pace than you, panicking is normal. To avoid mental stress during sucha journey, do your research, socialize during the journey, and learn about your pace. Remember, to complete the trek, you don’t always have to rush, and mental strength will help you achieve your goals.

Greetings

Greeting the locals during your journey can enhance your trekking experience. Language barrier can often be a problem. A simple “Kuzuzangpo la”, which translates to “hello”, can be very respectful.

There aren’t many locals who will understand a foreign language. Sincere nods with a smile will also be appreciated. As for the guides and porters, they can converse easily in English, and greetings and even conversations won’t be a challenge.

Community Respect

Making fun of culture can be obvious even witha language barrier. Don’t laugh at people’s faces or make comments about their local culture or lifestyle. Anything disrespectful will lead you to trouble.

Polite remarks and innocent curiosity are excused. Other than that, talking offensively, trying to harm local and traditionally kept properties, mocking in any way, or littering will be strictly prohibited. Also, don’t forget to remove your shoes and slippers when you’re entering religious sites.

Religious Location Visits

When you are visiting religious locations, always seek help from your guides as to what you need to do next. Some basic rules to follow include removing shoes before entering religious sites, staying at a respectful distance from monks and religious figures, asking for permission before taking photographs, etc.

Religious locations are not just the major monasteries but also the smaller chortens and monasteries that come along in your way. You can still stop by for worship as long as you’re comfortable with following the general rules of each site.

Safety Tips

Going on a remote trek can seem dangerous. And, it’s necessarily not. But always staying safe with a quick safety kit at hand can be very helpful for all trekkers. You may need a first aid box with antiseptic, handyplast, bandages, and any personal medications as suggested by your physician.

To stay safe, we recommend a quick visit to your doctor before you begin the trek to avoid any dangers that your physical being may have. Other than this, staying with your guide and porters throughout the journey, going steadily, and following the trekking rules can help you go on a safe trek.

Food and Drinks

Remote treks don’t offer as many food and drink options as do the towns. This does not mean that you won’t find good and filling food items on your journey. You can enjoy food items like bread, rice, and curries, along with Bhutanese dishes like ema datsi, red rice, and dumplings during the Merak Sakteng trek.

You can also enjoy different types of hot soup in your campsite. If you want to eat something Western like pizza and pasta, you may have to return to urban locations. As for the drinks, you can enjoy butter tea, milk, coffee, etc.

Accommodation

The accommodation options during the Merak Sakteng trek are mostly tents at the campsites and local teahouses in Merak and Sakteng. Each accommodation offers basic toilet facilities, with the teahouses being more facilitating.

You need to carry personal hygiene products to ensure cleanliness. Sleeping bags can be helpful, especially when you’re camping. Besides basic gear, most accommodation elements are covered by your Merak Sakteng Trek package.

Conclusion

Merak Sakteng trek is growing popular among trekkers who want to relish the natural beauty of Bhutan while also immersing in the cultural richness of the same. Merak and Sakteng are both known for their untouched cultural values and rugged nature. This makes this journey worthwhile for all kinds of trekkers.

One of the best features about this trek is that anyone with medium to expert-level trekking skills can complete this journey successfully. So, if you’re looking for a journey that is both short yet fulfilling from an adventure lover’s viewpoint, Merak Sakteng is perfect for you!

Most Asked Questions by Travellers

General

The Merak Sakteng Trek is a journey of 7 days that takes you through rhododendron forests, Bhutanese villages, and alpine meadows in remote Eastern Bhutan.

The Merak Sakteng Trek is 7 days long. Likewise, this trek can be considered moderately difficult and is suitable for adventure-loving trekkers with good physical fitness.

A trekker who is physically and mentally fit and have adequate experience of hiking for several hours can attempt this trek.

While children below the age of 15 are not suggested to trek to Merak Sakteng. Older teenagers who are physically and mentally fit can trek.

While mobile network is available in major villages, don’t expect to enjoy such facilities in high passes or remote areas.

Yes, you can combine this trek with other Bhutan treks in Eastern Bhutan or cultural journeys in Trashigang and valleys closeby.

Preparation & Fitness

A trekker can physically prepare for the Merak Sakteng trek by engaging in cardio, strength training, and short hikes.

While prior high-altitude experience is not compulsory, this can be an added benefit for the trekker.

You can acclimate by taking your halt at Sakteng rather seriously. Other than that, gradually ascending and drinking water sufficiently can be helpful.

Permits

Yes, you will need permits before entering locations like Merak, Sakteng, and the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary during the Merak Sakteng Trek.

You can obtain the permits through a licensed trekking operator.

Yes, the trekkers must stay aware about wildlife safety, park rules, and by staying within designated trails.

Insurance and Visa

Yes, travel insurance is necessary for the Merak Sakteng trek to cover emergencies and even helicopter evacuation.

Yes, visitors need a visa for Bhutan and get one with the help of a licensed tour operator.

Yes, your insurance will cover emergency evacuation even when you’re in the most remote areas.

Guides & Support Staff

Yes, hiring a guide is mandatory. You will not only be following the regulations as a trekker but also be ensuring your own safety.

Yes, porters are available to carry your tents, trekking bags, and other essentials during the 7 days rugged trails trek.

Your guides will be fluent in both English and Bhutanese making it possible for them to talk to both trekkers and locals.

Accommodation and Facilities

Trekkers will stay at scenic campsites during the trek. There are options for stays at local teahouses at Merak and Sakteng as well.

You can access basic bathroom facilities during the trek. It is suggested that you carry cleaning essentials of your own.

You need to carry a power bank as there is limited electricity in the trek. Charging ports won’t be available everywhere.

Food and Drinks

You can enjoy different types of Bhutanese food like ema datshi, red rice, momos, etc. during the trek. Likewise, you can also enjoy food options like pizza, pasta, etc.

Drinking water is not safe everywhere in the Merak Sakteng trails. Hence, it is suggested that you carry a water bottle and water purification tablets everywhere.

Yes, vegetarian food options are available everywhere. You may not find proper vegan food in the remote areas.

Weather & Seasons

The best time to trek would be during spring and autumn seasons. These are the seasons when sky is clear, the air is fresh, and the views of the surrounding are better.

No, it is not safe to trek during the monsoon season. You may need to follow extra precautions and might even face flight and trek delays.

The daytime temperatures during the Merak Sakteng Trek ranges between 10 to 20 degree Celcius whereas at night time, the temperature may drop below 0 degree Celcius.

Health & Safety

The symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue. Gradual ascent and acclimatization can be of help.

Yes, you will find basic medical assistance through your trekking crew assigned by your tour operator. For emergencies, a trekker will be evacuated to Trashigang or larger hospitals.

You can handle wildlife encounters by keeping a safe distance from animals and by avoiding feeding them.

Packing & Gear

Basic clothing essentials include thermal base layers, fleece coats, waterproof jackets, and warm caps.

Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended as there are going to be several ascents and descents.

Other gear to carry during the Merak Sakteng trek include hiking boots, gaiters, gloves, a headlamp, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

Booking & Payment

Trekking in Bhutan requires you to book the trek through a licensed tour operator who will handle logistics, permits, etc.

Cost of the Merak Sakteng trek depends on the group size, services, and accommodation a trekker enjoys during their journey.

Yes, tour operators require a deposit to confirm the trek and to manage your logistics, guides, permits, etc.

Transportation & Flight

You can reach Trashigang through road transport or through domestic flights from Paro.

Yes, you need vehicles from Trashigang to Chaling at the beginning and Phongmay to Trashigang in the end.

Yes, roads in Eastern Bhutan are safe and well maintained. The trekking trails are not as maintained which adds up to the adrenaline rush among trekkers.

Reviews on Merak Sakteng Trek

Be first to post a review in this trip.

Best Price Guaranteed, Easy to change Date, Instant Confirmation

Book This Trip

Book with Confidence

Flexible bookings and easy trip date changes
Personalized service and customized group sizes
Safe travels with owner-operated services and highly experienced guides
Best price guarantee for the most value for your money
Secure & easy online booking

Your Trek Leader

Enjoy Himalayan scenery with the help of Nepal’s best guides with Government license holders and got training in first-aid, our Trip Leaders, know where you’ll find the best photos, most fascinating wildlife, and the best stream crossings.

Trips for All

Merak Sakteng Trek

Trip Highlights of Merak Sakteng Trek