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!
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