Venture into one of Bhutan's most remote and culturally fascinating regions on the 18 Days Merak Sakteng Trek. This extraordinary journey takes you deep into the eastern Himalayas, where untouched mountain landscapes, ancient forests and high-altitude pastures are home to the Brokpa, one of Bhutan's last semi-nomadic communities. Living at elevations of around 3,500 metres, the Brokpa have preserved their distinctive traditions, unique attire and pastoral lifestyle for centuries. The trek also passes through the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's only protected area established to preserve the habitat of the legendary Yeti.
Combining immersive trekking with cultural exploration across western, central and eastern Bhutan, this itinerary showcases magnificent monasteries, ancient fortresses, sacred valleys and authentic village life, making it one of Bhutan's most rewarding trekking experiences.
USD 5,950
per person - SDF INCLUDED Plan This Journey →✓ WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Professional trekking guide and support crew
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trekking permits and park entry fees
- Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags
- Pack horses and luggage transport during the trek
- Bhutan visa-processing assistance
18 Days Merak Sakteng Trek Itinerary
1
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide warmly welcomes you to Bhutan.
Drive through scenic river valleys to Thimphu. Depending on your arrival time, visit the National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma before checking into your hotel.
Highlights- Airport welcome
- Scenic drive
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Traditional Bhutanese dinner
2
Discover Thimphu
Discover Thimphu
Explore Bhutan's vibrant capital city.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Royal Textile Museum, and the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory. Browse local handicraft markets before returning to your hotel.
Highlights- Tashichho Dzong
- Royal Textile Museum
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Handmade Paper Factory
- Local handicrafts
3
Thimphu to Punakha
Thimphu to Punakha
Travel across the spectacular Dochula Pass, home to the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Descend into Punakha Valley and explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, followed by a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility.
Highlights- Dochula Pass
- 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang
4
Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa
Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa
Journey through central Bhutan, stopping at the historic Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral seat of Bhutan's Royal Family.
Continue to Bumthang, widely regarded as Bhutan's spiritual heartland.
Highlights- Trongsa Dzong
- Scenic mountain drive
- Central Bhutan
- Arrival in Bumthang
5
Explore Sacred Bumthang
Explore Sacred Bumthang
Spend the day visiting Bumthang's most sacred sites.
Explore Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery, and Jakar Dzong, before enjoying a peaceful walk through nearby villages.
Highlights- Jambay Lhakhang
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Tamshing Monastery
- Jakar Dzong
- Traditional villages
6
Bumthang to Trashigang
Bumthang to Trashigang
Drive east through Thrumshingla National Park, crossing one of Bhutan's most scenic mountain regions before arriving in the eastern town of Trashigang.
Highlights- Thrumshingla National Park
- Scenic mountain landscapes
- Eastern Bhutan
- Trashigang
7
Trek Begins • Trashigang to Charbaling
Trek Begins • Trashigang to Charbaling
Drive to the trekking trailhead near Radi before beginning your adventure.
Follow forest trails through peaceful landscapes to Charbaling, an alpine grazing area surrounded by forests and mountain scenery.
Highlights- Trek begins
- Forest trails
- Alpine meadows
- Charbaling Camp
8
Charbaling to Merak
Charbaling to Merak
Climb steadily toward Thumburtsa La Pass before descending into the spectacular highland village of Merak, home to the Brokpa people.
Stone houses, prayer flags and grazing yaks welcome you to one of Bhutan's most distinctive communities.
Highlights- Thumburtsa La Pass
- Merak Village
- Brokpa culture
- Highland scenery
9
Merak to Sakteng
Merak to Sakteng
Cross Nyuksang La Pass (4,140m) while enjoying breathtaking mountain views before descending into Sakteng, another traditional Brokpa settlement nestled within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
Highlights- Nyuksang La Pass
- Alpine landscapes
- Sakteng Village
- Mountain camping
10
Explore Sakteng
Explore Sakteng
Spend the day discovering the rich traditions of the Brokpa people.
Visit monasteries, meet local families and learn about their distinctive clothing, music, pastoral lifestyle and centuries-old customs.
Highlights- Brokpa community
- Traditional culture
- Village exploration
- Local monasteries
11
Sakteng to Jyonkhar
Sakteng to Jyonkhar
Continue trekking across rolling alpine meadows and peaceful mountain ridges before arriving in the quiet settlement of Jyonkhar.
Highlights- Mountain trails
- Yak pastures
- Scenic ridges
- Jyonkhar Village
12
Jyonkhar to Phongmey
Jyonkhar to Phongmey
Descend gradually through forests and terraced farmland before reaching Phongmey, a peaceful eastern Bhutanese village.
Highlights- Forest trekking
- Traditional villages
- Rural Bhutan
- Scenic countryside
13
Return to Trashigang
Return to Trashigang
Complete the final section of the trek before returning to Trashigang by vehicle.
Relax after your successful trekking adventure.
Highlights- Trek completion
- Scenic drive
- Eastern Bhutan
- Hotel stay
14
Trashigang to Bumthang
Trashigang to Bumthang
Travel back through Bhutan's beautiful eastern mountain landscapes to Bumthang.
Enjoy a relaxed evening in one of Bhutan's most picturesque valleys.
Highlights- Scenic drive
- Mountain scenery
- Bumthang Valley
15
Bumthang to Punakha
Bumthang to Punakha
Journey westward through spectacular mountain scenery back to the beautiful Punakha Valley.
Highlights- Central Bhutan
- Mountain passes
- Punakha Valley
16
Punakha to Paro
Punakha to Paro
Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before returning through Dochula Pass to Paro.
Explore Rinpung Dzong and enjoy time in Paro town.
Highlights- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Rinpung Dzong
- Paro town
- Scenic drive
17
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Complete your Bhutan adventure with the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest).
After exploring Bhutan's most iconic monastery, enjoy an optional traditional hot stone bath before your farewell dinner.
Highlights- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Guided mountain hike
- Panoramic Paro Valley views
- Farewell dinner
18
Departure from Paro
Departure from Paro
Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to Paro International Airport.
Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of remote Himalayan trails, ancient traditions and the remarkable hospitality of the Brokpa people.
Highlights- Breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Departure assistance
- Farewell to Bhutan
× WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Optional activities not listed
- Gratuities for guides, trekking crew and driver
✓ Why You'll Love This Retreat
The 18 Days Merak Sakteng Trek Journey is one of Bhutan's most extraordinary cultural and trekking experiences. From walking through the untouched landscapes of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and meeting the fascinating Brokpa people to exploring Bhutan's sacred monasteries, historic dzongs and the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, this adventure offers an unforgettable journey into one of the Himalayas' most remote and authentic regions.
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