Introduction on pristine Nature and cultural Merak & Sakteng Exclusive Trek
Merak Sakteng Trek was opened only in 2012 after three decades of inception of tourism in Bhutan and so far very few trekking groups have visited this remote region in Eastern Bhutan. Merak-Sakteng stands out as a distinct attraction in Bhutan. Unlike anywhere else in the country, it offers a visitor to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and vernacular in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in Trashigang Dzongkhag (District), in Eastern Bhutan.
It is a moderate trek (between 1,500m and 4,100m) traversing through the semi-nomadic villages of Gengu (3400m), Merak (3500m), Sakteng (2800m), Thakthi (2200m), and Joenkhar (1700m). Tour operators are not mandated to use a particular trail but the most common trail usually begins from Chaling and ends in Phongmey. Both these Geogs of Merak and Sakteng are an important watershed for Ngere Ama chu and Gamri chu rivers respectively.
The campsites have been designed aesthetically to blend with local architecture and ambiance. Enclosed by a stonewall (with a gate to bring in the ponies to unpack trekking paraphernalia), the campsite is equipped with facilities such as tenting sheds, toilets, kitchens (in some), dining area and water supply. A signage describing the location, altitude, forest type, fauna, additional hiking trails in the locality, distance and time to next camp welcomes a visitor to each campsite.

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

The trek lies within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS). It was created in April 2003 with a strong agenda for conservation and to protect the unique assemblage of biological and cultural diversity in the region. It covers an area of 650 km2 and is bordered by the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang) in the north and east, Phongmey Geog and Kangpara Geog in the west, and Shingkhar Lauri Geog in Samdrup Jongkhar. It is connected to Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary by a biological corridor, a part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex (B2C2).

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. TRASHIGANG VIA CHALING TO DONMANG CHU : 19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 2217M ASCENT | 230M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3124M

From Trashigang, you will take scenic drive for one and half hours to Chaling passing through Rangjung town and Radhi village. Your trekking crew and pack animals will be waiting here for you. Trek starts with gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow. You will see yaks and sheep grazing with yak herders’ huts dotted on the hills side. Climb further to reach Mendula Pass at 3354m. From this pass, you will descend through rhododendron forests to Donmong Chu camp at 3124m.

Day 2: DONMONG CHU TO MERAK : 14KM | 5 HOURS | 396M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3520M

The trail from Domong Chu to Merak mostly follows the river bends. The final stretch has gentle ascend before you reach Gangu village. After another 45 minutes walk from this village, you will arrive at Merak located at an altitude of 3520m. The campsite located before the village has spectacular views of nearby mountains and village. Visit the local village to experience the life of this people.

ABOUT MERAK FESTIVAL (AUGUST THU 1st, FRI 2nd 2019).

The Merak Valley in the eastern district of Tarshigang is a unique valley inhabited by the semi nomadic people known as Brokpas. At a height of 3000 meters above sea level the valley is isolated and free from the influences of the outside world. The lives of the Brokpas are one with nature and the people survive by rearing yaks and other dairy animals. Farming is virtually nonexistent and the Brokpas barter their Yak and animal products for food grains and other necessities from their neighboring tribes. The Tshanglas. The attire of Dakpas is also unique as they wear clothing woven out of Yak hair and Sheep wool. The Brokpas have a very unique polyandrous culture, where a young woman can have more than one husband. It is common for a woman to have married more than one member of the same family. The Brokpas are a merry bunch love to celebrate. They are known for their music and dance amongst the locals.
The Merak Teschu is held annually at the Merak Lakhang. This three Day festival/ Teschu that gives the semi nomadic Brokpas an ideal break from their daily cattle herding routines. In addition the masked dances the Brokpas have their own unique dance forms the Ache Lhamo and the Yak Dance. These unique dances attract a lot of visitor to specially visit them.

Day 3: MERAK TO MIKSATENG : 16KM | 5 HOURS | 633M ASCENT | 1073M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3080M

Today is the toughest journey of the trek crossing the highest Nachungla pass at 4153m. From the campsite climb gradually to the first pass at 3900m from where you can have last glimpse of Merak valley. Continue the trek along the tree line of juniper and rhododendron forests and conquer the Nachungla pass. Then you will descend to your camp Miksateng at 3080m surrounded by rhododendrons.

Day 4: MIKSATENG TO SAKTEN : 14KM | 5 HOURS | 81M ASCENT | 310M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 2950M

Descend to the river, crossing it and then following the river bank for few hours, you will climb gradually to a hill adorned by small Chorten (Stupa) overlooking the Sakten valley. If you are lucky, you can spot red panda among the trees. Descend down from the ridge and camp on the outskirts of the Sakten village at 2950m.

Day 5: EXPLORE SAKTEN WITH FESTIVAL

You will visit Sakten village and explore the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group.

ABOUT SAKTENG FESTIVAL ( APRIL 20 SAT 2019)

Sakten valley is situated in eastern Bhutan under Trashigang Dzongkhag at an altitude of 3000 meters. It is inhabited by a semi-nomadic people known as the Brokpas.
Living close to nature in this pristine wilderness, the Brokpas way of life has remained virtually unchanged through the years and they still mainly depend upon yak rearing and animal husbandry for their livelihoods. Sakteng valley remains untouched and unspoiled by the influence of the outside world.
The Sakten Tshechu is held for three Days each year at the Sakten Lhakhang situated just next to the village. In addition to its religious function the Tshechu provides the Brokpas with an occasion for revelry and merry making. Like all Tshechus in Bhutan, the festival is a time when the entire community can come together for celebrate and engage in worship. The festival is a lively, colorful and jovial event as the Brokpas are all dressed in their traditional finery and enjoying the celebration with rounds of ara (local wine). The rare Yak dance and the Ache Lhamo dance are performed during this festival. These dances are unique to the Brokpa culture and are quite distinctive from the usual mask dances seen in other parts of the country.

Day 6: SAKTEN TO JOENKHAR TENG : 17KM | 7 HOURS | 74M ASCENT | 1291M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 1800M

Today’s journey will be longer and so we will start early from the camp. Leaving Sakten, start with short climb to the small hill towards the west end of the village. Then descend down to the river and walk alongside it through the broad leaf forests. We camp in a beautiful meadow near the river by Joenkhar Teng village (1800m). Joenkhar Teng is situated on the hillside and its population comprises of Brokpa and Sharchopa with a community school and outreach clinic.

Day 7: JOENKHAR TENG VIA PHONGMEY TO TRASHIGANG : 12KM | 5-6 HOURS | 346M ASCENT | 942M DESCENT

The last day of the trek begins with short climb through the Joenkhar Teng. Crossing the suspension bridges, you will climb shortly to Phongmay village. Meet your transport and drive to Trashigang. On the way, stop at Rangjung and visit the Rangjung Monastery, which is founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche.