Merak Sakteng Trek 15days (Home of the Yeti)

Day 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Paro. The following day, take a domestic flight to Trashigang Yongphula Airport. (Alternatively, by road, which takes 3 days and includes sightseeing along the way.

Day 2: Domestic flight Yongphula

After breakfast, check in at Paro Airport for your flight to Yongphula Airport. On arrival, check in to your hotel, then spend the rest of the day visiting Trashigang Dzong, or take a short hike from town to Deojung Hotel.

Day 3: Trashigang via Chaling to Donmang Chhu

19 km | 7–8 hours | 2,217m ascent | 230m descent | Camp altitude: 3,124m The day begins with a drive to Chaling via Radhi village, where your trekking crew and pack animals will be waiting. The trek starts with a gradual climb toward Shaktimi meadow, passing yaks and sheep grazing alongside yak herders’ huts scattered across the hillside. The trail continues climbing to Mendula Pass (3,354m), before descending through rhododendron forest to Donmang Chu, where camp is set at 3,124m. Overnight in camp.

Day 4: Donmangchu to Merak

14 km | 5 hours | 396m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,520m The trail today runs along a paved road connecting Domang Chu to Merak, climbing gently over the final stretch to Gangu village. From there, a further 45-minute walk brings you to Merak itself, perched at 3,520m. Just outside the village, the campsite offers sweeping views of the mountains and settlement below — a great spot to wander into the village and connect with the local community. For those who prefer, the drive to Merak takes around 2 hours as an alternative to walking. Overnight in camp.

Day 5: Merak to Miksateng

16 km | 5 hours | 633m ascent | 1,074m descent | Camp altitude: 3,080m Today brings a demanding push toward the highest point of the trek, Nachungla Pass, at 4,153m. The day begins with a gradual climb out of the Merak valley. The trail continues climbing through juniper and rhododendron forest to reach Nachungla Pass, which offers clear-day views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Beyond the pass, the trail drops steeply through alpine wilderness down to the campsite at Miksateng.. Setting out from camp, the trail climbs steadily to a first pass at 3,900m

Day 6: Miksateng to Sakteng

14 km | 5 hours | 81m ascent | 310m descent | Camp altitude: 2,950m The day starts with a descent to the river, which you’ll cross before following its banks for a few hours. From there, the trail climbs gradually to a hilltop marked by a small chorten (stupa), offering fine views over the Sakteng valley — and with a bit of luck, a glimpse of the elusive red panda among the trees. The trail then drops down from the ridge to camp on the outskirts of Sakteng village, at an altitude of 2,950m. Overnight in camp.

Day 7: Explore Sakteng

You will spend the day exploring Sakteng village, nestled within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan. The village is home to the Brokpa community, semi-nomadic yak herders distinguished by their distinctive dress, customs, and the traditional yak-hair hat unique to the region. Visitors may observe the pastoral way of life, traditional dwellings, and the community’s enduring cultural practices, offering an authentic glimpse into one of Bhutan’s most remote and culturally rich regions.

Day 8: Sakteng to Joenkhar Teng

17 km | 7 hours | 74m ascent | 1,291m descent | Camp altitude: 1,800m Today is a longer day, so an early start from camp is recommended. Leaving Sakteng, the trail begins with a short climb over a small hill at the western edge of the village, before descending to the river and following it through broadleaf forest. Camp for the night is set in a scenic meadow by the river, near Joenkhar Teng village (1,733m) — a hillside settlement home to both Brokpa and Sharchopa communities, with a community school and an outreach clinic. Overnight in camp.

Day 9: Joenkhar Teng via Phongmey to Trashigang

12 km | 5–6 hours | 346m ascent | 942m descent The final day of the trek begins with a short climb through Joenkhar Teng. After crossing a series of suspension bridges, a brief climb brings you to Phongmay village, where your transport will be waiting for the drive to Trashigang. Along the way, stop at Rangjung to visit Rangjung Monastery, founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

Day 10: Fly to Bumthang or by road

Fly to Bumthang, widely regarded as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the country’s oldest and most sacred sites. Begin your exploration at Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century as one of 108 temples constructed across the Himalayas in a single day. From there, continue to Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple complex of deep spiritual significance, said to house the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here to subdue a local deity. Next, visit Mebar Tsho, the sacred “Burning Lake,” associated with the legend of treasure-revealer Terton Pema Lingpa, who is said to have discovered hidden religious treasures within its waters. Round off the day with a visit to Jakar Dzong, the “Castle of the White Bird,” a commanding fortress overlooking the Chokhor Valley and one of the largest dzongs in the country. Overnight in Bumthang

Day 11: Scenic Drive to Punakha

After breakfast, set off on a scenic five-hour drive to Punakha. Along the way, stop at Trongsa’s Ta Dzong, the Royal Heritage Museum, which traces the history of Bhutan’s monarchy and offers insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Continue the journey with a photo stop at the striking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, perched dramatically above the confluence of two rivers, before pausing once more at a scenic waterfall along the route to stretch your legs and take in the views. Arrive in Punakha in the evening and settle in for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Explore Punakha

Begin the day with an early morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautifully ornate temple perched on a ridge above the Punakha valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding rice terraces and river below. Afterward, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most stunning fortresses, gracefully situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river) — a masterpiece of traditional Bhutanese architecture set against a dramatic natural backdrop. From there, walk across the country’s longest suspension bridge, spanning the Pho Chhu with sweeping views of the valley below. Round off the day with a visit to Talo Nunnery, a peaceful hilltop retreat offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the spiritual life of Bhutan’s Buddhist nuns. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 13: Drive to Paro

Depart for Paro, pausing en route at the picturesque Dochula Pass (3,100m), adorned with its striking array of 108 memorial chortens and, on clear days, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Continue on to Kuenselphodrang to admire the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, a towering 169-foot bronze statue overlooking the Thimphu valley, believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the world. After lunch, continue the drive to Paro, where the afternoon is free to unwind with a leisurely stroll through the local market, taking in the sights, sounds, and everyday charm of Bhutanese town life. Overnight in Paro.

Day 14: Tiger's Nest Hike

Hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, clings dramatically to a cliffside 900m above the Paro valley — Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred site. The trail climbs through pine and fir forest, passing a scenic viewpoint before descending to a small waterfall and back up to the monastery. A moderately challenging half-day hike (4–5 hours round trip), it’s as rewarding for its spiritual atmosphere as for its views.

Day 15: Departure

Transfer to the Airport for your departure