Merak Sakteng Trek
Description
The trek passes through the twin village of Merak and Sakteng lying above 3000m from the sea level. The trek which passes through Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to endangered snow leopard and red panda, Himalayan bear, Himalayan red fox and indeed legendary yeti. The people living in Merak Sakteng area are semi-nomadic yak herders with a unique and fascinating culture in the world. They speak a different dialect, have their own deities and wear a unique style of dress. They wear headgear made of yak-hair with five tentacles designed to draw away the rain.
Trek Highlights
- The Trek starts from Chaling in Trashigang and ends at Phongmey, Trashigang.
- We cross two high passes: Nakchungla pass 4153m and Labtsekha 3300 at m.
- The highest camp altitude is 3520m, Average walking distance 15 km and Average walking time 6 hours.
- Unique dress codes: People wear headgear made of yak's wool with tentacles to drain away rains.
- Hike to mesmerizing Tiger's Nest Monastery (3100m).
- Other attractions: Yak pastures, unique cultures of Merak and Sakteng, twin village of nomadic yak herders.
Itinerary
19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 2217M ASCENT | 230M DESCENT | CAMP ALTITUDE 3124M
Today, you will drive to Chaling passing through 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 herder’s huts dotted on the hills side. Climb further to reach Mendula Pass at 3354m. From this pass, you will descend through rhododendron forests till Donmang Chu at 3124m. Overnight in camp.
14KM | 5 HOURS | 396M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3520M
Today you will walk on paved road from Domang Chu to Merak. 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 and meet with the people. Another alternative would be to ride your vehicle to Merak which will take about 2 hours. Overnight in camp.
16KM | 5 HOURS | 633M ASCENT | 1074M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3080M
Today will be a challenging journey to the highest Nachungla pass at 4153m. From the campsite climb gradually to the first pass at 3900m from where you can make last
14KM | 5 HOURS | 81M ASCENT | 310M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 2950M
First, you will descend to the river, cross it and then follow the river bank for few hours. Then climb gradually to a hill adorned by small Chorten (Stupa) overlooking the Sakteng valley. If you are lucky, you can spot red panda among the trees. Drop down from the ridge and camp on the outskirts of the Sakteng village at 2950m. Overnight in camp.
You will visit Sakteng village and explore the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group.
17KM | 7 HOURS | 74M ASCENT | 1291M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 1800M
Today’s journey will be a 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 (1733m). Joenkhar Teng is situated on the hillside and its population comprises of Brokpa and Sharchopa with a community school and an outreach clinic. Overnight in camp.
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 Rangjung monastery, which is founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.
Policy
Inclusion
- Government levy/taxes & visa fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Government approved 3-star hotels
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
- Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
- Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
- Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef & assistants
- Horses to carry trek equipment's
- Food supplies
Exclusion
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Laundry
- Drinks & beverages
- Phone/internet bills
- Tips
- Wire transfer charge/card fee
- Sleeping bag
- Other bills of personal nature
Book this tour
Book Merak Sakteng Trek package. For any questions or personalized advice, don't hesitate to contact us.
