Merak and Sakteng Tour

Guwahati – Samdrup Jongkhar (110km, approx. 3-hour drive)

On arrival at Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, received by our representative and check into the hotel. There is little to see in this area, other than the busy market which straddles the border.

Evening take an exploratory walk around town and local market. Overnight at the hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar. (Altitude 280m)

Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang (180, approx. 6-hour drive)

After breakfast proceed to eastern Bhutan town of Trashigang. Once the centre of a busy trade route with Tibet, Trashigang is today the junction of east-west highway with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian States of Assam. This town is also used as the marketplace for the semi nomadic people from Merak and Sakteng whose costumes are unique in Bhutan.

En route take a short stop at Khaling. ‘Kha’ in Bhutanese language Dzongkha means ‘Bird’ and ‘ling’ means ‘valley’. This is one of the most enchanting, haunting and lush green fertile valleys, blessed with innumerable variety of birds and their songs. One of the oldest School, established in 1978 is located here known as ‘Jigme Sherubling Higher Secondary School’. At Khaling, we also get opportunity to explore Bhutanese textile weaving.

Drive further via Kanglung town. It is home of Sherubtse college, one of the Royal University of Bhutan’s famous academic institutes.

On arrival in Trashigang check-into the hotel. Evening visit Trashigang Dzong, built in 1659, the Dzong serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The Dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside.

Overnight at the hotel in Trashigang. (Altitude 1150m)

Trahigang (Excursion to Trashiyangtse)

After breakfast, we visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river, 24 km from Trashigang. Gom Kora is a famous place, as Guru Rinpoche is said to have subdued a demon here, trapping it in a rock. We continue on down the road to Doksum village, where you may see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric. The road turns into the hills here, running up the side of a winding river valley to Trashiyangtse.

In former times, Trashiyangtse was an important center because it lies on one of the carvan routes leading from western and central Bhutan. Trasiyangtse is now a rapidly growing town and the administrative center for this district. The area is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful souvenirs of a visit to this remote region.

We will visit Trashiyangtse Dzong, which overlooks the town and was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. If tme permits, we will also visit the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora on the riverbank below the town.

Also visit Chorten Kora. This dazzling white stupa is situated on the riverbank below the town. Constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday, it is built in the same style as Bodhnath stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. During the second month of the lunar calendar there is an interesting celebration here, known as ‘Kora’. Bomdeling A pleasant walk of about three hours from Chorten Kora, Bomdeling is an annual migration place for black-necked cranes, which fly over from nearby Tibet to pass the winter months in a warmer climate.

In the evening, we return to Trashigang.

Overnight at the hotel in Trashigang. (Altitude 1,150m)

Trashigang – Chaling – Donmang Chu

19km, 7.1/2 hours trek, 2217m Ascent, 230m Descent

From Trashigang, embark on a picturesque drive for one and half hour to Chalingat 2184m. From Trashigang, it is scenic drive as you pass through Ranjungtown and after that it is dirt road through Radhi village to Chaling.  Here your trekking crew and pack animals will be waiting for you, to start the trek which 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 till Donmong Chu at 3124m.  Overnight in camp.

Donmang Chu – Merak

14km, approx. 5 hours trek, Ascent 396m

The trail from Domong Chu river to Merak mostly follows the river bends, rhododendron forests and shrubs. 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. Overnight in camp.

Merak – Miksateng

16km, approx. 6 hours trek, Ascent 633m, Descent 1074m

Today is the toughest journey of the trek crossing the highest Nachungla pass at 4153m and also there are few smaller passes and ridges. From the campsite climb gradually to the first pass at 3,900m from where you can get last glimpse of Merak valley. Continue there after the trek along the tree line of juniper and rhododendron forests and conquer the Nachungla pass.  Then you will descend to Miksateng at 3079m.  Overnight in camp.

Miksateng – Sakteng

14km, approx. 5 hours trek, Ascent 80m, Descent 310m

After breakfast, drop down the river and after crossing it, follow the river basin for few hours then 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. Drop down from the ridge and camp on the outskirts of the Sakten village at 2950m. Overnight in camp.

Explore Sakteng

After breakfast, visit few villages, experiencing lifestyle and living culture of village folks. You can also visit a local school. Afternoon witness a cultural program, performed by locals, with their unique Yak dances and Ache Lhamo dance.

Located north of Merak, Sakteng is a wide valley at around 3000m, surrounded by mountain on all sides. Sakteng literally means bamboo fields. The inhabitants of Sakteng are similar to those of Merak in terms of their language, dress, lifestyle and spiritual inclinations. The region comprises 250 households with three main villages Sakteng, Tengma and Borang but entire area is commonly known as Sakteng while people are called Saktengpa. Every winter, Brokpas take on Drukkor or grain journey to the lowland village, where they have their regular host family with whom they share close trading and social relationship. They live together as one family for weeks and barter their yak products with maize and grains. Overnight camp.

Sakteng – Joenkhar Teng

17km, approx. 7 hours trek, Ascent 74m, Descent 1291m

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 JoenkharTeng village (1733m). JoenkharTeng is situated on the hillside and its population comprises of Brokpa and Sharchopa with a community school and an outreach clinic. Overnight in camp.

Joenkhar Tend (end trek) – Trashigang – Mongar

8Km, 2-3 hours trek, Ascent 320m, Descent 300m

Our last day of trek begins with short climb through Joenkhar Teng and a long descent crossing suspension bridges and short climb to reach Phongmay (1,770m). Received by our transport team and drive to Mongar town which takes about 5 hours via Trashigang.

Overnight at the hotel in Mongar. (Altitude 1620m)

Mongar – Bumthang (196km, approx. 7-hour drive)

After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong, one of Bhutan’s newest Dzong built in 1930s. Yet the Dzong is built in the same method and traditions of all the other Dzongs; no drawings and nails have been used. A visit gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.

Then embark on one of the most scenic journeys to Bumthang. It is one of the most beautiful journeys in the Himalayas crossing 4,000m high Thrumshing la (pass). Gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper drops, blazing flowers and constantly changing vegetation combine to make this journey as varied as it is beautiful.

En route visit fascinating Ura valley (3100m) which is highest of the four Bumthang valleys. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Take a walk around around beautiful village and also visit temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 35 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to prosperous valley.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2600m)

Bumthang

After breakfast visit Kurje Lhakhang, consisting of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.

Then proceed to Jambay Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits n the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.

Jakar Dzong, founded by great grandfather of the first Shabdrung is next in sightseeing schedule. This Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body.

Afternoon drive across the River to Tamshing Lhakhang. Located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.

Evening visit to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery. Located above the main town, about 3 km from Chamkhar town, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 who was recognized at a very young age by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H. 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama whose spiritual lineage dates back to the nearest disciples of the great 9th century master. Since then the monastery has developed considerably with increase in number of monks to almost four hundred. The monastey has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2600m)

Bumthang – Gangtey (Phobjikha) (153Km, approx. 6-hour drive)

After breakfast drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha).

En route Visit the Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.

Later visit the Ta Dzong – a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, a task entrusted to him by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

Then drive onto Gangtey, passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron tress.

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space and is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha.

Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey. (Altitude 3000m)

Gangtey – Punakha (85Km, approx. 3-hour drive)

After breakfast visit Gangtey Goempa (monastery), perched on a ridge overlooking the valley.  It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a “Tulku” is a reincarnate) of Pema Lingpa—a famous Buddhist saint and teacher.

Then explore fascinating Phobjikha valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).

Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

After a hearty lunch time to head back to Punakha.

Punakha at an altitude of 1300m/4265ft, is blessed with a temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300)

Punakha – Thimphu (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

Morning after breakfast, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong (the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’), a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (who founded the Kingdom of Bhutan), the fortress once housed the country’s government. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks.

Afterwards a short walk across farmhouses and rice paddies takes you to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint, popularly better known as the ‘Divine Madman’. This site has long been a pilgrimage for couples hoping to start a family.

Post lunch, drive to Thimphu.

The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

En route cross Dochu La.

Dochu-la pass located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft is a scenic location with chortens chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, it may be possible to see the following peaks from this pass in the order left to right: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m, after this uplifting experience return to Punakha.

Later in the afternoon visit to:

Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.  The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed for the tour of city’s main attractions that includes:

Textile Museum: is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.

Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Simply Bhutan Museum: The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization.  The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses.  The best part is the portrayal of the age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people.

Lunch at local restaurant followed by city tour that includes:

Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

Thimphu – Paro (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

After breakfast we continue our fascinating journey towards Paro, en route visit Simtokha Dzong.

Simtokha Dzong was built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located within the premises. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard. Later continue the drive towards Paro.

Arrive in Paro and check in at your hotel. This afternoon is dedicated to exploring Paro and its surrounding.

Afternoon visit Ta Dzong originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

After the visit walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2280m)

Paro

After breakfast the morning is reserved to visit Taktsang Monastery (approx 5 hrs walk), one of the fabulous locations in the known world. The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

On the way to town visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later return to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Depart Paro

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.