OPTION 1
Merak & Sakteng Village Culture and Nature Trek 7 days

Max elevation : Nachula Pass 4153m
Trek difficulty : Moderately Strenuous

Trek Day 1: Trashigang/Chaling - Donmong Chu. (B/L/D)
Approx.19km, 7 ½ hours, 2217m ascend and 230m descend. :e
After Trashigang, a scenic drive ensues as you pass through Rangjung town and a dirt road through Radhi village to Chaling. Here we begin the trek past Chaling and gradually make a climb towards Shaktimi meadow. We continue the climb to reach Mendula Pass at 3354m. then next part of the trek is downhill through the rhododendron forests till campsite at a beautiful meadow known as Donmong chu by the river at 3124m. Overnight in camp.

Trek Day 2: Donmong Chu - Merak (B/L/D)
Approx.14km, 5hours, 396m ascend.
Trek along the Donmong Chu river through the rhododendron forests and shrubs. There are no steep climbs today and the trail in most part follows the river bends, while the incline gradually increases. The first village we come across is Gangu and after another 45 minutes, we arrive at Merak village located at an altitude of 3520m. Here you get a chance to visit a local village house and interact with the local people.
Merak is one of the most isolated valleys in Bhutan. Like the people of Sakteng, Merak people (Brokpas) are said to have migrated here few centuries ago from Tshona region of southern Tibet. The inhabitants of Merak are similar to those of Sakteng in their language, dress, lifestyle and spiritual affiliation. The houses are built of stones with very small windows and in most cases the houses are one storied only.
Overnight in Camp.

Trek Day 3: Merak - Miksateng (B/L/D)
Approx. 16km, 5hours, 633m ascend and 1074m descend
This will be the hardest part on this trek as it entails crossing of the highest pass on the trek and a few smaller passes and ridges. Start heading towards the east with a gradual climb to the first pass at 3900m and continue onwards along the tree line with juniper and rhododendron forest on one side until you reach Nachungla Pass at 4153m. Then, descend down to Miksateng village Campsite at 3079m. Overnight in camp.

Trek Day 4: Miksateng - Sakteng (B/L/D)
Approx. 14km, 5hours, 81ascend and 310m descent.
After breakfast, climb down to the river and after crossing it, follow the river for few hours. We will gradually make a climb towards a small pass with a small stupa or chorten on the hill overlooking the Sakteng valley. From the ridge we descend down to the valley and camp in a meadow by the river side in Sakteng at an altitude of 2950m.
Overnight in camp.

Trek Day 5: Sakteng Exploration (B/L/D)
Today will be a recuperation day to explore the valley. You can spend your time by visiting one or two of the villages and experience the lifestyle and unique living culture of the people, you can also visit a primary school. In the afternoon you will be treated to a cultural program performed by the locals of which will include, their unique yak dance and others. Located north of Merak, Sakten is a wide valley at around 3000m, surrounded by mountains on all sides. Sakteng literally means bamboo field. Sakteng is comprised of around 250 household with three main villages, Sakteng, Tengma and Borang Tse but generally known as Sakteng, and the people are known as Saktengpa. Every winter, Brokpas take on Drukkor or grain journey to the lowland village, where they have their regular host family, with whom they have close trading and social relationship. They live together as one family for weeks and barter their Yak products with maize and grains.
Overnight Camp.

Trek Day 6: Sakteng - Joenkhar teng (B/L/D)
Approx. 17km, 7hours, 74m ascend and 1291m descent.
The trek today will be longer requiring an early start. Leaving Sakteng, we 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.

Trek Day 7: Joenkhar teng - Phongmey/Trashigang (B/L/D)
Approx.12km, 5 ½ hours, 346m ascend and 942m descent.
Our last day of the trek begins with short climb through the Joenkhar Teng. You will cross a few  suspension bridges and have a few short climbs to reach Phongmay, here we will meet our vehicles and drive to Trashigang for an overnight stay at the hotel. From Trashigang, it is a full day drive to Samdrup Jongkhar (6-7hrs). Next day drive around 3hrs from there to Guwahati airport, where you can connect with flights to Kolkata, Bagdogra or Delhi.

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OPTION 2
Sakteng Cultural Trek 5 days/4nights

Max elevation: 2987m
Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Day 1: Trashigang/Phongmey - Sona Pang. (B/L/D)
Approx.16km, 6 ½ hours, 1280m ascend and 311m descend.
From Trashigang drive 1½hr to the end of the road at Phongmey village. Part of the road is paved dirt road. The drive however is a scenic one as we pass through the villages of Radhi and see several other villages in the distance to arrive at Phongmey. The trek starts just above the Phongmey high school with a gradual descend to the valley below. Then after a forests and a gradual climb through the village of Joenkhar Teng, we arrive at our first campsite, Sona Pang (2761m), a beautiful meadow surrounded by green forests.
Overnight in tent camp.

Trek Day 2: Sona Pang - Sakteng (B/L/D)
Approx.14km, 5hours, 263m ascend and 74m descend.
Today you will continue through the forests along the bank of the river. There are gentle descents and ascents as the trail passes through a small village of Thrakthri, where you can visit the small community school. Towards the afternoon, arrive in Sakteng at an altitude of 2950m, a wide valley surrounded by the mountains on all sides.
Overnight in Camp.

Trek Day 3: In Sakteng (B/L/D)
Today you explore Sakteng. You may visit one or two villages and see the lifestyle and unique living culture of the locals. In the afternoon you will be treated to a cultural performance by the locals which will include their unique yak dance and others.
Overnight in tent camp.

Trek Day 4: Sakteng - Joenkhar teng (B/L/D)
Approx. 17km, 7hours, 74m ascend and 1291m descend.
Today the trek will be longer than the other days. Leaving Sakteng, we start with a short climb to the small hill towards the west end of the village. From there, descend down to the river and walk alongside it through the forests to our campsite in a beautiful meadow by the river near Joenkhar Teng village (1733m). Joenkhar Teng village has a mixed population of Brokpas and the lowland Sharchopas with a small community school and an outreach clinic facility for the villagers.
Overnight in camp.

Trek Day 5: Joenkhar teng - Phongmey/Trashigang (B/L/D)
Approx.12km, 5 ½ hours, 346m ascend and 942m descent.
Our last day of the trek begins with short climb through Joenkhar Teng, you will cross a few suspension bridges and makes short climbs to reach Phongmay. Here you will meet our transport and drive to Trashigang. Overnight in a hotel in Trashigang. From Trashigang, it is a full day’s drive to Samdrup Jongkhar (6-7hrs). Next day drive around 3hrs from there to Guwahati airport, where you can connect with flights to Kolkata, Bagdogra or Delhi.

Suggested Outline Itinerary:
Day 1 & 2: Arrive and visit Paro Valley
Day 3 &4: Hike to Taktsang and visit Thimphu
Day 4 & 5: Visit Punakha and Wangdue
Day 6: Visit and stay in Trongsa
Day 7 & 8: Visit and stay in Bumthang
Day 9: Drive east across Thrumshingla to Mongar
Day10: Visit Mongar and stay in Trashigang
Day 11 till 17: Merak & Sakten Trekking
Day 18: Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 19: Drive to Guwahati airport (India) and fly out by noon. Connect with your international flight out of Delhi at night.
Or
Day 11 till 15: Sakteng Trek
Day 16: Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 17: Drive to Guwahati airport (India) and fly out by noon. Connect with your international flight out of Delhi at night