Duration: (21 Nights and 22 Days)
Northern Eastern part of Bhutan; semi-nomadic peoples live, with unique culture and customs. These people came from Tibet thousandsof years ago. This nomadic valley comprises two beautiful valleys; Merak and Sakten, divided by Nagchungla pass (4100m). It was recently opened for tourism. (September 1st 2010). These tours combine cultures and a 5 Days Treks. It is said local people some times encounter the mythical and mysterious creature called Megue/Yeti/ Snowman.
Day 1 Paro
– In an unforgettable flight giving you an adrenaline rush as you see views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, you will land at Paro International Airport. The landing at Paro, considered one of the most challenging will also be an enthralling experience.
Our company’s representatives will receive you at the airport. After a brief stopover in a hotel, your Bhutanese expedition will begin with visits to places of historical importance in Paro. It will be the National Museum of Bhutan, the Majestic Paro Rimpong Dzong and Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built by King Songtsen Gyempo of Tibet in 659AD.
In the evening, you will drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and visit the majestic and historic Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building, built in 1642. Today, this massive structure houses the office of the King, the Throne Room, some government Ministries and the State Monastic Body. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and senior monks. Night halt will be at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing – Punakha/Wangduephodrang
Thimphu has a lot to offer and your day will begin with visits to the Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas built in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, Third King Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck. The next visit will be to Buddha Point, where stands the gigantic world’s largest Buddha Statue. You will then move to the 12th century Changangkha monastery, followed by the Takin Zoo and a drive to Sangaygang, a point from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley.
From there we move to the Handicraft’s center, the Local Bhutanese Paper making factory, a Nunnery and the Arts and Craft School.
Your journey to Punakha, which is about 3 hours, will then begin. In about 45 minutes, you will reach the Dochula Pass (3,100m), from where visitors on a clear day can have a breathtaking glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range that consists of snow capped peaks with elevations ranging from 6000m to 7554m. Apart from this, the 108 stupas (chortens) at Dochula pass add to the beauty of the pass. The Pass is also exotic in flora and fauna.
The onward drive is a gradual ascend through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. Lunch will be served at Lamperi.
Two hours further is Punakha, which was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and still is home of the Chief Abbot during the winter months. Punakha Dzong (Fortress), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands like a giant ship on an ocean from afar. Build at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), the Dzong was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original ilometre. The Dzong is an epitome of Bhutanese architecture.
Before reaching Punakha, you will visit the ruins of Wanduephodrang Dzong (Fortress), which was destroyed by a tragic fire in 2012. It was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung.
Night halt will be at a hotel in Punakha.
After breakfast, we will begin the 7-hours drive via Wangduephodrang to Bumthang. The drive takes us through Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan. The pass is marked by large prayer flags.
Few minutes descend from the pass will take us to Chendebji Chorten, which was built in 19th century by a lama named Shida. It resembles the Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted at four cardinal points.
Lunch will be at Trongsa, after which we visit Trongsa Dzong, another majestic architectural masterpiece and once ancient Bhutan’s capital. It is very historic and every King, before ascending the Throne must, as the Crown Prince serve as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa.
From Trongsa, we drive for 68 kms and reach Bumthang.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 05- Bumthang Experience
One of the most sacred regions in the Kingdom, Bumthang valley is a blend of the abstract and concrete with innumerable legends surrounding the area.
You will be visiting Kurje Lhakhang where the Great Indian Saint Guru Padsambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. The other is Jamphel lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century by Songsten Goembo, the Tibetan Buddhist King. Jakar Dzong (the fortress of white bird) built in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay (the fourth Desi) is another famous landmark.
You will also be visiting, Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa (the founder of religious treasures). Kunchosum lhakhang and Membertsho (the flaming lake) are other places. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa discovered several religious text from the lake.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 08: Bumthang – Mongar
Distance: 180 kms; time: 8 hours
Begin the day early, probably around 6 am, for our journey to Mongar. From our hotel in Bumthang, it is a beautiful drive upward across farms and villages, and gentle undulating valleys till we reach the pass at Thrumshingla
Today we have a long drive about 193 km, it take 8 to 9 hours drive. Enroute, enjoy the scenery of nature beauty of Snowcap Mountains, flowers, yak and deep forest, you’ll make a stop in URA valley for view of temple and village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl.
Sengor Valley separates Central from Eastern Bhutan. Eastern Bhutan is the least ilometre area of the country and is where many of the kingdom’s most ancient spiritual sights are found. Begin your journey to the East is one of the most beautiful. Out of Ura, the highway climbs steeply to Thrumshing La (the second highest pass, 3,800m-12,465ft.) along the West to East highway. The descent from Thrumshing La to Lingmithang is amazing for a number of reasons. The road drops from 3,800 meters to 650 meters in only a few hours passing from pine forest through semi-tropical forest to orange groves. Arriving at Mongar marks the beginning of your eastern Bhutan experience. Many towns in eastern Bhutan are built on the sides of the hills which contrast to the west where they develop on the valley floor. Mongar Dzong was built in 1953 by the orders of the Third King, Jigme Dorje Wangchuck. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 – Mongar to Trashigang
After breakfast drive about 93 km it take 3 hour drive, morning visit the Mongar Dzong. Begin your trip to Trashigang, passing through several villages. In the afternoon, you can visit Trashigang Dzong and stroll through the town, absorbing the culture of eastern Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 – Trashigang to Rangjung
19KM / 6-7 HOURS / 2000M ASCENT 230M DESCENT
On the first day, you will take a scenic drive through Rangjung town and Radhi village from Trashigang for about ninety minutes to Chaling. Your trekking crew and pack animals will join you at Chaling.
At the onset, the trek is a gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow. Along the trail, you will see huts of yak herders dotted along the hill side and yaks and sheep grazing. As you ascent further, you will reach Mendula Pass, at an elevation of 3354m. After you cross this pass, the trek for the rest of the day is a gradual descend through forest filled with rhododendron trees till Donmong Chu, your camp for the night at 3124m.
Day 12: Donmong Chu-Merak
14KM / 4-5 HOURS / 396M ASCENT
Your destination is Merak, and the trail follows the river. Apart from the final leg of the trek, it is a fairly easy hike along flat landmass. Right after you ascnd, you will reach Gangu village. In another 45 minutes you reach Merak, located at an altitude of 3520m. From your campsite located before the village, you can have a spectacular view of the nearby mountains and village. You have sufficient time to visit the village and interact with the people.
Day 13: Merak-Miksateng
16KM / 5-6 HOURS / 633M ASCENT 1074M DESCENT
In what is the toughest day of the trek, you will need to ascend until you cross the Nachungla pass, the highest of the trek at 4153m. The trek begins with a gradual uphill climb as you move from Merak, until the first pass at 3900m. A spectacular view of the entire Merak valley can be sen from here. It is also the pass from where you see Merak for the last time. Having crossed the pass, you will be trekking through outgrowths of juniper and rhododendron forests, finally reaching Nachungla pass. You will then descend to Miksateng at 3079m, your camp for the night.
Day 14: Miksateng-Sakteng
14KM / 4-5 HOURS / 80M ASCENT 310M DESCENT
The trek starts with a gradual descend till a river. You cross the river and follow its banks for a few hours, before gradually climbing to a hill adorned by a small Chorten (Stupa) overlooking Sakteng valley. From this ridge, you will be descending and camp on the outskirts of Sakteng village, at an elevation of 2950m. You may spot red pandas along the trek, if you are lucky.
Day 15: Discovering Sakteng
It is a priceless day for you as you avail the opportunity to visit Sakteng village, interact with the people and get to know the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group. The people are a friendly lot and would willingly pose for photographs.
Day 16: Sakten-Joenkhar Teng
17KM / 6-7 HOURS / 75M ASCENT 130M DESCENT
It is a slightly longer journey today and thus, you will be leaving the camp early. You climb up to a small hill at the western end of the village and then descend to the river, after which you will be walking alongside the river through forests filled with broad leaf trees. We will arrive at our camp for the night at Joenkhar Teng village (1733m), situated on a hillside. The village comprises of people belonging to the Brokpa tribe as well as people of eastern Bhutan (Sharchopas). It also has a community school and an outreach clinic.
Day 17: Joenkhar Teng-Phongmey-Trashigang
12KM / 5-6 HOURS / 350M ASCENT 950M DESCENT
The last day of the trek begins with a short climb through Joenkhar Teng. You will need to cross few suspension bridges and take short up-hill walks, until you reach Phongmay. Your vehicle will be waiting there and you will be driven to Trashigang. On the way, you will visit the Rangjung Monastery, founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche.
After reaching Trashigang, you can take a stroll along the town. The night halt will be at a hotel in Trashigang. 19KM / 6-7 HOURS / 2000M ASCENT 230M DESCENT
On the first day, you will take a scenic drive through Rangjung town and Radhi village from Trashigang for about ninety minutes to Chaling. Your trekking crew and pack animals will join you at Chaling.
At the onset, the trek is a gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow. Along the trail, you will see huts of yak herders dotted along the hill side and yaks and sheep grazing. As you ascent further, you will reach Mendula Pass, at an elevation of 3354m. After you cross this pass, the trek for the rest of the day is a gradual descend through forest filled with rhododendron trees till Donmong Chu, your camp for the night at 3124m.
Day 18: Donmong Chu-Merak
14KM / 4-5 HOURS / 396M ASCENT
Your destination is Merak, and the trail follows the river. Apart from the final leg of the trek, it is a fairly easy hike along flat landmass. Right after you ascnd, you will reach Gangu village. In another 45 minutes you reach Merak, located at an altitude of 3520m. From your campsite located before the village, you can have a spectacular view of the nearby mountains and village. You have sufficient time to visit the village and interact with the people.
Day 19: Merak-Miksateng
16KM / 5-6 HOURS / 633M ASCENT 1074M DESCENT
In what is the toughest day of the trek, you will need to ascend until you cross the Nachungla pass, the highest of the trek at 4153m. The trek begins with a gradual uphill climb as you move from Merak, until the first pass at 3900m. A spectacular view of the entire Merak valley can be sen from here. It is also the pass from where you see Merak for the last time. Having crossed the pass, you will be trekking through outgrowths of juniper and rhododendron forests, finally reaching Nachungla pass. You will then descend to Miksateng at 3079m, your camp for the night.
Day 20: Miksateng-Sakteng
14KM / 4-5 HOURS / 80M ASCENT 310M DESCENT
The trek starts with a gradual descend till a river. You cross the river and follow its banks for a few hours, before gradually climbing to a hill adorned by a small Chorten (Stupa) overlooking Sakteng valley. From this ridge, you will be descending and camp on the outskirts of Sakteng village, at an elevation of 2950m. You may spot red pandas along the trek, if you are lucky.
Day 21: Discovering Sakteng
It is a priceless day for you as you avail the opportunity to visit Sakteng village, interact with the people and get to know the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group. The people are a friendly lot and would willingly pose for photographs.
Day 22: Sakten-Joenkhar Teng
17KM / 6-7 HOURS / 75M ASCENT 130M DESCENT
It is a slightly longer journey today and thus, you will be leaving the camp early. You climb up to a small hill at the western end of the village and then descend to the river, after which you will be walking alongside the river through forests filled with broad leaf trees. We will arrive at our camp for the night at Joenkhar Teng village (1733m), situated on a hillside. The village comprises of people belonging to the Brokpa tribe as well as people of eastern Bhutan (Sharchopas). It also has a community school and an outreach clinic.
Day 23: Joenkhar Teng-Phongmey-Trashigang
12KM / 5-6 HOURS / 350M ASCENT 950M DESCENT
The last day of the trek begins with a short climb through Joenkhar Teng. You will need to cross few suspension bridges and take short up-hill walks, until you reach Phongmay. Your vehicle will be waiting there and you will be driven to Trashigang. On the way, you will visit the Rangjung Monastery, founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche.
After reaching Trashigang, you can take a stroll along the town. The night halt will be at a hotel in Trashigang.
Day 24: Trashigang-S/Jongkhar-Guwahati.
From Trashigang you will be driven to Guwahati in Assam, Indis, for your journey out of the country.