Trekking in Bhutan's Hidden Valleys of Sakteng

A brand-new trekking holiday in eastern Bhutan ~ Trek through the world`s only `yeti` reserve ~ Trek across the Nyuksang La ~ Experience the unique semi-nomadic Brokpa culture

Fantastic news for those wanting a trekking holiday in far eastern Bhutan is the opening up of the mysterious district of Sakteng, which lies between Taashigang and the border with Arunachal Pradesh. The area is home to the semi-nomadic, yak-herding Brokpa people who are known for their distinctive sheepskin and yak-wool clothing and unusual felted hats. Six days of sublime trekking take us through the valleys of Merak and Sakteng, which are linked across the Nyuksang La (4140m). En route, we trek through a number of unspoiled villages and can enjoy the pristine alpine landscapes of a part of the country that we have been trying to get into for years. Travelling through Delhi and the Indian state of Assam allows us to keep this trekking holiday to less than 2 weeks. Take this opportunity to be amongst the first to trek in the Migoi National Park of Bhutan, the world's only reserve dedicated to the yeti !

Trip Guide
This relatively short trekking holiday provides a 6-day trek through an unspoiled region of Eastern Bhutan. The trek takes us through a little-visited area of Bhutan, newly opened up to trekkers, and offers an opportunity to see first hand, a way of life unchanged over centuries. The trekking is not particularly difficult and we follow good trails used by local traders. We have graded the holiday at our lowest level of MODERATE on account of the short duration of the trek and the relative low altitude (compared to other Himalayan treks). However, it should be noted that trekking at altitudes of 2 - 3000 metres is more demanding than at sea-level. You will need to be in good shape for this trip and comfortable with walking for 6 - 7 hours each day and with some steep uphill sections lasting up to 2 hours or more. This adventure holiday also involves a long drive through a fascinating landscape to get in and out of the area and you should be prepared for this also.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Delhi. Complimentary airport transfers are provided on this day. KE group package services begin with a tour of the city. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: Transfer to the domestic terminal for the onward flight to Gauhati in Assam. We meet our vehicles here and drive (3 hours) across the border at Samdrup Jongkhar. We check in to our hotel.

Day 3: We drive through the wooded Himalayan foothills to the small town of Trashigang below an imposing fortress monastery (dzong). Here we will stay in a basic lodge or camp.

Day 4: We drive for approximately 20 miles to the town of Radi which is famous for its silk, and a little way beyond we start the trek in this recently opened area. We trek through rich forest to our first night's camp at Charbaling.

Day 5: We cross the Thumbursa La (3273m / 10,735ft) and make a steady ascent to the village of Merak (3400m. / 11,155ft.). Camp.

Day 6: A longish day today, crossing the Nyakchung La, (4300m. / 14,108ft.) to reach Sakteng. We make our camp in the fields of the village. 6 - 7 hours.

Day 7: A day to look around the village, its gompas and environs. The local people will no doubt be just as interested in us since this place was closed to foreigners until 2009. We spend our second night in the village.

Day 8: Leaving Sakteng our route takes us steadily down valley. We have to make a climb to negotiate a 3000m. / 10,000ft pass before dropping to the village of Jyonkhar (1767m. / 5800ft.) and our camp.

Day 9: We continue easy trekking for around 2 hours and then with a final climb of 1 hour we arrive at the end of our trek at Phong Me where our transport will be waiting. We drive via Ranjung to Trashigang where we will either camp or use a basic lodge.

Day 10: We make the return drive down to Samdrup Jongkhar on the border with Assam and check into a hotel.

Day 11: After a short (3 hour) drive to Guahati we check in for the flight to Delhi. On arrival we check in our hotel in Delhi and have a celebratory meal. Overnight hotel Delhi.

Day 12: KE land only package services end after breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On arrival the group will spend 1 night at our hotel in Delhi, before flying onto Gauhati in Assam. There are a total of 2 hotel nights in Delhi and 2 hotel nights in Samdrup Jongkhar on the Bhutanese border. There are a total of 7 nights camping whilst on the trek.