ThimphuPunakhaGasaParo
Hot Springs & Healing
Soak in the Gasa tshachu and learn about traditional Sowa Rigpa medicine.
Offbeat Bhutan Trekking Expeditions
Merak & Sakteng Trek
Trek between the highland villages of the semi-nomadic Brokpa people in far-eastern Bhutan.
- Duration15 days · 14 nights
- ActivityModerate
- Best timeMar – May, Sep – Dec
- GroupPrivate trip, any group size
This 15-day journey takes in Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashigang, Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Punakha and Paro. Every day is planned so you have time to look properly, eat well and talk to people — not just tick off sights.
Like all our trips it is private and fully flexible: change the hotels, add a night, swap a sight or combine it with a festival. Ask for a quote and a planner will tailor it to your dates and group.
Highlights
- Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong
- Trashigang Dzong
- Radhi village
- Mongar Dzong
- Starts
- Guwahati / Samdrup Jongkhar
- Ends
- Paro International Airport
Day by day
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Drive from Guwahati airport across the Assam plains to Samdrup Jongkhar (about 4 hours). Your guide meets you at the border gate and helps complete the entry formalities.
See the town’s modest dzong and its small market by the Indian border.
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The road climbs from the plains through Deothang and Wamrong, with views back across the Brahmaputra plain on clear days.
See Trashigang Dzong, perched on a spur above the Drangme Chhu with steep drops on three sides.
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After breakfast drive to the trailhead, where the horsemen load the gear and the trekking crew joins you. The first stage follows the river through mixed forest and farmland before reaching camp at Damnongchu.
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Follow the trail along the hillside with long views back down the valley; lunch is a packed meal by a stream. Camp tonight is at Merak.
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A day at Merak to rest and acclimatise. Take a short hike higher for views and come back down to sleep — the best way to adjust to the altitude — or simply relax, wash clothes and visit the herders nearby.
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Today’s stage climbs steadily towards a pass marked by prayer flags and cairns, with wide views of snow peaks, before descending to camp at Miksa Teng.
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A varied day along a valley floor and over a ridge, passing yak herders’ stone huts. Look out for blue sheep and Himalayan griffons as you approach Sakteng.
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A day at Sakteng to rest and acclimatise. Take a short hike higher for views and come back down to sleep — the best way to adjust to the altitude — or simply relax, wash clothes and visit the herders nearby.
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Walk the last stretch down to the road head, where the vehicle is waiting. Say goodbye to the trekking crew and drive on to Trashigang for a hot shower and a comfortable bed.
Visit Radhi, known as the rice bowl of the east, where women weave raw-silk textiles on back-strap looms.
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Cross Kori La and descend through cornfields and pine to the Drangme Chhu, then follow the river to Trashigang.
Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1950s without drawings or nails, following the old building traditions.
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Cross Thrumshing La (3,780 m), the highest pass on the national highway, then descend almost 3,000 m through cloud forest famous for birdlife to the town of Mongar.
Visit Jambay Lhakhang, believed to be one of 108 temples built in a single day in the 7th century.
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Climb over Yotong La (3,425 m) and descend into Chumey, the first of the Bumthang valleys, known for its yathra woollen weaving.
Explore Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in the country, a maze of courtyards and passageways stepping down the hillside.
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Cross Pele La (3,420 m), watching for yaks in the high pastures, and stop at Chendebji Chorten before the first sight of Trongsa Dzong across the gorge.
Explore Punakha Dzong, set at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu; its courtyards, carved woodwork and murals are among the finest in the country.
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The drive returns via Chuzom and over Dochula, with a tea stop at the pass and time to walk among the 108 chortens.
Walk up through the covered cantilever bridge to Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress on a heap of jewels”, whose courtyards still hold the district monk body and offices.
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After breakfast your guide drives you to Paro airport for your onward flight. Tashi delek — until next time.
Where you could stay
Choose a hotel category when you ask for a quote — we can also mix categories or suggest alternatives.
| Place | Standard ★★★ | Deluxe ★★★★ | Luxury ★★★★★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samdrup Jongkhar | TLT Hotel | TLT Hotel | On request |
| Trashigang | Druk Deothjung Resort | Druk Deothjung Resort | On request |
| Mongar | Trogon Villa | Trogon Villa | On request |
| Bumthang | Jakar Village Lodge | Yugharling Resort & Spa | Amankora Bumthang |
| Trongsa | Yangkhil Resort | Yangkhil Resort | On request |
| Punakha | Zhingkham Resort | RKPO Green Resort | Amankora Punakha |
| Paro | Hotel Gangtey Palace | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa | Amankora Paro |
Included
- Bhutan visa processing (visa fee included)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- All route and entry permits
- Accommodation on twin or double sharing in your chosen hotel category
- All meals while in Bhutan
- Private licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Entrance fees to monuments in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
- Airport or border pick-up and drop
Not included
- International or domestic flights (we can book these for you)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, laundry, phone and other personal expenses
- Single-room supplement and hotel upgrades
- Optional activities (rafting, cycling, helicopter flights) unless stated
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under Included
Booking terms
- Rates depend on travel dates, hotel category and group size; your quote is valid for 14 days.
- Full payment is required before the visa or entry permit is lodged.
- Festival periods may carry a hotel surcharge.
- Hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Bhutan.
- Cancellation charges follow our booking conditions, shared with your quote.
Questions
Why is there no price on this page?
Costs in Bhutan depend on season, hotel category, group size and the daily Sustainable Development Fee, so we prepare every quote for your actual dates. Send your details and we will reply within one working day.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Every trip is private, so you can add or remove days, change hotels, include a festival or combine it with another region.
Do you arrange the visa?
Yes. Once the trip is confirmed and paid, we apply for your Bhutan visa online; you receive the approval letter by email before you fly.
What is included on the trek?
A licensed trekking guide, cook and camp crew, pack animals, tents, sleeping mats, dining and toilet tents and all meals on the trail. Bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us.
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