This Happiness Discovery – EXOTIC MERAK SATENG tour includes visit to Merak Sateng, Tashigang Dzong, short Trek and most popular Tiger Nest Hike at Paro. Merak meaning “set on fire” and Sakteng meaning “meadow covered with bamboo”. Merak and Sakteng fall under the Trashigang Dzongkhag, the furthest eastern province in Bhutan. Merak-Sakteng Tour is a truly exotic scenic flight exploring one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the guarded areas of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, and gradually permeating into the unique lifestyles of the eastern Highlanders as you get a chance to roam the villages on foot in Merak and Sakteng.
In doing this tour, we will be able to explore ourselves their indigenous culture of this tribesmen, not only having seen them personally. Come and explore the hidden gems of an exotic indigenous living culture heritage and traditions of Merak Sateng.
Overview
Bhutan has amazed millions of people around the world. With the first documentary movie being nominated for the Oscar award Bhutan became one of the dream destinations for travelers around the world. This 15 Days Bhutan tour itinerary takes you deep into the cultural capital and remote destination in eastern Bhutan. Eastern Bhutan is an offbeat travelers’ paradise.
In doing this tour, we will be able to explore ourselves their indigenous culture of this tribesmen, not only having seen them personally. Come and visit before it is too late to see their indigenous living culture heritage and traditions.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Eastern Bhutan.
- Enjoy the Mountain flights.
- Visit Bumthang the Cultural Capital of Bhutan.
- Trek the twin jewels of Merak and Sakteng village.
- Visit the Capital City of Bhutan.
Itinerary
Paro is a small town in western Bhutan and the only international airport in the Country. There are many things to do in Paro but will depend upon your flight landing time. If you land early morning, we can cover Paro Rinpung Dzong, Drugyel Dzong, and Paro viewpoint.
Your day begins with Paro City Tour. Early morning starts the day with Zuri Dzong Hike starting from Paro Museum. the hike offers the best view of Paro city and refreshing air to start the 15 Days Bhutan Tour. The hike takes about 30 minutes. Upon completion visit Paro Museam, Paro dzong followed by traditional bridge.
The flight takes about 30 minutes from Paro to Yonphula. Upon landing at Yonphula airport our guide and driver will take you to hotel. Relax at Hotel.
Tashigang is one of the largest districts in the Kingdom. Tashigang spans the easternmost corner of the Kingdom, skirting up to the edge of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The district has an altitude ranging from 600 meters to over 4000 meters above sea level with a temperate climate.
Visit Trashigang Dzong located atop a spur overlooking the Dangmechu river. Built-in 1667 by Chogyel Minjur Tenpa a fortress has been a political stronghold of eastern Bhutan for over 300 years. Tashigang boost series of sacred and ancient temples which provides spiritual anchors for the region people and serve as centre of communal gathering where annual religious festivities take place. This is one type of Bhutan tour itinerary that covers best of eastern bhutan Tour.
Drive takes about 3 hours from Tashingang to Merak and is about 29 Km. Over night at Camp.
Trek the Sakteng village and enjoy the day. Sakteng is a town in Trashigang District in far eastern Bhutan. The nearby Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is named after it. Overnight at Camp.
After breakfast, you’ll start driving to Trashigang. The drive is beautiful through sub-tropical vegetation and temperate forests along the most important day we drive to trashigang and stay overnight at hotel.
Distance between Mongar and Trashigang is around 92km but it is expected to take over 3hrs. Plus add the stops and add 2hrs if you are taking an excursion to Drametse Goemba. The road from Mongar climbs past fields, to Kilikhar with its Buddhist college (shedra) and then through blue pine forests.
Bumthang is the cultural capital of Bhutan and lots of ancient temple is found in this city. March-May is the best time to visit Bumthang. During Spring, the flora and fauna are at their best along with the pretty Rhododendrons at higher altitudes.
Tour the cultural capital of Bhutan. Visit Jakar Dzong the palace of the white bird. Bumthang is divided into four blocks Chokhor, Chhume, Tang, and Ura all of which are broad and gentle valleys carved by glaciers. The wide and scenic valley of Bumthang attracts a large number of tourists every year. Now the district also has a domestic airport which makes travel easier compared to a decade ago.
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang which is an important pilgrimage site for all Bhutanese as the Guru left the imprints of his body while meditating there in the 8th century.
Visit Kencho sum Lhakhang built in the 7th century and later restored by terton Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. The three sacred Budha statues which grace the Lhakhang main shrine are said to have miraculously flown there from Khini in Kurtoe, a region further east. Evening at Hotel.
Explore the Ura valley. Ura valley is the oldest valley in the Kingdom and it is believed that the first inhabitants of Bhutan took place here in the valley. Explore the valley
Today we start early as driving is very long. It takes about 6 hours to pass through valleys and small villages.
In the morning we walk through the pristine valley of Phobjikha and visit farm house and take opportunity to talk with locals. In the afternoon drive to Thimphu.
Thimphu lies at an altitude of 2300m. in 1961 Thimphu replaced Punakha as the capital city of Bhutan. It is estimated that around 135000 people reside in Thimphu making it the most populated city in Bhutan. Highlights of Thimphu.
• The weekend Market: The market is the biggest in the country operating from Friday till Sunday. Apart from fresh fruits and vegetables varieties of local art and crafts are also sold here. Chilies are the most common vegetable sold in the market and one can see varieties of chilies in different forms sold here.
• The textile and the Folk Heritage Museum:
15 Days Bhutan Tour ends today. Our team from ALAYA will assist you and drive you to the airport and see you off.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Department of Tourism’s certified 3 star Standard hotel accommodation twin sharing room;
- All Meals.
- USD 100 nightly SDF Fee (Sustainable Development fee) that goes for free education and health care for the citizens of Bhutan and tourist alike.
- Tourism Council’s certified Professional English speaking Cultural tour guide.
- Comfortable Toyota/Hyundai Tour Vehicle with Tourism Council’s Certified Driver.
- Mineral Water
- Domestic travel insurance.
- Entry Fees to museums, cultural monuments and fortresses.
- Visa/Permit process.
- USD 40 Visa fee
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Any airfare.
- Any cost of excess baggage/weight.
- Tips to the guide and driver.
- Beverage, alcohol, laundry and any personal nature expenses.
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
