Overview
This bhutan merak sakteng tour package reaches the far eastern edge of the country, where the Brokpa community has lived as semi-nomadic yak herders for generations. The route runs Paro to Trongsa to Mongar to Trashigang before the road ends and the trek into Merak begins. Day 5 continues on to Sakteng, both villages sitting inside the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. The Brokpa wear distinctive red-tasseled yak-wool hats daily, not for tourists but because the highland weather calls for them. This bhutan merak sakteng tour package treats the long drive east as part of the journey, not a delay before it.
Bon Voyagers manages the ground programme for this bhutan merak sakteng tour package from arrival at Paro International Airport. A private vehicle covers the road sections between Paro, Trongsa, Mongar and Trashigang, switching to porter and pony support once the trek into Merak begins. Seven nights of accommodation on double sharing basis include hotel stays along the road and camping for two nights at Merak and Sakteng, with meals included throughout on a full board basis during the trek and MAP basis elsewhere. The per person cost of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package is ₹35,100.
Day-wise Itinerary
8-day travel plan — tap any day to view full details.
This bhutan merak sakteng tour package begins at Paro International Airport, where the Bon Voyagers guide meets the group on arrival. Paro sits at around 2,200 metres in a valley ringed by pine forest, and the short drive into town passes traditional farmhouses with carved windows. The afternoon is kept light after the flight, since the long drive east starts the next morning and the trip ahead covers far more ground than a standard Paro-based circuit. Dinner at the hotel introduces the first meal of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3 of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package continues east from Trongsa to Mongar, another long day on the road through forested ridgelines and small roadside settlements. Mongar itself is a modest district town, used here as a practical overnight stop rather than a sightseeing destination, breaking the journey into manageable stretches before the final push toward Trashigang the next day. The hotel in Mongar is simple but comfortable, and dinner is an early, quiet affair after a full day of driving. Overnight in Mongar.
Day 4 of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package reaches Trashigang by mid-morning, then continues by vehicle to Phongmey, where the road ends and the trek into the highlands begins. Porters and ponies carry the camping equipment and food from this point onward, since no vehicle can reach Merak itself. The trek climbs steadily through forest and open ridgeline for several hours before the first views of Merak appear, a cluster of stone houses set against the high pastures of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. Camp is set up on the edge of the village. Overnight camping at Merak.
Day 5 of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package continues the trek from Merak to Sakteng, a walk of several hours across open highland pasture where yaks graze freely and prayer flags mark the ridgelines. Both villages belong to the Brokpa community, semi-nomadic herders known for the red-tasseled yak-wool hats worn daily rather than for any performance. Sakteng sits slightly further from the road than Merak, which keeps it quieter still. The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary surrounding both villages is also where local legend places sightings of the migoi, the creature outsiders call the yeti. Overnight camping at Sakteng.
Day 6 of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package retraces the trek from Sakteng back through Merak to Phongmey, where the vehicle waits to continue on to Trashigang. The descent feels easier than the climb in, though the distance is the same, and most groups reach Trashigang by evening. Trashigang itself is the largest town in eastern Bhutan, with a hilltop dzong and a genuine market town feel rather than anything built for visitors. A hot shower and a real bed after two nights of camping make this stop feel like a small luxury. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 7 of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package is the longest single driving day of the trip, covering most of the distance back toward western Bhutan in one push through Mongar, Bumthang and Trongsa before stopping for the night in Wangdue Phodrang. It is a genuinely long day on the road, broken only by short stops for tea and meals, and most groups arrive tired but glad to have the bulk of the return drive behind them. There is no sightseeing built into this day, since reaching Wangdue Phodrang before dark is the only goal. Overnight in Wangdue Phodrang.
The final day of this bhutan merak sakteng tour package covers the short remaining drive from Wangdue Phodrang to Paro, around 2 to 3 hours, with enough time built in for the departure flight afterward. Breakfast at the hotel is followed by the drive west, retracing familiar ground through Dochula Pass one last time. The Bon Voyagers vehicle drops the group at Paro International Airport, where the trip that began eight days and several hundred kilometres earlier comes to a close. The trip ends at the same airport it started from, though it covered far more ground in between.
The detailed plan for Day 8 will be confirmed by Subha Travels, including sightseeing, transfers, stay, meals and timings applicable to this package. Please contact our travel desk for the latest confirmed day plan.
Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Pickup and drop at Paro International Airport on Day 1 and Day 8 respectively.
- All road transfers by private vehicle between Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Mongar, Trashigang and Wangdue Phodrang as per the itinerary.
- Porter and pony support for carrying camping equipment and food between Phongmey, Merak and Sakteng on Day 4, Day 5 and Day 6.
- Camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats and a dedicated cook and toilet tent for two nights at Merak and Sakteng.
- Special area permit for entry into the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, in addition to standard entry and route permits.
- Guide charges for an English-speaking licensed guide throughout all eight days.
- Seven nights of accommodation on double sharing basis - hotel stays in Paro, Trongsa, Mongar, Trashigang and Wangdue Phodrang, and camping for two nights at Merak and Sakteng.
- Full board meals during the two camping nights at Merak and Sakteng; daily breakfast and dinner on MAP basis at all hotels on the remaining nights.
- Entry permits and route permits required for travel within Bhutan.
- Meet and greet service at Paro International Airport on arrival.
NOT INCLUDED
- Flight tickets to and from Paro, not included and booked separately by the traveller.
- Lunch on any day outside the two camping nights at Merak and Sakteng.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), payable directly to the Bhutan government, currently USD 100 per person per night for international travellers and INR 1,200 per person per night for Indian nationals, not included in the per person cost above.
- Personal camping gear including sleeping bags, headlamps and trekking poles, not provided as part of this package.
- Personal expenses including laundry, tips, bottled water, soft drinks, telephone calls and shopping.
- Any additional sightseeing or extra vehicle use beyond what is listed in the itinerary.
- Room heater charges, optional tours and sightseeing entrance fees not mentioned under the inclusions above.
- Costs arising from natural events including landslides, road blockage or weather-related changes, to be borne by the traveller and paid directly on the spot.
- Any item not clearly listed under the inclusions above.
Best Time to Visit
Bhutan has four distinct seasons (Spring, Summer/Monsoon, Autumn, Winter) with climate varying significantly by altitude, from subtropical in the south (warm/humid) to cold/polar in the north, with heavy summer monsoons (June-Sept) and dry, cold winters (Dec-Feb) with potential snowfall at high elevations; expect sunny, crisp autumns and mild springs.
Important Price & Package Conditions
- Prices are subject to availability and may vary based on travel dates, hotel selection, and seasonal demand.
- The actual price is reconfirmed at the time of booking. Discounts or deals may apply depending on ongoing promotions.
- Prices displayed do not include optional add-ons such as cab upgrades, special activities, or extra room categories unless mentioned.
- For group bookings, custom itineraries, or peak season travel, final pricing may differ. Please connect with our travel expert.
- 50% advance payment confirms your booking.
- Remaining balance is due 45 days before travel.
- Natural disasters or political unrest will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Valid for Indian nationals only. International guests may require special permits.
- Carry original government ID for all hotels.
- Secure payments and flexible policies.
- 24x7 emergency support during travel.
- Bon Voyagers strives to provide transparent pricing. For clarity or a custom quote, please contact our support team.
Subha Travels reserves the right to update package pricing and availability. For clarity or a custom quote, please connect with our support team.