Day-1: Guwahati-Samdrupjongkhar
Drive about 2 hours from Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar which is a south eastern border district. It is the main town of eastern Bhutan where all exports and imports are done here busy with Bhutanese and Indians. Elevation (556 feet/ 170m). Overnight hotel.
Day-2: Samdrupjongkhar-Tashigang (175 kms/ 5-6 hrs)
The drive from Samdrup jongkhar is really spectacular as we gradually ascend up to Deothang and further. It passes by many remote villages by the corn fields which is the main staple food of Eastern Bhutan. Continue our drive and we now arrive at Wamrong where we will stop for lunch in a small town. Gradually ascend up to Kharung la pass around 7500 ft. Descend to khaling where there is a school for disabled.
Continue our drive to Kanglung by the first University of Bhutan founded in 1983 by a westerner called father William Mackey. From here the road quickly descends down with lots of switchbacks to Tashigang. An impressive Dzong was built here to administer the largest district of Bhutan.
Overnight hotel.
Day-3: Tashigang-Chaling
After a late breakfast we will visit the dzong of Trashigang perched on a very high cliff overlooking big Dangme chhu river. The Dzong was built in 17th century by Minjur Tenpa .
Continue about 45minutes drive to Rangjung where a big monastery was built by Garab Rinpoche in early 1990’s. There is a nice little town here. After visiting the monastery we drive another about more than an hour to Chaling our starting point of the trek. Traditionally an auspicious and prosperous village was ruled by legendary Dharma king called Kuentu Legpa. We will be greeted by our first overnight camps and trekking crews. We can stroll around the village and interact with the locals.
Day-4: Chaling-Damnongchu
Trekking distance; 9.3 miles/15kms takes about 5-6 hours.
Altitude gain; 2000ft
Altitude loss; 800 ft
After a warm breakfast we finally start our trek passed village of Chaling through a forest of rhododendron and oak. Walk on a ridge with some great views around. Following the ancient trail by the pastures commonly used by people of Merak as a seasonal grazing ground. Ascent up to Mon la (3270m/10,800 ft) decorated with stupa and few cairns.
Descend down through the forest of fir, rhododendron and juniper finally reaching to an open area from where our camp site is clearly visible. Walk down to our camp, Damnongchu (10,000ft/3020m) by a big black stupa built after a demon has been subdued by the king of Chaling. It is a very big meadow with a yak herder’s camp.
Day-5: Damnongchu-Merak
Trekking distance; 7 miles/11kms takes about 4 hours.
Altitude gain; 1000 feet
Today is a short day and starts along Nyira ama Chhu River which follows until Merak. It is easier day with no steep climbs swiftly following the river crossing few log bridges. Finally a little steep ascent takes us to a mani wall and cairns with clear view of Gengo village which is my home village. Arrive Gengo village where we will be warmly greeted with local alcohol and tea by the villagers in their unique tradition. Explore the village and hike about 30 minutes to Merak where real big village is located and our camp is just before in a big open meadow.
Elevation; 11000ft/3300m.
Day-6: Merak-Miksateng
Trekking distance; 14 miles/ 22kms takes about 7-8 hours.
Altitude gain; 2500 feet
Altitude loss; 4100 feet
Today is a long day and we start early leaving the village of Merak. The village is visible until about 3 hours from the camp. It is the final big ascent of the trip to our highest pass called Nyakchung la (13,500ft/4050 m). Descent down quite steeply from the pass through beautiful forests of giant fir and rhododendron trees to Miksateng where Tourism council of Bhutan have built an optional camp site.
Elevation; 9324ft/ 2800m.
Day-7: Miksateng-Sakteng (4hrs)
Trek to Sakteng from Miksa Teng is easy making your way through beautiful woods with a short climb before reaching Sakteng. Overnight at Camp.
Day-6: Sakteng day halt
Time to explore this remote Himalayan village.
Day-9: Sakteng-Jongkhar
Trekking distance; 11miles/ 16.5 kms and takes about 7-8hours.
Altitude loss; 2300 feet
Start our day early leaving behind the beautiful village of Sakteng making a ascent about an hour to a crest decorated with a prayer wall. Descent down gradually about 3 hours through forests of rhododendron, oak and maple passing few log bridges which are side streams joining Main River arriving at Thrakthi village. Our trail now changes direction to the south gradually losing elevation. We follow the river of Sakteng traversing through thick vegetation crossing several bridges and few villages making it finally to the camp, Jongkhar.
Elevation 8000ft/2400m.
Day-10: Jongkhar-Phongmey-Tashigang (5 hrs)
Start the day in much lower vegetation with thick undergrowth. Hike down until we reach at Yongzur where our trek finally ends. It is now time to say goodbye to our staffs and our vehicle will be waiting here for us. Shuffle ourselves in a carrier and drive by the villages of Phongme and Radhi which are known as `rice bowls of the east’. Arrive at Rangjung where ultimately we end our loop. We will continue our drive of another 45 minutes to our hotel in Tashigang for a nice shower. Have a relaxing afternoon in the hotel.
Day-11: Tashigang-Samdrupjongkhar (175 kms/ 5-6 hrs)
After breakfast we drive back to Samdrupjongkhar on the lateral road that we took on our first day. Evening at leisure taking stroll in pleasant favorable climate.
Day-12: Depart to Guwahati
Depart to Guwahati for your onward flight.
Tour package cost is inclusive of the following:
- Royalty and taxes of the government
- Entrance fees to various museums
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis ( 3 star hotel approved by TCB )
- Meals ( breakfast, lunch & dinner )
- Licensed English speaking tour guide
- Ground transportation within Bhutan
- Camping equipment and gears for the trekking
- Ponies and pack animals on trek
Tour package does NOT include the following:
- One time US$ 40 (visa fee for single entry)
- Flight fare
- Refreshment, any alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages and any other personal expenses
- Travel Insurance (Must for Trekking)
- US$ 30/Night, single room supplement charge for 2 Pax and above
- Luxury star hotels and resorts available at an additional cost
- Luxury camping/trekking can be arranged at an additional cost
- Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, etc.
- Specialized guides (Foreign Language, Photography, Bird Watching, Buddhism, Flora and Fauna) available at an additional cost
Facilities for Trekking.
- First Aid Box (Medicine)
- Sleeping tent (2man tent) with carpeted floor, Air Mattress, Pillow and room light.
- Dining tent with dining set, Table, Chair and dining light.
- Kitchen tent with kitchen set and light.
- Hot water bag with cover.
- Toilet tent with toilet pot.
- Shower tent with shower bag and mat.
- Aprons for cook and staff.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
To make the most of this expedition, we recommend booking from March to May or from mid-September to November. It requires a minimum of two people to run.
TREKKING INFORMATION
For a trek at this level, you may wish to optimize your fitness before departure to get the most out of the experience.
- Packing essentials: Warm jacket, good leather or waterproof fabric boots or shoes with good soles, waterproof jacket, sunglasses, warm hat, sunhat, sunscreen, torch, backpack (small day sack, 20-30 litres), duffle bag (30-40 litres to be carried by ponies).
- Packing recommendations: Trekking pole, binoculars, gloves, tracksuit or thermal underwear, lip balm and moisturizer, sufficient supply of any medication required, and extra batteries or portable chargers.
- Bhutan Signature Tours provides: Camping picnic lunch, dinner and breakfast, the services of an experienced English-speaking guide, cooks and ponies for carrying luggage. Tentage including one bathroom tent, one toilet tent with toilet paper, one kitchen tent, one dining tent and one sleeping tent for two people, hand towels, hot water bags, camping matts, armchairs and tent carpets.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services), as well as cancellation insurance. You should be aware that some policies may not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking, mountain biking and rafting. Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved in this package. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you in Bhutan.
PLEASE NOTE:
This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Routes and weather conditions may mean variations to the programme, which could affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Please be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness and interest levels.
