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MERAK AND SAKTENG TREK OF EASTERN BHUTAN
An outstanding journey into the recently opened Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
11 days - Land of the Brokpa - Brand New Trekking Itinerary - Home of the Yeti
The new trekking route into Merak and Sakteng is a truly incredible cultural journey and nature trek into a region closed to foreigners for the past 30 years. Until now only a handful of scientists, researchers and tourists have been granted permission to enter this area. Merak and Sakteng has been closed to protect the unique cultural heritage of the Brokpa people and in part to give the mythical Yeti some peace, whose tales of wandering in the valley is very popular among the locals. The Brokpas (highlanders) of the Merak and Sakten regions of eastern Bhutan are semi-nomadic yak herders who speak a unique dialect and wear clothing unique to this isolated region of Bhutan.
Our 6 day trek visits both Merak and the Sakteng valleys and enters the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of nine protected areas in Bhutan. It also forms part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex. The Sanctuary protects the easternmost temperate forest ecosystems in the country with endemic species like eastern blue pine, black-rumped magpie and many others found only in the east. The Sanctuary was set up to protect the elusive Megay , or yeti. Other wildlife includes snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, barking deer and Himalayan red fox. Fauna and birds include the hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel, Assamese macaque, blood pheasant, grey backed shrike, grey-headed woodpecker, common hoopoe, rufus-vented tit and dark breasted rosefinch. The Sanctuary is typical of the diversity of Himalayan terrestrial ecosystems, combing alpine meadow, temperate forest and warm broad leaf forest. According to the surveys conducted by the World Wildlife Fund some 203 species of plants, 119 species of birds and 18 species of mammals have been confirmed. The snow leopard and red panda have been classified internationally as “highly endangered” species .
Bhutan has a special magic, which is derived from the combination of its colorful culture and religion, together with its unspoiled and outstandingly beautiful mountain scenery. Buddhist philosophy is influential throughout the kingdom, as it has been since the 7th century and a deep and traditional reverence for nature has led to Bhutan imposing some of the strictest standards of environmental preservation in the world. In this country known as Druk Yul, ‘‘the Land of the Thunder Dragon,” the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, among incredible natural beauty. The air is clean and unpolluted, the mountains are magnificent and the architecture is inspiring.
2011 TRIP DEPARTURE DATES:
May 8 to May 18, 2011
(the trip date indicates the day you need to arrive in Delhi, India and the day you can schedule to depart)
The Merak and Sakteng Trek in eastern Bhutan is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Sherpa Guide and full support crew. In 2011, we are also able to arrange this incredible new trek based on the below itinerary starting on any day of the week during the months of March through June and September through November for groups of 1 to 12 people.
Please contact us with any questions, small group pricing or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.
2011 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
4 to 12 People: $3665.00
Single hotel room (upon availability) and single tent supplement: $545.00
Bhutan Visa Fee: $20.00
TRIP SNIPPETS:
Hotels: 4 nights hotels and lodges
Camping Trek: 6 nights camping
Trek Grade: 6 days MODERATE trekking
Max. altitude: 14,500 feet at the Nagchung La Pass
Moderate Trekking = physically challenging and more suited to hikers who are used to extended days (5-7 hours) and who are competent over uneven and hilly terrain.
TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi. Met upon arrival and transfer to our group hotel.
Day 2: Fly from Delhi to Guwahati and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Hotel.
Day 3: Drive to the Trashigang Valley. Hotel/Lodge.
Day 4: The trek starts! Drive to Chaling (7050 feet) and trek to Damnongchu (10131 feet). 7 hours of hiking. Camping.
Day 5: Trek to Merak (11,480 feet). 5 hours of hiking. Camping.
Day 6: Over the Nagchung La Pass to the village of Miksa Teng (9400 feet ). 7 hours of hiking. Camping.
Day 7: The nomads of Sakteng (9850ft). 4 hours of hiking. Camping.
Day 8: Magnolias and bamboo to JyonkharTeng (6100 feet). 7 hours of hiking. Camping.
Day 9: Trek Phongmey to Radhi – the Rice Bowl of Eastern Bhutan . (6500 feet). 5 hours of hiking. Camping.
Day 10: South to Samdrup Jongkhar (6 hour drive). Hotel.
Day 11: Drive to Guwahati Airport and fly to Delhi. Evening departures from Delhi.
Country Information: About Bhutan
Mount Chomolhari in Bhutan: About Mount Chomolhari
Gross National Happiness: About Life in Bhutan