Bhutan's Wild East

In the tiny secluded Himalayan country of Bhutan, lush valleys lie hidden deep in forested mountains. One of the most remote is the restricted Merak and Sakten valleys of Bhutan’s wild east, the realm of the semi-nomadic people known as the Brokpa. A fascinating indigenous group with a way of life, dress, and language quite distinct from other people in Bhutan, the Brokpa seasonally move their herds of livestock from the lower valleys in the winter to higher pastures in the summer. Until just last year, when Wilderness Travel was granted special permission from the Bhutanese government to trek here, the area had been off limits to commercial trekking groups since 1995. Join us in 2010 as we return to explore these valleys once again—a tremendous opportunity to explore a little known region and meet a fascinating people who have seen few outsiders. Our trip enters and exits Bhutan from its southeastern border with Assam—and in November, the snow-covered peaks will seem close enough to touch.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Bangkok, Thailand / Guhawati, India / Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan

A flight from Bangkok brings us to Guhawati, from where we drive to the frontier town of Samdrup Jongkhar.

Days 2-4
Rangjung

In Rangjung, we join in the festivities of the Radhi Tsechu, with its masked dance dramas, and visit nearby villages.

Days 5-12
Merak-Sakten Trek

From the trailhead at Chaling, set off for our trek through the Merak and Sakten Valleys. Along the way we enjoy two Exploration Days, a chance to meet the locals and take optional day hikes. Most of the hiking and camping is between 9,800 and 11,500 feet, with a crossing of the Nachungla Pass at 13,500 feet.

Days 13-14
Rangjung / Samdrup Jongkhar

After a day to explore Rangjung, we continue to Samdrup Jongkhar. Along the way we visit Zango Pelri Monastery in Kanglung, which is also home to Sherubtse College, one of Bhutan’s premier learning centers, and the weaving center in Khaling.

Days 15-16
Guwahati / Calcutta / Bangkok

Cross the India border to Guwahati and fly to Calcutta. Depart Calcutta for Bangkok on Day 16.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 5, strenuous. The trek is suitable for people in good shape who enjoy mountain hiking and camping. Most of the hiking and camping is between 9,800 and 11,500 feet, with a crossing of the Nachungla Pass at 13,500 feet. Some trek days are 4-5 hours, and some are as long as 7-8 hours of hiking. For the most part you can set your own pace. There are some steep ascents and descents, and the hiking is at high altitude, which can feel strenuous. You will carry only a daypack to hold a jacket, water bottle, camera, and other items you like to have with you on the trail. Pack animals carry our camping equipment. At each camp we provide two-person dome sleeping tents, a dining tent, a toilet tent (with a seat), and a shower tent for the occasional shower when time/water permits. A camp cook prepares all meals. The typical trekking day begins shortly after 6 a.m. with “bed tea” and warm washing water brought to each tent. We are served a light breakfast while the camp crew packs our gear. We begin hiking by 7 to 8 a.m, stopping around 11 a.m. for lunch and a good rest. Our afternoon hike begins around 1 p.m.; we arrive at camp by tea time (about 4:30 p.m. or later). Dinner is served around 6:30 p.m.

Explanation of Trip Levels