This is the newest trek to be commissioned in Bhutan, and promises an unparalleled cultural and natural experience in the eastern outreaches in the country. To maintain its exclusivity, only one team (not exceeding 12 people) is allowed to walk the trek at a time, and tours start every third day through two open seasons adding up to five-and-a-half-months. To further regulate the exposure of the trek, a special fee is also being discussed.
The trek passes through the sakten wildlife sanctuary, an unspoilt and extremely delicate ecosystem that is home to several exotic species such as the endangered snow leopard and red panda, the Himalayan black bear, the Himalayan red fox and perhaps evens the legendary migoi or yeti. The region is also home to the isolated brokpa tribe; you will probably be among the first outsiders to cross paths with them.
Being a brand-new route, this trek itinerary still misses a few details compared to other treks, such as daily walking distances, altitude gain/loss and a well-marked map. Hopefully, they will be made available soon.
DAY1: CHALING TO DAMNONGCHU|
7 HOURS
Starting out of Trashigang, drive along a feeder road to the village of Rangjung. The trailhead is at Chaling, a further hour’s drive ahead. From Chaling, it’s a brisk walk past Mindrula to the camp at Damnongchu(3070m).
DAY2: DAMNONGCHU TO MERAK
5 HOURS
The trail leading out of Damnongchu involves a series of gentle ups and downs along a stream. The final stretch is an easy and gradual ascent that takes you into the village of Merak (3480m). Camp will be made just before the village, in a spot offering fantastic views of the mountains and the village. Alternately you can choose to stay at the village guesthouse.
DAY3: MERAK TO MIKSA TENG
7-8 HOURS
Today’s trek scales the Nakchung La pass, after which the road descends steadily to a river. After following the river for an hour, it’s another steep one-hour climb to Miksa Teng (2850m). The camp site is in a clearing by the village, surrounded by rhododendrons. To catch them in a riotous bloom, plan your trek in April.
DAY4: MIKSA TENG TO SAKTEN
3-4 HOURS
From Miksa teng, it’s an easy day walk through beautiful woods to Sakten (2985m). If you are lucky, you might see a red panda amid the greens along the way. There is a campsite on the outskirts of the village, but you can also sleep at the village guesthouse if you want.
DAY5: SAKEN TO JYONGKHAR
6-7 HOURS
Today’s walk is mostly downhill, along a plain path, to the village of Jyongkhar (1850m), which has a community school. The campsite is located near a river.
DAY6: JYONGKHAR TO PHONGMAY
5 HOURS
The last stretch of the trek passes through the village of Rdhi, a beautiful agrarian settlement also known as the ‘rice bowl of the east’, for obvious reasons. Radhi is also extremely popular for its woolen textiles generically called Bura weaving. From Radhi, it is a direct drive to Phongmay, and on to Trashigang.