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Day 1:Chaling (2145m) To Damnongchu (3120m),

According to legend the name of the village “Chaling” actually is pronounced as “Choling” which means sadness. It was called the village of sadness after the death of Lama Ganapati who was the reincarnation of the Shabdrung’s son Jambay Dorjiwas killed by his rivals in western Bhutan. This village is also famous because it includes ‘Yuel Pema Chen’ (old name of Chaling) where the son of Khandro Drowa Zangmo, Kuentu Legkpa became the king and subdued the demon Lhacham.

The trek starts above Chaling School, passing through open grazing pasture, and after an hour ascending you will come across the ruined house of Lama Ganapati and some old stupas and a prayer wall (Alt. 2400m). Continue uphill and view the small monastery below called Thow-Mang. Legend has it people who have eaten pork, fish, onion and garlic are not allowed inside the monastery. After 4-5hrs of trekking reach the pass called Mon-Laptsa (alt. 3390m) originally discovered by the people from Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh, India) where they claimed the area before being repelled by the Bhutanese. Mon refers to the people of Tawang and Laptsa is Pass.

Damnongchu was the battlefield of Prince Kuentu Legkpa and the demon Lhacham. The prince subjugated Lhacham by shooting arrows from the ridge called Merak Nagpotse and there is a Chorten (Stupa) on the spot where he from plus another three chortens at the battlefield itself. The largest is the spot where the demon Lhacham was subjugated, the next where the attendant of Lhacham, Zemarago, was subjugated and the smallest chorten is where the horse of the demon was subjugated. These three chortens cannot be white washed as it is believed that the demon might arise if this occurs.

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Day 2:Damnongchu (3120m) To Merak (3520m),

This morning starts with easy trekking along an old and wide trail and now mostly used by local people with their animals. Moving on to a newly established trail the vegetation becomes quite dense with plenty of Juniper, Rhododendron, Larch, Hemlock, Barberries etc. After a gentle uphill climb reach the village called Gangu which is smaller than Merak. The trek continues above the village for about 30 min through open grazing pasture from where you will see the village of Merak and the campsite.

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Day 3 Merak(3520m)To Mikateng(3050m)

The trek from Merak to Miksa Tang is of medium difficulty. The trek starts above Merak village and continues uphill till you reach Nyakchung La (pass), marked by a prayer wall and prayer flags, which takes approximately 3 hours to the elevation of 4070m. On a clear day you will see the eastern Himalaya range.

After the pass find a good spot for lunch and continue desending past the stone throne where Lama Jarpa and Ama Jomo rested before crossing the Nyachung La and your guide will explain the history. This is the spot where the older and  weaker followers of Ama Jomo decided to stay back and these people then settled in Sakteng.

The trail descends over loose rocks and can be quite difficult as you continue the 3-4hrs afternoon trek to the camp site called Mikateng.

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Day 4:Mikateng (3050m) To Sakteng (2940m),

The trek to Sakteng from Mikateng today is relatively easy, making your way through beautiful forest. with a short climb before reaching Sakteng.

The trek begins below the campsite and. after crossing temporary wooden bridge. come across two routes to choose from depending on the conditions. The new trail leads through the forest but can be very muddy at times…while the old trail follows the river side. Finally you reach the hilltop at an elevation of 3070m which is marked by prayer wall. From there one can view Sakteng valley which is quite different from Merak. Almost all the houses here are roofed with corrugated iron of which 50% is funded by the Bhutanese Govt

Day5:Sakteng (2940m) To Jyonkhar (1820m), Time 6.5 – 7hrs

Today’s trekking is longer, however quite easy, beginning with a gradual climb passing two stupa until the trail forks. The right hand route takes one to the village of Sakteng and continues to Arunachal Pradesh (India). Take the left route by crossing a small stream and climbing a steep hill followed by a number of ascents and descents taking you back down in elevation.

As you descend to the valley floor cross a suspension bridge over Gamri Chhu (river) which is the tributary of Drangme Chhu. Continue and finally reach to the campsite called Jyonkhar which is located close to the river.

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Day 6:Jyonkhar (2940m) To Phongmay (2710m) and transfer to Radhi/Trashigang.

Today’s trek starts with an uphill climb for few hours from Jyonkhar. There are several ascents & descents untill you reach Phongmay town, where you meet your transfer vehicle.

Trekkers are recommended to either stay in Phongmay or Radhi villages for an extra night where time permits. Both are beautiful villages with a number of atrractions. Radhi, popularly known as the ‘Rice Bowl of the east’ in particular with its wool textiles called Bura weaving. 

 

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