Trashigang & Sakteng, the wild east
Trashigang is the largest district of eastern Bhutan, a region of deep valleys and few visitors about three days' drive from Paro. Its 17th-century dzong, weaving villages and the pilgrimage stupa of Chorten Kora lead on to Merak and Sakteng, home of the semi-nomadic Brokpa yak herders. This is Bhutan at its most remote.
- Altitude
- 1,100 m (town) to 3,500 m
- From Bumthang
- About 8 hours
- Best time
- Oct–Apr
- Time needed
- 3–5 nights
About Trashigang & Sakteng
Eastern Bhutan sees only a small share of the country's visitors. The people here speak Tshangla (Sharchopkha) rather than Dzongkha, the valleys are warmer and steeper, and the pace of life is gentler still. Travel here feels like discovery.
In the far east, the valleys of Merak and Sakteng are home to the Brokpa, semi-nomadic herders who move their yaks between high pastures. Their red woollen robes and spider-legged felt hats are unlike anything else in Bhutan. The area is protected as the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. Among other things, it is famous as a reputed home of the migoi, the Bhutanese yeti.
Things to do in Trashigang & Sakteng
- 1
Trashigang Dzong
Built in 1659 on a spur high above the confluence of two rivers, this fortress once defended the east against invaders from Tibet.
- 2
Merak and Sakteng
Walk or drive into the Brokpa highlands to stay in village homes, share butter tea and watch the herders at work. Access has improved with new roads, but conditions change, so we check them every season.
- 3
Chorten Kora, Trashi Yangtse
A great white stupa by the river, modelled on Boudhanath in Kathmandu, and the site of a colourful spring pilgrimage festival.
- 4
Radhi and Khaling weaving
Eastern Bhutan is the home of the finest raw-silk and cotton weaving; the villages of Radhi and Khaling are the places to see it made.
- 5
Gom Kora
A temple on the Drangme Chhu where Guru Rinpoche is said to have subdued a demon, with a rock-shaped 'cave' pilgrims squeeze through to test their sins.
Best time to visit Trashigang & Sakteng
Eastern Bhutan is best from October to April, when the skies are clear and the roads are dry. Trashigang town is low and warm; Merak and Sakteng are high and cold in winter, so pack warm clothes.
Avoid the monsoon (June to August), when landslides can close the long mountain roads.
Month by month across the country: the best time to visit Bhutan.
Getting to Trashigang & Sakteng
By road it is about eight hours from Bumthang to Trashigang via Mongar. Domestic flights to Yongphulla, near Trashigang, can shorten the journey when they operate.
Instead of doubling back, many trips leave Bhutan by road through Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati in Assam, India. Most non-Indian travellers need an Indian visa for this exit, which you apply for online yourself; we help with everything else.
Trashigang & Sakteng on the map
Tours that visit Trashigang & Sakteng
Trashigang & Sakteng FAQs
Your questions, answered
Still wondering about something? Ask our Thimphu team directly. We're happy to help.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, if you have ten days or more. The east has far fewer visitors, a distinct language and culture, superb weaving and the Brokpa communities of Merak and Sakteng. It shows a side of Bhutan most travellers never see.
Semi-nomadic yak herders who live in the Merak and Sakteng valleys of eastern Bhutan. They have their own dialect, dress in red yak-wool robes and distinctive felt hats, and move between high pastures with their herds.
Yes. Merak and Sakteng have been open to visitors since 2010. You need a licensed guide, as everywhere in Bhutan, and we arrange the permits, transport and village stays.
By road (about three days from Paro with overnight stops, or eight hours from Bumthang), or by domestic flight to Yongphulla when flights are running.
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