Merak and Sakteng Valleys
Situated high in the protected alpine wilderness of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, the remote valleys of Merak and Sakteng offer a glimpse into a way of life found nowhere else in Bhutan. These pastoral highlands are home to the Brokpa people, a semi-nomadic group of yak herders who migrated from Tibet centuries ago. Surrounded by sweeping meadows and temperate rhododendron forests, the isolated villages consist of tightly clustered stone houses designed to withstand the cold mountain climate.
The defining draw of Merak and Sakteng is the distinct culture of the Brokpa community. They maintain unique seasonal migration patterns, trade networks, and traditional attire, including intricate silk ponchos and signature black yak-felt hats with five tassels designed to shed rain. Only opened to international visitors in 2009, these valleys provide an authentic trekking experience through pristine landscapes rich in local folklore, biodiversity, and highland traditions.
