Sakteng
སག་སྟེང་
A Brokpa herders' valley surrounded by mountains. The Sakteng protected area is famous for its rhododendron forests, and legends say the snowman 'Migoi' roams here.
Sakteng lies in a high-altitude basin northeast of Merak, at about 3,000 meters, with wooden and stone houses scattered across the pastures. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is the world's only protected area established in part in the name of the legendary snowman Migoi (Yeti). In spring, rhododendrons bloom across the hillsides, and the area is also home to red pandas and Himalayan black bears. The traditional route is a 1–2 day hike from Merak over Nagchala Pass. A dirt road now also reaches the valley, but road conditions are heavily affected by the weather. A special permit is required.
Opening hours
Open all day (permit required)
Nearby sights
- Merak
- Radhi
- Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery
- Duksum Iron Chain Bridge & Weaving Village
- Gom Kora
- Trashigang Dzong
- Kanglung & Sherubtse College
- Trashiyangtse Dzong & Institute for Zorig Chusum