This 19-nights/20-days East-West Bhutan Traverse II (tour can be East-West or vice-versa), with 7-days Merak-Sakteng Cultural and Nature Trek, takes you to ruins of Drugyel Dzong, Taktsang Monastery, Kichu Lhakhang, Rinchenpung Dzong, and Ta Dzong in Paro; Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Zilukha Nunnery, Simtokha Dzong, Institute for Traditional Medicine, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Farmers’ Centenary Market (if on a weekend), and Druk Wangyel Lhakhang and Chortens at Dochungla in Thimphu; Punakha Dzong, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha; Gangtey Gompa, Phobjikha valley, Crane Observatory, and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong in Wangdi; Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong in Trongsa; Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jampa Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Maebartsho in Bumthang; Sengor village, Mongar Dzong, and Drametse in Mongar; Lhuentse Dzong and Khoma village in Lhuentse; Trashigang Dzong, Kupijigtsam Lhakhang, Jarung Khashor, Yonphula Lhakhang, Khaling Weaving Centre and National Institute for the Disabled in Trashigang; Gomphu Kora, Chorten Kora, Institute for Zorig Chusum, and Dapa making in Trashiyangtse; and Mithun breeding centre, Dewathang town, Zangdo Pelri, the Dzong and Samdrup Jongkhar town in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Merak-Sakteng Cultural and Nature Trek takes you through Chaling, Donmong, Merak, Miksateng, Sakteng, Joenkhar-teng, and Phongmey. Merak and Sakteng valleys are famous for their population of semi-nomadic yak-herders, who differ from other Bhutanese both in language and costume. [Max elevation: Nakchungla Pass at 4153m/ Trek difficulty: Moderately strenuous/ Season: Mar-May & Sept-Nov].

Note: Chorten = stupa (Buddhist monument); Chu = water, river; Dzong = fortress-cum-monastery; Gang = mountain; Goenpa = monastery; La = mountain pass; Lhakhang = temple, sanctuary; Zampa = bridge
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Outline of Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing
Day 02: Excursion to Taktshang Monastery – Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdi Sighseeing
Day 05: Punakha – Gangtey Sightseeing
Day 06: Gangtey – Trongsa Sightseeing – Bumthang
Day 07: Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 08: Bumthang – Mongar Sightseeing
Day 09: Mongar – Lhuentse (Day Excursion)
Day 10: Mongar – Trashigang Sightseeing
Day 11: Trashigang – Tashiyangtse (Day Excursion)
Day 12: Trashigang/Chaling – Donmong [Trek begins]
Day 13: Donmong – Merak
Day 14: Merak – Miksateng
Day 15: Miksateng – Sakteng
Day 16: Sakteng Exploration
Day 17: Sakteng – Joenkhar-teng
Day 18: Joenkhar-teng – Phongmey/Trashigang [Trek ends]
Day 19: Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 20: Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati for departure