Bhutan Botanical Tour

The flight into the Himalayas is one of the most scenic and breathtaking ones with the views of some of the tallest mountains of the world. On your arrival at the Paro international airport,

You will be received by Off to Bhutan representative and transferred to your hotel in the enchanting valley of Paro. After some time to rest and refresh after your journey and lunch, local cultural sightseeing in Paro.

Overnight; Paro

We start early to hike Paro Taktsang, the Tiger nest, located at the height of 900m above valley below. 

The hiking trail takes you through the forest with flowers and lichen draped, which makes your effort worthwhile. During our hike we come across forest of Blue pine Pinus wallichiana, Quercus semecarpifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, R. triflorum, Cotoneaster microphyllus, Pieris Formosa, Piptanthus nepalensis, Ainsliaea aptera, Primula smithiana, Gentiana pedicellata, Viburnum cotinifolium.

Overnight: Paro

Early in the morning drive to chele La, the highest pass in the country with motorable road. On the way we see abundant of Primulas including the deep blue Primula griffithii, endemic to western Bhutan, an exciting range of Rhododendrons and other shrubs. And various species of birds, like Himalayan Monal, Kalij and blood pheasants to name few.

Afternoon: Transfer to Thimphu.

Overnight: Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to Punakha over the Dochula pass (3150m).  

From the pass we prepare for hike following ancient trail. During our hike we will find many shrubs familiar to gardeners, such as Sarcococca hookeriana (Himalayan sweet box), Daphne bholua, Enkianthus deflexus, and Skimmia laureola. Towering specimen of Magnolia campbellii and Rhododendron falconeri  and many more.

The we continue our descent towards Punakha.

Overnight: Punakha.

Begin the day with the 5-hour drive from Punakha to Trongsa.  The route passes through the small, windy town of Wangdue, after which we will enter into the rugged forested mountains. The pass en route is Pele La with 3300m, offering another opportunity to set out, on foot, in search of forest plants and bird life. Once on the foot our walk is splendid with lush of Rhododendron hogdsonii, R. kesangiae and R. thomsonii with lichen draped Betula utilis. Probably we see flowering Bryocarpum himalaicum before we continue our journey towards Trongsa. We arrive at Trongsa in late afternoon. Along the way we look for Rhododendron edgeworthii and R. lindleyi.

Overnight: Trongsa.

Before setting off to Bumthang valley across Yotong La which is approximately 3400m, Visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong.  This dzong is the ancestral home for the Royal family of Bhutan, and the first King, before being crowned King of Bhutan, was the governor of this dzong.  Even now, there is a tradition that any Crown Prince of Bhutan, before coronation, must first serve as the Governor of Trongsa.  This period provides crucial training for the future King to care for the needs of the Nation and its people.

Continue our drive to Bumthang crossing the Yotola high pass at an elevation of 3400m, this will bring you to the Chumey valley in Bumthang.  Bumthang is famous for its distinctive woolen weaves, known as yathra, including some made from yak hair.  At the village of Zugney, you will see fine samples of yathra hanging by the roadside and available for purchase.  The weavers, all women, can be seen busily working at their looms beside the road.  The road continues over the Kikila pass to enter the next valley in Bumthang (Jakar), the district headquarters

Along the way to Bumthang we make several roadside stops, whenever possible and take break for nature and lunch. In the evening we arrive at Jakar.

Remaining of the day we’ll spend making preparation for the trek. 

Overnight: Bumthang

Bumthang is most holy district with many pilgrimage sites in and around and the cultural heartland of the country. As a mark of symbols, one can see many temples, monasteries, chortens and prayer flags. Before setting off to first part of our trek, a gentle walk between pine forests with grassy meadows along chamkhar chu, we explore some cultural sightseeing around chamkhar valley.

At early afternoon make our way to campsite at Sombaykha 2800m, with rest of the time to explore around the camp.

Overnight: Sombaykha Camp

Today we make a gradual ascent towards Phephe La at the elevation of 3597m. The forest is outstanding still untouched. We pass through meadows, blue pine, dwarf bamboos, Himalayan hemlocks and east Himalayan Spruce. As we go higher, the flora changes and we look for rare endemic Daphne ludlowii grows under Rhododendron kesangiae and many herbaceous plants include Primula geraniifolia, Primula gracilipes, Adonis brevistyla and Bryocarpum himalaicum. Without feeling our tiredness and noticing our time passes by we can get to the campsite surrounded by maples, birch, rhododendron and plenty of Anemone obtusiloba

The campsite is more beautiful with large-eared Pika living under the logs, sharing space with us at night and if needed to give company too. And chances of encountering beautiful giants like Satyr Tragopan and Blood Pheasants.

Overnight: Camp below Phephe La

A steep initial ascent to the top of the Phephe La (3597m) introduces us to more rhododendrons, including various colour forms of Rhododendron cinnabarinum and Rhododendron barbatum. We then enjoy a gradual descent through conifer forest and grassy meadows into the Tang valley. In the process we come across Roscoea tibetica with purple flower and golden stars Hypoxis aurea. We camp near Tang chu by the name of place Takhung (2652m)

Overnight: Camp Takhung 

Before heading off towards Phokphey, we plan to visit the local school, and if time permit 16^th century manor house at Ogyen Choling, with its interesting museum of Bhutanese artifacts. If not way back from Phokphey.

We then make our long climb towards campsite at Phokphey (3681m), a pastureland, surrounded by majestic forest of Bhutan Fir Abies densa, rhododendrons, and dwarf bamboo. New species include Rhododendron succothii, R. anthopogon, and R. setosum.

Probably our longest part of trek, with gentle climb initially and as we go higher getting more steep but as we near campsite is getting gentle again.

Overnight: Phokphey Camp 

Today we walk gently through the forest, along ancient trail, with a final steep climb to Rodung La, 4167m. Massive trees of Rhododendron hodgsonii, give way to R. wightii, R. flinkii, R. Bhutanese. Depending upon our luck we have chances for spectacular Himalayan Monal, beautiful Blood Pheasant and wonderful Fire-tailed Myzornis. If weather favors us we may venture further up to Rodung La before our way back to campsite.

Overnight: Camp Phokphey 

Our last day of camping by the side of Tang Chu with Plumbeous Water Redstart, White Wagtail, Ibisbill and Grey-backed Shrike waiting for our warm welcome and to give company over night and to give us wake up call in the morning with their melodies calls.

We say goodbye to our camping crew and pony men and are reunited with our coach.

Overnight: Camp Gamling 

A journey towards phobjikha valley is great experience welcoming you with hot showers and wooden burning stove after our days of trekking. The valley is wintering ground for the rare species of Black-Necked Crane, is home for Rhododendron ciliatum and the blood red Rhododendron thomsonii.

Overnight Phobjikha.

We spent morning botanising in the vicinity and visiting Gangtey Gompa, a magnificent 16^th century building, housing Nyingmapa school of Buddhism.

Depending on time we make several roadside stop for botany, on our way back to Punakha where we stay overnight.

Overnight: Punakha.

On our way back to Paro for our final night in Bhutan crossing Dochu La 3150m, we stop at Thimphu for lunch and for shopping if time permits.

Overnight: Paro 

Finally your tour in Bhutan will end and bid farewell to your guide and driver. Depart from Paro international airport towards your respective destination