Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Wild Nature Quest, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel.

After a short rest and refreshment, your cultural adventure begins with visits to the National Museum, housed in the historic Ta Dzong. Next, explore the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong, an iconic fortress and monastery that boasts breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. Take a gentle hike from the dzong to the Wooden Cantilever Bridge, a historic structure that holds significant cultural value.

We begin early with a hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), located 900 meters above the valley. This iconic monastery, built in 1692, clings to a cliffside. The trail winds through a scenic forest adorned with flowers and lichens, making the journey rewarding. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse flora, including Blue Pine, Rhododendron, and various species of Cotoneaster, Gentiana, and Viburnum.

In the evening, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for an authentic cultural experience, including local hospitality, a hot stone bath, and a delicious dinner.

In the morning, drive to Chele La, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, where you’ll see a variety of Primulas, including the rare Primula griffithii, along with an exciting range of Rhododendrons and bird species like the Himalayan Monal and Kalij pheasants.

In the afternoon, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, and visit the King’s Memorial Chorten. If time permits, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a massive 51.5-meter-high statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, housing 125,000 smaller Buddha statues.

After breakfast, drive over Dochula Pass (3150m), where you’ll experience breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan ranges, framed by lush hemlock and oak forests. On a clear day, the scenery is particularly stunning.

Following a brief stop at the pass, embark on a hike along an ancient trail, rich in botanical wonders. Botanists will appreciate the presence of various shrubs such as Sarcococca hookeriana (Himalayan sweet box), Daphne bholua, Enkianthus deflexus, and Skimmia laureola. The trail offers towering specimens of Magnolia campbellii and Rhododendron falconeri, as well as ground-level discoveries like Trillium tschonoskii, Arisaema griffithii (cobra lily), and the impressive Cardiocrinum giganteum (giant Himalayan lily).

Descending to Punakha (1600m), the flora changes, offering a new botanical landscape. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Begin the day with a scenic 5-hour drive from Punakha to Trongsa, passing through the windy town of Wangdue and into rugged, forested mountains. Stop at Pele La Pass (3300m), where you’ll have the chance to explore on foot in search of forest plants and birdlife. The walk is enriched with lush Rhododendron hodgsonii, R. kesangiae, R. thomsonii, and lichen-covered Betula utilis. You may also spot flowering Bryocarpum himalaicum as you continue towards Trongsa. En route, look for Rhododendron edgeworthii and R. lindleyi. Arrive in Trongsa by late afternoon.

Before heading to Bumthang Valley, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.

Afterward, continue the drive towards Bumthang, crossing the Yotong La pass at 3400m, which leads to the Chumey Valley. Bumthang is known for its distinctive yathra woolen weaves, some made from yak hair, which can be seen hanging in the village of Zugney. Along the way, stop for nature breaks and lunch, arriving at Jakar in the evening to prepare for the upcoming trek.

Bumthang, considered Bhutan’s spiritual heart, is rich in pilgrimage sites, temples, monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags, showcasing its deep cultural heritage. Before embarking on the trek, enjoy a leisurely walk through pine forests and grassy meadows along the Chamkhar Chu, complemented by cultural sightseeing in the Chamkhar Valley. In the early afternoon, continue to the campsite at Sombaykha (2800m), where you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the tranquil surroundings.

Today’s trek takes us to Phephe La (3597m), through pristine forests of blue pine, dwarf bamboo, and Himalayan hemlocks. As we ascend, we encounter rare plants like Daphne ludlowii, Primula geraniifolia, and Adonis brevistyla. Our campsite, surrounded by maples, birch, and rhododendrons, offers stunning views and is home to large-eared Pikas. Wildlife sightings include the Satyr Tragopan and Blood Pheasants, making for an unforgettable experience.

We begin with a steep ascent to the top of Phephe La (3597m), where we are greeted by a variety of rhododendrons, including different color forms of Rhododendron cinnabarinum and Rhododendron barbatum. After reaching the summit, we enjoy a gradual descent through conifer forests and grassy meadows into the Tang Valley. Along the way, we encounter Roscoea tibetica with its striking purple flowers and Hypoxis aurea with golden stars. We set up camp near Tang Chu at Takhung (2652m).

Before heading to Phokphey, we plan to visit the local school and, time permitting, the 16th-century Ogyen Choling manor house with its Bhutanese artifact museum. We then begin our long ascent to Phokphey (3681m), passing through pasturelands and forests of Bhutan firs, rhododendrons, and dwarf bamboo. New plant species such as Rhododendron succothii, R. anthopogon, and R. setosum are encountered along the way. The trek starts gently, steepens, and then becomes easier near the campsite.

On our final day of camping by Tang Chu, we are greeted by the melodic calls of the Plumbeous Water Redstart, White Wagtail, Ibisbill, and Grey-backed Shrike, offering a warm welcome and an early wake-up call. After bidding farewell to our camping crew and pony men, we are reunited with our coach, concluding this unforgettable journey.

A journey to Phobjikha Valley offers a rewarding experience, where hot showers and a cozy wood-burning stove await after a day of trekking. The valley serves as the wintering ground for the rare Black-Necked Crane and is home to Rhododendron ciliatum and the striking red Rhododendron thomsonii.

In the morning, we explore the local flora and visit Gangtey Gompa, a magnificent 16th-century monastery that houses the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Time permitting, we make several roadside stops to explore the region’s botanical diversity before returning to Punakha for an overnight stay.

On our return to Paro for our final night in Bhutan, we cross Dochu La (3150m) and stop in Thimphu for lunch and, time permitting, some shopping.

As your tour in Bhutan comes to an end, bid farewell to your guide and driver. You will then depart from Paro International Airport, heading towards your next destination.