Bhutan flora Tour

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BHUTAN FLORA TOUR

This tour is guided by a master botanist. The tour is kept broadly and depending on the season there could be changes to this itinerary.

An astonishing array of plants grow in Bhutan: over 5,400 species, including 500 species of medicinal plants, some hardy species thriving even at 3,700m above. It has also 82 unique orchids and 48 unique rhododendrons species.

The tropical vegetation below 800m has forests of oak, birch, maple, magnolia and laurel. Above 2,400m altitude home to spruce, yew, and weeping cypress. Higher still grows the east Himalayan fir. At about 5,500m are low shrubs, rhododendrons, Himalayan grasses and flowering herbs.

BHUTAN FLORA TOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Paro Sightseeing

Your flight to Paro will be very memorable with the dramatic view of the Himalayas. Our staff will meet you and we will do some so sightseeing. After lunch, we will visit Paro Dzong and the Museum.

Dharma Lodge3 activities included Lunch and Dinner included Paro

Day 2: Taktsang Hike

Today hike up to the Taktsang Monastery, perched some 3900 m on a cliff overlooking the valley. It would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence, the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

Dharma Lodge2 activities included Breakfast and Dinner included Paro

Day 3: Drive to Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu via Chelela and Haa. Chelela is roughly around 3988 m above the sea level and is one of the highest motor-able passes. It has an alpine ecosystem with several endangered and endemic species. Nearly all flora species found here are medicinal and most are quite rare. From this point, on a clear day, you can see both Paro and Haa valley as well as Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. After that drive to Thimphu through Haa, a beautiful untouched valley.

Bhutan Suites-Breakfast and Dinner included Paro and Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing

Today your sightseeing will be dedicated to the preservation of Bhutan’s National biodiversity and be visiting the botanical garden which boasts about 500 species of plants. Later in the afternoon, you will meet with people who practice traditional method of healing by using herbal plants found in the Himalayas and finish the day off with a visit to Takin (national animal) preserve and Tashichho Dzong.

Bhutan Suites5 activities included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included Thimphu, Thimphu and Motithang

Day 5: Drive to Wangdue

Today we will drive to Wangdue with a stop at Dochula and Lamperi Botanical Park. Dochula is a considered a conservation area and has about 16 species of Rhododendron amongst other medicines and non-medicinal plants. We will take a hike around at the Dochula pass, have lunch at the Cafe and then drive to Lamperi Royal Botanical Park, which has about 46 species of Rhododendron.

Wangdue Ecolodge3 activities included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included Dochula, Thimphu and Punakha

Day 6: Jigme Dorji National Park

Today the whole day will be spent in the National Park. With an area of 4,349 sq. km, it is the second largest protected area in Bhutan. It covers three climate zones with elevation ranging from 1400 to over 7000 meters with rich plant and animal diversity. This may be the only place in the world where the Royal Bengal tiger and snow leopard habitats overlap.

Wangdue Ecolodge1 activity included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included Gasa

Day 7: Drive to Phobjikha valley

We will drive to Phonjikha and have a hike through the valley and the scattered forest. The valley is home to black-necked cranes, an endangered bird species, which migrates from Tibet every winter.

Dewachen Hotel & Spa1 activity included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner includedWangdue Phodrang

Day 8: Dtive to Bumthang

We will drive further north to Bumthang. This valley is considered one of the most beautiful and serene alleys. t has one of the oldest temples and sacred sites. It’s about a 7 -8 hours drive. On the way, there will be a short stop at Trongsa.

The Village Lodge, Jalikhar Bumthang-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner includedTrongsa

Day 9: Bumthang Valley

This morning visit the Burning Lake, a sacred pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese. Make a butter lamp offering and then explore Ura valley and Thriumshing La National Park guided by the senior expert botanist. This park has one of the oldest Chir Pine trees and has numerous endangered species. The pristine forests ranging from alpine to subtropical, are home to snow leopards, tigers, red pandas and rare plants. The park has some of the most diverse climatic variations and habitats in the world.

The Village Lodge, Jalikhar Bumthang2 activities includedBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner includedBumthang and Zhemgang

Day 10: Hike in Bumthang Valley

Today hike in Bumthang valley and you will be guided by a senior expert botanist. More details will be provided depending on the season of the tour booked.

The Village Lodge, Jalikhar Bumthang1 activity included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included Bumthang

Day 11: Drive to Paro

We will drive back to Paro in the morning.

Kichu Resort Paro-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner includedParo and Bumthang

Day 12: departure

We take you to the Airport for your onward journey.

• All meals
• Tea and snacks
• Complementary bottled water in car
• Hotels
• Transport
• Guide
• Government levy
• Visa fee
• Entrance fees
• permits and sightseeing

• Flight tickets
• Medical/Travel insurance
• Tips
• Drinks and Beverages
• Laundry
• Internet Bills
• Phone and other bills of personal nature