Bhutan Botanical Tour

Venture into Bhutan’s green heart through this 12-day Bhutan Botanical Tour, curated for nature lovers and plant researchers. Explore pristine forests, alpine meadows, orchid valleys, rhododendron slopes, and moss-covered trails as you traverse five of Bhutan’s top botanical and biodiversity hubs—including three national parks. From the alpine passes of Thrumshingla to the temperate woodlands of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, this tour reveals the astonishing variety of Bhutan’s over 5,400 plant species, including 48 rhododendron and 82 orchid species, as well as medicinal plants, ferns, and sacred groves.

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Best Seasons: April – September (Peak bloom & biodiversity activity)
Starting Point: Paro, Western Bhutan
Furthest Destination: Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Theme: Botany • Biodiversity • Conservation • Nature Trails • Highland & Subtropical Flora

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

• Scenic flight into Paro

• Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs) with brief stops for wildflower observation

• Visit Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang for orientation on Bhutan’s flora

• Evening visit to local herbal market and ecological product stores

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu – Botanical Exploration

• Visit Folk Heritage Museum & Traditional Medicine Institute

• Drive to upper Thimphu for wildflower photography and pine forest walks

• Optional talk by a local botanist or conservationist

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu – Lamperi – Punakha

• Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m)

• Stop at Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi: guided nature walk through rhododendron forest, wild orchids, and high-altitude plants

• Descend into warm Punakha Valley, known for subtropical flora

Overnight in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha – Lowland Biodiversity Walks

• Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and its medicinal plant garden

• Riverside walk along Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu to observe riparian plant species

• Optional: short forest hike to spot birds and endemic understory plants

Overnight in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Trongsa

• Drive through Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park corridor

• Observe plant transition zones between subtropical and temperate forests

• Stop for botanical photo opportunities along Pele La Pass

Overnight in Trongsa

Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang via Yutong La Pass

• Scenic drive through alpine forests

• Explore Yutong La Pass (3,400m) and surrounding rhododendron fields

• Arrive in Bumthang, Bhutan’s highland biodiversity hub

Overnight in Bumthang

Day 7: Bumthang – Tang Valley & Cultural Botany

• Visit Ogyen Choling Heritage Museum

• Walk through traditional farming landscapes with native herbs and wildflowers

• Interaction with local farmers on indigenous plant uses

Overnight in Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang – Ura Valley Exploration

• Explore Ura Valley: home to alpine flowers, primulas, and wild irises

• Visit sacred groves and monastery gardens

• Study sub-alpine floral communities and juniper slopes

Overnight in Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang – Sengor (Thrumshingla National Park Entry)

• Travel eastward into Thrumshingla National Park

• Cross Thrumshingla Pass (3,780m) – habitat of the Blue Poppy, gentians, and dwarf rhododendrons

• Orientation nature walk through high-altitude moss forest

Overnight in eco-lodge near Sengor

Day 10: Full Day in Thrumshingla National Park

• Guided hike with plant identification session

• Observe endemic species, ferns, orchids, and forest floor ecosystems

• Optional lecture on Bhutan’s conservation and reforestation efforts

Overnight in Sengor

Day 11: Return Journey to Bumthang

• Backtrack through ecological zones for comparative study

• Field photography and journaling stops

• Evening rest or farewell dinner with local produce

Overnight in Bumthang

Day 12: Departure from Bumthang (Flight or Overland to Paro)

• Scenic domestic flight to Paro (weather dependent) or

• Overland journey with rest stop in Trongsa or Wangdue

Tour Ends – Transfer to Paro Airport for International Departure

Tour Inclusions

• Bhutan visa and government permits

• All accommodations in eco-lodges, guesthouses, or 3-star hotels

• Licensed guide (botanical specialist upon request)

• All meals (B/L/D)

• Ground transportation with experienced driver

• All entry fees to parks, museums, and biodiversity centers

• Bottled water and field refreshments

• Guided botanical walks, lectures, and hands-on learning sessions