12-Day A Sojourn of Bhutanese Flora

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Today hike up to the Taktsang Monastery perched some 3900 metres on a cliff overlooking the valley. This monastery is one of the most highly revered buildings in Bhutan. 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 AD. Hence, the name, Taktshang or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

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Drive to Thimphu via Chelela and Haa. Chelela is roughly around 3988 metres above the sea level and is one of the highest passes in Bhutan. The pass 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.

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Today your sightseeing will be dedicated to the preservation of Bhutan's national biodiversity as you visit Thimphu's 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 the Takin preserve, home to Bhutan's national animal and Tashichho Dzong.

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Today we will drive to Wangdue with a stop at the Dochula Pass and Lamperi Botanical Park. Dochula is considered a conservation area and has about 16 species of Rhododendron amongst other medicinal 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.

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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 metres 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.

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We will drive to Phonjikha Valley and have a hike through the valley and scattered forest past villages where friendly locals will welcome you. The valley is home to black-necked cranes, an endangered bird species, which migrate from Tibet every winter. Surrounded by the Black Mountains, this region is scenic, peaceful and seemingly endless, you'll take great joy in discovering the plants found here.

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We will drive further north to Bumthang which will take up most of the day with a stop for lunch and to stretch your legs in Trongsa. This valley is considered one of the most beautiful and serene. It has one of the oldest temples and sacred sites in Bhutan, making it a hotspot for travellers willing to this far. You'll arrive late afternoon.

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This morning visit Burning Lake, a sacred pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese people. 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 diverse climatic variations and habitats unlike anywhere in the world.

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Today, hike in Bumthang Valley and you be guided by a senior expert botanist to discover more Bhutan flora. More details will be provided depending on the season of the tour booked.

We will drive back to Paro today. It will take up the majority of the day with some stops to eat, stretch the legs and take in the beautiful views that we will drive through. Today's drive will pass by some of the towns that we have already visited, as well as small villages and stretches of land filled with forests. When you arrive in Paro, check in and relax - travelling is tiring!