Trip to the Treasures of the Wild

Designed for nature lovers, botany enthusiasts, ecologists, and travelers seeking immersion in Bhutan’s pristine wilderness, this tour uncovers the rich floral and biodiversity treasures of the Eastern Himalayas. Discover Bhutan’s unique collection of over 5,400 plant species, 82 orchid species, 48 species of rhododendrons, and its sacred forests ranging from subtropical to alpine zones.

The tour includes visits to national parks, botanical gardens, nature trails, and highland ecosystems, offering firsthand interaction with Bhutan's unmatched environmental heritage.

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Theme: Flora, Biodiversity & National Parks
Best Seasons: Mid-April to June (for flowers and alpine bloom) & September to November (for biodiversity and clear weather)
Destinations: Paro – Thimphu – Lamperi – Punakha – Phobjikha – Trongsa – Bumthang – Sengor – Mongar

Tour Highlights

• Visits to 3 National Parks and 2 major biodiversity centers

• Guided nature walks and forest hikes with botanical insights

• Exploration of orchid fields, rhododendron trails, and alpine flower zones

• Opportunity to witness the Blue Poppy, Bhutan’s national flower

• Cultural immersion with visits to monasteries and villages

• Professional naturalist or botanist guides available on request

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

• Receive a warm Bhutanese welcome from Asiatic Bhutan Tours

• Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs) with en-route stop at Tachogang Bridge

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

• Explore the capital's organic market and Bhutanese medicinal herb stalls

• Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu – Lamperi Botanical Park – Punakha

• Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100m) – enjoy panoramic Himalayan views

• Visit Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi – walk among rhododendrons, magnolias, and high-altitude pines

• Drive to Punakha Valley, stopping at wildflower fields and nature-rich zones

• Overnight in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha Exploration

• Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery – observe nuns’ medicinal herb gardens

• Riverside walk near Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu junction to observe riparian vegetation

• Explore traditional farming practices with a visit to a village nursery

• Overnight in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha – Phobjikha (Black-Necked Crane Valley)

• Scenic drive to Phobjikha Valley (3 hrs), known for marshland biodiversity

• Explore wetlands, dwarf bamboo forests, and alpine orchids

• Evening walk along Gangtey Nature Trail

• Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 5: Phobjikha – Trongsa – Bumthang

• Early morning departure for Bumthang via Trongsa

• Visit Trongsa Dzong, perched above the Mangde Chhu river

• Drive through broadleaf forest zones and rhododendron belts

• Overnight in Bumthang (Jakar)

Day 6: Bumthang Exploration – Ura Valley

• Excursion to Ura Valley, a highland village surrounded by rhododendron forests

• Visit Tangbi Monastery and walk through alpine flower meadows

• Optional visit to Ogyen Choling Museum for cultural context

• Overnight in Bumthang

Day 7: Bumthang – Sengor (Thrumshingla National Park Entry)

• Scenic drive toward Sengor, gateway to Thrumshingla National Park

• Spot Himalayan yew, rhododendrons, and wild iris en route

• Evening orientation walk in Thrumshingla high-altitude trail

• Overnight in eco-camp or lodge near Sengor

Day 8: Full Day in Thrumshingla National Park

• Guided nature hike to observe endemic plant species, moss forests, and rare shrubs

• Visit areas between 3,500–4,500m where Blue Poppy and edelweiss grow

• Educational session on Bhutan’s plant conservation strategies (optional)

• Overnight in Sengor

Day 9: Sengor – Mongar (Tropical Forest Transition)

• Descend into tropical evergreen forests below 800m as you travel to Mongar

• Explore biodiversity-rich gorges, observe orchids and wild banana plants

• Visit local nurseries or research centers (if available)

• Overnight in Mongar

Day 10: Mongar – Return Journey to Bumthang

• Backtrack through varying ecological zones to Bumthang

• Rest and prepare for departure

• Farewell dinner hosted by Asiatic Bhutan Tours

• Overnight in Bumthang

Day 11: Fly from Bumthang to Paro & Departure

• Scenic domestic flight (weather permitting) or drive to Paro

• Transfer to Paro International Airport for final departure

• End of Tour – Treasures of the Wild

Tour Includes:

• Government-licensed guide with botanical knowledge

• All accommodations (Eco-lodges, Hotels, Camping where applicable)

• All ground transportation

• National park and biodiversity center entry fees

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Bottled mineral water

• Guided nature walks, cultural experiences, and village visits

Add-ons (Optional):

• Professional botanist/naturalist to accompany the group

• Portable microscopes, nature journals, or plant ID sessions

• Herbal massage and wellness experience in Paro before departure