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Bhutan Flora and Fauna Expedition

Tour information

Tour overview and details

Tour duration

23 Days

Tour overview

This immersive journey delves into the pristine wilderness of Bhutan, where nature flourishes in its most untouched form.

This expedition offers a rare opportunity to explore the country's rich biodiversity, from dense forests brimming with exotic plants to its diverse wildlife.

Participants will journey through several national parks, including Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, and Thrimshingla National Park.

Along the way, they will encounter a vibrant array of flora, from alpine meadows to subtropical jungles, and gain valuable insights into Bhutan's deep-rooted conservation efforts. This expedition is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a profound connection with the natural world.

Places covered

  • Lorem
  • Ipsum
  • Lorem
  • Ipsum

Agenda

Tour itinerary

The flight to Paro is renowned as one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. Passengers are treated to breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other towering peaks such as Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to Thimphu. On the way, you can stop to walk across the 14th-century suspension bridge that leads to the beautiful Tachhogang Temple perched on a hilltop. After visiting the temple, continue your journey towards Thimphu. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, then take a leisurely walk around the town to explore its charm and vibrant atmosphere. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 1h20, Distance: 50km

After breakfast, drive to Dodena and embark on a beautiful two-hour nature hike to Cheri Monastery, crossing an old wooden bridge and passing by stupas along the way. Cheri Monastery, the first monastic school in Bhutan, now serves as a retreat center for monks. After graduating from the University of Tango, monks come here for a three-year, 45-day retreat.

We will then drive back to town and visit Buddha Point, which offers a panoramic view of Thimphu and the surrounding valleys. Next, explore the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Bhutan's 3rd King. Continue to the Painting School, where students learn 13 traditional arts and crafts unique to Bhutan. Additionally, visit the Changlimithang Archery Ground to witness an archery match, Bhutan's national sport.In the evening, visit Trashichho Dzong and take a stroll through the craft market to explore local products. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 40min, hike: 1hr

After breakfast, depart from Thimphu and head towards Punakha and Wangdue. Along the way, stop at Dochula Pass to take in the stunning views and capture some photos. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, constructed to commemorate the stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King.

As you descend from the pass, you'll notice significant changes in vegetation. Upon reaching the lower elevations of Punakha and Wangdue, the landscape is dominated by cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other semi-tropical flora. Continue your drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river), this fortress-monastery serves as the winter residence of Bhutan's spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo, or Head Abbot, along with the Central Monk Body, which includes over 350 monks. Later, drive towards Wangdue and visit Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1338. On your way back to the hotel, stop at Lobesa and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the "No Dogs Temple," nestled in the scenic valley. Here, you can visit the temple of Bhutan's foremost saint, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the "Divine Madman." Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 2hrs, Distance: 75km

To reach Gasa, we will drive through the pristine, forested areas of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, one of the best locations for birdwatching. It's advisable to start early, as you'll have the chance to spot various bird species, such as the River Lapwing, Red-headed Trogon, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Striated Bulbul, the vibrant Little Niltava, Chestnut-headed, Grey-bellied, and Slaty-bellied Tesias, Pygmy Blue-Flycatcher, Pygmy and Spotted Wren Babblers, the dazzling Scarlet Finch, Nepal Fulvetta, Slaty-backed and Spotted Forktails, and the rare White-billed Heron.

After spending some time in the forest, we will continue to Goem Damji village and then on to Gasa. Once in Gasa, we will visit the Dzong, which houses the district administration and monks. In the evening, you can either explore Gasa village or relax in the hot springs for which Gasa is renowned. Overnight at a farmhouse.

Altitude: 2800m, Drive 3hrs, Distance: 67km

We will continue our drive through the dense forest until we reach the end of the road at Koina. From there, we will proceed on foot, following the Mochhu River toward Laya, situated at an elevation of 3820 meters. After passing the army camp, we will arrive in Laya, a village renowned for its traditional dress made from yak hair and distinctive pointed bamboo hats. Overnight at a farmhouse.

Altitude: 3820m, Drive 1hr, Trek: 6hrs, Distance: 40km

Day 6 :
Laya

Explore Laya village and visit one of the local houses. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to strangers, and you will always be offered a cup of tea and chang, a local alcohol brewed from barley. You can also visit Lungu village not very far from Laya. 

Overnight farmhouse 

Altitude: 3820m

After breakfast, we will hike back to Koina and then drive to Punakha, Wangdue, and finally to Phobjikha. After passing Wangdue town, the road winds through deep valleys, leading us to the Black Mountain ranges, and then on to Gangtey village and the Phobjikha valley. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2900m, Drive 5hrs, Trek: 6hrs, Distance: 150km

In the morning, hike from the hotel towards Gangtey village through the glacial valley of Phobjikha. This valley serves as the winter nesting ground for the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet around November and stay for about three months. In Gangtey, visit the village and the Gangtey Monastery.

After the visit, continue your journey, making a stop at Pele La Pass, located at 3,420 meters. From there, descend towards Langthel Village, known for its sheep and yak herding. As you drive, you'll pass Rukubji Village, surrounded by fields of potatoes, barley, and mustard, depending on the season.

Next, you'll reach Chendebji, famous for its large white stupa, modeled after Swayambhunath in Nepal and built in the 19th century.

As you approach Trongsa, enjoy a stunning view of Trongsa Dzong, perched above the Mangde Chhu river in the deep valley below. Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit the 17th-century Trongsa Dzong, the most strategically located fortress in Bhutan, where the first two kings of Bhutan resided during the winter months.

You will also visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower converted into a museum in 2008, which houses about 244 artifacts used by the Wangchuck dynasty over the years. In the evening, take a stroll around Trongsa town before checking into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 1800m, Drive 3hr, Distance: 81km

As we head south, we'll stop at Kuenga Rabten Palace, which served as the winter residence for the first and second kings. Along the way, we'll make several stops to take in the breathtaking scenery, visit remote villages, and engage with the locals. After passing the famous Rewtala cliff, we'll drive towards Nyimzong village, located within Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Here, we'll journey through broadleaf forests with the chance to spot Golden Langurs and Rufous-necked Hornbills before reaching Nabji village.

In Nabji, we’ll visit the notable Nabji Temple, which signifies 'promising' or 'oath.' This temple features a stone pillar commemorating the peace agreement between the kings of Bumthang and Assam. You can also see the remains of a blacksmith, a notable reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. From Nabji, we'll continue on to Khorphu and spend the night at a local farmhouse.

Altitude: 1200m, Drive 4hrs, Distance: 90km

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 6hrs, Distance: 210km

In the morning, we will explore the area around Khorphu village before driving back the same route to Zhemgang town. We will visit Zhemgang Dzong and then proceed to the renowned Trong village. From there, we will head towards Tingtibi for some birdwatching in the area. Overnight at Eco lodge 

Altitude: 600m, Drive 2hr, Distance: 40km

After breakfast, we'll proceed to Pangbang, making a stop at the Pangbang Waterfall along the way. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Royal Manas National Park, one of Bhutan’s oldest national parks, renowned for its diverse range of endangered species, including Bengal Tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, leopards, and more. We’ll enjoy an elephant ride and try to observe some of these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Overnight Eco lodge 

Altitude: 260m, Drive 3h50min, Distance: 104km

From Pangbang, we’ll drive to Nganglam, then continue on to Gyalposhing before reaching Mongar. Our route will take us through dense tropical forests and along the deep valley following the Kuri Chhu River. Upon arriving in Mongar, we’ll check into our hotel and explore the town. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Altitude: 1200m, Drive 4hrs, Distance: 120km

Drive towards Korila Pass, which is at 2,400 meters. Pause at the pass for a few minutes before descending to the village of Yedi. From Yedi, you'll navigate the famous zigzag road, making a stop along the way to see the production of lemongrass oil. Lemongrass grows wild on the mountains of the east and provides a significant source of income for local farmers.

Continue on to Gom Kora to visit the 17th-century monastery, where you can admire the historic wall paintings from that era. Afterward, proceed to Trashigang and visit Trashigang Dzong, which overlooks the Gamri Chhu River. Spend some time exploring Trashigang town.

Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive 3hrs, Distance: 90km

After breakfast, we will drive to the semi-nomadic village of Sakten, located in the remote and easternmost part of Bhutan. Much of the village lies within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, the only reserve in the world dedicated to protecting the habitat of the Yeti, or Abominable Snowman. This mountainous and rugged sanctuary is also home to the rare Blue Poppy, Bhutan's national flower.

Sakten Gewog is known for its important livestock products, including butter, cheese, yak meat, wool, and zoetay or yitpa, a special Bhutanese fermented cheese delicacy.

Upon arrival in Sakten, we will explore the village and interact with the locals. Overnight stay at a farmhouse.

Altitude: 3500m, Drive 2hrs, Distance: 67km 

Day 15 :
Sakten

We will spend the day exploring the village and hiking in the surrounding areas. We can hike to Borangtoe Temple, and on the way back, visit nearby villages such as Borangma. Towards the afternoon, we will drive back to Trashigang. Overnight at hotel 

Altitude: 3500m, Drive 2hrs, Distance: 67km

The drive to Lhuntse is breathtaking, with towering cliffs and an endless expanse of coniferous forest. Located in the eastern part of Bhutan, near the border with India, Lhuntse is renowned for its unique culture, traditional textiles, and vibrant festivals. The town of Lhuntse, the region's capital, is surrounded by lush hills and winding rivers. The local population primarily consists of farmers who grow rice, potatoes, and terraced vegetables. Lhuntse is particularly famous for its handwoven textiles, especially Kishuthara fabrics, which are worn during festivals and significant cultural events.

We will drive directly to Khoma Village and visit the farmhouses to observe the weaving process. Overnight stay at a farmhouse

Altitude: 1350m, Drive 5hrs, Distance: 160km

After breakfast, we will drive to visit Lhuntse Dzong, which overlooks the deep valleys and the Kuri Chhu River. It is one of the most important dzongs in the east, housing district offices and the residences of monks. We will visit some temples inside the dzong.

Our next stop will be Tangmachhu Village, followed by Takila to see the largest statue of Guru Rinpoche. From there, we will continue towards Lingmithang and then to Yongkola for the night. In the evening, you can explore the area and do some birdwatching, as this region is renowned for its birding opportunities. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 1200m, Drive 3hrs, Distance: 90km

The drive from Mongar to Bumthang is regarded as one of the most picturesque routes in Bhutan. The journey takes you through dense forests, magnificent waterfalls, and remote villages nestled in the folds of the mountains. The high passes offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and the winding roads make the drive an exhilarating experience. This region is also a haven for birdwatchers, with a diverse range of species to be found.

After passing the small village of Sangkhor, we will ascend towards the Thrimshingla Pass at 3,700 meters, which offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. From the pass, we will descend through the spectacular landscape to Ura Village, where we will make a brief stop to visit the village temple and stroll around the village. We will then continue our drive for about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Jakar for the night. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2500m, Drive 6hrs, Distance: 180km

Day 19 :
Jakar

The first stop of the excursion is Mebar Tsho or Burning lake in Tang valley followed by Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, a temple believed to have been built in the 8th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The temple houses some of the most ancient and sacred relics in Bhutan, including a statue of Guru Rinpoche that is said to have flown here from Tibet.

Next, we will visit the Ogyen Choling Museum, a beautiful mansion converted into a museum. The museum offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the region's aristocratic families and displays various artifacts and objects used in their daily lives.

After the museum visit, we will drive back to Jakar to visit Jakar Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the White Bird. This impressive fortress, built in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi, remains one of the most important administrative and religious centers in the region.

We will then visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built around the 7th century, followed by Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint.

We will then cross to the other side of the river to visit Tamshing Lhakhang, built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the founder of religious treasures.

In the evening, take a walk around Chamkhar town and meet the locals. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2500m

We will take a 30-minute flight to Paro. Upon arrival, we'll head towards Chele La Pass, situated at 3,988 meters. Along the way, we'll visit Dzongdrakha village and its temple, as well as Kila Gompa Nunnery, located at 3,000 meters. From there, we’ll enjoy a short nature hike to Chele La Pass. On clear days, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayas. You can also walk further along the ridge for an even better view of the mountains.

In the afternoon, we'll drive back to Paro and explore the town. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Altitude: 3988m, Drive 4hrs, Distance: 130km

Trekking to the revered Taktsang Monastery is a must-do activity for all visitors to Bhutan. This ancient monastery, founded by Guru Rinpoche, clings dramatically to a cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. The ascent takes about four hours and passes through a stunning landscape of waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, and colorful flags—perfect for photography.

After exploring the temple complex, enjoy lunch at a teahouse while taking in the magnificent scenery. The hike back down to the valley takes around 45 minutes, providing further opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Later in the day, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath, a unique and traditional way of relaxing in Bhutan. Locals believe that the hot stone bath has therapeutic benefits and can cure various ailments.Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 3150m, Drive 20 min, Trek: 5hrs, Distance: 7km

Day 22 :
Departure

Transfer to airport for departure

Included

  • Hotels in 3* / Farmhouse stays
  • Meals (BLD)
  • Bhutan visa
  • Government tax
  • English Speaking guide
  • Sightseeing
  • Transportation

Not included

  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

Enquire this tour

$5540

/ person

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Information

Frequently asked questions

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