Bhutan: A Botanical and Cultural Walking Tour

Bhutan, ‘The Land of the Thunder Dragon’, is the last independent Himalayan kingdom, a stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism, with a unique culture which has been protected over centuries both by the remote mountainous terrain and by a self-imposed policy of isolation from outside influences. A magnificent panorama of Himalayan peaks tower above traditional wooden and stone-built villages, each dominated by strategically-sited dzongs, the great mediaeval monastery/fortresses which safeguard Bhutan’s heritage.

Renowned for its outstanding botanical diversity (thanks to its location at the junction of two major biogeographical zones, the temperate Palearctic and the tropical Indo-Malay), over 70% of Bhutan is still cloaked in forest. More than 5,400 species of plants have been identified, including 600 orchids and 46 varieties of rhododendron. Many of these plants are used in traditional Tibetan and Bhutanese medicine and the tour has additional guiding by a leading Bhutanese botanist who specialises in this field.

The opportunity to travel in Bhutan is undoubtedly a special privilege, restricted to a very small number of visitors annually. We stay in comfortable, very atmospheric, traditional hotels, enjoy local cuisine (with an emphasis on vegetables, rice and noodles with mildly spicy sauces), and experience these extraordinary botanical and cultural riches on a series of walks in the forests, beside mountain streams, and in the alpine zone where the blue pine and hemlock forests give way to dwarf rhododendrons and alpine juniper.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

L, D included

A spectacular flight over the Himalayas on Druk (Dragon) Air brings us into Paro airport and a step back in time - everyone wears national dress, oxen are working the fields and archery, the national sport, is being practised with bamboo bows on a grassy meadow in the middle of town. After settling into our traditionally decorated hotel we set off for a stroll through the meadows beside the river Paro, then explore the imposing fortress of Rinpung Dzong, dating from 1645.

DAY 2

B, L, D included

From the ruined fortress of Drukgel Dzong (built to control the route to Tibet), we have a gentle walk up the Paro Chu river valley, flanked by rice terraces and fields of millet. Rosa sericea and Lonicera glabrata are to be found and we learn about the medicinal use of local plants. In the afternoon we walk for another 2 hours on the opposite side of the river and visit Kyichu, one of the oldest (7C) and most atmospheric monasteries, where monks can often be seen chanting and drumming. Returning to our hotel, we may try a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath before dinner.

DAY 3

B, L, D included

Following the sole, narrow paved road in Bhutan, we gradually ascend through chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest to Dochu La (=pass) at 10,450 ft, marked with 108 chortens and where wild ginseng species can be found on a 2 hour (optional 4 hour) walk down an old trading route. The forest becomes more luxuriant (with Silk Cotton trees, Jacaranda and many tree ferns) as we descend to Punakha (4,160 ft) and we pause to walk through paddy fields to the temple of Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the legendary lama Drukpa Kun-le, known as the ‘Divine Madman’. Our hotel for 2 nights is set in pretty gardens and enjoys panoramic views over the surrounding mountains.

DAY 4

B, L, D included

55 orchid species (including Coelogyne corymbosa, Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium perardi) have been found in the vicinity of Punakha and this morning we search these out on walks in the sub-tropical forests in the upper Mo Chu valley. We cross a narrow suspension bridge on foot and walk beside the river, with a picnic en route, then visit the enormous Pungthang Dechen Dzong, with its flowering jacaranda trees, golden spires, sacred Bo tree and busy monastic life. Keen walkers can opt for an extension walk of another 2 hours up to a higher monastery.

DAY 5

B, L, D included

Heading south and east, we pass the strategic junction at Wangdu Phodrang, guarded by an impressive 17C dzong and begin the climb to the Pele La (3,420 m), pausing to admire splendid trees and hopefully, more Dendrobiums. Keeping a look out for Himalayan griffon vultures we turn south to drop down into the Phobjika glacial valley (10,000 ft), extensively grazed by yaks and winter home of rare black-necked cranes. From Gangtey gompa we walk (2 hours) through scattered forest of red, pink and white rhododendrons (Rhododendron hodgsonii, R. keysii, R. kesangiae, R. ciliatum) to our simple traditional guesthouse, run in authentic Bhutanese style.

DAY 6

B, L, D included

There are carpets of primulas as we make a circular walk (3.5 hours) in this remote, beautiful valley, meeting local people tending their crops and seeing yaks grazing on dwarf bamboo, tended by nomads living in black yak-wool tents. We call in at the WWF centre for the conservation of the Black Necked Crane, have the opportunity to buy locally woven carpets, and visit the recently restored Gangteng monastery with its extensive murals depicting the Thousand Buddhas. An optional 2.5 hour walk explores higher up the valley.

DAY 7

B, L, D included

This morning we walk through extensive stands of rhododendron (R. thompsonii, R. cinnabarinum) and gradually up (2 hours) to a pass marked by prayer flags, then descend (4 hours, optional) on an old trading route through high montane forest with plentiful lichens and tree orchids. Regaining our vehicle we continue to a charming riverside lodge where we stay the night. Here we are at lower altitude (around 2,000 m), verging on the tropical zone, and we can appreciate the warmth and the plentiful bird and butterfly species.

DAY 8

B, L, D included

Today there is a choice between a 7 hour walk on the old monk’s trail to Thimpu - or a drive back over the high passes (with botanical stops en route) to Thimpu - where we visit Tashi Chodzong, the grand seat of the Bhutan government, its series of ornately carved courtyards decorated with striking murals and relief sculptures. Our hotel has modern facilities but is built, like everything in Bhutan, in traditional style, and each room has a balcony with views over the Thimpu river valley. We have some time to shop for handicrafts, especially woven silk, tangkha scrolls and masks, before an evening invitation to a private performance of classical Bhutanese music and dance.

DAY 9

B, L, D included

This morning we visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services before returning to Paro for our last 2 nights. After a light lunch we have a 5 hour walk (or choose the option of a mule ride) 2,000 feet up the ancient pilgrimage path which zigzags through oak and pine forest to Taktsang monastery, the celebrated Tiger’s Lair. Founded by the legendary Guru Padma Sambhava, who flew from eastern Bhutan on the back of a flaming tigress to subdue demons opposed to the spread of Buddhism, this impressive monastery commands splendid mountain views.

DAY 10

B, L, D included

Travelling west from Paro, the narrow mountain road climbs up through mixed forest where plants like Rosa brunonii, Pieris Formosa and Daphne papyracea can be seen. We emerge onto yak pastures with views down into the Haa valley and take a series of short walks around the pass of Chele La (3,810 m, over 12,000 ft) in search of aromatic herbs, meconopsis species and many primulas (P. smithiana, P. denticulata, P. sikkimensis). There is also a weather dependant option of a 4 hour walk traversing the mountain. Our journey to this magical Himalayan kingdom concludes with a candlelit farewell dinner.

DAY 11

B included

We depart, reluctantly, on the morning Drukair flight, seeing Bhutan’s sacred mountain Jomolhari, and the snow-covered Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Mt. Everest on what must be the world’s most spectacular plane journey.

Price includes:

All accommodation for Days 1 through 11 on a double shared basis

All meals (with beer/soft drinks at lunches and dinners) as listed in the daily notation

All land transportation in a private minibus with driver as described

All entrance and sightseeing fees and special permits to enter monasteries as described, except during free periods

Bhutan visa

services of the specialist Bhutanese botanical guide, plus local guide and Kudu tour leader

Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff

Visa and Health Requirements

All visitors require a valid passport and a Visa for entry to Bhutan - visa support service is organised by Kudu Travel and the cost is included in the price above.

At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Bhutan, but we encourage you to consult your doctor in good time (at least 6 weeks before departure) about updating your immunisation against Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid, or anything else they consider advisable. We will NOT visit southern low-lying parts of Bhutan where malaria occurs.

You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.