Whole World Journeys

BOTANICAL TREASURES OF BHUTAN

Join an intrepid group of nature explorers - 12 maximum- on this adventure of a lifetime to the  Kingdom of Bhutan. Nestled into the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas, its altitutude & climactic variations account for the tremendous diversity of flora & fauna to be found within its boundaries.  Its eco-system harbors some of the most exotic species of the Himalayas, with an estimated 770 species of birds, 46 species of rhododendrons, as well as an astonishing variety of orchids and medicinal plants. 

Seattle - Bangkok   Morning departure from Seattle to Bangkok, Thailand.  (Lose a day crossing the international dateline).

Bangkok   Afternoon arrival in Bangkok for an overnight stay at an airport hotel.

 Bangkok - Paro - Thimphu   Morning flight to Paro, Bhutan and proceed directly to the capital of Thimpu.  Sights along the route include 15th century Tamchog Temple, old Buddhist Stupas and a 17th century fortress - Semtokha Dzong.   Welcome dinner & cocktail tonight followed by a briefing on the upcoming program from the local guide and special plant taxonomist.

Thimphu   Highlights of the day include a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden and the Orchid Arboretum in addition to the  Textile Museum and Traditional Handmade Paper Factory (made of the bark of the Daphne Plant). Dinner is planned with invited local flora, fauna and environmental professionals.

Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue   Today journey eastward, crossing over Dochula pass.  The Dochula area is a treasure trove of rhododendron with about 16 species easily sighted along the road. Other significant sightings includes the magnificent magnolias.  At Lamperi, 10 kilometers from the pass, hike an ancient trail to explore the orchid-rich forest.  

Goen & Rimchu Area  Excursion to an orchid-rich area of the valley. In the Rimchu area, Bhutan’s orchid expert, Mr. D. B. Gurung, once found 45 species of orchids in 2.5 acres of forest.

Visit the Punakha Dzong, which has played a hallowed role in history of Bhutan for many centuries. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter.

Punakha/Wangdue - Phobjikha Valley  Visit Wangdue’s unique, rustic town and its “windy” forts.  Proceed through black mountain forests with stops at a few flower-rich areas to spot orchids and rhododendrons.  (One may also encounter Grey Langur primates in this area.)  At Pele La pass, a side trip will lead into Phobjikha Valley, a broad semi-alpine valley with beautiful scenery of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboos. 

Phobjikha Valley - Trongsa  Leisure time to explore nearby forests for orchids and rhododendron. Visit to Gangtey Monastery, descending into Sephu valley to Trongsa, and visit the Trongsa dzong, the largest fortress in the country and a labyrinth of temples built on many levels following the contours of the ridge. 

Trongsa – Zhemgang  Today tread the road less traveled through scenic villages, old palaces, waterfalls and rich biodiversity, including a chance to see several epiphytic orchids and the endangered Golden Langur primate.    

Lower Kheng Excursion Day excursion farther south to the lower Kheng (ancient name of the district) to Buli and Tingtibi – reputed for rich bird sightings as well as orchids and other flora.

Zhemgang – Jakar  Back to Trongsa to join the main east-west highway, over Yotongla Pass and Kikila Pass, entering the Bumthang Valley, known for its natural beauty, ancient temples and diverse ecological regions.  The valley is the heart of Bhutanese religious and political history with numerous ancient temples.  Stop in Chumey valley at a local weaving center to see famed woolen textiles unique to this region. Other attractions include the Jakar fortress, cheese makers shop, the quaint town of Chamkhar, honey makers shop etc.  Many places of horticultural interest will be visited as convenient during these days in the Jakar valley. 

Jakar – Ura Festival  Travel to Ura to attend their annual festival. The road to Ura climbs through conifers and beautiful landscape. Farms and sheep pastures line the road. From the Shelthang La pass (11,800 ft.), with a magnificent view of Mount Gangkhar Puensum (24,700 ft.), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, you descend into the village. Ura has about forty clustered houses, typical to only a few communities in Bhutan.

Tsechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of Guru Rimpoche and other important Buddhist figures and are celebrated for several days. Dancers in brilliant silk costumes re-enact legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap against a background of mountains and sky.