Bhutan Botanical Tour will take you to the ‘The Land of the Thunder Dragon’, is the last independent Himalayan kingdom with Buddhism as the state religion.The mountainous terrain and self-imposed policy of isolation from outside influences have protected and preserved the unique culture for centuries. The traditional wooden and stone-built villages with a backdrop of magnificent Himalayan peaks and strategically located dzongs portray the Bhutanese culture and tradition. The closely knit culture with nature has made Bhutan emerge proudly into the 21st century with its natural resources intact.
Over 72% of the total land is under forest and that makes Bhutan well known for its outstanding floral diversity. Among the plant species found in Bhutan, about 5,400 species have been identified, which includes 600 orchids and 46 rhododendrons. Many of these plants have medicinal properties and form major ingredients in the traditional medicines. In this tour, as per demand you will be accompanied by a leading Bhutanese botanist.
Bhutan restricts to a very small number of visitors annually. Those who can make it to Bhutan will definitely find it a special privilege to travel inside Bhutan. You will be assured a comfortable stay in very hospitable and traditional hotels. We will also ensure that you experience local cuisine prepared from vegetables, rice and noodles with mildly spicy sauces.Should you demand, the cuisine will be served during a series of walks in the forests as you explore the botanical and cultural riches on the way. You will be delighted to walk beside the mountain streams and emerge out of the blue pine and hemlock forests into the vegetation of dwarf rhododendrons and alpine junipers.
CHELELA is at an altitude of 3984m. It represents an alpine ecosystem and harbors several endangered and endemic species. In this pristine environment, almost all plant species are medicinal. The major and important species that you will find here are Fetillsriachirhosa, Meconopsisgrandis, Meconopsishoridula, Aconitum spp,Rhododendron nivale, Rhododendron anthopogon, Rhododendron setosum, Primulaspp, Juniperusspp etc.In summer, the wildflowers attain full bloom and view of Chelela becomes spectacular. Summer is the time to harvest medicinal plants. Chelela is accessible by motor road and summer is the most vulnerable time as human harvests go unchecked, which threatens the sustainability of rare species.
DOCHULAholds a unique ecosystem.It isthe alignment of ridge that makes Dochula different from other mountains of Bhutan. The ridge alignment creates two different ecosystems on either side andhas different forest types. On sunny days, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the highest unclimbed mountain peaks of Bhutan. The significant altitudinal differences and changes in vegetation within short distances make Dochula an important conservation area. At higher elevation on the slope facing east is the cool temperate broadleaf forest and at lower elevations is chirpine (Pinusroxburghii) while on the slope facing west arefir (Abiesdensa) and Juniper (Juniperousrecurva) andat lower elevations is blue pine (Pinuswallichiana).
RHODODENDRON GARDEN in Thrumshing la National Park was officially opened to public in 2002. The Royal Government of Bhutan developed the garden to commemorate “The International Year of Mountains 2002”
The book “Flora of Bhutan” provides information on 46 species of Rhododendrons. Only four species are endemic to Bhutan and they are (1) R. kesangiae Long &Rushforth (2) R. pogonophyllum Cowan &Davidain(3) R. bhutanensis Long & Bowes Lyon and (4)R. flinckiiDravidian. From April to July, visitors and travelers are often caught up in the captivating Rhododendrons that come to full bloom in the forests between elevations 1200 m and 4800 m.
Covering an area of approximately two hectares, the garden displays the diversity of rhododendrons found in Bhutan and it represents the natural habitats of rhododendron species. The garden has a collection of 22 different species of rhododendron.
These are the highlights of the Flora Tours. We do not have fixed itinerary as we find it more appropriate to design the itinerary according to our clients’ demand.
