Rhododendron Garden Trek
9 days · from US$2910 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
Visit during spring (April/May) to see the hills alive with 46 species of Rhododendrons. A colorful trek through floral forests in the Lampelri Botanical Park and beyond.
Highlights: Lampelri Park · Dochula Pass · Wild Flowers · Magnolias
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu (1 hour). Timing is critical: This tour operates April-May when rhododendrons bloom. Bhutan has 46 rhododendron species ranging from sea-level shrubs to alpine varieties. Evening botanical briefing with expert guide. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Botanical Sites
Morning visit to Motithang Takin Preserve. While viewing Bhutan's national animal, observe rhododendrons and wildflowers in enclosure. Afternoon: Royal Botanical Garden exploring native plant collections. Learn about Bhutan's commitment to 60% forest cover and botanical conservation. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Lampelri Botanical Park
Drive to Dochula Pass (3,100m). Visit Lampelri Botanical Park, showcasing Bhutan's floral diversity. Trek through the park (2-3 hours) observing rhododendrons in full bloom. Species include: Rhododendron arboreum (red tree rhododendrons), R. campanulatum (lavender), R. anthopogon (aromatic dwarf), and many more. The hillsides explode with pink, red, white, purple, and yellow blooms creating a fairyland atmosphere. Magnolias, primulas, and other alpine flowers add to the spectacle. Photography opportunities are endless. Macro photography enthusiasts can shoot individual blooms. Overnight: Thimp
Day 4: Chele La Pass
Drive to Chele La Pass (3,988m), Bhutan's highest motorable road. The pass ridges host high-altitude rhododendrons including dwarf species. Trek along ridges observing alpine flora. Blue poppies (Bhutan's national flower) may bloom if timing is right. Spectacular mountain views including Jomolhari. Overnight: Haa valley
Day 5: Haa Valley Flowers
Explore pristine Haa valley (2,670m). The remote valley has preserved diverse plant communities. Nature walks through forests and meadows. Spring wildflowers carpet the landscape - primulas, poppies, gentians, irises. Visit local villages and temples. Overnight: Haa valley
Day 6: Haa to Punakha
Return via Chele La Pass to Paro, continue to Punakha (6-7 hours total). Descend from alpine zones to subtropical valley. Observe how vegetation changes with altitude and climate. Punakha has different species: tropical flowering trees, riverside plants. Overnight: Punakha
Day 7: Punakha Subtropical Flora
Nature walks around Punakha observing subtropical plants. Visit botanical sites along rivers. Hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten through agricultural land and forest observing diverse plant species. Overnight: Punakha
Day 8: Punakha to Paro
Return to Paro via Dochula. Final stops at flowering sites. Afternoon at leisure in Paro. Farewell dinner reviewing botanical highlights. Overnight: Paro
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to airport. You leave having witnessed Bhutan in full spring bloom - rhododendron forests creating one of nature's most spectacular displays. Tashi Delek!