Rhododendron Excursion (Eight Days & Seven Nights)
Rhododendron lindleyi, an epiphytic shrub from Gasa (2832m), photo taken by Bhutan bhutanica Tours & Treks! It’s a new record from Gasa – as not yet recordedfrom Gasa in the Flora of Bhutan (1991).
Rhododendron blossoms mark the onset of spring (March, April & May) in Bhutan, while some bloom through autumn (late August to September). Bhutan records 46 species of Rhododendrons of the Himalayas, out of which four are currently considered to be endemic to Bhutan (occurring only in Bhutan) i.e. Rhododendron bhutanense, R. kesangiae, R. kesangiae var. album and R. pogonophyllum. Rhododendrons grow as low as 1200m in the Evergreen Oak and Blue Pine forest and as high as 5000m in Alpine Meadows. Few species are known to be locally used as incense, offerings in temples and monasteries and in traditional medicines while horticulture wise, it’s been one of the most challenging species to cultivate. During the trek, other spring flowering plants such as Primrose, Barberry, wild strawberry, Daphne, Dandelion, etc. will be supplementary treat for the eyes.
Day One – Arrive at Paro international airport (2250m). Our esteemed guest(s) will be received by an English speaking guide at the airport. Overnight in hotel at Paro.
Day Two – Chelela base Trek
Drive from Paro town to Chelela base for about half an hour and take a slow and steady walk through Blue Pine into fir Forest to acclimatize you. Over 10 species of Rhododendrons will be sighted ranging from 2500-3800m in elevations.
Day Three – Chelela alpine hike
Chelela Pass (3800m) is about 45 kms away from Paro town. Drive to Chelela pass (top) for about an hour and hike along alpine slopes above 4000m to observe any early Alpine species flowering. Drive further down on the other side (Haa side) to see more.
Day Four – Drive to Thimphu from Paro. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu.
Day Five – Dochula Trek
Dochula Pass (3200m) – A unique Pass with Temperate forests from Thimphu side and Cool broadleaved forest on the other side as you quickly descend into subtropical region. Drive from Thimphu to Dochula sighting Rhododendrons and Primrose by the roadsides. Camp at Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi. Ovenight in tent.
Day Five – Dochula Trek
Dochula Pass (3200m) – A unique Pass with Temperate forests from Thimphu side and Cool broadleaved forest on the other side as you quickly descend into subtropical region. Drive from Thimphu to Dochula sighting Rhododendrons and Primrose by the roadsides. Camp at Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi. Ovenight in tent.
Docula pass falls under the Royal Botanical Park which provides additional recreational facilities such as birding, hiking, camping, picnicking and boating within the Park areas.
(Endemic to Bhutan)
Day Six – Hike inside the park to see Rhododendrons at lower elevations (1700m) and experience the change in species compositions of the forest as you descend and observe Mother Nature’s role in shaping the spectacular structures.
Day Seven – Drive back to Thimphu as you cherish spring flowers by the roadsides and you could identify some of them by now!
Day Eight – Departure – Don’t forget to come again! Trashi Delek!!!