Bhutan Nature Tour: An Exploration of Bhutan’s Pristine Surroundings

1. Why to take a nature tour in Bhutan?

Over 70% of Forest Coverage

Bhutan is a country unlike any other in the world, it accesses you to an isolated land that is almost untouched by globalization. There is over 70% of forest coverage, which is an award for your eyes. Take a slow tour here, and you might obtain peace of mind.

Kingdom of Wildlife

Bhutan has a rich and diverse flora and fauna. There are large numbers of dense forests of oak and pine tree, usually dotted with bushy rhododendron. Various wild animals like Asian Elephant, Tiger, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Black Necked Cranes, Himalayan Musk Deer, Asiatic Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Leopards and Gray Wolf and be found here.

Without the Destruction and Impact of Modern Life

Bhutanese people live a simple and satisfying life without the destruction and impact of modern industrialization. Instead of high-rise buildings, they live in houses that are still constructed in the traditional ways and are built to traditional styling. Most of them live a rural way of life. That’s the reason there are so many beautiful terraced rice fields in Bhutan.

2. When is the best season for Bhutan nature tours?

Spring from the months of March, April and May are the perfect time for nature lovers to explore the wild beauty of Bhutan. By then, flowers are in full blossom, animals awaken from the coldness, and even the air smells fresh and sweet.

Autumn is the high season for the Bhutan nature tour as well. People visiting Bhutan in September, October and November are to enjoy the mild weather and festivals, for example, the Thimphu Tshechu in the modern capital of Bhutan, and the Jakar and Jambay Lhakhang Drup in central Bhutan.

From early June, fewer tourists come to Bhutan. However, quite and beautiful scenes are unmissable. Green forests, flourishing paddy fields against the backdrop of clear blue sky after the rain. The light rain confined to late afternoon rarely affects travelers' itinerary.

December also sees a lower level of tourists. At this time, the coldness is bearable. The Black Necked Cranes in Phobjikha valley and unique Himalayan blue sky are definitely worth to be seen.

3. What are the top natural landmarks of Bhutan?

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, an incredible work by both nature and man, is built on the 900 meters cliff-side of the upper Paro valley, and it takes 5-6 hours to hike the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. As you get higher, the scenery proves to get better. You’ll get an impressive view of the Paro valley. After hiking, you can have lunch in the cafeteria not far from the monastery.

Dochula Pass

Usually, when transferring from Thimphu to Punakha, you will cross the Dochula Pass, at 3,150 meters above sea level. Here you will get a magnificent view of Bhutanese Himalayas if weather permits. The pass is also home to the famous 108 chortens.

Punakha Dzong

To the east of the capital of Thimphu lies Punakha Dzongkhag, one of the most popular places to visit after the capital. Punakha is famous for its stunning Dzong, an ancient fortress that is often rated as the most beautiful Dzong in the kingdom. The view of Punakha Dzong from the riverbank of Mo Chhu is incredible gorgeous.

Phobjikha Valley

The Phobjikha Valley is located at the southeast of Punakha and Thimphu. A bowl-shaped glacial valley that sits on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, the valley is rich in plants and animals, and has a diverse flora and fauna for nature lovers. You can spot Black Necked Cranes here. The valley is also a popular spot for hiking. Taking hours to have a short walk here is an award for both of your eyes and mind.

4. What are the top things to do during Bhutan nature tours?

Hiking and Trekking

Hiking and trekking is the best way to explore the breathtaking natural scenery of Bhutan. Bumdrak Trek allows you to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of Paro valley. Gasa Hot Spring Trek accesses you to Jigme Dorji National Park to spot wild animals and have a hot spring therapy in Gasa. The trek in Phobjikha valley takes you to go through lush valleys, beautiful villages, lush forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. The challenging Jomolhari mountain Trek brings you Bhutan natural wonders from thick pine forests to flower-filled meadows, and from tranquil local villages to snow-capped peaks. For more trekking routes in Bhutan, please feel free to contact us.

Bird Watching

There are over 600 species of bird found, for example cuckoos, swifts, bee-eaters, warblers and flycatchers, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White bellied Heron, Black Necked Cranes, etc., and the tours for bird watching are quiet popular in Bhutan. You can go to Phobjikha valley to watch the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes flying from Tibetan Plateau. Or visit Phrumsengla National Park in central Bhutan for the rufous-necked hornbill and satyr tragopan pheasant.

Visiting National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

A special tour of wildlife safari in Bhutan national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is also recommended. This is a great chance to go deep into the country’s natural environment to have a wild experience. Jigme Dorji National Park is the most popular one since the close distance to Thimphu. The Wangchuck Centennial Park in the north is the largest one, where you can spot snow-leopard. At the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, you can find Black Necked Cranes. Elephants, tigers, leopards and buffalo can be found in the parks on the southern border of Bhutan, including Manas National Park and Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary.