Discover Bhutan’s Rich Flora: A Botanical Tour Experience

The Bhutan Botanical Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing you to witness the incredible diversity of plant life in their natural habitats. History mentions the Eastern Himalayas for the wealth of their flora. An astonishing array of plants grow in Bhutan: over 5,400 species, including 300 species of medicinal plants, some hardy species thriving even at 3,700m above.

The Himalayan Kingdom has one of the richest stocks of orchids in the world.  Of the 369 species, 82 are unique to the mountain kingdom. The Thunder Dragon claims 48 of the 1,000 species of rhododendrons found worldwide. 

The tropical evergreen forests growing below 800m are repositories of a unique biodiversity. The tropical vegetation of the lower zones gives way to dark forests of oak, birch, maple, magnolia and laurel. Above 2,400m altitude is the home of spruce, yew, and weeping cypress, and higher still, growing up to the tree line, is the east Himalayan fir. 

At about 5,500m are low shrubs, rhododendrons, Himalayan grasses and flowering herbs. Bhutan’s national flower, Blue Poppy grows above the tree line 3,500 – 4,500m elevation.

Best Seasons: April-September

Highlights: Biodiversity Centre (Thimphu), Botanical Park (Lamperi), Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, and Thrumshingla National Park. 

Royal Highland Festival

The Royal Highland Festival Tour is a one-of-a-kind journey into Bhutan’s highlands, showcasing the vibrant culture of the Layap people. Set amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape in the picturesque village of Laya, this tour offers visitors an authentic experience of traditional highland life. From unique attire and local cuisine to cultural performances and traditional sports, the festival celebrates Bhutan’s rich heritage and deep connection with nature. Perfect for travellers seeking a cultural and scenic adventure, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the highland traditions and Bhutan’s natural beauty.

Discover Gross National Happiness on the Bhutan Tour

Discover Gross National Happiness on the Bhutan Tour, a concept that has captivated global attention and elevated the country’s unique identity. But how does GNH make Bhutan different? What makes this Himalayan kingdom so special? Are the Bhutanese people truly happy?

If these questions intrigue you, our Experiencing GNH Tour will provide the answers. This unique Bhutan travel experience delves into Bhutan’s middle-path approach to development, showcasing how tradition, culture, and nature are harmoniously preserved alongside modernity. You’ll visit iconic GNH landmarks, immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture, and witness firsthand how Gross National Happiness is woven into daily life. By the end of your journey, you’ll understand why the world looks to Bhutan as a beacon of happiness and sustainability.

What is Gross National Happiness?

Among Bhutan’s greatest contributions to the world is Gross National Happiness (GNH), a development philosophy introduced by the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the 1980s. His profound statement, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product,” emphasizes that material wealth alone does not guarantee happiness.

This revolutionary idea prioritizes a balanced approach to development, integrating four key pillars:

Sustainable socio-economic development

Preservation and promotion of culture

Environmental conservation

Good governance

The result is a country where modern progress enhances, rather than erodes, the traditional way of life. Bhutan has achieved significant economic growth without compromising its pristine environment or cultural heritage.

Why Visit Bhutan to Experience GNH?

Bhutan is not just the home of GNH—it is its living embodiment. Visitors can explore sites that reflect this unique philosophy, such as:

Temples and Monasteries: Experience spiritual tranquility in Bhutan’s sacred spaces.

Community Initiatives: See how villages integrate sustainable practices with traditional lifestyles.

National Parks: Witness Bhutan’s commitment to environmental preservation in protected areas teeming with biodiversity.

The Global Impact of GNH

GNH has transcended Bhutan’s borders, influencing countries like Brazil, Japan, and France, and gaining recognition from the United Nations. Bhutan’s philosophy inspired the creation of World Happiness Day, celebrated globally every March 20.

For travelers, Bhutan represents a unique opportunity to step into a world where happiness, sustainability, and tradition are at the heart of life.

Plan Your GNH Bhutan Tour Today

Discover why Bhutan is the land of happiness and unmatched natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant culture, untouched wilderness, or profound philosophy, Bhutan offers a travel experience like no other.

Start planning your journey to Bhutan with Thunphel Bhutan Travels—registered with the Department of Tourism and the Association of Bhutan Tour Operators (ABTO).

Happiness Bhutan Tour

Happiness Bhutan Tour showcases the splendor of Bhutanese art, architecture, flora and fauna, amongst others, culture. Travel through a pristine environment with forest cover enveloping almost all parts of the country; life styles of people and the living art and architecture, epitomized in Bhutanese handicraft and textile industry. 

Druk Path Trek

The Himalayan Kingdom’s beauty is epitomized in its culture, flora, fauna and architecture, amongst others. Druk Path Trek, one of the most popular and easier treks, has a blend of all these ingredients as you trek from Paro to Thimphu. You will be trekking along a path that offers you great views of the highlands and landscape. The highlights of the trek are the beautiful lakes and Phajoding monastery.

This package will also take you to the Himalayan Kingdom’s most revered sites, such as Paro Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair), the current and the ancient capitals of Bhutan, Thimphu and Punakha respectively, the World’s largest Buddha statue amongst others. On the other side, you can interact with the people and get to know Bhutanese life style.

Tour Highlights

  • Max.Elevation: 4,200m
  • Highest Camp: 4,110m
  • Standard: Easy to medium
  • Best Seasons: March to June & September to November
  • Start: National Museum in Paro
  • Finish: Mothithang (Thimphu)
This trek can be further customised according to the fitness of the group. The trek can be made shorter with longer trekking hours.

Divine Mad Monk and Temple of Fertility of Bhutan

The Divine Mad Monk and Temple of Fertility of Bhutan tour is a unique journey into Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. This special package takes you to the revered Chhimi Lhakhang, or the “Temple of Fertility,” associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Mad Monk. Renowned for his unconventional methods of spreading Buddhism, Lam Drukpa Kuenley remains one of Bhutan’s most celebrated figures.

Central to this tour is the Temple of Fertility, a monastery built in the 15th century to honor the legacy of Lam Drukpa Kuenley (1455–1529). The temple is famously linked to the worship of the phallus, symbolizing fertility and blessings. It is believed that barren couples conceive after visiting this sacred site, attracting hundreds of hopeful visitors each year.

Beyond the Temple of Fertility, this itinerary offers opportunities to delve deeper into Bhutanese beliefs. You’ll meet locals and spiritual guides who will share insights into the blessings of great Lamas (Buddhist masters) and their power to bring transformation and fulfillment to people’s lives.

This “Fertility Tour” combines spiritual exploration with cultural immersion, making it a truly memorable experience in Bhutan.