Rhododendron Flower Tour in Eastern Bhutan
Discover the enchanting beauty of Eastern Bhutan with the Rhododendron Flower Tour, a journey that combines nature’s vibrant colors with rich cultural experiences. This tour takes you to the pristine highlands of Merak and Sakteng, two remote semi-nomadic villages known for their traditional lifestyle, untouched landscapes, and spectacular displays of rhododendrons.
Season of Bloom
The rhododendron flowers begin to bloom in March, painting the hillsides with vivid shades of pink, red, and white. This breathtaking natural phenomenon peaks during the first week of April, coinciding with the region’s Rhododendron Week, celebrated from April 3 to April 9. Visitors during this time can not only enjoy the floral spectacle but also participate in local festivities showcasing the area’s unique culture and heritage.
Highlights of the Tour
- Merak and Sakteng Villages: Immerse yourself in the lives of the semi-nomadic Brokpa people, renowned for their distinctive attire, yak herding traditions, and harmonious coexistence with nature.
- Floral Splendor: Witness valleys and trails adorned with blooming rhododendrons, creating a picturesque and serene environment.
- Cultural Experiences: Engage in traditional music, dance, and local cuisine during Rhododendron Week.
- Trekking Adventures: Enjoy moderate treks through untouched forests and rolling hills, offering spectacular views and opportunities for nature photography.
Why Choose This Tour?
The Rhododendron Flower Tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts looking for a unique experience. It combines Bhutan’s natural beauty with opportunities to connect with its rich traditions and welcoming communities.
For detailed itineraries, tour packages, or more information, please feel free to reach out to us. Let us help you plan an unforgettable journey into the heart of Bhutan’s eastern highlands!
Day 01. Meet at Guwahati Airport – Trasfer to Samdrup Jongkhar
At Guwahati Airport our Bhutanese Guide will meet you with Indian Car and driver. Then we will rive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the border town in South Eastern Bhutan. Transfer to Hotel and stroll around the town. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 02. Samdrup Jongkhar - Trashigang.
After our breakfast we will drive to Trashigang with Picnic lunch. At Mukazor, we will see the statues of Twelve Acts of Buddha. Lunch will have on the way. At Khaling, we will visit to Khaling Handoom Center, and Zangtopleri Lhakhang at Kanglung. Stroll around Trashigang town. Dinner and overnight stay at Trashigang Hotel.
Day 03. Trashigang -Sheytemi - Merak
After our breakfast, drive to Sheytemi, where you will enjoy with Rhidendron in full bloom. Walk around the Rhododendron Flower trees. We will have picnic lunch here at Sheytemi. Then we will drive to Merak. Dinner and overnight stay at Merak Farmhouse.
Day 04. Explore Merak Village.
Explore the Merak Village. You can make the hike to Jomo Kuenkhar – Abode of Ama Jomo. Or make a hike towards Nachungla pass (4153m).
Evening leisure at Merak Village. Dinner and Overnight stay at Merak Farmhouse.
Day 05. Merak - Sakteng
After early breakfast drive to Sakteng via Rangjung. Lunch will be served as picnic lunch or at local restaurant at Ranjung. Continue the journey to Sakteng. Evening leisure at Sakteng. Dinner and overnight stay at Sakteng Farmhouse.
Day 06. Explore Sakteng
Today we will make hike to Borangtse Lhakhang through Borangma Village. You see the village adorned with Rhododendren Flowers so beautifully. Lunch will be served at Farmhouse. Explore the villages. Dinner and overnight stay at Sakteng Farmhouse.
Note: After the dinner we will have Tshogchang Program – Tshogchang is a warm and meaningful way to welcome guests.
Day 07. Sakteng - Trashigang - Via Bidug and Bartsham Village
After breakfast, we will drive to Trashigang. Lunch will be served at Trashigang hotel. Then we will drive to Bartsham and visit Bartsham Lhakhang and see the Eastern villages. The drive back via Bidung Village. Evening stroll around Trashigang town. Dinner and overnight stay at Trashigang Hotel.
Day 08. Trashigang- Trashiyangtshi. (Day Excursion)
Today after breakfast, we will drive to Trashi Yangtshi. Visit Gomphu Kora Lhakhang and Chhorten Kora. Lunch will be served at Chhorten Kora as picic lunch. Then visit old Dzong of Trashiyangtshi. Then drive back to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight stay at Trashigang Hotel.
Day 09. Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar - India
After breakfast, drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Lunch will be served on the way. Today only you will exit to India. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell at Samdrup Jongkhar gate. We wish you safe journey back to your country.
This is a sample itinerary, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of our guests, safety, comfort and general well being.
Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!
In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.
The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.
1. When and how to visit Bhutan?
Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.
By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.
Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.
By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance. And S/
2. What are your itineraries?
All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.
Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.
After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.
Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.
We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.
Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.
Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).
I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.
The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.
We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.
Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.
The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.
Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.
It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.
The above activities can be incorporated easily into your travel itinerary. However some activities need to pay some additional fees. So let us know which activities you would like to experiences so that we will include in your invoice.
Trip Length: 04 Nights/05 days in Bhutan
Costs
1pax = USD 940
2 Pax = USD 890 per person
3 Pax & above = USD 765 per person.
The above price is inclusive of the followings:
- Government Royalty USD 65/person/night
- All government Taxes.
- Lodging (3* hotel – Twin Sharing)
- Meals (Three Meals a day)
- Comfortable Land Transportation within Bhutan.
- Service of guides (English Speaking)
- Camping Equipment & Haulage of trekking tours.
- Visa Fee of USD 40/person
- Mineral Water
- Tea/coffee with snacks ever evening at hotel
- Trying and wearing of our Traditional Costumes and photo shoot.
The above price shall be exclusive of the following:
- Travel Insurance Coverage
- Medical Expenses
- Laundry
- Drinks
- Sleeping bags on treks.
- Tips to guide and driver, others
- Personal bills and others
- Airfare.
Speak to a specialist
Email: info@authenticbhutantours.com
Cell: 00975-17343434
Get inspired by the trip ideas on our website and in our brochures. Then speak to us for first-hand expert advice and if you’re ready, start planning your trip in detail.