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BUTTERFLY TOUR

Himalayan Butterfly Adventure

13 DAYS

FROM $ 3,840

AVAILABILITY

10 – 22 May 2025

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 8 PAX

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
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From $ 3,840

Per Person Twin Bed /Double Room

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Or call us: +975 17 11 96 64

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Trip Overview

Board on an unforgettable adventure through Bhutan, a sanctuary for butterfly enthusiasts. With an estimated 800-900 butterfly species, including rare and protected ones like the Bhutan Glory and Kaiser-I-Hind, Bhutan offers a unique opportunity to witness a spectacular range of butterflies. The country’s diverse habitats, from subtropical forests in the south to alpine environments in the north, provide ideal niches for both Indo-Malayan and Palaearctic species.

Our Butterfly Watching Tour is designed for nature lovers eager to explore Bhutan’s vibrant landscapes while observing its incredible butterfly species. From high-altitude habitats to lush valleys, you’ll encounter a variety of butterflies in their natural settings. With expert guides, you’ll learn about the ecological significance of these species and the rich biodiversity of Bhutan.

This tour is perfect for butterfly enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and anyone interested in immersing themselves in Bhutan’s natural beauty. Join us to discover the colorful world of Bhutan’s butterflies amidst stunning landscapes.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Bhutan’s diverse ecosystems, from subtropical forests in the south to alpine habitats in the north, offering a rich variety of butterfly species.
  • Benefit from the knowledge of experienced guides who will provide insights into the ecological importance of Bhutan’s butterfly populations.
  • Journey through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, including iconic sites like Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Dochula Pass, and Manas National Park, while observing butterflies in their natural habitats.
  • Capture vibrant butterflies against Bhutan’s dramatic backdrop of lush forests, valleys, and mountain ranges.
  • Experience Bhutan’s rich culture and heritage while exploring its wildlife, making the tour a perfect blend of nature and cultural exploration.

Experts on this Trip

Pema Dawa

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Pema Dawa was raised in a breathtakingly beautiful area, surrounded by pristine forests, in a remote village located in the Upper Kheng of the Zhemgang district. He is now a full-time employee of Wild Nature Quest, previously known as Off to Bhutan.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Paro Valley
Engage yourself in the beauty of lush agricultural valleys and lively gardens. These serene landscapes are home to fascinating butterfly species such as the Large Cabbage White, Dark Clouded Yellow, Purple Sapphire, and the strikingly unique Tabby.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Paro)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 2300m
Day 2: Road to Punakha (1400m) via Dochula Pass
The scenic road to Dochula Pass, perched at an elevation of approximately 3,100 meters, is a sanctuary for high-altitude butterflies. Here, you may encounter species like the Painted Lady, Queen of Spain Fritillary, and Indian Tortoiseshell, all thriving in the cooler mountain climate.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Punakha)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 3100m
Day 3: Punakha. Jigme Dorji National Park
Nestled at lower altitudes, JDNP is a treasure trove of broadleaf butterfly species. Here, you can spot captivating butterflies like the Popin Jay, Common Mormon, and an array of stunning swallowtails.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Punakha)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 1500m
Day 4: Road to Gelephu (300m) via Tsirang
The journey to Gelephu through Tsirang takes you through untouched broadleaf and subtropical forests, teeming with vibrant butterfly species. Keep an eye out for the Paris Peacock, Common Sailor, Red Helen, Red Spot Jezebel, Red Breast Jezebel, Orange Yellow Tip, Common Map, and many more.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Gelephu)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 1300m
Day 5: Gelephu
The hot and humid subtropical forests near Gelephu provide the ideal habitat for a variety of lowland butterfly species. Discover fascinating butterflies like the Orange Oakleaf, Black Prince, Punchinello, Yellow, Blue, and Chocolate Pansies, the majestic Great Orange Tip, and the small but striking Orange Awlet, among many others.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Gelephu)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 300m
Day 6-8: Tingtibi (Royal Manas National Park)
Spend two full days exploring the lush forests of Manas National Park, home to an incredible array of breathtaking butterfly species. Highlights include the stunning Leopard Lacewing, Common Maplet, Yellow Jezebel, Fluffy Tit, Dark Judy, Blue Tit, Yellow Coster, and Circe, among many others. The park also offers opportunities to spot diverse bird and mammal species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Tingtibi)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 600m – 1500m
Day 9: Road to Phobjikha via Trongsa.
As we ascend to the higher-altitude habitats on the road to Phobjikha, the landscape offers opportunities to encounter remarkable butterfly species such as the Dark Clouded Yellow, Indian Cabbage White, Indian Red Admiral, and Painted Lady.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Phobjikha)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 2900m
Day 10: Road to Thimphu
The drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, offers another chance to encounter fascinating high-altitude butterfly species. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing and take some leisure time to explore the city’s unique charm and attractions.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Thimphu)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 2300m
Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro.
Visit the iconic Buddha Statue, the Textile Museum, and the Paper Factory to experience Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. In the afternoon, transfer to Paro.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Paro)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 2300m
Day 12: Taktsang | Tigers Nest
Board on a thrilling full-day excursion to the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched high on a cliffside. This iconic site offers not only stunning views but also a deep spiritual experience as you explore its sacred temples. Along the way, enjoy the serene atmosphere and the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Hotel Icon Overnight: Hotel (Paro)
Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 2300m
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast at hotel our representative, your tour guide and drive will drive you to the airport and bid you good-bye

Trip Gallery

What to Expect

Led by expert guides, you’ll explore premier butterfly habitats while soaking in Bhutan’s tranquil natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and untouched wilderness. Expect immersive days filled with sightings of rare and vibrant butterfly species amidst breathtaking landscapes.
This butterfly tour focuses on carefully selected sites that provide safe, comfortable exploration without posing challenges like steep slopes. You can expect to walk approximately 6-7 kilometers daily, ensuring an immersive yet manageable experience in Bhutan’s breathtaking butterfly habitats.
Like butterfly watching elsewhere, mornings are the best time for sightings. You can anticipate early starts most days to explore the habitats at their liveliest. However, for rare high-altitude species that emerge only at dawn, a couple of very early mornings will be necessary to witness these fascinating butterflies in their natural environment.
Accommodation on this tour is generally simple but comfortable. The hotels are generally spacious, clean, and comfortable, built-in westernized Bhutanese style, and all rooms have private facilities.

This trip coincides with the Himalayan winter. The weather will generally be cool and clear, which offers a better chance to view the high Himalayas ranges. Mornings and evenings could be especially cool; the temperature is likely to be below zero degrees Celsius

Inclusion

What is Included?

  • All internal taxes and charges (SDF)
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis
  • All meals, tea, snack, and bottled water
  • All travel with a licensed local birding guide
  • All surface transfers by a private vehicle
  • Camping equipment and haulage for camping and trekking tours
  • All entry fees to monuments, Museum and National Parks
  • Bhutan Visa Fee

What is not Included?

  • Optional tours/excursions, personal & incidental expenses.
  • Tips, laundry, phone calls, and bars.
  • International and domestic airfare, and insurance.

Review

Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland

We went with “Wild Nature Quest” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.

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Trip Extension

Enhance your trip with an extension to eastern Nepal to spot the elusive Red Panda or visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam, home to one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants, and vibrant birdlife.

Contact us for itineraries and pricing!

Bhutan’s Bird Songs

Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds

Bhutan Birdsong Collection
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.

Norbu

With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.
View Bird Sounds