Rambles and Rhododendrons in Bhutan

Explore the cultural heritage and pristine natural surrounds of Bhutan with Foundation & Friends and Relle Mott.

The mythical Land of the Thunder Dragon, boasts a rich cultural heritage of Buddhist fortresses and temples, timeless rural villages, and a remarkably well-preserved natural environment of snow capped mountains, lush valleys, pristine forests and fascinating flora.

The Bhutan Himalaya is one of the world’s global biodiversity hotspots protected within a country where law dictates that a minimum of 60% natural forest cover must be maintained. Over 5,500 vascular species of plants are found over a huge elevation gradient with subsequent variations of climate and geography, from the natural sub-tropical forests of the low southern foothills and valleys to the alpine meadows of the high northern Himalayas.

Spring brings forth flowers of over 46 species beautiful wild rhododendrons native to Bhutan. The rhododendron is a symbol of pure and divine beauty, and the subject of many traditional Bhutanese songs and works of art. For plant lovers, spring is a delightful time to visit Bhutan to witness the brilliant display of blooming rhododendron, daphne, orchids, magnolia, clematis, primrose, pieris, prunus, enkianthus as well as a dazzling variety of meadow pasture and alpine flowers at higher altitudes.

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