Bhutan Butterfly Tour

If you are a nature lover and love to explore the colourful Butterfly of Bhutan, you have made the right choice. There are more butterfly species in Bhutan than in North America (679 species) or Europe (440 species). The incredible range of habitats makes it possible for Bhutan to have a variety of species in a remote Kingdom.

The Bhutan Butterfly Tour is a specialized tour focused on exploring Bhutan’s diverse butterfly species and unique ecosystems. Bhutan’s varied landscapes and climate zones, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, provide an ideal habitat for over 800 butterfly species, many of which are rare and endemic to the region. The tour is designed for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and entomologists who want to observe Bhutan’s butterflies up close. Here are the key features of this tour:

Duration and Difficulty

• Duration: The tour usually spans 8-12 days, covering various regions known for butterfly diversity.
• Difficulty: This is a low-intensity tour, suitable for most age groups and fitness levels, as it involves minimal trekking or climbing. Most butterfly sites are accessible by vehicle or with short walks through forests and fields.

Primary Locations for Butterfly Sightings

• Paro Valley: Known for a mix of temperate and subtropical habitats, Paro is an excellent place to start. You may see species like the Common Mormon, Blue Admiral, and the Bhutan Glory.
• Thimphu and Dochula Pass: The areas around Thimphu and Dochula Pass are home to high-altitude butterflies, including the Painted Lady and the Indian Tortoiseshell. Dochula Pass offers an elevation of around 3,100 meters, where you can observe butterflies that thrive in cooler climates.
• Punakha and Wangdue Valleys: These valleys, situated at lower altitudes, are rich in subtropical butterfly species such as the Great Orange Tip and various species of swallowtails.
• Bumthang Valley: Known for its pristine landscapes, Bumthang hosts species such as the Tailed Jay and the Common Jezebel, among others. The valley’s meadows and forests are ideal for spotting butterflies.
• Eastern Bhutan (Mongar and Trashigang): Eastern Bhutan is a hotspot for biodiversity and offers the chance to see unique butterfly species that thrive in warmer climates, such as the Red Helen and Common Sailor.

Areas for Butterflies: Tongtongphai,Yurmung, Kowthang, Thangsbi, Malempong, Broshong, Gangphai, Wamai, Wengkhang,Thrasa, Tongtongphai Pangzur : Nambur, Koshela, Baleng, Karsigang, Riwtala, Wangdigang

Some of the butterflies found in the area

Common Crow, Common Flash, Common Line Blue, Common Nawab, Dark Judy, Great Orange Tip, Great Orange Tip, Indian Cabbage White, Indian Purple Emperor, Large Cabbage White, Plain Tiger, Popinjay, Popinjay, Red-Spot Jezebel, Spangle, Stately Nawab.

Biodiversity and Notable Butterfly Species

• Bhutan is home to several rare and protected butterfly species, including the Bhutan Glory, considered one of the country’s butterfly jewels and is even featured in the national biodiversity emblem.
• Species to watch for include the Peacock Pansy, Red Lacewing, Yellow Swallowtail, and the impressive Kaisar-I-Hind.
• Many butterflies in Bhutan are endemic to the Himalayas, making sightings a unique experience for enthusiasts.

Ideal Season for Butterfly Watching

• Spring (March to May): This is one of the best seasons for butterfly watching, as warmer temperatures encourage a variety of butterflies to become active. Flowers in bloom attract many species, making sightings frequent.
• Monsoon (June to August): Although there is heavier rainfall, this period offers peak butterfly activity in the lush forests, and it’s an excellent time to observe rare species, especially in the eastern and subtropical regions of Bhutan.
• Autumn (September to November): Cooler temperatures and fewer rains make autumn another good season, especially in temperate zones.

Photography Opportunities

• Macro Photography: The tour is designed with ample time for butterfly photography, with opportunities to capture close-up shots and detailed patterns of the butterflies.
• Landscape Photography: The scenic backdrops of Bhutan’s mountains, valleys, and forests offer beautiful settings for landscape photography alongside butterflies.
• Guided Sessions: Some tours offer photography guidance, helping photographers capture the best angles, lighting, and techniques for shooting butterflies.

Expert Guidance and Ecological Insights

• Naturalist Guides: Most tours are led by expert naturalists who have in-depth knowledge of Bhutan’s butterflies and their habitats. They help identify species, share ecological information, and enhance the educational aspect of the tour.
• Environmental Awareness: Bhutan emphasizes sustainable tourism, and guides promote respect for the ecosystems. This includes instructions on how to approach butterflies without disturbing their natural behavior.

Cultural Exploration

• Cultural Sites: While primarily focused on butterflies, the tour often includes visits to Bhutan’s cultural landmarks, such as Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Punakha Dzong, and the temples of Bumthang. This balance allows visitors to experience Bhutan’s rich culture alongside its natural beauty.
• Local Villages: Visits to rural areas and villages are often included, giving visitors a chance to witness Bhutanese traditions and interact with locals, adding a cultural dimension to the nature-focused tour.

Sustainable Tourism Practices

• Conservation Efforts: Bhutan places a high value on environmental conservation. The government limits the number of tourists, ensuring that ecosystems remain undisturbed. Many tours promote eco-friendly practices and encourage participants to avoid impacting the habitats.
• Leave No Trace: The tours follow Leave No Trace principles, teaching participants how to minimize their environmental footprint, such as refraining from picking plants or disturbing butterfly habitats.

Accommodation and Meals

• 3-Star and Boutique Hotels: Accommodations are generally in eco-friendly, comfortable 3-star hotels or boutique guesthouses, depending on the location.
• Local Cuisine: Meals often include Bhutanese cuisine, allowing guests to experience traditional dishes, and many tours offer flexibility for dietary needs.

Additional Wildlife and Birdwatching

• Birdwatching: Bhutan is also known for its diverse bird population, and butterfly tours often include opportunities to spot birds like the Himalayan Monal, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Black-necked Crane (seasonal).
• Other Wildlife: Depending on the region, visitors may also encounter other wildlife, such as Himalayan marmots, sambar deer, and, occasionally, red pandas and langurs.

The Bhutan Butterfly Tour is a wonderful way to experience Bhutan’s natural diversity while also gaining insights into its cultural heritage and ecological practices.