Half-Day Field Visits

Participants will first stop at the Royal Takin Preserve in Motithang to view the takin, Bhutan's national animal, along with yaks, sambar deer, and pheasants kept in a natural forested enclosure. From there, the group proceeds a short distance to Sangaygang (BBS Tower) to walk the Wangditse Trail — an easy, gently graded path through pine, oak, and rhododendron forest leading to Wangditse Lhakhang, an 18th-century temple with sweeping views over the Thimphu valley and Tashichho Dzong. Suited to participants who want a short, relaxed walk combined with a wildlife stop.

The group visits the Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang, one of the world's largest seated Buddha statues, overlooking the Thimphu valley from a hilltop site. This is followed by a short section of the nature trail connecting Kuenselphodrang to Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple considered the spiritual home of Bhutanese children. The trail runs through pine forest with intermittent valley views and is rated easy to moderate, suitable for most fitness levels. Given the morning time constraint, the group may cover a shorter segment of the full trail rather than the complete route.

This option is primarily a scenic drive (45–60 minutes each way) rather than a hike, making it the best fit for participants who prefer not to walk. At the pass (3,100 m), the group will view the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, memorial stupas built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers, and — on a clear day — a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Given the driving time, this option requires the most careful attention to the morning schedule to ensure a timely return.

A technical/institutional visit to the National Biodiversity Centre, which coordinates Bhutan's biodiversity conservation and sustainable-use programmes. The visit typically includes a briefing on the Centre's mandate and a guided tour of facilities such as the National Herbarium, animal and plant genebanks, and the Royal Botanical Garden at Serbithang. Best suited to participants with a technical/scientific interest and limited walking.