Butterfly expedition to the Land of Happiness - Bhutan

 Butterflies of Bhutan

 Day 1 (28 May 2023)  - Arrived Paro

This trip was originally organized by Catalina, but unfortunately, she had to cancel at the last minute due to some personal obligations she had to attend to.

As a result, the butterfly trip only included Gladys, Gan, and myself, while my husband joined the cultural tour.

There are two flights from Singapore to Paro in a week i.e on Sunday and Thursday. We flew in to Paro on 28 May 2023 @12.30 from Singapore and arrived Paro, Bhutan at 1645 Hrs with stopover for more than half and hour in Bagdogra, India.  It was a good and comfortable flight.

  

 These were the awesome first glimpses of Bhutan before the plane landed .

As we stepped outside the airport, we were greeted by Sonam and our driver, Phub Gyeltshen, who were eagerly waiting for us. They adorned us with the traditional white welcome scarf, symbolizing warmth and hospitality.

 

We settled comfortably into the van that would be our transportation for the entire week, feeling grateful to Sonam for his thoughtfulness in providing us with a continuous supply of water bottles throughout our journey.

As we embarked on our journey towards Zhingkham Resort in Punakha, we were captivated by the scenic views along the way. However, our plans for butterfly spotting on the first day were dampened by the rain. Unfortunately, the weather prevented us from keeping an eye out for the Apollo butterfly as originally intended.

 

After a safe arrival at the hotel in the late evening, we indulged in a simple Indian buffet for dinner. As usual, we couldn't resist the temptation to try the local Bhutan beer, adding a touch of excitement and flavor to our evening.

https://www.unusualtraveler.com/local-bhutanese-beers-to-try-while-in-bhutan/

 

 Day 2 (29 May 2023) - Jigme Dorji National Park

The  next morning, we were all up early and had our breakfast.  

When we arrived at the hotel the previous night, we were only able to catch a glimpse of the beautifully illuminated monastery. However, the true enchantment awaited us the next day when we witnessed the mesmerizing scenery from the resort's vantage point. The view in the daytime was simply breathtaking, captivating us with its beauty and leaving us in awe.

 

After immersing ourselves in the scenic surroundings of the resort, we got ourselves prepared to start our journey to Jigme Dorji National Park. As our adventure continued, my husband joined another driver and guide for a cultural tour that would span the next few days before we reunite with him in Paro prior our departure from Bhutan.

 

 

As we moved on with our journey, we were treated to more breathtaking sceneries.  Amidst the natural splendor, we were fortunate enough to spot the Yellow Coster (Acraea issoria), our first butterfly shot in Bhutan. 

 

 At the National Park, we stopped at several waterfalls and a few good butterfly spots.

Here are some of the awesome butterflies seen around each spot/waterfall:

Large Silverstripe Argynnis childreni

 

Bhutan Sergeant (Athyma jina)

 

 

Pale Hockeystick Sailer (Neptis manasa)

The highlight of our butterfly sightings during this trip was undoubtedly the Blue Duchess. This remarkable butterfly proved to be quite friendly, as it continuously fluttered back and forth between the tree and the ground. 

  

  

Hill Jezebel (Delias belladonna)

 

 

Glassy Bluebottle (Graphium cloanthus)

Spectacle Swordtail (Graphium mandarinus)

Sordid Emperor (Chitoria sordida)

Khaki Silverline (Cigaritis rukmini)

After considerable effort and the keen eyes of Sonam, we were fortunate enough to locate our target butterfly, the Krishna Peacock. It took Sonam's expertise to lead us to the precise location where we could witness the majestic beauty of this elusive butterfly species. It was a rewarding experience, filled with excitement and gratitude for Sonam's dedication in ensuring our successful encounter with the Krishna Peacock.

 Krishna Peacock (Papilio krishna)

 

 

Upon Sonam's insistence to have lunch, we make our way to Kuenga Hotel. We savored a satisfying lunch, relishing the flavors of Bhutanese food and taking a moment to recharge before continuing our journey to Trongsa.

Along the way, we made a pleasant stop at a rest place to take a tea break. It provided us with a much-needed opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and savor some hot tea amidst the picturesque surroundings.

 

 

 

 Suja tea, local Bhutan tea.

Upon our arrival at Norbu Lingka Resort in the late evening, we were greeted with a warm welcome and enjoyed  a sumptuous buffet dinner.

 

Day 3 (30 May 2023) -  Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (Head to Pantang Eco Lodge)

After enjoying a restful night's sleep and a satisfying breakfast, we were energized and ready to embark on another day of butterfly outings.

 

The journey to Pantang Eco-Lodge was indeed a long one with several butterfly stops at the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park before we reached at about 5pm.

 

Powdery Green Sapphire (Heliophorus tamu)

 I was happy indeed to have the opportunity to meet up with Karma Wangdi, a forest ranger whom I had connected with on Facebook.  It turned out that he is a dedicated forester who loves butterflies. (ttp://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=175718)

Here are more of the butterflies seen on that day.

Dark Himalayan Oakblue (Arhopala rama)

Large Yeoman (Cirrochroa aoris)

Chinese Peacock (Papilio ryukyuensis)

Pedong Tiger (Parantica pedonga)

Striped Punch (Dodona adonira)

Restricted Purple Sapphire (Heliophorus ila)

Tailed Sulphur (Dercas verhuelli)

 

 Great Windmill (Byasa dasarada)Rose Windmill (Byasa latreillei)

 

Paris Peacok (Papilio paris)

We moved on to another location

Zebra Blue (Leptotes plinius)

 Before heading to the Lodge, Sonam insisted that we visit a twin waterfall nearby. It turned out to be a remarkable sight, where the cascading water created a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty. In addition to the enchanting waterfall, we were delighted to discover a few butterflies fluttering around the area.

 

Northern Spotted Ace (Thoressa cerata)

Common Gull (Cepora nerissa)

We finally arrived at Pantang Eco Lodge, our destination for the day. While the accommodation was basic,we were grateful to have our own toilets.  The lodge, nestled in a serene and natural environment.

Day 4 (31 May 2023)- Royal Manas National Park

 

  Explored nearby streams and waterfalls

 

The location we arrived at boasted an abundance of butterfly sightings, and to my great delight, I spotted my target butterfly, the Popinjay. Initially, I observed a few of them soaring high above the treetops, but my excitement reached its peak when I saw one of them feeding on the side walls of a hill. It was a magical moment, witnessing the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the Popinjay up close. I couldn't help but marvel at its beauty.

 Popinjay (Stibochiona nicea)

 

Blackvein Sergeant (Athyma ranga)

Chocolate Royal (Remelana jangala)

Great Orange Tip (Great Orange Tip Hebomoia glaucippe)

Tabby (Pseudergolis wedah)

 Lemon Pansy (Junonia lemonias)

Red Forester (Lethe mekara)

Heliophorus pseudonexus

Sergeant Emperor (Mimathyma chevana)

Siren (Hestina persimilis)

Orangetail Awlet (Bibasis sena)

 

We moved to another location and found two Flats by the stream 

Love this Tawny Angle (Ctenoptilum vasava)

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Chestnut Angle (Odontoptilum angulata)

 Common Maplet (Chersonesia risa)

 Malayan (Megisba malaya)

After a long and fulfilling day, we returned to the lodge, ready to unwind and satisfy our appetites with a delicious dinner. To our surprise and amazement, one of the dishes served to us was fried orchid. It was a unique and unexpected culinary experience, showcasing the rich flavors and creativity of Bhutanese cuisine. The delicate crunch and subtle floral notes of the fried orchid delighted our taste buds.

 

 

 Day 5 (1 June 2023) Royal Manas & Jigme Signe Wangchuk NP

As another day dawned, we eagerly looked forward to continuing our butterfly expedition on our way back to Norbu Lingka Resort.

 

 This is one of our favourite spot where we saw quite a number of interesting butterflies.

Blue Tit (Hypolycaena kina)

Brown Prince (Rohana parvata)

 

Crenelate Darkwing (Allotinus drumila)

Indian Tortoiseshell (Aglais caschmirensis)

This Jungle Glory (Thaumantis diores) was found dead by the roadside and was quickly shown to us by Sonam.  As we became aware of its existence in that area, we kept a look out for this species at the forest fringe. 

 

Totally caught unaware, one suddenly fluttered around me while I was engrossed in photographing the Tailed Judy. It got me so excited and I tried to capture it with my long lens, only to find it too close to even get a shot. Startled by my movements, it took flight abruptly and landed on this nearby stream.

Seizing the opportunity, I quickly captured a distant shot, as seen in the small photograph. I cautiously approached, but a gust of wind swept through, causing it to bend precariously towards the water's surface. In that fleeting moment, I was enthralled to witness it seemingly swim before it took flight once more and disappeared into the surrounding scenery.  I thought it was quite an amazing moment of seeing it on the water in such a manner.

 

 There were 2 Variegated Rajah which were puddling back and forth the rocky hill and was quite amazed with the open wings!

 

Variegated Rajah (Charaxes kahruba)

Among my target butterflies was the Pallid Faun, and to my delight, I had the opportunity to encounter this species during our trip. Despite not being in the best condition, the sheer size of the Pallid Faun left me astounded.

Pallid Faun (Melanocyma faunula)

After spending a good 2-3 hours at these locations, we eventually decided to make our way to T Wang Hotel in Zhemgang for a well-deserved lunch.

 

After our lunch at T Wang Hotel, we returned to two similar locations that we had previously visited as were heading the same route back to Norbu Lingka Resort.

 

 

 This time round, there were many Glassy Bluebottle!

 

We stopped at our other location that we have previously visited.   To my great delight, I finally encountered the elusive Kaniska that had eluded me earlier in the trip. This time, I was able to capture some remarkable shots of its wings, showcasing the stunning transformation that different lighting conditions can bring. It was truly amazing to witness how the interplay of light could illuminate various colors on the butterfly's wings, revealing their intricate beauty. 

 

While I was busy with the Kaniska, Gan went on to explore nature trail that even Sonam had not yet discovered. He ventured off on his own, unknowingly causing a moment of panic for the rest of us. Despite our desperate calls and searches, we couldn't locate Gan, and worry consumed us.

Fortunately, after what seemed like an eternity, Gan eventually reappeared, his face beaming with excitement and told us that he found 4 Pallid Faun and a Pasha.  Without hesitation, I rushed to follow him back to the trail.  I was still unable to get a good shot of one Pallid Faun that I saw but nevertheless was happy to find this Yellow Pasha inside the trail . 

Yellow Pasha (Herona marathus)

As we arrived back at Norbu Lingka Resort, a wave of happiness washed over us. After our stay at the basic lodge at Pantang Eco Lodge, we were happy to be back at a hotel with proper facilities.We appreciated the comfortable beds and clean bathrooms.

 

 

 

 Day 6 (2 June 2023) - Head back to PAro

  

We bid farewell the staff at Norbu Lingka Resort and was thankful for their kind hospitality before we embarked on our journey back to Paro.

On our last day of the butterfly mission, our primary goal was to find the elusive Apollo butterfly. Despite our efforts, luck was not on our side, and we were unable to spot this particular species. However, our disappointment was overshadowed by the joy of finding other butterflies that we have not seen before.

  

Dark Clouded Yellow (Colias fieldii)

Himalayan Queen Fritillary (Issoria issaea)

Undeterred by the absence of the Apollo butterfly at the first location, we proceeded to Gangtey Valley with hopes of catching a glimpse of this elusive species. Unfortunately, luck was certianly not on our side, and the Apollo remained out of sight. However, the breathtaking beauty of Gangtey Valley more than made up for the disappointment. The sweeping landscapes, rolling hills, and serene atmosphere created a truly awe-inspiring setting.

 

 

I walked down the valley (many thanks to Gladys for the video) and found this lovely species.

 

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

 

Rather unusual to see a Common Mapwing on the highland!

 

Common Mapwing (Cyrestis thyodamas)

 Himalayan Grass Dart (Taractrocera danna)

Upon realizing that Gan was not feeling well, we made the collective decision in the event of a need to see a doctor, to change our plans and head down to the lowlands, relinquishing our search for the Apollo butterfly.

 On our way, we stopped at several small waterfalls on the main road.

 A far shot of the rare Tigerbrown (Orinoma damaris)

 Common Woodbrown (Lethe sidonis)

 Pale Jezebel (Delias sanaca)

 Fulvous Pied Flat (Pseudocoladenia dan)

 Common Spotted Flat (Celaenorrhinus leucocera)

Our trip ended with the last location where we saw a few Aporia, much to our delight as we could only take a record shot earlier. 

 Great Blackvein (Aporia agathon)

 We head for our last lunch in Bhutan at the beautiful Druk WangYel Cafe.

As we made our way towards the restaurant, my curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't resist checking the bushes nearby in hopes of spotting some butterflies. To my sheer delight, I was taken aback with excitement when I stumbled upon a mating pair of Dark Clouded Yellow butterflies. Overwhelmed by the enchanting sight before me, I immediately sought assistance from Phub to retrieve my camera from the van.

Dark Clouded Yellow (Colias fieldii)

 

The unexpected sighting of the mating pair of Dark Clouded Yellow butterflies served as a beautiful gift, marking the end of our butterfly trip on a high note. The sheer joy and excitement that filled me were indescribable. It was a truly special and memorable moment, a fitting conclusion to our journey through the world of butterflies.
 

In the late evening, we arrived in Paro and made our way to the Glam Tiger Nest Camp, where my husband had been staying for the past three days.  We were happy to be reunited safely and was all ready to go home after a fabulous holiday.

I was able to catch a far glimpse of the Tiger's Nest through my lens where we arrived at the camp.

 Night scenery was amazing at the Camp

  Day 7 (3 June 2023) - Return to Singapore

As our journey came to a close, it was time to bid farewell to Sonam and Phub, who had been our dedicated guides and caretakers throughout the entire trip. We expressed our heartfelt gratitude to Sonam for his knowledge, expertise, and unwavering commitment to making our butterfly adventure a memorable one.

Although we missed out on some of our target butterflies, we acknowledged the tremendous effort Sonam had put into ensuring that we encountered a wide array of fascinating butterfly species. His passion for nature and his determination to share its beauty with us was evident in every moment we spent together.

As we said our goodbyes, we expressed our hopes for future trips where we could once again embark on exciting butterfly quests together. With a sense of anticipation, we knew that there would be more opportunities to witness the butterflies we had missed, and we were confident that Sonam would be there to guide us every step of the way.

With gratitude in our hearts, we waved farewell to Sonam and Phub, cherishing the memories we had created and eagerly looking forward to the next adventure where we would chase the elusive butterflies once again.