Just below the cloud-kissed Dochula Pass, the Royal Botanical Park—Bhutan's first of its kind—offers a gentle, soul-soothing hike rich in flora, history, and Himalayan charm. Known as the Lamperi Botanical Hike, this short 2.3 km trail connects Dochula (3,100 meters) to the Lamperi Botanical Garden and takes about 40 to 50 minutes to complete.

Though modest in distance, the trail is anything but ordinary. It winds through a vibrant ecological corridor linking Jigme Dorji and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Parks, home to red pandas, musk deer, and over 115 species of ferns. The star of the hike, however, is its rhododendrons—46 species in total—with peak bloom between late March and early June, transforming the forest into a canvas of colour.

At the heart of the park lies Baritsho Lake, a serene site of local reverence where visitors often leave offerings. Oaks, magnolias, and birches line the path, while birdcalls from blood pheasants and laughing thrushes echo through the trees.

Beyond biodiversity, this route once served as a spiritual trail for Bhutanese monks travelling between Thimphu and Punakha. Today, it remains a meditative journey, marked by fluttering prayer flags and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot.

Whether you're a nature lover, cultural wanderer, or simply seeking stillness, the Royal Botanical Park Hike offers a quiet retreat into Bhutan's natural heritage.