Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail (Bhutanitis ludlowi) was first discovered in 1933-34 by the famous English naturalist Frank Ludlow. While unproven claims have been made that this species also exists in Yunnan, China, it is generally accepted that the butterfly is endemic to Tobrang areas of Trashiyangtse, Eastern Bhutan.
After a gap of seventy-seven years, this extremely rare butterfly was rediscovered on 28th August, 2009, by Mr. Karma Wangdi of Kheng Zurphey, a Bhutanese Forester who was than working with the Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. He is currently working with the Ugyen Wangchuk Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE), Bumthang.
The Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail was named the national butterfly of Bhutan, on February 16, 2012.
Route : Paro – Trongsa – Yurmung – Pangzur – Trongsa – Paro
Duration : 8 Nights/9 Days
Campsites : Tongtongphai, Pangzur
Itinerary:
Day 1 : Arrive Paro International Airport
Transfer to Hotel
Night halt in Paro
Day 2 : Rest and acclimatize
Night halt in Paro
Day 3 : Drive to Trongsa
Night halt in Trongsa
Day 4 : Drive to Tongtongphai
Lunch at Yurmung
After lunch watch butterflies
Night halt at Tongtongphai
Day 5 : Watch for butterflies all day
Night halt at Tongtongphai
Day 6 : After breakfast, drive to Pangzur
Watch for butterflies all day
Night halt at Pangzur
Day 7 : Drive to Punakha
Lunch at Chendebji
Night halt in Punakha
Day 8 : After breakfast, visit the Punakha Dzong
Visit the Wangdue Dzong
Visit the Chimi Lhakhang
Late evening, drive to Thimphu
Night halt in Thimphu
Day 9 : Fly out from Paro
END OF TRIP
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
