Bhutan Mushroom Tours
Bhutan Mushroom Tours

General Tour Questions

1. What makes this tour special?

This is a one-of-a-kind eco-tour combining wild mushroom foraging, macro photography, and Bhutanese culture. You’ll explore Bhutan’s pristine forests, capture stunning fungi through expert-led workshops, and experience the country’s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes—all in an intimate, small-group setting.

 

2. Who is this tour for?

This tour is perfect for:

  • Mushroom lovers – Whether you're an expert forager or a newbie just curious about wild fungi.
  • Macro photographers – From beginners to professionals looking to refine their skills.
  • Nature enthusiasts – Anyone passionate about Bhutan’s biodiversity and eco-travel.
  • Adventure seekers – Those looking for a unique, immersive experience in Bhutan.

 

3. What are the tour dates?

Genekha Festival Tour: 7th – 17th August 2026
Ura Festival Tour: 21st August – 1st September 2026

 

4. How much does the tour cost?

  • 7-9 guests: $5,500 per person
  • 5-6 guests: $6,500 per person
  • Late booking fee: $500 (applies after 31st March 2026)

5. How do I book?

Booking payments are handled through our trusted Bhutanese tour partner, Gomo Adventures.

To enquire or reserve your spot, first contact us at:
📩 info@bhutanmushroomtours.com
🌍 www.bhutanmushroomtours.com

 

 

 

Travel to Bhutan

6. Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?

Yes. All foreign visitors (except Indian nationals) require a Bhutanese visa, which is arranged through a licensed tour operator. Rest assured that we will handle your visa processing as part of the tour package.

 

7. How do I get to Bhutan?

The easiest way to reach Bhutan is by flying into Paro International Airport (PBH) from major hubs like:
✈ Bangkok, Thailand
✈ Delhi or Kolkata, India
✈ Kathmandu, Nepal
✈ Singapore

Flights to Bhutan are operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.

 

8. What’s included in the tour package?

  • Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
    Tour fee includes $100 per person, per night

  • Visa for Bhutan
    Gomo Adventures will handle your visa application

  • Expert-Led Activities
    Photography workshops, guided hikes, and mushroom foraging with professionals.

  • Certified Guides
    Tour leader Ugyen Wangchuk, mycologist Sabitra Pradhan, photography guide Peter Roden, and more to be confirmed.

  • All Accommodation
    Comfortable Bhutanese hotels and homestays.

  • All Transfers
    Private vehicles for seamless travel.

  • Photography & Foraging Equipment
    Macro photography accessories and mushroom collection gear for you to borrow.

  • All Meals
    Freshly prepared Bhutanese cuisine, including special mushroom dishes.

  • Festival Access
    Exclusive tickets to the Matsutake Mushroom Festival.

  • UV Night Walks & Workshops
    Unique experiences discovering fungi in Bhutan’s forests.



9. What’s not included?

  • Travel to and from Bhutan
    Our trips do not include flights, trains, or other travel to the start point and back from the end point (Paro airport).

  • Travel Insurance
    Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

  • Personal Expenses
    You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

  • Equipment
    While we provide guidance on essential gear, items such as your camera, lenses, hiking gear, and personal foraging tools are not included. We have some items to share between the group, if you prefer your own please bring or rent these before departure.

  • Alcoholic Beverages
    These must be paid individually at then end of each hotel stay



 

Mushroom Foraging & Safety

10. Is mushroom foraging safe?

Yes! We will be guided by expert mycologists and local foragers who will identify mushrooms safely. Do not consume any wild mushrooms unless confirmed safe by our guides.



11. What types of mushrooms will we find?

You’ll discover a diverse range of fungi, including prize edibles such as:

  • Matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake) – A prized delicacy in Bhutan

  • King Bolete (Boletus edulis) – Highly sought-after edible

  • Himalayan Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.) – Found in Bhutanese forests

  • Caesar’s Mushroom (Amanita caesarea) – A rare but sought-after mushroom in oak forests of Bhutan.

  • Coral Mushrooms (Ramaria spp.) – Beautiful, coral-shaped fungi in broadleaf and coniferous forests.

  • Puffball Mushrooms (Calvatia & Lycoperdon spp.) – Found in grassy meadows and forests, particularly after monsoon rains.

  • Russula spp. ("Sweet Russula" and "Shrimp Russula") – Various Russula species are edible in Bhutan, including Russula delica.

  • Fluorescent fungi – Glowing mushrooms on UV night walks



12. Will we learn how to cook wild mushrooms?

Yes! You’ll experience outdoor cooking sessions where we prepare foraged mushrooms with Bhutanese chefs.

 

 

Photography & Equipment

13. Do I need photography experience to join?

Not at all! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, our expert guides will help you master macro photography techniques.



14. What photography equipment should I bring?

For the best high quality results, we recommend:
📷 Camera: Mirrorless or DSLR (Olympus/OM System recommended)
🔍 Lens: Macro lens (60mm or 100mm preferred)
💡 Tripod & LED light: Essential for stability & UV night walks
🔦 UV torch: To spot bioluminescent fungi
🎒 Weatherproof backpack: For carrying gear safely



 

15. Can I use my smartphone for photography?

Yes! While a macro lens setup is ideal, clip-on macro lenses for smartphones can still produce great shots.




Culture & Bhutanese Traditions

16. What is the Matsutake Mushroom Festival?

This annual festival celebrates the Matsutake mushroom harvest with:
🎶 Traditional Bhutanese music & dance
🍽️ Gourmet mushroom feasts
🌲 Foraging trips with local experts

 



17. What is Bhutan’s policy on sustainable tourism?

Bhutan follows a "High Value, Low Impact" tourism model, ensuring that visitors support local communities, respect nature, and experience Bhutan responsibly.

 



18. How does Buddhism influence Bhutan’s forests?

Bhutan’s Buddhist principles promote deep respect for nature, leading to:
🌿 72% forest coverage – One of the highest in the world
🦋 Strict conservation laws – Protecting flora and fauna
🛕 Sacred groves & monasteries in nature – Tied to spiritual beliefs



Practical Information

19. What is the weather like in August?

August is lush and green with mild temperatures:
🌡️ Daytime: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
❄️ Nighttime: 8-15°C (46-59°F)

 

20. What should I pack?

  • Light, breathable layers (warm clothes for evenings)
  • Waterproof jacket & hiking boots (for foraging)
  • Sunscreen & insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle (to reduce plastic waste)

 

21. Is Bhutan safe for tourists?

Yes! Bhutan is one of the safest travel destinations with low crime rates, friendly locals, and strict conservation laws.

 

22. Can I extend my stay in Bhutan?

Yes! If you’d like to extend your trip, let us know in advance, and we can arrange additional tours or let you explore the cities.

 

 

Booking & Contact

23. How do I secure my spot?

📩 Email us at info@bhutanmushroomtours.com
🌍 Visit www.bhutanmushroomtours.com




24. When is the booking deadline?

📅 Book by 31st March 2026 to avoid a $500 late fee.