Twice a year Purna organises trips to collect seeds, cuttings and seedlings for Garden in the Himalayas and study the montane habitat of the abundant Himalayan flora. It's a perfect trip for nature lovers and botanists who appreciate treks off the beaten track. Plant Exploring and Pilgrimage Expedition in Dhaulagiri Region, August 2026
Join us this August for an 18–20 day Plant Hunting & Pilgrimage Expedition through the sacred landscapes of the Dhaulagiri Himalaya in Nepal.
Calling all plant lovers, botanists, gardeners, herbalists, and mountain wanderers. Beneath the dazzling white face of Dhaulagiri — the “White Mountain” — we will walk ancient mountain paths through hidden valleys, high ridges, forests, rivers, and remote villages where plants, people, and spirit still live in deep relationship.
This expedition offers a rare opportunity to observe Himalayan flora across dramatic altitude ranges while travelling through remote villages and ancient trekking routes.
This is more than a trek.
It is a pilgrimage into the living botanical heart of the Himalayas.
Together we will:
• collect seeds, cuttings, and rare plants for Garden in the Himalayas
• study medicinal and montane flora in their natural habitat
• camp and walk beneath some of the world’s most powerful mountains
• visit isolated Himalayan communities and sacred landscapes
• travel slowly, attentively, and in reverence to the land
Journey through:
Garden in the Himalayas • Nishi Khola • Simana • Taksera • Falgune Danda • Maikot • Dule • Runkhu • Purbang • Dolpa • and beyond.
Expect breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri massif, Gurja Himal, Dhampus Peak, Manapathi Peak, and Tsaurabong Peak throughout the expedition.
Trek begins from Pokhara between 14th–16th August.
Limited spaces available.
Contact us for the full expedition dossier and details
Plant Exploring Expedition And Cultural Trip, February 2027
In February 2027 there will be a fantastic 12-14 day plant-hunting and cultural trek in the remote Dhaulagiri and Kaski regions of western Nepal. The maximum altitude will be 3,400m with views of the high mountains, including Annapurna, Himchuli, Machapuchare, Gurja Himal and Dhaulagiri.
We will spend three or four days at a time trekking and camping in the Pine, Magnolia and Rhododendron forests, and then take a rest day at a mountain village, helping the villagers with whatever seasonal tasks they are undertaking and joining in with local life. The local culture is both hospitable and fascinating - we’ll be experiencing it from the inside rather than as a tourist. We will be collecting plants and seeds for Garden in the Himalayas and studying the montane habitat. The expedition promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.
The trek starts from Pokhara between 3rd and 5th February.
Please call or email for full details and a dossier.
Primula edgeworthii
Rhododendron arboreum
Cologyne sp.
PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS
Plant Hunting and Pilgrimage Expedition August 2025. Dogaari Khola, East Rukum, Dhaulagiri Region. Nepal.
Beautiful mixture of Bistorta, Cyananthus, Parnassia, Aster and Grasses on the hump covered with Moss blessed with the magical view at the background.
Geum sp.
Silene sp.
Aconitum sp.
One of the unforgettable trip blessed with views and special finds. Baagh Kwii, Kaski, Nepal. February 2025.
Daphne bholua
Pleione humilis
Marigold and Poinsettia grown in the garden in villages.
An unforgettable and captivating journey through the wild, off the beaten track of Larpak and Uya lekh, leading to the peaceful and beautiful Tsum valley. August- September, 2024.
Echinops sphaerocephalus
Persicaria vaccinifolia
Dolomiaea macrocephala DC.ex Royle
What a beautiful trail. August 2023, Rubinala, Barpak, Mumche,Narad pokhari, Neware danda, Lipe hill, Yunglong Pokhari then to Bhote Odar in Lamjung.
Allium wallichii Kunth
Cyananthus lobatus.
Boudha Himal and Lakpa Dorje from Thulo Ruche, Rubinala, Lower Manaslu.
Absolutely peaceful soul cleansing expedition in between the plants and the mighty mountain Manaslu.
AUGUST 2019
February 2018
I found the trek inspiring, fun and totally enjoyable. Thanks again for giving me such a memorable time in Nepal.
Rachel
August 2017 A blissful scenery for an avid plant explorer.
February 2017
Purna’s the boss and he’s very efficient
He’s got lots of plants which I hope are sufficient,
Nothing’s a problem, he smiles with pure charm,
You know when he’s there, you’d come to no harm
I think I can say a great time I’ve had
So it only remains to say
Dhanyabad!
Claire
August 2015
"The trek taught me a new way of hiking. Instead of being focused on the destination I have learned to absorb the moment and surrounding beauty of each step. Usually I did not pay much attention to plants along the way. But Purna’s passion for studying the plants along the way inspired me to change my perspective. Now I no longer see a “green bunch” but I rather started to pay attention to single plants with all my senses: not only see their leaf structure but also touch, smell and sometimes even taste them. Listen to the music concert of the insects.
This is when walking becomes a meditation."
Laura, German student
August 2014, Bill in Thursu gateway to Dudh Pokhari (Holy Lake)
August 2013 First plant Hunting and Pilgrimage expedition to Dudh Pokhari
The expedition was one of a kind experience which allowed me expose myself to nature and feel free. It opened up my adolescent mind and made me realise there is so much more to life than the daily activities occurring in the west. (...)
The group that accompanied me were very helpful, the guides were incredible and had a vast array of knowledge on the terrain and life on the mountains, they made me feel comfortable and safe.
Holiday accommodation near Pokhara Nepal | Rural stay near Pokhara | Nature retreat Pokhara Nepal | House with Himalaya views near Pokhara | Off-the-beaten-track holiday Nepal | Walking and hiking stay near Pokhara
by Sachin
Thulo Lekh on a glorious day