Cardamom groves and village trail walk
Large cardamom grows in the shade under alder and other trees across Dzongu, and it is a main cash crop for many families. Trails link villages through these groves, past streams, prayer flags and small fields of maize, millet and paddy.
A local guide, arranged by your host, makes the walk richer: they can explain the crops, show you birds and plants and take you to waterfalls. Wear good shoes, carry water and expect steep sections. Harvest time for cardamom is roughly from August to October.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How hard are the Dzongu walks?
Most are easy to moderate, with ups and downs on stone paths. You can tailor them to your fitness. Some routes include long stairs and steep descents to river crossings, so good shoes and a stick help. Start early to avoid the midday heat in the lower valleys.
Can I see the cardamom harvest?
The harvest runs roughly from August to October, varying with altitude. Ask your host to time a visit to groves at work. Drying kilns are also worth seeing. Ask before you take photographs of people at work in the groves.
Are leeches a problem?
From June to September, yes. Wear leech socks, tuck trousers in and carry salt. In the dry months from November to April leeches are rare. Check your legs after each walk, and avoid sitting on wet grass in the rainy months.
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