Bhutan Birding Tour

Bhutan is a paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists. Over 700 species of birds have been recorded and many more are yet to be discovered. Around 50 species of the known birds are winter migrants. These include ducks, waders, birds of prey, thrushes, finches and buntings.

Day 1: Paro Arrival

You will be received by our people at the airport. Then will check-into hotel and if we reach early will spend rest of the time birding within the Paro valley, along the riverside looking for Ibisbill, Black-tailed Crake, Wallcreeper, and many other species

Night Halt: Paro

Day 2: Paro to Chelela to Thimphu

Today we will rise early and drive to Chele La Pass(3988 msl) to look for the rare and beautiful Himalayan Monal, plus Blood Pheasant, Alpine Accentor, White-browed Rosefinch, Collared and White-winged Grosbeaks, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Spotted Laughingthrush, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Hen Harrier, and many others. In the afternoon we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu to Dochula to Punakha

Today we ascend to Dochu La Pass(3150 msl), the highest pass between Thimphu and Wangdi districts and descend gradually to Punakha valley, the old capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) is spectacular and strategically located in the center of two rivers. Forest type consists of Chir pine and Broadleaved woodland. Within these forest types inhibit rich species of birds, including: Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia, Brown Parrotbill, White-bellied Heron, Golden Bush Robin, Hill Partridge, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Himalayan Blue-tail, Thrushes, Barbets, Treecreepers, more.

Night Halt: Punakha

Day 4: Punakha to Phobjekha

Today will drive to Phobjikha valley, a place where Black-necked Cranes come to spend the winter. This valley has magnificent views. Birding en-route we will look for: Satyr Tragopan, Great Parrotbill, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Monal Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon, Blood Pheasant, Red-headed Bullfinch, and many more.

Night Halt: Phobjekha

Day 5: Phobjekha to Bumthang

We will cross two passes; Pelela Pass, the highest pass between Wangdi and Trongsa district and Yotongla Pass between Trongsa and Bumthang. Forest type stretches from broadleaved forest, mixed conifer, Fir, and pristine Blue Pine Forest. Highlights of the day could be; Himalayan Griffon, Alpine Accentor, Green-tailed, Crimson, and Sunbirds. Rosefinches, Winter Wren, Brown and Great Parrotbills, Snow Pigeon, Satyr Tragopan, Ibisbill, Solitary and Wood Snipes, bunches of warblers, Grosbeaks and other species. As we approach Trongsa,we will see the magnificent Trongsa Dzong (fortress) from the view point built strategically blended with beautiful landscape.

Night Halt: Bumthang

Day 6: Bumthang to Yongkhola

We will continue towards east and we will be soon entering Thrumshingla National Park. We will cross the highest Pass called Thrumshingla between Bumthang and Mongar. From Thrumshingla, we descend down crossing pristine forests of fir and larch. Along the way we will look for Fire-tailed Myzornis, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Golden Babbler, Spotted Laughingthrush, Rufous-fronted Tits, Wren-Babblers, Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills, Ward's Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and many others. Camp at Yongkola

Night Halt: Yongkhola

Day 7: Birding Around Namling

We will bird around Namling through lush broadleaved forest in search of the rare Ward’s Trogon, Wedge-billed, Long-billed and Rufous-throated Wren-Babblers, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Lesser and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Cutia, and many more. We will also enjoy the wonderful Namling Waterfall.'

Night Halt: Yongkhola

Day 8: Yongkhola to Nanglam

Today we again explore the rich pristine broadleaved forest looking for additional birds. Enroute we will find species like; Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Slaty-backed Flycatchers, Slaty-bellied, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Mountain Scops Owl, Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied Tesia, Forktails, Yuhinas, Hornbills, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, and many others.

Night Halt: Nanglam

Day 9: Nanglam to Panbang

We will continue our journey exploring great local birding spots as we continue to our overnight spit through unexplored birding sites en-route. Many species can be seen enroute such as Grey Peacock Pheasant, Great and Rufous-necked Hornbill, Indian Peafowl, Hooded Pitta, Drongos, Bulbuls, and many other subtropical species. Habitat is a rich and diverse broadleaved forest.

Night Halt: Nanglam

Day 10: Explore Panbang and Manas Area

Spend a day birding within Panbang and Royal Manas National Park areas. Here we have an option and can either bird by raft or drive along the road. Varieties of sub-tropical birds can be found there such as rare Blue-naped Pitta, and many others like White-rumped Shama, Silver-eared Mesia, Indian Roller, and so on. Some of the charismatic wild animals that can be seen include Golden Langur, Asiatic elephant, Barking Deer, Sambar, Water Buffalo, Sun Bear, Leopard, etc.

Night Halt: Pangbang

Day 11: Panbang to Tingtibi

We will climb to Tingtibi, passing through subtropical forest and finally reach Tingtibi, one of the best birding spots in the area. As we bird along the road, diversity of birds can be seen such as Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Sultan Tit, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Greater Yellow-nape, Great, Rufous-necked and Wreathed Hornbills, Slaty-backed forktail, Cutia, Silver-eared Mesia, White-bellied Hornbills, and many more.

Night Halt: Tingtibi

Day 12: Biriding Around Tingtibi

We will spend the day exploring subtropical forest and Chir Pine forest, look for the very rare White-bellied Heron, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked and Great Hornbill, Cutia and Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler. It is also one of the best habitats of endangered Golden Langur.

Night Halt: Tingtibi

Day 13: Tingtibi to Trongsa

Today we will climb up to Trongsa. Forests are a blend of Chir Pine and broadleaved forest; rich with diverse birds like; Long-tailed Broadbill, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Forktails, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Green-tailed Sunbird, Bunch of warblers, sunbirds, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Speckled Wood-Pigeon and many more.

Night Halt: Tingtibi

Day 14: Trongsa to Paro

Today will be briding on way to Paro, and look for some which we might have missed as we will be returning on same route.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 15: Paro International Airport and Departure

Depending on the flight time will reach you to airport and seeoff.