Item Code: 24-7969
12 days
Duration
Moderate
Physicality
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Zhemgang
Location
Year-Round
Dates
Bhutan Birdwatching Tour
Explore Bhutan’s pristine wilderness on this 12-day birdwatching tour, featuring diverse habitats from alpine meadows to subtropical forests. Begin in Paro, spotting Ibisbill and Brown Dipper, and journey through Chele La, Dochula, and Yutong La Passes, renowned for Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan. Visit Punakha’s rivers for the rare White-bellied Heron and Phobjikha Valley, home to the Black-necked Crane. Subtropical forests in Tingtibi offer glimpses of Rufous-necked Hornbill and Beautiful Nuthatch. Along the way, enjoy Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural highlights, including Dzongs and monasteries. Designed for bird enthusiasts, this tour blends adventure with comfort, ensuring an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s top birding destinations. Departure from Paro concludes the journey.
Included
- Private Guided Tour: Personalized experience with an expert guide.
- Visa for Bhutan: Seamless processing for your Bhutan visa.
- Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from the airport.
- Daily Meals: Three meals daily (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) at designated restaurants or hotels.
- Accommodation: Stay in comfortable 3-star hotels.
- Expert Guide: A qualified, licensed, and English-speaking guide to enhance your journey.
- Experienced Driver: Travel safely with a skilled and professional driver.
- Tour Vehicle: Comfortable and well-maintained vehicle for all transfers and excursions.
- Entry Fees and Permits: All entry fees, road permits, and access arrangements included.
- Government Charges: Covers all royalties, taxes, and surcharges.
- Complimentary Mineral Water: Stay refreshed throughout your trip.
Not Included
- Flights to Bhutan via Drukair: Can be arranged upon request.
- Connecting Flights: Assistance available for flights with other airlines to connect with Drukair.
- Fine Dining: Meals at 4-5 star restaurants (available upon request).
- Accommodation Outside Bhutan: Not included in the package.
- Personal Expenses: Any expenditure of a personal nature is excluded.
- Travel Insurance: Available for arrangement upon request.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides and drivers are not included.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Costs for alcoholic drinks are excluded.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan
- Arrival at Paro International Airport.
- Warm welcome and transfer to the hotel.
- After lunch, a short birdwatching session near the Paro river. Spot species like Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, and Rufous-breasted Accentor.
- Evening: Orientation and briefing on Bhutan’s bird diversity.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
- Morning birdwatching at Chele La Pass (3,988 m). Look for Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, and Spotted Laughingthrush.
- After lunch, drive to Thimphu. En route, stop at riverbanks to spot White-capped Redstart and Plumbeous Water Redstart.
- Evening: Leisure time in Thimphu city.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
- Morning visit to Cheri Monastery forest, home to species like Rufous Sibia, Fire-tailed Sunbird, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.
- Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Spot birds like Satyr Tragopan, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, and Bar-throated Minla.
- Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha Excursion
- Birdwatching along the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Look for White-bellied Heron, Black-necked Crane (seasonal), and Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
- Afternoon: Explore Jigme Dorji National Park trails. Spot species like Golden-throated Barbet and Large Hawk-Cuckoo.
- Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha Excursion
- Full-day birdwatching in the lush forests of Punakha. Species include Blue-throated Bee-eater, Sultan Tit, and Great Hornbill.
- Evening: Optional cultural visit to Punakha Dzong.
- Overnight in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha to Gangtey
- Drive to the Phobjikha Valley, a winter habitat for the endangered Black-necked Cranes (seasonal).
- Birdwatching en route: Look for Red-billed Leiothrix, Grey-backed Shrike, and Yellow-rumped Honeyguide.
- Afternoon birdwatching in Gangtey’s marshy lands.
- Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 7: Gangtey to Trongsa
- Early morning birdwatching in the Phobjikha Valley.
- Drive to Trongsa with stops to spot birds like Blyth’s Shrike-babbler, Scarlet Finch, and Black-eared Shrike Babbler.
- Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 8: Trongsa to Tingtibi
- Drive to Tingtibi, stopping at Yutong La Pass for birdwatching. Spot Himalayan Cutia, Red-headed Trogon, and Long-tailed Broadbill.
- Explore Tingtibi’s forest trails in the evening.
- Overnight in Tingtibi.
Day 9: Tingtibi
- Full-day birdwatching in the subtropical forests of Tingtibi. Look for Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Golden Babbler.
- Picnic lunch amidst nature.
- Overnight in Tingtibi.
Day 10: Tingtibi to Trongsa
- Morning birdwatching in Tingtibi before driving back to Trongsa.
- Evening leisure time in Trongsa.
- Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 11: Trongsa to Thimphu
- Long scenic drive back to Thimphu. En route, spot birds missed earlier.
- Evening cultural experience or leisure in Thimphu.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 12: Depart Paro
- Morning transfer to Paro International Airport.
- Departure with fond memories and a checklist of rare birds seen in Bhutan.
