Bhutan Birdwatching Expedition: A 19-Day Avian Adventure

Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Mongar, Yongkola, Zhemgang, Panbang

18 days 19 Nights

Description

Feathered Friends in the Himalayas: A Birding Tour of Eastern Bhutan

  • 18 days 19 Nights
  • Tour Type : Birding
  • Difficulty : CHALLENGING
  • Availability : Seasonal
  • Pickup : Paro Airport
  • Drop : Paro Airport

Departure & Return Location

  • Paro International Airport

Places

  • Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Mongar, Yongkola, Zhemgang, Panbang

Departure Time

  • 3 Hours Before Flight Time

Availability

  • Seasonal

Price Includes

  • Transportation
  • Accommodation at 3 star hotel
  • Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
  • A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • Entrance Fees
  • SDF & VISA Fee
  • Entrance Fees

Not Included

  • Guide & Driver Tips
  • Soft drinks and Alcoholic drinks
  • Any Personal Expenses
  • Room Service Fees
  • Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
  • Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
  • Flight on other airline to catch Drukair/Tashi Airlines Flight

Itinerary

Arrive in Paro Your journey commences with an early flight to Paro, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain chain, possibly even glimpses of Mount Everest if the skies are clear. Upon arrival, you’ll be immersed in the charm of the valley, with its adorned houses and meandering river. Birdwatching highlights include Red-billed Choughs, Black-tailed Crake, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, and Brown Dipper.

Paro – Chelela – Thimphu Embark on an early trip to Chelela Pass, a gateway to the spectacular Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, and Blood Pheasant. High-altitude avian wonders like Grosbeaks, Rosefinches, Minivets, and Thrushes await. As the day unfolds, journey to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.

Thimphu – Dochu La – Punakha Head east from Thimphu, ascending the Dochu La pass, exploring pristine mixed forests teeming with birdlife. Nutcrackers and rarities like Hill Partridge and Satyr Tragopan might grace your sightings. A trail venture into the forest unveils the elusive Ward’s Trogon. Camp in Shatim in Jigme Dorji National Park.

Shatim Explore the Mo Chhu River’s braided channels, spotting Punakha Dzong and seeking species like White-bellied Heron. Encounter minivets, Striated Laughingthrushes, Ibisbills, and forest dwellers like Bay Woodpecker and Red-headed Trogon. Camp for the night in Shatim.

Shatim – Gelephu A drive to Taksha promises sightings of the Rare White-bellied Heron. In Gelephu, encounter Indian Roller, Lesser Adjutant, and Coucals. Starlings and Parakeets add to the avian tapestry.

Gelephu – Tingtibi Bird in sub-tropical broadleaved forests, witnessing species like Rufous-necked Hornbill, Sultan Tit, and Long-tailed Sibia. Explore Tingtibi’s avian richness and camp for the night.

Tingtibi Choose from birding routes like Tingtibi to Zhemgang or Birti for diverse species. Encounter Great Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Sultan Tit, among others.

Tingtibi Choose from birding routes like Tingtibi to Zhemgang or Birti for diverse species. Encounter Great Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Sultan Tit, among others.

Tingtibi – Gomphu Drive and bird through sub-tropical broadleaved forests, spotting Crested Bunting, Yellow-checked Tit, and more. Camp in Gomphu.

Explore around.

Gomphu – Pangbang Explore the wilderness around Pangbang, with a focus on the Royal Manas National Park. Encounter unique species and immerse in the rich biodiversity.

Explore.

Pangbang – Nganglam – Yongkola Journey to Nganglam, then explore Yongkola and Lingmethang areas, witnessing species like Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Sultan Tit, and Rufous-necked Laughingthrush.

Explore

Yongkola – Sengor Drive through Thrumshing La National Park, experiencing snow pigeons, Blood Pheasants, and other high-altitude treasures. Camp in Sengor.

Sengor – Bumthang Reach Bumthang, a culturally rich district. Explore monasteries and sacred sites, appreciating the blend of avian and cultural wonders.

Bumthang – Punakha Transition to Punakha, experiencing the diverse landscapes and birdlife.

Punakha – Paro Return to Paro, revisiting birding spots and relishing the diverse avian offerings.

Departure Bid farewell to Bhutan, taking cherished memories of a 19-day birdwatching expedition filled with rare sightings, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural richness.

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