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Birding Tour |
| Duration | : | 13 Nights / 14 Days |  |
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| Destinations | : |
Paro – Thimphu – Punakha - Wangduephodrang – Gangtey – Trongsa – Bhumtang – Ura – Limithang – Mongar - Trashigang
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Paro
Arrive Paro by Druk Airways flight. Reception at Airport by representative. Transfer to hotel. Evening attend orientation programme at hotel.
Stay overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 02 : Paro
Full-day sightseeing in and around Paro.
Altitude of Paro valley ranges from 2150 to 2950 meters and the ideal birding spots are through the farmlands, the lower and upper evergreen forests, subalpine forests and shrubberies. There are a myriad of sights of cultural and historic attraction as well in the valley such as Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and Taktsang Lhakhang.
Day 03 : Paro - Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. Explore this beautiful upland valley. The ideal areas for birding are around the stream near Motithang as well as in and around Begana and Cheri villages.
Stay overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04 : Thimphu - Punakha - Wangduephodrang
From Thimphu, proceed to Dochula pass (3050 m) which offers most spectacular view over high peaks of eastern Himalaya. From here drive down to Punakha and Wangduephodrang valley.
Witness en route a host of rare species of birds in the valley such as Blackchinned Yuhina, Spotted Dove, Redbreasted Rosefinch, Large Grey Babbler, Little Bunting, White-breasted Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie and many more.
Stay overnight at lodge in Wangduephodrang.
Day 05 : Punakha - Wangduephodrang - Gangtey
From Wangduephodrang, proceed eastwards through Black Mountain region. The drive is relatively shorter and there are regular stops for birding and photography all along the way. The road finally leads to forest of oak and rhododendron. The fascinating Gangtey village comes en route on the ridge overlooking the large green expanse of Phobjikha valley.
Amur Falcon, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Red-headed Bullfinch, Scarlet Finch amon others are the bird species you will see here.
Stay overnight at lodge in Gangtey.
Day 06 : Gangtey - Trongsa
Today drive the stretch of Gangtey and Trongsa.
This region covers a variety of habitat ranging from tall, dense, evergreen forests characterized by moss and lichen, covered oak and rhododendron as well as broad-leaved trees like horse-chestnuts, laurels, maples and alders. At higher altitudes, the vegetation changes perceptibly. Conifers like fir, spruce and juniper are more abundant. Bamboo is another important habitat in this region that holds a number of special bird species.
Day 07 : Trongsa - Bumthang
Today explore the idyllic Himalayan forests of Trongsa and Bumthang.
The elevation varies from 2100 m in Trongsa to 3400 m at Yotongla pass. The vegetation changes from temperate forests of Trongsa to conifers and alpine of Bumthang. Besides being one of the most picturesque valleys of the Kingdom, Bumthang is also home to many religious sights. The ideal birding spots in this region are before Yotongla pass, farmland in the valleys and the riverside of Chamkhar Chhu river.
 Day 08 : Bumthang - Ura
Drive today to the fascinating valley of Ura.
Explore picturesque Ura valley and village. It is the highest valley of Bumthang. Large lush green sheep pastures line the road en route you will see Urala pass.
Stay overnight in tented accommodation.
Day 09 : Ura - Limithang
Head towards Limitithang.
From relatively dry Ura valley, the route ascends through forests of gigantic firs. Halt at Thrumshingla pass (3750 m). Visit Sengor, a small village with shingle roofs and lush fields. This village is also home to region's most special bird, Monal.
Day 10 : Limithang – Mongar - Trashigang
Today visit renowned historic towns of Kingdom – Mongar and Trashigang.
At Mongar visit Mongar Dzong built in early nineteenth century. This structure besides being the administrative center of the region, also houses the Drukpa monastic community.
From Mongar, the journey is through thick leafy forest filled with ferns. The road further descends rapidly through corn fields and banana groves and through a rather sparse forests of conifers. On arrival in the town of Trashigang visit Trashigang Dzong. Unlike other Dzongs, it has only one courtyard. The Dzong now serves as the administrative seat for district and also houses Drukpa monastic community.
Stay overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Day 11 : Trashigang - Mongar
Morning head back to Mongar. Afternoon sightseeing tour to Mongar town and local market.
Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 12 : Mongar - Bumthang
Morning drive to Bumthang arriving there by lunch time. After lunch, visit to Yatha weaving center and local market.
Overnight at the lodge.
Day 13 : Bumthang - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Visit village houses en route. Have lunch at Wangduephodrang which is famous for its grand Dzong and its bamboo products.
Drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.
Day 14 : Thimphu - Paro Airport
Morning drive to Paro airport for onward/return flight.
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