14 Days Bhutan Bird Watching Tour

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, participate in an orientation program that introduces you to Bhutan’s birding hotspots and endemic species. This evening serves as preparation for the incredible bird-watching experiences ahead.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Begin your first birding adventure in Paro’s stunning mountain ranges, renowned for their diverse avifauna. Start your morning exploration with visits to:

• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) area for high-altitude species
• Rinpung Dzong surroundings for forest birds
• Ta Dzong vicinity for raptors and hill species
• Kyichu Lhakhang temple grounds for garden birds

The diverse altitudes and habitats around Paro provide excellent opportunities to spot Himalayan species including Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, and various Laughingthrushes.

Check out of the hotel; you will be driven to Thimphu by road, where the urban and semi-urban environments offer unique birding opportunities. The birding locations you will explore include:

• Motithang area for takin sanctuary birds
• Cheri village for forest edge species
• Begana village surroundings for agricultural birds
• Weekend market area for common urban species

At these locations, you can observe 100 bird species, including the White-capped Redstart, Grey-backed Shrike, and various flycatchers.

Overnight stay in Thimphu

Post breakfast, move towards the Dochula pass (3050 m). Enjoy a mesmerizing view of the Eastern Himalayas. Later, proceed to Punakha and Wangduephodrang Valley. On the way, you can spot rare avifauna species like White-breasted Kingfisher, Black Chinned Yuhina, Large Gray Babbler, Spotted Dove, Red Breasted Rosefinch, and more.

Overnight at Wangduephodrang.

Wake up early, finish your breakfast, and travel eastward through the Black Mountain region to reach Gangtey, a pristine hamlet overlooking the famous Phobjikha Valley. This area is well-known for its stunning natural beauty. In this region, you will spot the following species:

• Winter habitat of Black-necked Cranes (seasonal)
• Fire-breasted Flowerpecker sightings
• Amur Falcon observations
• Red-headed Bullfinch encounters

As well as these, there are many more that you will also see.

Stay overnight in a traditional lodge.

After breakfast, you will begin your drive along the stretch between Gangtey and Trongsa. This route offers a fantastic opportunity to spot a diverse range of bird species in the dense rhododendron forests. The highlights of this journey include:

• Ward’s Trogon, often seen in the thick canopy
• Various species of babblers
• Himalayan Cutia
• Rufous-necked Hornbill

Overnight stay in Trongsa.

Explore the forests around Trongsa (2,100m) and continue to Bumthang (3,400m), experiencing a significant elevation change that brings new species. Key birding locations include:

• Yotongla Pass for alpine specialties
• The Chamkhar Chhu River valley for water birds
• Mixed forest areas for endemic species

The varied habitats support species like the Himalayan Monal, Snow Pigeon, and various rosefinches.

Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Finish your breakfast, check out, and start your journey to Ura Valley, the highest valley in the Bumthang district. The journey offers:

• Scenic drive through Urala Pass
• Extensive sheep pastures attract ground birds
• Alpine meadow birding opportunities
• Traditional village environment

The high-altitude environment is home to unique species adapted to harsh mountain conditions. Experience an authentic wilderness by camping overnight in tents.

Finish your breakfast and then head out from your accommodation; today, you will be taken to Limithang. As you journey to Limithang, you will experience a transition from dry valley environments to dense forests. This area offers excellent birding opportunities at various locations.

• Thrumshingla Pass (3,750m) for high-altitude species
• Sengor village with traditional stone houses
• Dense forest areas for the Himalayan Monal and other pheasants

The village of Sengor is well-known for its Monal sightings and provides a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese rural life.

Discover two historic towns in eastern Bhutan, each providing unique opportunities for birdwatching.

• Mongar Dzong area for fortress-dwelling species
• Trashigang Dzong surroundings for eastern Himalayan birds
• Riverside habitats along local streams
• Agricultural areas for open-country species

The eastern regions of Bhutan are home to a number of bird species that are not found in western Bhutan, making them an essential part of your birding tour.

Overnight stay in Trashigang.

After breakfast, you’ll be ready for another exciting bike ride. Explore lush vegetation, pine trees, and dense jungles on beautiful winding roads. Along the way, you can stop at Sherubtse College.

Continue your ride, passing through Khaling, a small town, and the villages of Wamrong and Deothang. Eventually, you will arrive at the foothills of Samdrup Jongkhar. Once you reach this destination, you’ll realize that you have traveled across Bhutan from west to east. After checking in, take some time to relax.

After relaxation, you will visit well-known attractions such as Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong, Dratshang, and Zangdopelri. After a fulfilling day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Take a trip back to Bumthang and experience both the birding and cultural aspects of this region. Upon arrival:

• Visit the Yatha weaving center to observe traditional crafts
• Explore the local bazaar for regional products
• Evening birding around the lodge area

This day perfectly balances wildlife observation with cultural immersion.

Check out of the hotel and begin your journey back to Thimphu. En route, you will have many opportunities to spot various bird species.

• Village visits for rural species observations
• Lunch stop at Wangdue Phodrang for bamboo product shopping
• Roadside birding for species missed earlier

This return journey often provides opportunities to observe species that may have been missed during the outward journey.

Today marks the final day of your transformative 14-day Bhutan Bird Watching Tour. After finishing your breakfast, pack your belongings and check out of the hotel. Our tour representative will transfer you to Paro Airport. You will leave with lasting memories of potentially observing over 200 bird species, ranging from common garden birds to rare Himalayan endemics.