Bhutan Bird Watching

After landing at Paro International Airport, our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel for some time to relax. Later, you will travel north of Paro to the Paro Chu riverbank to spot the elusive Ibisbill. The day concludes with a gentle stroll through Paro town in the evening.

Begin the day with a morning excursion to Chele La Pass (3,810 m), a prime birding site known for its diverse pheasant species, including Himalayan Monal, Blood, and Kalij pheasants. The pass is also rich in other high-altitude birds such as rosefinches, grosbeaks, and laughing thrushes. Later, return to Paro for lunch before driving onward to Thimphu. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure to wander around the city and observe the everyday rhythm of Bhutanese life.

You will head north of Thimphu valley to Dodena, a hotspot for birdwatching, where species such as Laughing Thrush, Brown Dipper, Spotted Laughing Thrush, Fire-capped Tit, Chestnut-crowned Laughing Thrush, White-throated Laughing Thrush, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and White-collared Blackbird can often be spotted. After returning to Thimphu for lunch, enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in the city.

Start your day with a drive to Punakha, crossing the picturesque Dochula Pass at 3,150m. The route meanders through dense forests of hemlock, fir, oak, and rhododendron, where birdwatchers may spot Satyr Tragopans, Flycatchers, Rufous-breasted Bush Robins, Black-eared Shrike Babblers, Yellow-billed Blue Magpies, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and Rufous-gorgeted species. Stop in Lobesa to enjoy lunch, then continue to the iconic Punakha Dzong in the afternoon, famed for its architectural beauty.

In the morning, head to Tashithang within Jigme Dorji National Park for a day of birdwatching, where you may encounter species such as Slaty-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-headed Tesias, Red-headed Trogons, Small Niltavas, Black-chinned Yuhinas, Wren Babblers, various Woodpeckers, Laughing Thrushes, and the rare White-bellied Heron.

Travel to Phobjikha passes through lush semi-tropical forests before ascending into alpine zones filled with rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Along the route, you might spot birds like Ward’s Trogons and Yellow-rumped Honeyguides. Once in Phobjikha, explore the valley on foot, home during winter (late October to February) to the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to escape the harsh cold.

The day starts with a drive ascending to Lawala Pass (3,200 m) and then to Pele La Pass (3,300 m). Pause at Pele La to explore the old, abandoned road for high-altitude birdwatching, where you may also spot grazing yaks. Afterward, continue your journey to Trongsa. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong and enjoy a leisurely walk through the town.

Today offers an exciting birdwatching experience along the Trongsa-Zhemgang road, where you may encounter Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, Grey-bellied Tesias, Streak-breasted and White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Rufous-bellied Eagles, Mountain Hawk Eagles, Common Green Magpies, Prinias, Rufous Woodpeckers, Long-tailed Shrikes, Crested Buntings, and Common Kestrels. Keep an eye out as well for the rare Golden Langur.

The road from Zhemgang to Tingtibi winds through rich warm broadleaf forests, a haven for birds such as Rufous-necked and Great Hornbills, diverse Laughing Thrushes, Cutias, Scarlet Minivets, Pin-tailed Green Pigeons, Woodpeckers, Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied Tesias, and Spotted Wren Babblers. Overnight accommodation will be in a camp nearby.

Start the morning with more birdwatching, then drive back to Trongsa, stopping along the way to spot birds. Spend the night in a hotel.

Today, journey back to Paro, stopping along the way to explore the serene Royal Botanical Garden and the unique Druk Wangyal Monastery, a one-of-a-kind treasure in the country.

In the morning, drive to Paro and embark on a memorable hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the valley, offering breathtaking views and a truly awe-inspiring experience.

You will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take your flight, carrying with you lasting memories of its charm and culture.