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Bhutan Bird Watching Expedition

Duration: 16 days Place: Thimphu, Phobjikha, Trongsa Dzong

A magical land steeped in rich culture, tradition, folklore, Bhutan is an ideal place for bird lovers and ornithologists too. If you too have been looking forward to spot the different bird species in Bhutan, we have got your back. Our 15N/16D Bhutan Birdwatching Expedition Tour begins from Thimphu and covers the other tourist destinations of the country like DochuLa, Phobjikha (Gangtey Valley), Pele La, Trongsa, Zhemgang, Panthang, Panbang, Gelephu, Punakha, Chele La Pass, Haa Valley and Paro. The trip will give you an amazing travel experience as you will get to witness the finest birds in the Himalayas. During the first two days of the tour you will be visiting the important points of interest in Thimphu and Thimphu Valley like Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve (to feed Takin, the national animal of Bhutan), and more. The actual birdwatching in Bhutan will start from Dochula and end with a visit to Haa Valley. During your birdwatching tour, our tour guide will ensure you that you get to see the popular and rare Himalayan avifauna of the region including Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker,Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Beautiful Nuthatch, White-bellied Heron, Ibis bill and a lot more. Besides birdwatching, the trip will also let you witness the pristine landscape of Bhutan along with important places to visit like Punakha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and more. The outstanding Bhutan Birding Tour will finally come to an end with a visit to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. So, grab your spotting scopes and be ready for your encounter with the beautiful winged wonders of Bhutan.

Day 1: Paro – Thimphu

Upon arriving at Paro Airport, you will be greeted by our tour representative and drive to Thimphu. En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a 14th-century temple devoted to a Tibetan saint and engineer Thangtong Gyalpo. Upon arriving at Thimphu check-in to the hotel and later visit Buddha Dordenma, a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha that inhabits a major spot on a hilltop and offers marvellous views of Thimphu Valley. Later visit, Memorial Chorten, a major milestone of the city. The Chorten was built in the memory of the 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and is a significant site of worship for locals. You will also visit the weekend market in Thimphu. Your day’s schedule will come to an end with a visit to the glorious Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government and the monastic body.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Explore Thimphu Valley

In the morning after breakfast, we will set for the hike to Tango Monastery and enjoy the stunning views from the trail. Soon we will visit Motithang Takin Preserve to see Takin (the best time to visit here early in the morning when they all gather near the fencing for feed), the national animal of Bhutan. Later visit all the main museums of Bhutan including National Institute of Zorig Chusum that communicates training in the 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan; National Textile Museum delivers a prosperity of information on Thagzo (weaving); and Postal Museum that traces the development of Bhutanese postal system. Once done with exploring the museums, you will visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory and learn about the traditional Bhutanese craft of Dezo (paper -making). Later, head to visit Authentic Crafts Bazaar where a wide variety of traditional Bhutanese handicrafts are on exhibition. Stroll around the main market of the city and relax at Thimphu Clock Tower Square.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – DochuLa – Phobjikha/Gangtey

After having breakfast in the morning, we will drive to Phobjikha (Gangtey). En route stop at Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri for some birding activity at DochuLa Pass. This mountain pass is home to some rare birds and offers panoramic views of Bhutan Himalayas. The highlights of the area are 108 chortens built as a tribute to the martyred soldiers and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. We will continue to drive towards Phobjikha/Gangtey, on the way we will stop at several places for birding.

On arrival at Phobjikha/Gangtey, check-in to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Explore Phobjikha (Gangtey Valley)

Wake up early in the morning for some rare birding near the hotel. After having breakfast explore the picturesque trails of Phobjikha valley for witnessing several local avifauna. In the afternoon we will visit Black-Necked Crane Information Centre and learn about the region’s flora and fauna. By evening, return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Phobjikha/Gangtey – Pele La – Trongsa

In the morning after breakfast drive towards Trongsa through a picturesque route that navigates luxuriant hills and gorgeous valleys with patches of paddy. Today we will have some birding activity throughout the journey and search for Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker near Pele La Pass.

On arrival at Trongsa check into a hotel for dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 6: Trongsa – Zhemgang/Tingtibi

In the morning after breakfast checkout from hotel and head to visit Trongsa Dzong and later drive towards Zhemgang and Tingtibi (Birders Paradise) via a charming valley next to Mangde Chhu. The moist forest of Zhemgang and Tingtibi is popular among bird-lovers for its extensive diversity of avifauna. On arrival at Zhemgang go for rare birding like Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Beautiful Nuthatch.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a camp in Tingtibi.

Day 7: Birding in Zhemgang/Tingtibi

Early in the morning we will search some rare birds near the camping area. After having breakfast, we will continue exploring the nearby rich and sub-tropical forests of Zhemgang and Tingtibi.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a camp in Tingtibi.

Day 8: Zhemgang/Tingtibi – Panthang

Today again we will wake up early and go for birding near the camping sites. After having breakfast, we will drive to Panthang. We will endure our birding expedition for Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Beautiful Nuthatch. On the way we will stop at the confluence of Chamkhar Chhu and Mangde Chhu river and Spot the riparian varieties.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a camp in Panthang.

Day 9: Panthang – Panbang

Wake up early in the morning for birding near the camp and later after breakfast drive to Panbang, on the way we will stop at several places for birding.

Upon arriving at Panbang by evening, you will head to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Panbang Valley Birdwatching

Today again we will wake up early and go for birding nearby area. After having breakfast, we will explore Panbang to spot some rare birds.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Panbang.

Day 11: Panbang – Gelephu

After having breakfast, we will drive to Gelephu, on the way we will stop at several places for spotting some rare birds. Today we will drive on the outskirts of Royal Manas National Park. Once done with the day exploration, we will check-in to the hotel in Gelephu for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: Gelephu – Punakha

Today we will drive to Punakha and en route we will look for White-bellied Heron at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu. Virtually all current sightings of this critically rare species have been reported from this region. Also, lookout for some riparian birds around the river and continue looking for some resident diversities in the broad-leaved woodlands surrounding Punakha Valley. Later on, visit one of the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan; Punakha Dzong.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13: Punakha – Paro

After having breakfast, we will drive to Paro valley. On our way, we will stop near a riverside for the most desired bird in this region-Ibis bill. Endure your birding activity in Paro valley around rivers and forest area.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Paro.

Day 14: Paro – Chele La Pass – Haa Valley – Paro

Today we will start early for Chele La, Pass the greatest place to spot the remarkable Himalayan Monal Birds. One can also spot Blood and Kalij Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, capture the Blue and White Poppy flowers in Chele La Pass. After birding nearby Chele La Pass, we will head to visit the sensational views of Haa Valley.

Later drive back to Paro for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 15: Paro, Tiger’s Nest

After having breakfast, we will drive towards Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the iconic landmark of Bhutan. Our guide will take the ticket and start your trekking towards the monastery. The trail breezes through a beautiful forest and culminates at a viewpoint point. The trail is also a renowned home of some beautiful birds of Bhutan. Conferring to the myth, Guru Rinpoche appeared here as furious Dorje Drolo to tame a tigress demon. One can have different views of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery while trekking towards this magnificent place. Once you reach at Tiger’s Nest, the guide will describe you more about the folklore of the place.

After exploring the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, we will head to visit the farmhouse to witness the rustic Bhutanese household. On being here, you will get the chance to dress up in Bhutanese outfit and pose for pictures. Once done with the exploration, head back to the hotel for massage or hot stone bath (prior booking required) at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 16: Paro Departure

After having the morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro airport for your onward journey.

Highlights of the trip

  • A visit to Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.
  • Explore Black-Necked Crane Information Centre in Phobjikha Valley.
  • Enjoy rare birding like Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Beautiful Nuthatch in Zhemgang.
  • Witness Ibis bill on your way to Paro.
  • Capture the Blue and White Poppy flowers in Chele La Pass.
  • A visit to the important dzongs like Punakha Dzong and Tashichho Dzong.
  • Witness the iconic landmark of Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro.

Inclusion of the trip

  • Accommodation
  • Activities
  • Breakfast
  • Transport

Exclusion of the trip

  • Airfare / Railfare
  • Government GST of 5%
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide Charges
  • Video and Camera permits
  • Any supplementary services
  • Porterage at hotels and airports, tips, insurance, laundry, liquors, wine
  • Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks
  • Early check in & late check out at the hotels
  • Any compulsory supplement during the stay
  • Any other services not specified above

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