Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly received by our representative and transferred to Thimphu. After some time to rest, we will enjoy an introductory birding session around Thimphu, focusing on local species commonly found in the area. Highlights may include Rufous Sibia, Gray-backed Shrike, Russet and Eurasian Tree Sparrows, Eurasian Nutcracker, Green-tailed and Mrs. Gould’s Sunbirds, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, among others.

Overnight: Thimphu

An early departure from Thimphu takes us up to the fascinating Dochula Pass, where a breakfast awaits, accompanied by sweeping Himalayan views. This mountain pass is also a rewarding spot to observe high-altitude bird species in the crisp morning light.

Following breakfast, we make our way to Lamperi Botanical Park. Here, a gentle walk through its rich forests and varied landscapes offers opportunities to experience Bhutan’s remarkable plant diversity and spot a range of forest birds.

The road then winds down into the lush, subtropical valley of Punakha. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, gracefully set at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, and considered one of the country’s most stunning historic fortresses.

During the day, you may encounter a range of exciting bird species, such as Chestnut-crowned and Spotted Laughingthrushes, Brown Parrotbill, Rufous-bellied and Darjeeling Woodpeckers, Alpine Thrush, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, as well as Blue-fronted and Hodgson’s Redstarts.

Overnight: Punakha

Engage yourself in a full day of birdwatching within Jigme Dorji National Park, a biodiverse reserve nestled along the Mochu River. This unspoiled wilderness is a prime location for encountering a remarkable variety of avian species. 

Key sightings may include the rare Spotted Elachura, multiple Forktail species (Little, Spotted, and Slaty-backed), as well as the Bay Woodpecker, Wallcreeper, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, and Lesser Yellownape. If fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of the magnificent Pallas’s Fish Eagle soaring above. 

Overnight: Punakha 

Following an early breakfast, we will depart for Tsirang, traversing the Puna Tsang Chhu river basin, an important wintering ground for waterbirds. Our journey southward follows the Punatsangchu River, passing through diverse habitats including open chir pine forests, cultivated farmlands, and cool broadleaved forests. 

Key target species for the day include the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, along with the Wallcreeper, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Striated Prinia, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Black Bulbul, Ashy Bulbul, Black-crested Bulbul, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, and various Laughingthrush species. 

Overnight: Tsirang 

This morning, we will explore the full stretch of the Tsirang–Darachu road. The subtropical moist forests along this route are home to a rich variety of birdlife and offer excellent birding opportunities.

As the day progresses, we’ll descend to lower elevations, focusing on species typical of the lowland forests.

Key highlights may include Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills, Beautiful Nuthatch, Himalayan Cutia, Rufous-winged and Nepal Fulvettas, Collared Falconet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Common Green Magpie, and White-rumped Shama.

Overnight: Gelephu

Today is dedicated to a full day of birding in and around Gelephu. We’ll begin at the Gelephu sewage ponds and nearby fields, a productive area for waterfowl and shorebirds. Later, we’ll explore the surrounding lowland forests, known for their exceptional biodiversity and rich variety of bird species typical of lower elevations.

Some of the key species we’ll be looking for include Wreathed and Oriental Pied Hornbills, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Red-headed Trogon, Indochinese Roller, and the striking Indian Peafowl. Other highlights may include White-rumped Shama, Greater and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Red-wattled and Yellow-wattled Lapwings, Lesser Whistling Ducks, White-breasted Waterhen, Green and Common Sandpipers, Common Greenshank, Little and Intermediate Egrets, and Indian Pond Heron.

With some luck, we may even spot rare species such as the Lesser Adjutant and Black-naped Ibis.

Overnight: Gelephu

After a final morning of birding in the lowlands, we begin our ascent, experiencing a dramatic shift in elevation from 150 to 2,500 meters. As we travel, the landscape transforms through a range of habitats from subtropical forests to cool and warm broadleaved woodlands each offering unique birding opportunities.

Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for a variety of key species, including Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills, Ward’s and Red-headed Trogons, Long-tailed Broadbill, Grey-headed and White-breasted Parrotbills, Lesser and Greater Yellownapes, Bay Woodpecker, as well as a diverse mix of drongos and warblers.

This offers a rare opportunity to observe the elusive Golden Langur,a primate found almost exclusively in Bhutan and first introduced to the Western scientific community by naturalist Edward Pritchard Gee in the 1950s.

Overnight: Tingtibe

We will dedicate two full days to birding along the Zhemgang–Dakphel and Gomphu roads, which pass through a rich assortment of cool and warm broadleaved forests, lowland tropical ecosystems, and stretches of bamboo forest.

This region is known for its exceptional bird diversity. Target species include Beautiful Nuthatch, White-bellied Heron, Pale-headed Woodpecker, Pale-billed Parrotbill, Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills, White-hooded Babbler, as well as an impressive variety of laughingthrushes, barbets, flycatchers, and woodpeckers.

Overnight: Tingtibe

After a final morning of birding in this rich and diverse habitat, we begin our journey toward Trongsa. While this is primarily a travel day, we’ll make frequent birding stops along the way, especially at promising spots where mixed-species flocks may appear or to catch sight of any species we may have missed earlier.

Overnight: Trongsa

We begin our journey to Bumthang with an early morning birding session at Yotongla Pass, a high-altitude site known for its dense fir, rhododendron, and bamboo forests ideal habitats for many sought-after Himalayan bird species.

Throughout the day, we’ll be on the lookout for specialties such as Great and Brown Parrotbill, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Red-headed Bullfinch, Himalayan Monal, Black-rumped Magpie, Snow Pigeon, Red-billed Chough, and both Blue-fronted and White-throated Redstarts, among others.

In the evening, we’ll make a short detour to a mountainside monastery, where Himalayan Monals are known to venture close during the early morning and late afternoon offering a special opportunity for closer views of this striking pheasant.

Overnight: Bumthang

Today’s journey takes us westward, beginning with a scenic drive back through Trongsa before continuing toward the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Although this leg of the tour is primarily a travel day, we’ll make several birding stops along the way to scan for any interesting species that may appear and to give you another chance to enjoy better views of previously seen birds.

Overnight: Phobjikha

We begin the day with an early drive to Pelela Pass, where we’ll spend the morning birding along the old abandoned road that winds through open meadows and rhododendron forests prime habitat for several high-altitude species.

Later, we continue our journey to Paro, making selected birding stops along the way to maximize our chances of spotting any remaining target species.

Birds we hope to encounter today include Himalayan Monal, Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Himalayan White-browed and Dark-rumped Rosefinches, Alpine and Rufous-breasted Accentors, and a variety of tits including Coal, Rufous-vented, and Gray-crested Tits. With some luck, we may also catch a glimpse of the elusive Satyr Tragopan, one of the Himalayan region’s most sought-after specialties.

Overnight: Paro

We begin the day with an early morning drive to Chelela Pass (3,890 meters), the highest point on your journey. This cool alpine meadow offers excellent high-altitude birding opportunities, with breathtaking views and rich avian diversity.

In the evening, we’ll explore the Paro River and nearby wetlands, ideal for spotting water-associated species and enjoying a peaceful end to the day’s birding.

Key target species for the day include three spectacular pheasants Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, and Kalij Pheasant as well as Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, Collared and White-winged Grosbeaks, Himalayan Bluetail, Eurasian Nutcracker, and a variety of wetland and river birds such as Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, River Lapwing, and Black-tailed Crake, among others.

Overnight: Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive approximately 30 minutes to the base of the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang). From the trailhead, a scenic hike leads you to one of Bhutan’s most sacred and breathtaking sites, perched dramatically on a cliffside. The round-trip hike typically takes around four hours for the average person, offering both spiritual and scenic rewards.

In the evening, enjoy a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you’ll experience warm local hospitality and unwind with a traditional hot stone bath an age old Bhutanese practice known for its therapeutic benefits. Dinner will be served at the farmhouse.

Overnight: Paro

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Wishing you a safe and pleasant departure.

Please note that the above itinerary serves as a general outline to give you an idea of the tour experience. If you are interested in this journey and would like more detailed information, feel free to request a comprehensive itinerary, we’ll be happy to provide it within 24 hours.