GREAT HORNBILL
Trip Overview
This tour is an extensive lean-season winter birding tour led by Norbu, the founder of the company. Norbu is one of the most senior and top birding guides in Bhutan with experience of over 20 years. He has guided some of the most known international birders.
The tour takes you to some of the most remote and least explored sections of the country including the Manas National Park. The Royal Manas is not only the most diverse protected area in the Kingdom but also one of the world’s biologically outstanding conservation sites. It is the oldest protected area in the country.
Some of the desirable species you might see on this trip included three species of Pheasants and Hornbills, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill, Black-necked Cranes, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Beautiful Nuthatch, one of the most sought-after specialties of the Bhutan avifauna. All in all, we have a good chance of sighting over 300 species of birds and 10 – 15 species of mammals such as three species of langurs, including the nearly endemic Golden Langur, which is fairly common in Manas, Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, and Himalayan Goral.
Other highlights include a visit to Bhutan’s most scenic icon and a most important destination for pilgrimages Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most beautiful and impressive Punakha Dzong, and a visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local hospitality.
The tour takes you to some of the most remote and least explored sections of the country including the Manas National Park. The Royal Manas is not only the most diverse protected area in the Kingdom but also one of the world’s biologically outstanding conservation sites. It is the oldest protected area in the country.
Some of the desirable species you might see on this trip included three species of Pheasants and Hornbills, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill, Black-necked Cranes, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Beautiful Nuthatch, one of the most sought-after specialties of the Bhutan avifauna. All in all, we have a good chance of sighting over 300 species of birds and 10 – 15 species of mammals such as three species of langurs, including the nearly endemic Golden Langur, which is fairly common in Manas, Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, and Himalayan Goral.
Other highlights include a visit to Bhutan’s most scenic icon and a most important destination for pilgrimages Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most beautiful and impressive Punakha Dzong, and a visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local hospitality.
Experts on this Trip
Join Norbu on other trips
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Gelephu
Arrive at Gelephu, after short downtime and refreshment. we will do some introductoryBhutan birding around the town and Gelephu sewage pond. Overnight: Gelephu
Day 2: Gelephu – Tamala – Tingitbe
Off to Tingtibe with several birding stops along the way. Exploring wide ranges of habitats from the altitude of 150m to 2500m. (Overnight: Tingtibe)
Day 3: Tingtibe – Dakphel and Gomphu Road
we will spend our entire morning birding the entire stretch of Zhemgang – Dakphel and Gomphu road, habitat mostly consists of cool, warm broadleaved, sub-tropical forest and continuous bamboo. Overnight Tingitbe
Day 4: Tingitbe –Gomphu – Panbang
Today we’ll leave Tingtibe and head toward the south to theRoyal Manas (250m) is another beautiful and scenic ride. We will have several stops along the drive be exploring the low lands and the tropical forest mixed with evergreen trees and bamboo. Overnight: Panbang
Day 5: Panbang –Nganglam
our trip to Nanglam (570m) is the least visited district by tourists not because it’s restricted but because of its remoteness and the non existence of a direct or pass-through highway until recently. Our trip today would take us through the mixed bamboo forest that hosts many cool species. Overnight: Nganglam
Day 6: Nganglam – Gyalpoizhing – Yongkala
After our final morning birding in this wonderful and least explored habitat, we’ll wind up on way to Yongkala, our journey takes us through the newly built double lane Nganglam – Gyalpoizhing crossing many bridges through the rugged terrain. Later in the evening, we will spend birding above the town of Limithang, habitats consisting of scrub and subtropical forest and farmland. Overnight:Yongkala
Day 7-8: Yongkala – Namling – Limithang Road
These two days, we will explore the entire stretch of Namling, Limithang road, and all the way to Phrumshingla pass. This stretch of77-kilometer road all inside Phrumshingla National Park is touted as one of the finest birding sites in Asia. Overnight: Yongkala
Day 9: Yongkala– Bumthang
after very early breakfast, we’ll be moving uphill in search of high-altitude species, we cross one of the high passes, the Phrumshing La, at3800m. Phrumshing La is the prime habitat for Blood Pheasant and also holds other high-altitude species. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang– Phobjekha
basically, more like transit day driving most of the time. By evening we’ll enter Phobjekha valley, the wintering home for endangeredBlack-necked Cranes. Overnight: Phobjekha
Day 11: Phobjekha – Punakha
morning birding along the old abandoned road at Pelela pass in an open meadow and Rhododendron Forest. Afternoon birding Punatshang Chu river, the wintering paradise for migratory birds, and thePho Chu river (male river) to search for the White-bellied Heron, one of the rarest birds in the world. Overnight: Punakha
Day 12: Punakha – Thimphu
visits the impressive Punakha’s Punthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Bliss) standing on the confluence of the two rivers, the Phochu and Mochu. Drive to Thimphu through mixed evergreen and broad-leaved forests to the pass at 3140 meters stopping en route at Lamperi Botanical Park and taking a nature walk. Evening we will bird Babesa Sewage Pond south of Thimphu town. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 13: Thimphu– Chelela pass – Paro
Very early in the morning take 3hrs. drive to the cool alpine meadow of Chelela pass (3,890m). this is the highest pass on the car road and the highest point of our trip. Here we should be rewarded with the three different species of Pheasants, Colorful Himalayan Monals, flocks of Blood Pheasants, and Kalij Pheasants. Afternoon free time to wander around downtown Paro: Overnight:Paro
Day 14: Paro – Tiger’s Nest excursion
Excursion to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery, one of the most beautiful and holiest temples in Bhutan. Overnight: Paro
Day 15: Departure
Departure After breakfast at the hotel our representative, your tour guide, and driver will drive you to the airport and bid you goodbye.
Trip Gallery
What to Expect
Led by expert guides, you’ll visit prime birding spots while enjoying the country’s serene natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unspoiled wilderness. Expect immersive days filled with rare bird sightings and breathtaking scenery.
Inclusion
Review
Trip Extension
Enhance your trip with an extension to eastern Nepal to spot the elusive Red Panda or visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam, home to one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants, and vibrant birdlife.
Contact us for itineraries and pricing!
Bhutan’s Bird Songs
Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.
