Upon arrival at Guwahati Airport, located in the capital city of Assam, India, we will warmly welcome you and begin our journey towards Bhutan. En route, we will make a brief detour to the Guwahati dumpsite, a well-known location for observing both Lesser and Greater Adjutants.

If time permits in the evening, we will enjoy a brief introduction to Bhutanese birdwatching, exploring the birdlife in and around Samdrup Jongkhar town.

Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

We’ll spend the day birding along the forested road between Samdrup Jongkhar and Dewathang, a hotspot for lowland species rarely seen elsewhere on the tour. Key targets include Wreathed and Great Hornbills, various Bulbuls, Monarchs, Broadbills, Leafbirds, and Trogons.

We’ll also search nearby streams for Forktails, Dippers, and Redstarts, with chances of spotting rarities like the Dark-rumped Swift or Blyth’s Kingfisher.

Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

After an early breakfast, we drive to Trashigang, passing through a range of habitats from subtropical forests to high-altitude rhododendron-clad valleys. We’ll make several birding stops along the way, targeting species like Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Golden-naped Finch, various Babblers, Yuhinas, Sunbirds, and Laughingthrushes.

We reach Trashigang by late afternoon, a scenic town nestled in a forested valley.

Overnight: Trashigang

Today’s drive to Yongkala takes us through varied landscapes from pine forests to mid-elevation and subtropical zones, offering excellent birding en route. Key stops include Korila Pass and the Limithang Road, where we’ll look for species like Ward’s Trogon, Wallcreeper, Laughingthrushes, Woodpeckers, and possibly the Goral.

Overnight: Yongkala

Spend two full days exploring the well-known Namling to Limithang Road, one of Asia’s premier birding routes. Spanning elevations from 100 to 3,750 meters, this stretch offers a remarkable range of habitats from lowland scrub and subtropical forests to high-altitude rhododendron and conifer woodlands.

Target species include Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Parrotbills, Yuhinas, Fulvettas, Laughingthrushes, and rare warblers. We’ll also search for elusive forest dwellers like the Long-billed Wren-Babbler, Pygmy Cupwing, and Spotted Elachura.

Night birding may reveal Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Brown Wood Owl, and the rare Bhutan Flying Squirrel.

Overnight: Yongkala

We’ll ascend misty mountain roads, stopping at Namling Dra cliff and Bhutan’s tallest waterfall. Along the way, expect sightings of Fire-tailed Myzornis, Sunbirds, Laughingthrushes, and Blood Pheasant. At Phumshingla Pass, enjoy views of Himalayan peaks including Mt. Gangkar Puensum. The day ends in the scenic Bumthang Valley.

Overnight: Bumthang

In the morning, we’ll visit a mountain monastery known for close encounters with the stunning Himalayan Monal, perfect for photography. Other birds to watch for include Black-billed Magpie, Oriental Skylark, Beautiful Rosefinch, and White-throated Redstart.

We’ll then ascend Yotongla Pass (3,500m), heading to Trongsa to explore its historic dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Continuing west, we cross two high passes before arriving in Phobjikha Valley, well-known for the iconic Black-necked Cranes.

Overnight: Phobjekha

Start your day early with a peaceful morning walk in Phobjekha Valley to witness the majestic Black-necked Cranes against the stunning frosted valley landscape. Watch as these iconic cranes disperse across the valley at dawn.

The rest of the day will be dedicated to exploring the rich birdlife throughout Phobjekha Valley, a prime birdwatching destination in Bhutan.

Overnight: Phobjekha

We’ll start early with birdwatching along the old road at Pelela Pass, exploring meadows and rhododendron forests that are home to Himalayan Monal, Laughingthrushes, Parrotbills, Grosbeaks, Rosefinches, and other striking species. With some luck, we may spot the rare Bar-winged Wren Babbler and Scaly-breasted Cupwing.

In the afternoon, we head to Punakha to visit the historic Punthang Dechen Phodrang (Punakha Dzong), the coronation site of Bhutan’s first king and the winter residence of the chief abbot.

Before settling in, we’ll explore the Punatsangchhu River, known for diverse waterfowl and shorebirds such as Ibisbill, River Lapwing, and winter migrants like Ruddy Shelduck.

Overnight: Punakha

Experience an exciting day of birding in the pristine wilderness of Jigme Dorji National Park. Key species include the striking Red-headed Trogon, rare Wallcreeper, elusive Chestnut-headed Tesia, and the unique Spotted Elachura, an extraordinary bird representing its own avian family.

Other highlights may include Niltavas, Yuhinas, Forktails, Whistling Thrush, Laughingthrushes, Barbet, Kingfisher, and the majestic Pallas’s Fish Eagle. Alongside birding, you’ll also enjoy the rich diversity of broadleaved forest flora.

Overnight: Punakha

Travel from Punakha to Thimphu, ascending through mixed evergreen and broad-leaved forests to the scenic Dochula Pass (3,140m). En route, enjoy a nature walk in Lamperi Botanical Park, where we’ll look for species like Brown Parrotbill, Scimitar Babbler, Woodpeckers, and Laughingthrushes.

At Dochula Pass, admire panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas and the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, symbolic stupas celebrating Bhutan’s peace and progress.

In the afternoon, explore downtown Thimphu at your leisure with options for light birdwatching or cultural sightseeing, including the Giant Buddha Statue, Weekend Market, and Craft Market.

Overnight: Thimphu

After breakfast, we drive about 90 minutes from Thimphu to the base of the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) in Paro. Perched 200 meters above the valley on a cliffside, this sacred site has attracted pilgrims for over 1,200 years.

The 4-hour hike includes a rest stop at a tea house before the final ascent, offering stunning views and a deeply peaceful experience.

After the trek, enjoy a relaxing evening exploring Paro town.

Overnight: Paro

Begin early with a drive to Chelela Pass (3,890m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan, renowned for sightings of Himalayan Monal, Blood and Kalij Pheasants. Other bird highlights include Woodpeckers, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Bush Robin, Eurasian Nutcracker, Himalayan Bluetail, and Scimitar Babbler.

Return to Paro for lunch, followed by birding along the Paro River in search of the elusive Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, River Lapwing, and Black-tailed Crake.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at a local farmhouse, experiencing authentic Bhutanese hospitality and culture.

Overnight: Paro

As your Bhutan adventure concludes, we warmly thank you for choosing Wild Nature Quest as your travel partner. We hope your journey was filled with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories