Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, located at an altitude of 2,350 meters. Along the scenic drive, enjoy introductory birding through riverine forests and agricultural landscapes that characterize the Paro and Thimphu valleys.

Key Bird Species to Watch: Ibisbill, Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Redstart, Rufous Sibia, Russet Sparrow, and Eurasian Tree Sparrow, among others.

Overnight: Thimphu

Start your day early with a drive to Dochula Pass (3,100m), a popular birding and sightseeing spot known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas and rich forests filled with conifers and rhododendrons. Enjoy birding along the pass before descending into the warm and lush Punakha Valley (1,250m), home to subtropical broadleaf forests and river habitats.

Key Bird Species to Watch: Spotted Laughingthrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Blue-fronted Redstart, Hodgson’s Redstart, Great Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, and a variety of tits, waterfowl, and shorebirds.

Overnight: Punakha

Depart from Punakha and journey southward toward the district of Tsirang, passing through a rich mixture of warm temperate forests and subtropical vegetation zones with a diverse range of habitats from river valleys and farmlands to dense forests.

Key Bird Species to Watch: The critically endangered White-bellied Heron, Wallcreeper, Blue Rock Thrush, Himalayan Prinia, Common Green Magpie, and several species of Barbets and Woodpeckers.

Overnight: Tsirang

Continue your journey as you descend into the southern lowlands of Gelephu (200m), located along Bhutan’s border with Assam, India. This region marks a dramatic transition into tropical and subtropical moist forests, interspersed with grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats, offering some of the best lowland birding in Bhutan.

Key Bird Species to Watch: Indian Peafowl, Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Red Junglefowl, Red-headed Trogon, Long-tailed Sibia, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, along with a wide variety of Waterfowl and Shorebirds.

Overnight: Gelephu

Today, drive northeast from Gelephu, ascending gradually through the Tamala–Tingitibe road, a quiet and less-explored birding corridor in Bhutan. This route winds through pristine subtropical to temperate broadleaf forests.

Key Bird Species to Watch: Himalayan Cutia, Sultan Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-breasted Piculet, among many others.

Overnight: Tingitbe

Spend two full days birding in the remote and biologically rich forests surrounding Tingitbe. This region, stretching across a wide range of elevations, features pristine cool broadleaved and evergreen forests, often with dense bamboo undergrowth.

Key Bird Species to Watch: Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Pale-headed Woodpecker, Pale-billed Parrotbill, White-hooded Babbler, and a potential second opportunity to spot the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.

Overnight: Tingitbe

Today is primarily a transition day, but we will make regular stops along the way to explore bird activity, especially for missed targets or interesting mixed flocks that appear along the forested stretches and valleys.

By late afternoon, we will arrive in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. This timing allows us to witness the Black-necked Cranes as they begin to gather at their traditional roosting sites,

Overnight: Phobjekha

Begin the day with an early morning drive to Pelela Pass. We’ll explore the old abandoned road, which winds through open alpine meadows and rhododendron forests.

After a rewarding morning of birdwatching, continue our journey toward Paro, with carefully selected birding stops along the way to maximize chances of spotting any remaining target species.

Key Bird Species to Watch: Himalayan Monal, Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Alpine Accentor, Rufous-breasted Accentor, White-throated Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart, and more.

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.