We will meet you upon arrival at Guwahati Airport and begin our journey toward Samdrup Jongkhar, driving through the fertile plains of Assam. En route, we’ll make a special stop at the Guwahati dumpsite a known location to observe two rare stork species: the Great Adjutant and Lesser Adjutant.

In the evening, enjoy an introductory birding session around Samdrup Jongkhar, offering your first glimpse into Bhutan’s rich avifauna.

Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

Today is dedicated to birding along the 18-kilometer stretch between Samdrup Jongkhar and Dewathang. This route passes through lush subtropical evergreen forests and rocky stream beds, offering excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of lowland species rarely seen elsewhere on the tour.

Key species may include Wreathed and Great Hornbills, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Dark-rumped Swift, Black-backed Forktail, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Red-headed Trogon, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbills, and various bulbuls, leafbirds, prinias, and warblers.

Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

We begin the day with an early morning drive toward Wamrong, ascending through the eastern Himalayan foothills. From Wamrong, we board on a roughly three-hour uphill trek along a narrow mountain trail to reach Pheasant Mountain.

While there are limited designated birding stops along the way, we will remain attentive and flexible, pausing whenever necessary to observe any important or rarely encountered species that may not appear again during the journey.

Overnight: Pheasant Mountain

We will spend two full days exploring the pristine habitats in and around Pheasant Mountain. This area offers not only exceptional birding but also breathtaking scenery, with shifting clouds rising from the valleys below and dramatic sunsets fading over the ridgelines.

Our primary focus will be on locating two of Bhutan’s most sought-after and range-restricted Pheasants, Blyth’s Tragopan and Temminck’s Tragopan, both of which are not found elsewhere in the country. Other notable species we may encounter include Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, Brown-throated Fulvetta, various Minlas, Woodpeckers, and a rich diversity of laughingthrushes.

Overnight: Pheasant Mountain

After a final morning birding session in search of the two rare pheasant species, we begin our descent along the same mountain trail we hiked previously. Upon reaching the roadhead, our vehicle will be waiting to take us onward to Trashigang.

Along the way, we’ll remain alert for noteworthy species such as Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and a variety of tits and warblers, among others.

Overnight: Trashigang

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey toward Yongkala. The initial stretch takes us south of Trashigang, following the Drangme Chu River through a charming landscape of open habitats, cultivated fields, scattered rural settlements, and chir pine forests.

By late morning, we will reach Korila Pass, where we’ll enjoy birding in the lush mid-elevation forests. This area is rich in mosses, lichens, and rhododendrons, providing an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species.

Among the highlights we may encounter are Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Chestnut-crowned and Gray-sided Laughingthrushes, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Himalayan Buzzard, Common Kestrel, and the elusive Ward’s Trogon. Additional possibilities include Himalayan Bulbul, flocks of White-crested Laughingthrush, Green-billed Malkoha, and Long-tailed Minivets. This route also offers one of the best chances to spot the Goral, a rare mountain goat-antelope.

Overnight: Yongkala 

Over the next two days, we will explore the entire stretch of the Namling–Limithang Road, renowned as one of Bhutan’s most bird-rich routes. This journey passes through a wide range of habitats, including scrubland, subtropical forests, cultivated valleys, cool and warm broadleaved forests with dense undergrowth, and extensive bamboo groves in the mid-elevation zones.

These diverse ecosystems support an exceptional variety of birdlife. Key target species include the Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, and Rufous-necked Hornbill, along with an impressive array of fulvettas, babblers, tits, parrotbills, wren-babblers, and many others.

Overnight: Yongkala

We begin our ascent to higher altitudes early in the morning, aiming to encounter Bhutan’s high-elevation bird species. Our morning birding will focus on the lower slopes and meadows at the base of Phrumshingla Pass, where habitats range from open alpine meadows to dense thickets of spruce, hemlock, fir, and rhododendron.

Key target species include Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Golden and White-browed Bush Robins, Great Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and Himalayan Bluetail, along with a variety of tits, yuhinas, and warblers.

Overnight: Bumthang

Today, we continue our journey westward, traveling through the historic town of Trongsa to reach the picturesque Phobjikha Valley celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich birdlife. If interested, an optional detour can be made to visit the serene Tharpaling Monastery, set amidst a tranquil alpine setting.

Birding en route and in the valley may reveal key species such as Himalayan Monal, Black-rumped Magpie, Snow Pigeon, Beautiful Rosefinch, Brown Parrotbill, and Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, among many others.

Overnight: Phobjikha

We begin the day with an early departure, setting off toward Pelela Pass, one of Bhutan’s high-altitude birding highlights. The morning will be spent birdwatching along an old, rarely used mountain road that winds through open alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering ideal habitats for several sought-after species.

Birds we will be targeting include Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Black-faced and Spotted Laughingthrushes, White-browed and Dark-rumped Rosefinches, White-browed Fulvetta, Chestnut-tailed and Red-tailed Minlas, Red-headed Bullfinch, and many others.

Overnight: Paro

Morning birding at the alpine meadows of Chelela Pass, followed by wetland and riverside birding in the Paro Valley in the evening.

Key species likely to be observed include three species of pheasants: Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, and Blood Pheasant, as well as Collared and White-winged Grosbeak, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, Alpine and Rufous-breasted Accentor, Black-faced and Spotted Laughingthrush, Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, River Lapwing, Black-tailed Crake, and many more.

Overnight: Paro

Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most revered spiritual sites. Evening visit to a traditional farmhouse with a hot stone bath and dinner.

Overnight: Paro

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Farewell and safe travels.