Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our expert birding team. From here, enjoy a drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city. If time permits, we’ll begin our birding adventure with a light afternoon walk around Thimphu’s forest edges and open areas.

Highlight Bird Species: Rufous Sibia, Grey-backed Shrike, Eurasian Nutcracker, Green-tailed Sunbird, Russet Sparrow, and Eurasian Tree Sparrow are among the common species often seen on this introductory birding day.

Overnigh: Thimphu

Start the day with an early departure for Punakha, ascending to the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m). Begin your morning birdwatching session around the pass, where cool temperate forests host a rich diversity of Himalayan birdlife. After breakfast at Dochula, continue birding as we descend to Lamperi Botanical Garden home to exciting flora and excellent birding trails.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, beautifully located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers.

Key Bird Species: Spotted Laughingthrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Great Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, and a variety of Yuhinas and Tits.

Overnight: Punakha

Today is dedicated to birding in the lush, pristine broadleaf forests of Jigme Dorji National Park one of Bhutan’s premier birding destinations. This rich habitat supports a remarkable diversity of Himalayan bird species and is ideal for spotting elusive forest dwellers.

Key Birding Highlights: Look out for all three species of Forktails, Little Forktail, Slaty-backed Forktail, and Spotted Forktail. Other exciting species include the rare Spotted Elachura, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Bay Woodpecker, Great Yellownape, and Lesser Yellownape. The forest also teems with colorful Fulvettas, Minlas, and various species of Tits, offering superb bird photography opportunities.

Overnight: Punakha

Enjoy a beautiful drive through Bhutan’s mid-elevation forests, making frequent birding stops along the way. These rich temperate woodlands are a haven for birdwatchers, offering excellent chances to spot a variety of rare and colorful Himalayan bird species.

Key Bird Species: Look out for Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Himalayan Cutia, Blyth’s Shrike-Babbler, and both Long-tailed and Short-billed Minivets. The route also hosts a variety of Warblers and Fulvettas, making it a rewarding stretch for forest birding.

Overnight Stay: Phobjekha

We start the day with an early morning departure, heading toward the picturesque Pelela Pass. The first part of the day will be dedicated to birding along an old, abandon  road that winds through open alpine meadows and rhododendron forests habitats that support a variety of high-altitude Himalayan bird species. After our morning birdwatching session, we continue the drive onward to Bumthang.

Target Species: Highlights 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 more.

Overnight Stay: Bumthang

An early morning departure is crucial today, as dawn provides the best opportunity to spot Bhutan’s iconic pheasants foraging along the roadside before they retreat into dense forest cover. The day will be spent birding at high elevations, through habitats characterized by rhododendron understory and ancient coniferous forests.

Target Bird Species: This region is known for sightings of Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, and the dazzling Himalayan Monal. Other highlights include Fire-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Great Parrotbill, and a wide variety of tits, warblers, and other high-altitude songbirds.

Overnight: Sengor.

Today, we begin our descent toward Yongkala, traveling through what is widely regarded as one of the finest birding regions in all of Asia. The journey takes us through a rich assortment of habitats, including subtropical forests, bamboo thickets, cool and warm broadleaf woodlands, and cultivated farmlands each offering unique birding opportunities.

Target Species: Along this spectacular route, we will search for notable species such as Ward’s Trogon, Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, Hoary-throated Barwing, and Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, along with a diverse range of Warblers, Tits, Parrotbills, Laughingthrushes, Fulvettas, and many others.

Overnight Stay: Yongkala

Spend two full days birding along the legendary Yongkala–Limithang stretch, renowned as one of Asia’s most rewarding birdwatching routes. This region is celebrated for its rich avian diversity and excellent forest habitats ranging from subtropical to warm broadleaf zones.

Key Bird Species: Target highlights include Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Long-billed Wren-Babbler, and a variety of Laughingthrushes, Flycatchers, Babblers, and Barbets. This area is a true haven for dedicated birders and nature enthusiasts.

Overnight: Yongkala

Today’s long drive along the dramatic Nganglam–Gyalpoizhing road offers limited birding due to rugged terrain and narrow cliffside routes. By late afternoon, we descend into rich subtropical forests near Nganglam, where birdwatching resumes.

Target Species: Blyth’s Kingfisher, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Long-tailed Broadbill, Orange-bellied and Golden-fronted Leafbirds, several Drongo species, three types of Hornbill, and the Black-backed Forktail.

Overnight: Nganglam

Today’s journey to Panbang takes us through diverse bamboo forests and lush lowland habitats, home to a wide range of bird species. Along the way, we may encounter three hornbill species, Coral-billed and White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Red Junglefowl, Leafbirds, sunbirds, Owlets, Spiderhunters, and Various Warblers and Flycatchers.

Highlights: Look out for Asian Fairy Bluebird, Common Green Magpie, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Black-hooded Oriole, several Parrotbills, and Flycatchers like Rufous-gorgeted, White-gorgeted, and Pale Blue. We’ll also search for rarities such as the Rufous-vented Laughingthrush and may hear the elusive Gray Peacock-Pheasant.

Overnight: Panbang

Today, we depart from Panbang and travel along the picturesque Mangde Chu river valley toward Tingtibe. The route winds through lush lowland and tropical evergreen forests, with planned birding stops at key habitats, including bamboo groves and riverbanks.

Target Species: We expect a rich mix of tropical birds such as Red-headed Trogon, Pale-headed and Bay Woodpeckers, various Barbets, Green pigeons, Leafbirds, Drongos, Shrikes, Sunbirds, Bulbuls, and several Flycatcher species, including Blue-throated Blue, Pale Blue, and Little Pied Flycatchers.

Overnight: Tingtibe

Begin the day at dawn with birding along the Dakphel–Tingtibe road, exploring cool and warm broadleaf forests in search of the elusive Beautiful Nuthatch. Other notable species include Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills, Himalayan Cutia, a variety of Minlas, Nuthatches, and striking Laughingthrushes.

In the afternoon, continue birding along the Gomphu road, where highlights may include White-hooded Babbler, several woodpecker species, Scimitar Babblers, warblers, drongos, and possibly raptors like the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl and Tawny Fish Owl. We’ll also scan the Mangde Chu valley for the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron one of the rarest birds in the world.

Overnight: Tingtibe

Start early with a scenic ascent to Tamala, followed by a descent through diverse habitats ranging from warm broadleaf to subtropical and cool forests. Along this elevation gradient, watch for a wide array of bird species, including Black and Crested Serpent Eagles, Long-tailed Broadbill, Maroon Oriole, various Drongos, Laughingthrushes, Parrotbills, Hornbills, and colorful Flycatchers.

Later, explore the wetlands and fields near Gelephu, targeting waterbirds such as Red-wattled and Yellow-wattled Lapwings, Lesser Whistling Ducks, White-breasted Waterhen, various Sandpipers, Egrets, and Herons. Rare sightings may include Lesser Adjutants and Black-naped Ibis.

Overnight: Gelephu

Begin the day driving through Bhutan’s lowland plains bordering India, where you can spot species like Great and Wreathed Hornbills, Indian Roller, Indian Peafowl, Lapwings, Kingfishers, Jungle Babbler, Leafbirds, Asian Fairy Bluebird, and various Herons.

As you ascend toward Tsirang, birdwatch in cool and warm broadleaf forests, with opportunities to see the elusive Beautiful Nuthatch, multiple barbet species, Himalayan Cutia, Scarlet Finch, Yellownapes, Sibias, babblers, and the vibrant Red-headed Trogon.

Overnight: Tsirang

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.

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