If time permits, enjoy an introductory birding session in and around Samdrup Jongkhar, exploring the town’s surroundings for a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich lowland birdlife. This is a perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of the country’s common and regional bird species at the start of your journey.

Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

Enjoy a relaxed full-day birding experience between Samdrup Jongkhar and Dewathang, covering an 18 km stretch of road that winds through lush subtropical evergreen forests. With elevations ranging from 150 to 500 meters, this biodiverse zone offers excellent opportunities to spot a wide variety of lowland and foothill bird species, making it an ideal start to your Bhutan birding adventure.

Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic journey into the mountains with a morning birding stop in Morong, a prime location for spotting several key Eastern Himalayan bird species. Continue the drive toward Trashigang, with multiple birding stops along the way through diverse forested habitats, offering excellent opportunities for both forest and mid-elevation species.

Overnight: Trashigang

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin our journey toward Yongkala, one of Bhutan’s premier birding hotspots. En route, enjoy birding at Korila Pass, known for its mid-elevation forest species. The remainder of the day will be dedicated to exploring the lower Limithang Road, a globally renowned birding route celebrated for its rich biodiversity and sightings of rare Eastern Himalayan species.

Overnight: Yongkala

Over the next two days, we will thoroughly explore the entire 77-kilometer stretch from Namling through Limithang Road to Phrumshingla Pass, all within the pristine Phrumshingla National Park. This renowned route is celebrated as one of the finest birding destinations in Asia, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe rare and diverse Eastern Himalayan bird species in their natural habitat.

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.

Overnight: Nganglam 

Spend a full day exploring the largely untouched forests and serene streams surrounding Nganglam, one of Bhutan’s least explored birding destinations. This area offers a diverse range of habitats, providing excellent opportunities to discover rare and endemic bird species in a pristine natural setting.

Overnight: Nganglam

Today’s journey to Panbang leads you through rich bamboo forests and lush lowland habitats, known for their impressive diversity of bird species. The relatively short drive allows ample time for birding along this scenic route. In the evening, enjoy birding near the outskirts of Manas National Park, a biodiversity hotspot with unique avifauna.

Overnight: Panbang

Today, we depart from Panbang and journey through the scenic Mangde Chu River Valley toward Tingtibe. The route passes through diverse habitats, including lush lowland and tropical evergreen forests. Enjoy planned birding stops at prime locations such as bamboo groves and riverbanks, offering excellent opportunities to spot a variety of rare and endemic bird species.

Overnight: Tingtibe

Spend a full day birding along the Dakphel and Gomphu Roads, renowned habitats for many striking and rare bird species. Along Gomphu Road, several lookout points provide excellent vantage spots to scan the Mangde Chu River, a critical habitat for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and other riverine wildlife.

Overnight: Tingtibe

Start early with a scenic ascent to Tamala, descending through a rich mosaic of habitats ranging from warm broadleaf forests to subtropical and cool forests. This elevation gradient offers excellent opportunities to observe a diverse array of bird species. Later, explore the Gelephu sewage ponds and surrounding fields, prime wintering grounds for numerous ducks, waders, and waterfowl.

Overnight: Gelephu

Begin your morning with birding around the rich lowland habitats of Gelephu, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of low-elevation species. From there, journey towards Tsirang, gradually ascending from the subtropical plains into lush, warm broadleaf forests. The drive offers excellent birding opportunities along the way, with plenty of stops to observe Bhutan’s diverse avifauna in different habitats.

Overnight: Tsirang

Board a scenic journey from Tsirang to the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley. The route follows the upstream course of the Punatsangchhu River, offering excellent opportunities to spot the critically endangered White-bellied Heron along the riverbanks. After crossing Wangdue Phodrang, the road ascends into the highlands of Phobjekha, where the unforgettable calls of the majestic Black-necked Cranes welcome you into this pristine glacial valley, one of Bhutan’s most important wintering grounds for these iconic birds.

Overnight: Phobjekha

Spend the morning birding along the old, abandoned road at Pelela Pass, a highland hotspot known for its unique alpine species. Afterwards, continue your journey to Paro, descending through varied landscapes. En route, make a rewarding stop at the Punatsangchhu River Basin, an important wintering habitat for a variety of ducks, waders, and other waterfowl.

Overnight: Paro

Begin the day with an early drive to Chelela Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, renowned for its stunning mountain views and rich birdlife. Here, we will focus on spotting high-altitude specialties, including various species of pheasants, as well as rosefinches, accentors, and other alpine birds. In the evening, enjoy birding along the Paro River and nearby wetland patches, offering chances to observe riverine and wetland species in a serene valley setting.

Overnight: Paro

Today is dedicated to a cultural highlight of Bhutan, a hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley. This iconic site offers not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking views and a memorable trekking experience. In the evening, visit a traditional Bhutanese homestay to enjoy authentic local cuisine and unwind with a rejuvenating hot stone bath, a unique Bhutanese wellness tradition.

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.