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Bhutan Birding Odyssey
Tour Overview
Our most comprehensive 20-night and 21 days birding tours are guided by our senior birding guide with long years of experience in guiding international birding clients for the past many years. This tour starts in the southeast of Bhutan entering from the Indian state of Assam working our way to a central, bit of south, and eventually finishing in the western part of Bhutan.
On this tour, we’ll cover a wide variety of habitats and all the main birding sites in the country at a very comfortable pace. You can experience the elevation from 150m up to 3890m
You will likely see all the key species of Bhutan including four species of Pheasants, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill, five species of Parrotbills, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and Beautiful Nuthatch, one of the most sought-after specialties of the Bhutan avifauna. We will also focus on the super skulker species like Tesias, Shortwings, and Wren Babbler. All in all, we will show you over 320 birds and 10 – 15 species of mammals such as three species of langurs, including the nearly endemic Golden Langur. Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, and Himalayan Goral.
Other highlights include a visit to Bhutan’s most scenic icon and a most important destination for pilgrimages Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most beautiful and impressive Punakha Dzong, and visiting a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local hospitality.
Tour Outline
Day 1 | Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu. In the evening, enjoy an introductory birdwatching session in and around Thimphu. Overnight: Thimphu |
Day 2 | Travel from Thimphu to Punakha, with a morning birdwatching stop at Dochula. En route, take a bird walk through the heart of the Lamperi Botanical Garden. Later, visit the Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha. |
Day 3 | Spend a full day birdwatching in Jigme Dorji National Park along the Mochu River. Overnight in Punakha. |
Day 4 | Travel from Punakha to Tsirang with multiple birdwatching stops along the way. Overnight in Tsirang. |
Day 5 | Journey from Tsirang to Gelephu with morning birdwatching along the Darachu stretch. In the evening, explore birding opportunities around Gelephu for lowland species. Overnight in Gelephu. |
Day 6 | Spend a full day birdwatching around Gelephu, focusing primarily on lowland species that may not be seen again during the trip. Overnight in Gelephu. |
Day 7 | Travel from Gelephu to Tingitbe, passing through diverse habitats and altitudes, while targeting a variety of bird species. Overnight in Tingitbe. |
Day 8 | We’ll spend the entire day birdwatching along the Tingitbe–Dakphel and Gomphu road, a popular route known for hosting many fascinating species. Overnight in Tingitbe. |
Day 9 | Today, we’ll head south to Tingtibe along the road leading to Bhutan’s oldest national park, Royal Manas National Park, with several birdwatching stops along the way. Overnight in Panbang. |
Day 10 | Spend a full day exploring the surroundings of Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest national park. The park is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including rare species like the golden langur. We will have the chance to spot a wide range of species, from hornbills to kingfishers. Overnight in Panbang. |
Day 11 | Today, our journey takes us through some of the most remote and least explored regions of the country. This area offers a great opportunity to spot rare and lesser-known bird species, many of which are seldom seen elsewhere in Bhutan. Overnight in Nganglam. |
Day 12 | Though primarily a transit day, the morning will be spent birdwatching in some of the finest subtropical forests, home to an incredible diversity of species. These forests are known for their rich biodiversity, offering the chance to spot colorful birds like trogons, broadbills, and barbets. Overnight in Yongkala. |
Day 13-14 | We will spend two days birdwatching along the entire stretch of the Namling–Yongkala and Limithang road, widely regarded as one of the finest birding sites in Asia. This area is renowned for its rich diversity of bird species and stunning landscapes. Overnight in Yongkala. |
Day 15 | After an incredible birding experience in this region, we’ll begin our ascent, heading to higher altitudes in search of unique high-altitude species. This climb offers the chance to spot elusive birds like blood pheasants, Himalayan monals, and laughingthrushes. Overnight in Sengor. |
Day 16 | We will spend the morning birdwatching around Phrumshengla, a high-altitude haven for species like the Satyr tragopan, snow pigeons, and rufous-breasted bush robins. Afterward, we’ll drive through one of Bhutan’s most scenic routes to reach Bumthang, known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance as the spiritual heartland of the country. Overnight in Bumthang. |
Day 17 | Drive from Bumthang to Phobjekha, with several birdwatching stops along the way. If interested, we can also visit cultural sites in Trongsa. In the evening, enjoy birdwatching around the Lawala Pass, a known habitat for black-necked cranes during the winter season. Overnight in Phobjekha. |
Day 18 | In the early morning, we’ll head to the old, abandoned Pelela road, known for its diverse population of high-altitude species. This lesser-traveled route provides an excellent birding opportunity in a serene environment. Overnight in Paro. |
Day 19 | We’ll have another early start as we head to Chelela Pass, the highest point of our trip. In the evening, we’ll enjoy birdwatching along the Paro River and explore small patches of wetland, searching for species that thrive in these habitats. Overnight in Paro. |
Day 20 | Today, we’ll embark on a cultural tour to visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang. Perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters (10,240 feet), this breathtaking site is not only a spiritual retreat but also a significant piece of Bhutan’s history, believed to be the meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. In the evening, enjoy some free time to stroll around downtown Paro, where you can explore local shops and savor traditional Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight in Paro. |
Day 21 | Departure |
What to Expect?
This birding tour will be on selected sites that do not pose any threats such as steep slopes. During these trips, you should expect yourself to walk at least 6-7 kilometers on average per day
Like elsewhere, the best time for watching birds is in the morning. You can expect an early start in the morning most of the time. However, a couple of very early mornings are required to look for high elevation dwelling Pheasant that comes out to the roadside early in the morning.
Accommodation on this tour is generally simple but comfortable. The hotels are generally spacious, clean, and comfortable, built-in westernized Bhutanese style, and all rooms have private facilities. However, due to the limited availability of good lodges and hotels in some remote parts of the country, you will spend a couple of nights in basic hotels or tented camps.
Inclusion
What is Included?
- • All internal taxes and charges (including SDF)
- • Accommodation on twin sharing basis
- • All meals, tea, snack and bottled water
- • All travel with a licensed local birding guide
- • All surface transfers by a private vehicle
- • Camping equipment and haulage for camping and trekking tours
- • All entry fees to monuments, Museum and National Parks
- • Bhutan Visa Fee
What is not Included?
- • Optional tours/excursions, personal & incidental expenses.
- • Tips, laundry, phone calls, and bars.
- • International and domestic air fare, and insurance
Guide Details
Sherab Dorji, after completing his high school education, was selected to be an archer for the Bhutan Olympic Committee. As an archer, he traveled to many different countries representing Bhutan in both regional and international competitions. This great opportunity gave him the chance to become very familiar with other cultures.
He occasionally began to take some trips into the wilder areas of Bhutan with Norbu his cousin during his free time as an archer and he started to fall in love with nature. He then decided to quit his profession as an archer and became a full-time birding guide. He was also fortunate to be chosen as one of the several guides to receive special, extensive bird watching training given by well-known American birder Tom Stephenson (Co-Author of The Warbler Guide).
Today, Sherab is one of the top-grade birding guides in the country with many years of guiding experience in guiding international birding clients.
Review
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21 Days
Price and Availability
From
USD
6,150
/Per Person
Based on twin/double room
Tour Map
Tour Facts
Availability:
Space Available
Group Size:
08
Duration:
21 Days
Activity Level:
Moderate Days
Guide Language:
English