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Elusive Heron Expedition
Tour Overview
This short tour of 6 nights and 7 days was designed for our customers who are particularly interested to see the White-bellied Heron, a critically endangered bird with a population of 60 individuals worldwide, and The Magnificent Black-necked Cranes with a population of a few thousand in the world.
Bhutan has the highest population of the White-bellied Heron, 28 individuals have been reported from Bhutan and Bhutan is also one of the population winter destinations for the Black-necked Cranes.
On this tour, apart from the White-bellied Heron and Black-necked Cranes, you will also likely some of the Wintering migrants including Wallcreeper and Thrushes. Forktails, Ducks, Waders, and residents species such as rare and most sought-after species like Ward’ Trogon, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Ibisbill, and Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. All in all, we will show you over 170 birds on this tour. Other highlights include the visit to some of the ancient beautiful fortress and the temple
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 Regal and imposing Paro Rimpung Dzong
Tour Outline
Day 1 | Upon arrival in Paro, transfer to Thimphu. In the evening, engage in birdwatching activities around Thimphu. (Overnight stay: Thimphu) |
Day 2 | Travel from Thimphu to Punakha with birdwatching stops at Dochula Pass and Lamperi Botanical Garden. In the evening, enjoy birding along the Punakha River. (Overnight stay: Punakha) |
Day3 | From Punakha to Tsirang, make various stops for birdwatching along the route. In the evening, dedicate time to search for the White-bellied Heron along the Punatshangchu River. (Overnight stay: Tsirang) |
Day 4 | Engage in a full day of birdwatching in and around Tsirang, exploring key sites such as the Punatshangchu River and the forest along the Darachu. (Overnight stay: Tsirang) |
Day 5 | Birdwatching journey from Tsirang to Paro with stops along the route. Spend the evening birding along the Pa Chu River and exploring small patches of wetland around Paro. (Overnight stay: Paro) |
Day 6 | A full day dedicated to birdwatching at Chelela Pass. |
Day 7 | Paro to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Embark on a hike to Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s renowned 17th-century monasteries. Evening: Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to immerse in local hospitality. |
Day 8 | Departure: After breakfast at hotel our representative, your tour guide and drive will drive you to the airport and bid you good-bye |
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.
This trip coincides with the Himalayan winter. The weather will generally be cool and clear, which offers a better chance to view the high Himalayas ranges. Mornings and evenings could be especially cool; the temperature is likely to be below zero degrees Celsius
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
Pema Dawa comes from a remote village in the central part of Bhutan. it is a privilege to be born and brought in a place where forest coverage is one of the highest in the country. his love for nature started from a very young age guided by many elder generations in his village who have a piece of good knowledge of nature.
After He graduated from Sherubtse College, the oldest university in Bhutan. due to his love for nature, he decided to become a nature guide. He is also one of the few guides who received special training on nature guides conducted by the Ugyen Wangchuk Institue on Conservation and Environment. Apart from being a full-pledged birding guide he also has good knowledge of botany and has successfully led many botanical tours as well.
Review
/5
Upon returning home this week, I’m filled with gratitude for the excellence and kindness of my wonderful bird guide, Pema, and skilled driver, Om. With an eagle’s eyesight, Pema would notice the flea on a monkey’s eyelash in the dark! And as Om expertly navigated past large trucks on one-lane, ice-coated roads with sheer drop-offs and no guardrails, I never once felt unsafe! Tour agency founder and senior guide, Norbu, handled my pre-trip inquiries and trip arrangements (including obtaining my visa and airline tickets). He was also responsible for setting me up with these two wonderful men. We saw a total of 110 bird species in a week in what could be considered “off-season!” On top of the amazing birding, Pema identified gorgeous flora (only for a few trees or flowers did he “have to get back to me” with the name and always did) and spotted a Eurasian Otter, Assam Macaques, an Orange-bellied Squirrel, and a Himalayan Yellow-throated Martin. We visited spectacular temples (where I always felt welcomed), forts, and stupas, and stayed in exquisite resorts with fantastic views. Everything about my trip through “Off to Bhutan Travel” was top rate and I cannot wait to visit again! When I do, I will be requesting Pema and Om again!
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8 Days
Price and Availability
From
USD
2,550
/Per Person
Based on twin/double room
Tour Map
Tour Facts
Availability:
Space Available
Group Size:
08
Duration:
8 Days
Activity Level:
Easy Days
Guide Language:
English