Bhutan Birding Tour 6 Days

We begin with an early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan’s sole international airport. The flight offers a scenic view of the Himalayas, and if the weather permits, it will be a truly remarkable experience. After clearing immigration, we will drive through the expansive Paro Valley, making several stops along the way to search for bird species like the Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, or potentially a regional specialty such as the Rufous-fronted Tit. We will spend the night in Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital.

We will depart eastward from Thimphu, ascending the western slopes of Dochu La, the first of several mountain passes. As we enter the pristine forests of hemlock, fir, oak, and blooming magnolias and rhododendrons, we’ll encounter diverse bird species in feeding flocks. Notable sightings may include the elusive Hill Partridge or Satyr Tragopan, a feisty Nutcracker, a Golden Bush-Robin, a pristine Cutia, or even the stunning Fire-tailed Myzornis. Recently, we’ve also had the chance to spot the rare Ward’s Trogon, one of Bhutan’s most sought-after birds.

Our birding will mainly take place along quiet paved roads, with minimal traffic. We’ll venture off onto side trails a few times, while our Bhutanese guides will prepare lunch. Afterward, we will head to our lovely hotel near Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital. Enjoy an overnight stay in the Punakha area.

Today, we will explore the winding channels of the Mo Chhu River and the bird-filled subtropical forests near Tashitang. This area offers a great variety of bird species, including the elusive White-bellied Heron, one of Bhutan’s rarest birds. We may also spot more Ibisbills, along with a range of forest birds such as the Bay Woodpecker, Red-headed Trogon, Wedge-tailed Pigeon, and possibly three species of forktails. Other sightings might include the Yellow-vented Warbler, Fire-capped Tit, and White-gorgeted Flycatcher.

In addition, we’ll search for skulkers such as the Lesser Shortwing, Spotted and Pygmy Wren-Babblers, and two of the three species of tesias. We will return to our accommodation for an overnight stay near Punakha.

As we continue east, we’ll make several brief stops to scan the river for Pallas’s Gull and Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, as well as to check the forest edges and explore small areas of cultivation. About an hour before reaching our destination, we’ll enter a particularly productive forest where we’ll search for three stunning pheasants: the Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and the majestic Himalayan Monal.

Other potential sightings include the Spotted Laughingthrush, Rufous-vented Tit, White-browed Bush Robin, and White-winged Grosbeak. Our guesthouse for the night is beautifully located right next to Gangtey Gompa, in the heart of the Phobjika Valley. Enjoy an overnight stay in Gangtey.

Departing from Gangtey, we’ll retrace our route briefly before heading over the Pele La Pass into central Bhutan. Below the pass, we’ll pass through a stand of ringal bamboo stretching for about three miles, where we’ll search for specialties like the Great and Brown Parrotbills, as well as the Golden-breasted Fulvetta, considered one of the most beautiful passerines in the world.

We’ll arrive in Trongsa by evening, giving us a chance to admire Bhutan’s largest and most impressive dzong (fortress-monastery). Overnight stay in Trongsa.

After breakfast, we begin our drive back to Paro, making a brief stop at Wangdue Dzong, a major town and district headquarters in Western Bhutan. We’ll take a short break to admire the dramatic location of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, perched on a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu rivers, before continuing our journey to Paro via Dochola Pass.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to Paro airport where your Bhutanese guide will bid you farewell. Wishing you a pleasant journey as you head back home.