Bird Watching Tour

General Information:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring is ideal for birdwatching in Bhutan, with blooming plants and active birdlife.
• Altitude: The trip covers a wide range of altitudes, from 3,000 to 13,000 feet.
• Clothing: Prepare for both high-altitude and sub-tropical climates with appropriate layers and rain gear.
• Photography: Always be respectful when photographing people, especially in religious or private settings.

  Birdwatching Highlights:

• Paro Valley: The woodlands near Drukgyel Dzong are home to species like the Black-faced Laughingthrush and Kalij Pheasant.
• Chelela Pass: High-altitude birding with opportunities to see the Monal Pheasant and Himalayan Griffon.
• Tango-Cheri Valley: Evergreen oak forests where you may spot the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Fire-tailed Myzornis.
• Dochula Pass: Rich biodiversity with colorful species like the Fire-tailed Myzornis and Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird.
• Punakha & Wangdue: Mixed broadleaf forests with chances to see the White-bellied Heron.
• Ura Valley: Sub-alpine habitats offering sightings of Rufous-breasted Accentor and Snow Pigeon.
• Mongar to Trashigang: Diverse birdlife in mixed broad-leaved forests, including Ward’s Trogon and Gold-naped Finch.
• Samdrup Jongkhar: Sub-tropical birding with species like the Crimson Sunbird and Blyth’s Kingfisher.

      Cultural Insights:

• Dzongs: Bhutan's dzongs are fortress-like structures that serve as religious, military, administrative, and social centers. You’ll visit several, including Punakha Dzong and Trashigang Dzong.
• Local Interaction: Engage with locals during your village visits in Ura and Trashigang. These encounters provide a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture and daily life.
• Respectful Practices: When visiting religious sites or interacting with monks and locals, be mindful of Bhutanese customs, such as removing shoes before entering temples and refraining from photographing certain religious objects.

      Travel Tips:

• Health: Carry altitude sickness medication if you’re prone to it, and stay hydrated.
• Communication: English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Dzongkha phrases can enhance your experience.
• Currency: Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (BTN). Indian Rupees are also widely accepted.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though it may be slower in more remote areas.

This 12-day journey offers an unparalleled experience of Bhutan’s rich biodiversity, combined with its unique cultural heritage. Enjoy every moment of this birdwatching adventure in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Spring is the best time of the year to view flowering plants and the birds after nestling out freely from the cold winter months. This itinerary begins in Western Bhutan in the valley of Paro where the country’s only airport is located and will take you across the magical Kingdom through Eastern Bhutan and into the Indian State of Assam. Day 01: Arrival in Bhutan (B/L/D) You will arrive in Paro, Bhutan in the morning on Druk Air, the National Airline of Bhutan. In the afternoon we will explore the beautiful valley of Paro. We will continue birding northwards towards the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong. The valley of Paro is mainly Blue Pine Forests not so favourable for bird life but the woodlands around the Drukgyel Dzong area will provide us a good indication of the great variety that is to come in the next three weeks. Some of the common species that can be seen in this area include, Black-faced laughing thrush, Chestnut-crowned laughing thrush, Brown Parrot bill, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Common Kestrel, Kalij Pheasant, White-collared Blackbird, Grey-backed Shrike. The more elusive birds that we may just locate are some marshland species such as the Black-tailed Crake and the Solitary Snipe. Paro is at an elevation of – 7600 feet. The vegetation is temperate with mainly blue pines canopy cover. Overnight in Hotel, Paro. Day 02: Birding at Chelela pass and evening drive to Thimphu (B/L/D) It takes about 90 minutes to the Chelela pass and hence we should start early. The road winds upwards through blue pine forests which slowly changes to higher elevation conifers such as spruce, hemlock, silver fir, juniper and finally at the summit the vegetation is mainly dwarf rhododendrons and open alpine meadows. The pass located close to 13000 feet is the highest point in Bhutan along a motorable road. If the weather is clear we get fantastic views of the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and the adjacent Jichu Drake, both of which are well over 20,000 feet. The pass also offers a breathtaking view of the Haa and Paro valleys. The quest for the day will be the incredibly majestic Monal Pheasant. Other birds that we will see are Blood Pheasants, Spotted Laughing thrushes, Himalayan Griffen, White-browed Rose finch and White-throated Redstarts. During our previous trips, we had Collared Grosbeaks respond to our tape and we shall try and see if we can lure them again. After breakfast at the pass we will work our way back down the road and encounter an assortment of Tit species, Red Crossbills, Kalij Pheasants and Yellow-billed Blue Magpies. The vegetation at Chelela pass comprises of pine woodlands and also the only time during the tour where we will be above tree line where the vegetation is mainly alpine scrubs, dwarf rhododendrons (rhododendron cinnabarinum, rho. Lanatum, etc.). Later in the afternoon we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan located at 7700 feet. The vegetation in Thimphu is mainly blue pine. Overnight in Hotel, Thimphu. Drive Paro to Thimphu – 1 ¼ hr (60 km) Day 03: Tango-Cheri valley & Thimphu Sewerage Pond (B/L/D) Like Paro, the Thimphu valley is relatively dry and is surrounded by blue pine forests. To the north of the city, along the religious valley of Tango and Cheri, the vegetation is mainly evergreen Oak forest. A little before the road end we shall stop at a place with rock-bee hives hanging from a cliff to look out for the rare Yellow-rumped honey guide which is one of the globally threatened birds but is relatively easily found in Bhutan. Other birds such as the Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Spotted Nutcracker, Oriental Cuckoo, and Large Hawk Cuckoo are quite common. With some luck we may also encounter the beautiful Fire-tailed Myzornis and the Satyr Tragopan. The latter is more likely to be seen later in our trip. In the afternoon we shall have some free time to wander around Thimphu City and engage ourselves in some cultural activities. Later in the evening we will visit the Sewerage Treatment Plant where, the enigmatic Ibis bill is quite common along with other shore birds such as the Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, White Wagtails, and Brown Dipper. We may even see the elusive Black-tailed Crake, Ruddy-breasted Crake as well as the Common Snipe. The Tango and Cheri area is located at 8500 feet and the vegetation is mostly temperate evergreen forests with Oak, bamboo and pines. Overnight in Hotel, Thimphu. Day 04: Thimphu – Jigme Dorji National Park (Dochula Pass) (B/L/D) We shall depart early for a full morning of birding at the Dochula pass (10000 feet). Here will look out for high elevation, mixed evergreen and cool-broad leaf forests birds. Only would such colorful birds such as the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Red-tailed Minla, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird and the Green-tailed sunbird match the stunning blossoms of rhododendrons and magnolias that dot the entire hillside. The wailing call of the Hill Partridge can be heard everywhere and should provide us with one of the challenges of the morning. The temperate broadleaved forest of rhododendrons and magnolias will soon give way to a semi-tropical zone where banana and orange trees and cactuses grow in abundance. Species to look out for are the Eurasian Tree creeper, Golden Bush-Robin, Niltavas, Eurasian Jay, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Plain-backed Thrush, Great Barbet and perhaps even the rare Ward’s Trogon. The sudden appearance of low elevation species such as Red-vented Bulbuls and Common Myna is a reminder of the astonishing diversity of Bhutan within such short distances. Here the vegetation is mainly Chir pine. We shall spend the rest of the day looking for any migrant waterfowl such as Ruddy Shelduck that may still be enjoying the peace of Bhutan. Today will also be our first attempt to look out for the extremely rare White-bellied Heron. Your host in Bhutan is responsible for initiating the survey of this rare bird through the goodwill of one of their generous clients from their International Crane Foundation trip of November 2002. Since then heron nests has been regularly sighted since 1929. Through very rare elsewhere, the heron has been regularly sighted along the Pho Chu (river). During the non breeding season it is quite easy to spot this bird. Since our visit coincides with the start of its nesting time, it may not be as easily sighted. Another rare bird, we may get as a bonus while looking for the White-bellied Heron is the Palla’s Fish Eagle. Return to hotel in Punakha or Wagdue for overnight. Drive Thimphu to Punakha – 2 ½ hours (80 km) Day 05: Trashithang and Damji Area (B/L/D) The pre-breakfast birding around our camp occurs among vegetation of mainly warm broadleaved forest. We have often sighted a pair of tawny fish owls perched on the tree along the roadside and hence we MUST start early before any vehicles pass by. It is also around this area that a pair of Red-headed Trogons has often been sighted. We shall also continue our quest for the globally threatened White-bellied Heron. It imperative that all group members are always alert as the birds in Bhutan often move in huge mixed flocks and to identify the assortment of warblers is always challenging and yet great fun. Besides, we may also encounter some mammals such as the Takin. It is the national animal of Bhutan. Other animals to see are leopards and wild boars. Along the newly constructed road towards the village of Damji we may explore, and who knows, what may be in store for us. We may find some species that may never have been reported in the region earlier. Later in the evening we will drive to Punakha. If you wish we may consider a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong and then drive towards the Wangdue district where we will be spending the night in a hotel. Overnight in Hotel, Punakha/Wangdue. Day 06: Punakha - Wangdue – Pele la – Trongsa (B/L/D) Today we shall drive to Trongsa via pelela and birding along the road. Highlights of today are possible encounter with three species of Parrot bills (Black-throated, Brown and Great), Brown and Red-headed Bullfinch, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Black-faced warbler, Scarlet Finch, Collared-Grosbeak, Fired-tailed Myzornis, Kalij and  Monal pheasants. The Pele-la pass is located at an elevation of 11,300 feet. The vegetation is sub-alpine conifers and bamboo. Overnight at hotel, Trongsa. Drive from Punakha to Trongsa 4 ½ hours (110 km). Day 07: Trongsa – Ura (B/L/D) Above Trongsa the road climbs through many switchbacks and then it passes through a misty forest of Silver Firs and bamboo on the way to Yotong La (11,234 ft). The drive through magnificent rhododendron and magnolia forest is simply breathtaking. White-browed Fulvettas, Grey crested Tits, Coal Tits, gangs of White-throated Laughing thrush are fairly common. The elusive Fulvous Parrot bill is also a distinct possibility. The Gold-naped Finch has also been spotted here. Once we cross the Yotong La pass, the vegetation diversifies to Spruce and Silver Fir forest with plenty of bamboo undergrowth. As we descend further, it then changes to Blue Pine forest and hence the birdlife is not especially diverse. Strangely, Bumthang is the only district in Bhutan where you find the Black-billed Magpie - nothing really exciting about that but something to take note of nonetheless. We shall spend some time exploring the Bumthang town resembling a cowboy town of the Wild West. Later in the afternoon we drive further east to the beautiful alpine valley of Ura. Ura (elevation 10,000 feet) is a large, compact, and since the advent of potato farming - quite wealthy agricultural village with an attractive temple and cobblestoned “streets.” Beautiful Rose finch, White-browed Rose finch, Red-billed Chough, Spotted Nutcracker, Russet Sparrows, Black-billed Magpie and Rufous-breasted Accentor are some of the rather common birds that can be seen foraging in the open fields. The elevation at Ura is 10,000 feet. The vegetation is of sub-alpine and open habitats. Drive from Trongsa to Ura 4 ½ hours (115 km). Overnight at lodge in Ura. Day 08: Ura – Sengor-Mongar (B/L/D) We leave early in the morning before the flow of traffic (about 10-20 vehicles passing in the entire day is considered rush hour along this road) begins with the hope of catching some of the most beautiful pheasants of the Himalayas feeding along the road. It is not uncommon to see flocks of up to 30 or more Blood Pheasants by the roadside. If lucky we could also see Monal Pheasant as well as the Satyr Tragopan. Flocks of Snow Pigeon have also been frequently sighted flying across the valley or foraging in the farmlands. Near Gyazamchu, in a small wetland along the crystal clear mountain stream, three Wood snipes were sighted during our previous trips and we shall check out the site again. The vegetation during this drive is mainly cool broadleaf and fir forest. The beauty of the landscape against the backdrop of brightly colored rhododendrons in full blossom is unmatched. Near the Thrumsengla pass at 12,500 feet is an in-situ rhododendron garden which has over 20 species of rhododendrons, six of which are endemic to Bhutan. Here we shall check out for the gorgeous Fire-tailed Sunbird and other forest birds such as the Rufous-georgetted and Ultramarine Flycatchers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Red-headed Bullfinch, Collared-Grosbeak, Rusty-flanked and Eurasian Treecreepers, and a several species of Tit species. From the pass it is another hour to the beautiful alpine village of Sengor which is the prime Satyr Tragopan habitat. Besides the Tragopan, other species reported in this area include the Bar-winged Wren Babbler and the Spotted Laughing thrush. The elevation at Sengor is 9000 feet From Sengor, the road along this stretch ranging from the pass at 12,000 feet to just less than 3000 feet is considered good birding circuits as well.  The specialties of this area are: Ward’s and Red-headed Trogon, Scimitar Babblers; Parrot bills, Rufous-necked Hornbill, an assortment of Warblers, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Hill Partridges, Satyr Trogopan, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Sultan and Yellow-cheeked Tits, varieties of Bulbuls, 3 species of Tesias (Chestnut-headed, Slaty-bellied and Grey-bellied), Flycatchers and Laughing thrushes. Overnight at lodge in Mongar at an elevation of 6000 feet. Drive from Ura to Mongar - 6 hours (143 km). Day 09: Mongar – Trashigang (B/L/D) A few miles from the hotel in Mongar will bring us to the Korila pass (2300 meters) where the vegetation is mixed broad-leaved evergreen forests. The expected birds here are Siberian stonechat, Rufus-bellied Niltava, Ward’s Trogon, Gold-naped Finch, Maroon-backed Accentors, etc. We will then proceed towards the town of Trashigang, which used to be the biggest town in Eastern Bhutan until it has recently been overtaken by Mongar. Our drive will take us through the famous Yadi curves, a series of switchbacks passing through the village of Yadi through Chir Pine forest, corn fields and banana groves. Once we have descended to the valley floor the road follows in the opposite direction of the Dangme chu river. At Chazam we turn right over the bridge and climb upwards to the town of Trashigang. We shall spend some time at Trashigang and if you wish we can visit the superbly located Dzong built in 1659. Drive from Mongar to Trashigang - 3 hours (90 km). Overnight at lodge, Trashigang. Day 10: Trashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar (B/L/D) Our quest for the day in this moist broad-leaved forest will be the Cochoa. During one of our tours of 2006, a Green Cochoa just popped up on the roadside while we were trying to lure a pair of Blue-winged Laughing thrush out of the thicket. Other specialties include the Long-tailed Broadbill, Gray Peacock Pheasant and the Red-billed Leiothrix. The mystical Blyth’s Trogopan has been reported along this stretch of road and the hunt is on for every birding tour to be the first to sight it. As we drive further down the vegetation is sub-tropical and corresponding species like the Hill Myna, Wreathed Hornbill and long-tailed Sibia should be expected. Later in the evening we proceed to the town of Samdrup Jongkhar for a night in the hotel. Overnight in Hotel, Samdrup Jongkhar. Drive from Trashigang to Samdrupjhonkar: 6-7 hours (180 km). Day 11: Samdrup Jongkhar (B/L/D) Since the town is right at the border with India, we will drive back into Bhutan and explore the sub-tropical forest above Samdrup Jongkhar or drive further uphill. We will enjoy picnic lunch during break. We should encounter several species of Cuckoos, Black-naped Monarch, Crimson Sunbird, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Red-collared Dove, Dollarbird, Red-headed Trogon and the Wreathed and Great Hornbill. The globally threatened Blyth’s Kingfisher has also been found in this region. Return to Samdrupjhonkar for night halt at the hotel. Day 12: Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati (B) After breakfast, you will bid goodbye to your Bhutanese crew and proceed to Guwahati airport for onward onward destination. Drive from Samdrupjhonkar to Guwahati - 3 hours (110 km).