17 Days 16 Nights
Bhutan
3250 Feet
Cold
Bhutan is a paradise for bird lovers with over 770 recorded species, and many more yet to be discovered. The country is also home to critically endangered species such as the White-bellied Heron, and numerous threatened and vulnerable species including the Satyr Tragopan, Beautiful Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Ward’s Trogon, Black-necked Crane, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Grey-crowned Prinia, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blyth’s Tragopan, Wood Snipe, and Dark-rumped Swift.
The best birding seasons in Bhutan are spring, autumn, and winter in southern Bhutan. The country boasts a remarkable environmental record, maintaining 72% of its natural forest cover, with 51.44% of the land area falling under protected areas. Bhutan features diverse elevations ranging from 150 meters to over 7,400 meters, divided into three main ecological zones: Alpine Zone (Above 4000 meters): Characterized by alpine meadows. Temperate Zone (2000 to 4000 meters): Featuring coniferous or cool broadleaf forests. Subtropical Zone (150 to 2000 meters): Rich in subtropical broadleaf forests.
The highlight of the tour is the Near Threatened Ward's Trogon (Lophophorus impejanus). The 17-day tour package explores western, southern and central Bhutan, with a small part covering eastern Bhutan.
Drive for approximately 1.5 hours to Thimphu. Birding or relaxing depending on your flight schedule. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters.
Drive approximately 1 hour to Dochula Pass at an elevation of 3,150 meters. Hike down to Lamperi Botanical Park for morning birding amidst Rhododendron and mixed cool broadleaved forests. Then, continue driving to Punakha for an overnight stay. Punakha is situated at an elevation of 1,200 meters.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Tashithang for morning birding in the warm broadleaved forest, then return to Punakha to visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It serves as the winter residence for the central monastic body and houses the district administrative offices. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River).
Drive approximately 6 hours to Gelephu elevation approximately 200 meters. Visit the White-bellied Heron Captive Breeding Center and the information center at Chanchey Tserang. Journey through the Chirpine forest, exploring the critically endangered, White-bellied Heron along the Punatshangchu River. Stop at Darachu for birdwatching to observe subtropical birds such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Crested Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Broadbill, and Scarlet Minivet. Overnight stay in Gelephu
Drive approximately 4 hours to Tingtibe, passing through Tamala Pass at an elevation of 1,700 meters. Enjoy birdwatching along the way through cool broadleaved, warm broadleaved, and subtropical forests. Tingtibi is located at the boundaries between Royal Manas National Park in the south and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park in the north. Overnight stay in Tingtibe, situated at an elevation of approximately 600 meters.
Drive approximately 4.5 hours to Panbang, exploring along the way within the Royal Manas National Park. Tingtibi is located at the boundaries between Royal Manas National Park in the south and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park in the north. Overnight stay in Panbang, 150 meters.
In the morning, birdwatch from Panbang to the Royal Manas National Park camp. Park is known for its rich biodiversity, including a diverse range of bird species. The park has recorded over 350 species of birds. Then drive to Pantang via Panbang. Overnight stay in Panbang, at an elevation of approximately 150 meters.
Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Nganglam, enjoying birdwatching along the way through subtropical broad-leaved forests within the park. Overnight stay in Nganglam, at an elevation of approximately 200 meters.
Drive for 4.5 hours to Mongar, enjoying the journey through subtropical broadleaved forests for about 1 hour. As you continue, the vegetation changes to Chirpine forests on rocky slopes along the Kuri/Gongri river.
Drive approximately 4. hours to Yonkola via Korila Pass 2,450 meters. Hike down to Ngatasng to search for Ward's Trogon in the cool broadleaved forest, which takes about 2.5 hours on foot. Continue driving to Yonkola for an overnight stay. Elevation is approximately 1,700 meters.
Birding around Yongkola, a popular birding hotspot in eastern Bhutan, allows nature enthusiasts to enjoy exploring the habitat of the Beautiful Nuthatch and Ward's Trogon. Yongkola is also known as a birding paradise for nature and bird enthusiasts. Overnight stay in Yongkola.
Drive for 5 hours to Bumthang, there are chances to encounter the Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, and Himalayan Monal en-route. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Drive approximately 5 hours to Phobjikha via the Yotongla Pass, the country's third highest motorable road at 3,250 meters. You'll also cross the Pelela Pass at 3,200 meters elevation. From Gangtey, hike down to Phobjikha Valley, the largest marshland in Bhutan protected under the Ramsar Convention and Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Center. Overnight stay in Phobjikha at 2,600 meters elevation.
Drive for 5. 5 hours to Paro via Pelela Pass, explore Pheasant habitat such as Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant and including alpine birds. Overnight stay in Paro. 2,200 meters.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chelela Pass, reaching elevations up to 3988 meters, the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Enjoy birding through the subalpine mixed conifers (Eastern Himalayan fir, Spruce and Hemlock and Larch) and cool broadleaved forests. Then, drive back to Paro for an overnight stay.
You may have some free time in Paro for last-minute shopping or birdwatching around Paro Valley, depending on your flight schedule.
from $240.00
$230.00
