Attributes

Height

3988 Feet

Weather

Cold to Moderately Cold

7 Days Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Tour

Paro, Punakha, Thimphu Birding Tour

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.

Overview
Itinerary
Gallery

Overview

The Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Tour Package is a 7-day birding adventure in western Bhutan, focused on spotting the near-threatened Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and other fascinating bird species. The journey begins with an arrival at Paro, followed by a scenic drive to Thimphu, where visitors can relax or start birdwatching based on their schedule. Birding continues around Thimphu, including visits to Dodina and the Babesa sewage pond to observe local water birds. The tour then proceeds to Punakha via Dochula Pass, offering opportunities to explore Lamperi Botanical Park's diverse forests. In Punakha, participants enjoy birding at Tashithang and visit the historic Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, offers insights into Bhutan's cultural heritage and stunning architecture.

The package concludes with a drive back to Paro, with birdwatching stops along the way and a visit to the National Museum, which displays Bhutanese artifacts and artwork. A day trip to Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan, offers a chance to observe bird species in subalpine conifer forests. The final day provides an opportunity for last-minute shopping or birdwatching in Paro Valley before departure. Throughout the journey, guests are immersed in Bhutan's rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and cultural sites, all while searching for the elusive Yellow-rumped Honeyguide.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 - Arrive at Paro international airport. 2,200 meters
Day 1: Arrive at Paro international airport. 2,200 meters
Drive for 1.5 hours to Thimphu. Birding or relaxing depending on your flight schedule. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters.
Day 2 - Birding around Thimphu
Day 2: Birding around Thimphu
Drive 45 minutes to Dodina for morning birding in the cool broadleaved and blue pine forest. Then, continue to Babesa sewage pond to observe water birds. Optional: shopping in town. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3 - Travel from Thimphu to Punakha
Day 3: Travel from Thimphu to Punakha
Drive for an hour to Dochula Pass at an elevation of 3,150 meters. Hike down to Lamperi Botanical Park for morning birding through 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.
Day 4 -Punakha Tashithang
Day 4: Punakha Tashithang
Drive1.5 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 district administrative offices. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River).
Day 5 - Travel from Punakha to Paro
Day 5: Travel from Punakha to Paro
Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Paro, enjoying birding along the way. Visit the National Museum, also known as Ta Dzong, built in 1649 by Paro Penlop (Governor) Tenzin Drukdra to protect the Paro Rimpong Dzong. Converted into a museum in 1968, it showcases Bhutanese cultural heritage, religious artifacts, artwork, and textiles.
Day 6 - Paro to Chelela Pass and Return Paro
Day 6: Paro to Chelela Pass and Return Paro
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chelela Pass, reaching elevations up to 3,988 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.
Day 7 - Depart from Paro International Airport
Day 7: Depart from Paro International Airport
You may have some free time in Paro for last-minute shopping or birdwatching around valleyParo Valley, depending on your flight schedule.

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from ~~$240.00~~ $230.00

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