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3988 Feet

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9 Days Black-necked Crane Tour

Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang 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
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Overview

The highlight of the tour is the Vulnerable, Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis). The 9-day tour package covers only the western parts of Bhutan.
Black-necked Cranes are winter visitors to Bhutan, with the Phobjikha valley being the largest wintering ground in the country where over 600 individuals spend their winter. They begin migrating into the valley from the Tibetan Plateau from late October through December and depart for their summer breeding grounds by February. The Black-necked Crane holds strong cultural and ecological significance in Bhutan. Local communities organize the Black-necked festival to welcome the heavenly birds to their wintering ground. The festival is held on November 12 to honor the birth anniversary of the fourth King of Bhutan.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 - Arrive at Paro international airport
Day 1: Arrive at Paro international airport
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 - Travel from Thimphu to Punakha
Day 2: Travel from Thimphu to Punakha
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 through Chirpine forest, where you will stay overnight. Punakha is situated at an elevation of 1,200 meters.
Day 3 - Travel from Punakha to Tashithang
Day 3: Travel from Punakha to Tashithang
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Tashithang for a day-long birding experience in the warm broadleaved forest, then return to Punakha for an overnight stay.
Day 4 - Travel from Punakha to Phobjikha
Day 4: Travel from Punakha to Phobjikha
Drive to Tsekathang to explore White-bellied Heron feeding habitat side and observe the water along the Phuchu river (male river), return to Punakha and 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).
Day 5 - Phobjikha to Pelela pass
Day 5: Phobjikha to Pelela pass
Drive approximately 1 hour to Pelela Pass at an elevation of 3,200 meters to explore Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, and alpine birds. Then, return to Gangtey and hike down to Phobjikha Valley, the largest marshland in the country, which is protected under the Ramsar Convention. Visit Black-necked Crane information center. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.
Day 6 - Travel from Phobjikha to Paro
Day 6: Travel from Phobjikha to Paro
Drive approximately 5.5 hours to Paro via Pelela Pass to explore Pheasant habitat areas such as Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Peasant and alpine birds and enjoying birding along the way. Overnight stay in Paro. 2,200meters.
Day 7 - Travel from Paro to Chelela Pass
Day 7: Travel from Paro to Chelela Pass
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chelela Pass, reaching elevations up to 3,988 meters, the highest motorable road in Bhutan and a prime spot for pheasant spotting, such as the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and Kalij Pheasant. Enjoy birding through the subalpine mixed coniferous forests (Eastern Himalayan fir, spruce, hemlock, and larch) and cool broadleaved forests. Return to Paro for an overnight stay.
Day 8 - Travel from Paro to Tiger’s nest
Day 8: Travel from Paro to Tiger’s nest
Hike for approximately 2.5 hours uphill to Tiger’s Nest, 3,15 meters. Enjoying birdwatching along the way in the oak, Blue Pine and Rhododendron Forest. Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s iconic landmarks, perched on a cliff. The cave was discovered by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who flew from Tibet riding on a tigress, believed to be his consort appearing in the form of a tigress. Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave for three years. The temples were built in the 17th century by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 9 - Depart from Paro international airport.
Day 9: Depart from Paro international airport.
You may have some free time in Paro for last-minute shopping or birdwatching around Paro Valley, depending on your flight schedule.

Cost Info

FAQ

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