This week-long birding tour explores Bhutan’s most accessible and rewarding ecological zones — spanning boreal forests, riverine valleys, alpine meadows, and subtropical lowlands. It blends carefully timed birding with cultural experiences, including visits to monasteries, royal landmarks, and scenic passes. Expect to observe a broad range of species: Himalayan endemics, high-altitude specialists, vulnerable raptors, riverine foragers, and forest jewels such as Ward’s Trogon, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and Ibisbill. The itinerary is paced for birders of all skill levels, with built-in flexibility based on sightings and local conditions.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights | Season: Spring, Autumn | Focus: Himalayan birdlife, forest habitats, alpine ecosystems, cultural highlights | Altitude Range: 1,300m – 3,780m
Your flight into Bhutan offers sweeping views of snow-bound Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, your local guide welcomes you at the airport. After check-in, begin birding along the Pa Chhu riverbanks. Species adapted to glacial valleys and rivers include:
– Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, Rosy Pipit
– Hodgson’s Redstart, Siberian Stonechat
– Green and Common Sandpipers, Common Hoopoe
– Wallcreeper (seasonal), Citrine Wagtail, Russet Sparrow
– Himalayan Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Grey-backed Shrike
Overnight: Paro (2,300m)
Early departure for Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable pass at 3,780m. This boreal forest
and alpine meadow zone hosts unique montane species:
– Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant
– Satyr Tragopan, Snow Pigeon, Red-tailed Minla
– Yellow-browed Tit, Spotted Laughingthrush, Dusky Thrush
– Alpine Accentor, Plain Mountain Finch, White-browed Bush Robin
– Collared and White-winged Grosbeaks, Red-headed Bullfinch
After picnic breakfast and continued birding, descend toward Paro and transfer east into Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu (2,300m)
Dawn ascent to Dochu La Pass (3,150m) for panoramic views and early alpine birding:
– Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous Sibia, Lemon-rumped Warbler
– Grey-crested Tit, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, White-collared Blackbird
Continue to the Royal Botanical Park in Lampelri where mixed woodlands offer:
– Ward’s Trogon, Scarlet Finch, Blue-fronted Robin (shy)
– Fire-capped Tit, Red-billed Leiothrix, Maroon-backed Accentor
– Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Blue-fronted Redstart, Eurasian Jay
Late afternoon arrival in Punakha.
Overnight: Punakha (1,300m)
Begin in the subtropical forest corridor of Tashithang Valley (1,600m) within Jigme Dorji National Park.
Birding highlights include:
– Red-headed Trogon (rare), Mountain Hawk Eagle
– Greater Yellownape, Spotted Elachura, Nepal Fulvetta
– Tesias: Grey-bellied, Slaty-bellied, Chestnut-headed
– Little Forktail, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Hair-crested Drongo
In the afternoon, visit the 17th-century Punakha Dzong — Bhutan’s historic winter seat of monastic authority, located at the scenic confluence of two rivers.
Later explore the Pho Chhu valley, targeting the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and the globally threatened Pallas’s Fish-Eagle.
Overnight: Punakha
Morning birding along Puna Tsang Chhu for wetland and migratory waterfowl species:
– Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Tufted Duck
– Great-crested Grebe, Common Kingfisher, Pallas’s Gull (rare)
– Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Goosander
– River Lapwing, Long-billed Plover, Richard’s Pipit
En route to Paro via Menchuna forest patch, take a short walking trail to seek:
– Golden Bush Robin, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Slaty Blue Flycatcher
– Scaly Thrush (White’s Thrush), Pygmy Wren Babbler
Stop briefly at Dochu La Pass for landscape photos before reaching Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Ascend to Bhutan's cultural icon, perched 600m above the Paro Valley. The trail supports mixed mid-elevation forest birds such as:
– Himalayan Buzzard, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Eurasian Jay
– Green-tailed Sunbird, White Wagtail, Tree Sparrow
Near the monastery’s cliffs and waterfall, look for:
– Snow Pigeon, Altai Accentor, White-capped Water Redstart
– Little Forktail, Spotted Nutcracker, Brown Parrotbill
– Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, White-browed Fulvetta
Return via the same trail in the afternoon. A farewell dinner will be arranged at your hotel.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your outbound flight.
– 3*** hotel or Homestay with three meals
– Professional cultural and trekking Guide
– SUV and 4×4 Truck with experienced driver.
– Tea and bottle water throughout the trip.
– Hot stone Herbal bath
– Monumental & National Park fees
– Visa fees
– SDF Fees (SDF Sustainable Development Fees directly paid to Govt)
– Sleeping Tent
– Sleeping bag if required
– Sleeping Mat
– Solar lamp in dining and kitchen tent.
– Pillow, Inner Blanket & Hot water bag.
– Dinning Tent & Dining sets.
– Kitchen Tent & Kitchen Sets
– Toilet Tent, Pot & Paper.
– Horse for Luggage
– All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
– Medical / Travel Insurance.
