This 18-day birding journey across Bhutan offers an in-depth exploration of the kingdom’s diverse habitats—from lowland tropical forests to high Himalayan passes. Designed for keen birders and nature enthusiasts, this itinerary takes you off the beaten path to discover Bhutan’s rich biodiversity, with excellent chances to encounter endemics, globally vulnerable species, stunning mountain vistas, and unique cultural heritage.
– Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
– Start point: Guwahati (India)
– End point: Paro (Bhutan)
– Route: Guwahati – Samdrup Jongkhar – Deothang – Trashigang – Yongkola – Bumthang – Trongsa – Tingtibi – Panbang – Gelephu – Paro
– Habitats covered: Tropical broadleaf forest, subtropical scrub, mid-elevation rhododendron woods, high alpine zones
– Trip focus: Birding (core target species and rare vagrants), butterfly and mammal sightings, cultural landmarks, scenic high passes
– Key targets: Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Ibisbill, Satyr Tragopan, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Himalayan Monal, Snow Pigeon, White-bellied Heron, and many more
– Arrival: Land at Guwahati Airport where your Laughingthrush Adventure (LA) representative greets you warmly.
– En Route Birding: Stop at the Guwahati dumpsite and Dipor Bil wetland—prime locations for lowland specialties:
Greater & Lesser Adjutants
– Purple Heron, Asian Openbill
– Pied Kingfisher, Purple Swamphen, Bronze-winged Jacana
Cross into Bhutan: Upon reaching Samdrup Jongkhar, your Bhutanese guide processes your visa and welcomes you to the kingdom.
Hotel Grounds Birding: Explore lush surroundings for species like:
Red Junglefowl, White-rumped Shama
Asian Koel, Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Yellow-vented Flowerpecker
Night Search: Scan for nocturnal wonders such as Oriental Scops Owl and the rare Large-tailed Nightjar.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar (400m)
– Morning Expedition: Explore rich lowland forest hosting brilliant avian gems:
– Afternoon Highlights: Encounter mixed flocks and forest dwellers:
– Butterflies & Orchids: The area is rich in flora and insect diversity—an added charm for nature lovers.
– Overnight: Deothang (800m)
– Forest Climb: Ascend through sub-tropical broadleaf forests.
– Morong Valley Stop: Scan for Bhutan rarities:
– Mountain Pass Birding:
Overnight: Druk Deothjung Resort, Trashigang (1,100m)
– Yadi Loops & Kore La: Climb a dizzying series of switchbacks into cool broadleaf forests.
Look for: Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Scarlet Finch, Fire-capped Tit
– Scenic Stops: Mongar town walk and birding breaks en route to Yongkola.
Overnight: Trogon Villa Yongkola (1,800m)
Departing Yongkola, we ascend through the lush Namling region, a birder’s dream filled with high-altitude specialties.
Morning Birding – Namling & Sengor Forests
– In the cool broad-leafed forests, look for altitudinal rarities like:
Thrumshing La (3,799m) – Roof of Bhutan
Evening in Bumthang Valley
Overnight: Kailas Guesthouse or similar, Bumthang (2,800m)
We begin at Tharpaling Monastery, a sacred site where birds and monks coexist peacefully.
Early Morning Monastery Birding
– Look out for:
– Road to Trongsa via Yotong La (3,450m)
– Cultural Stop in Trongsa
Overnight: Trongsa (2,000m)
Descend into rich subtropical forests, home to Bhutan’s Endangered Golden Langurs and stunning avifauna.
Morning Highlights Forest birding en route for:
– Look out for elusive gems:
Afternoon in Warmer Tingtibi (700m)
– Birding hotspots include:
Overnight: Tingtibi (700m)
Journey into Bhutan’s tropical lowlands and national treasure: Royal Manas National Park
Morning – Bamboo Forests & Riverine Habitats
– Birding along the Tingtibi–Panbang road:
– Midday – Core Zone Exploration
– Explore the depths of Royal Manas NP for:
Possible sightings of all 4 Bhutanese hornbills around lodge
– Owling walk may reveal:
Overnight: Panbang (400m)
Begin the morning birding near the Manas National Park office in Panbang, focusing on species typical of this tropical zone. Highlights may include:
Additional species encountered may include Grey-hooded Warbler, Bank Myna, Blue-winged Minla, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Plain Flowerpecker, Eurasian Collared Dove, Striated Yuhina, Cattle Egret, and House Sparrow.
The forests here are known for mammal sightings such as Asian Elephant, Golden Langur, Wild Water Buffalo, Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Indian Palm Civet, and Sambar.
After breakfast, retrace the road to Tingtibi, making strategic birding stops en route.
Overnight: Tingtibi (700 m)
Begin the day at Tama La Pass (1,660 m), a productive elevation for mid-hill birding.
Key species likely to be encountered include:
Raptors at this elevation may include Oriental Honey Buzzard and Shikra. Look for a pair of Yellow-rumped Honeyguides near nesting sites of Giant Rock Bees.
Descending toward Gelephu through the changing forest landscape, watch for:
Upon arrival in Gelephu, a short night drive may produce Brown Hawk Owl, Indian Scops Owl, Spotted Owlet, and if fortunate, Oriental Bay Owl.
Overnight: Gelephu (250 m)
Start with morning birding at the Gelephu sewage pond. Target species here include:
Regular wetland birds: Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, White-breasted Waterhen, River and Yellow-wattled Lapwings, Common and Green Sandpipers
Later, explore the Tsirang road, where mixed farmland and scrub host a wide range of tropical birds:
Overnight: Gelephu (250 m)
Take a scenic 25-minute flight to Paro, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan snow peaks.
In Paro, visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), a 17th-century fortress famously featured in the film Little Buddha. Cross the picturesque Nyamai Zam bridge adorned with prayer flags, followed by birding along the Chele La road.
Target species here include:
Overnight: Paro (2,300 m)
Embark on a half-day hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 600 meters above Paro Valley.
The ascent (approx. 740 meters round trip) offers excellent cultural and birding opportunities:
From the viewpoint, descend into the gorge and climb to the monastery, where cliff-side habitats may yield:
After visiting, retrace the trail back to the valley floor.
Overnight: Paro (2,300 m)
An early morning departure takes us through high-altitude boreal forests en route to Chele La, the highest point of our tour. Dawn birding may reveal Grey Nightjar perched roadside.
At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas including Mount Jhomolhari (7,219 m) and Jichu Drake (6,989 m), with sweeping vistas into Paro and Haa valleys.
Although many of Bhutan’s target birds may already be seen, Chele La offers additional chances for stunning sightings and photography of:
Raptors may include:
Look also for the localized Brown Parrotbill, active in bamboo patches near the road.
After breakfast, we will continue birding the Chele La area before descending gradually to Paro. A final stop by the Pa Chhu river offers an excellent opportunity to observe the enigmatic Ibisbill, a mega target for Himalayan birders.
Other notable birds in this area include:
Conclude the evening with a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: similar, Paro (2,300 m)
After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey. Your Bhutanese birding adventure concludes with memories of spectacular landscapes, rare species, and immersive cultural experiences.
– Bhutan tourist visa processing and fees
– All accommodation in Bhutan (twin sharing) at recommended birding lodges/guesthouses
– All meals in Bhutan, including hot picnic breakfasts and farewell dinner
– Transportation by private vehicle with driver throughout Bhutan
– Services of experienced Bhutanese birding guide and local tour leader
– Bottled mineral water during travel and birding walks
– Entry fees to parks and monasteries listed in itinerary
– Airport transfers in Guwahati and Paro
– Domestic flight from Gelephu to Paro
– Sightseeing and cultural excursions as detailed
– International flights to and from Guwahati and Paro
– Travel insurance
– Camera permits at certain cultural sites (if applicable)
– Beverages and snacks beyond provided meals
– Tips for guides, drivers, or lodge staff
– Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, etc.
– Costs arising from unforeseen delays or route changes
