Bird Watching Tours in Bhutan

Bird Watching Tours in Bhutan

Thujidrag Gompa, Thimphu

Birds of Bhutan Tours is a daring journey filled with excitement, fun and satisfaction. In this itinerary you will explore some of the beautiful birds of Thimphu, Tsirang, Phobjikha, Punakha and Paro. This tour is what every bird enthusiast will love. From fire-tailed myzornis, oriental turtle dove and ruddy shelduck, the birders will have a variety of species to observe and capture them. Though bird watching can often be a task calling for wonderful patience, the sight of a beautiful bird in its natural environment is exhilarating and makes all effort absolutely worth this beautiful trip. If you are interested in this trip, Heavenly Bhutan Travels (HBT) is at your disposal. Bird Watching Tours in Bhutan

Day 01: Arrival in Paro- Thimphu (1.5 hrs)
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. Tachongang Lhakhang– En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. Chuzom– Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Day 02: Thimphu- Tsirang (5 hrs drive)
The route from Thimphu to Tsirang is quite scenic; one will see Dochula Pass & one of the largest hydro power projects in the country being constructed. After the break at Dochula Pass, the road descends into Wangdue & further to Tsirang taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. The few minutes’ drive through the tunnel will fascinate you. Dochula Pass– The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Bird-watching at Dochula Pass– Out of many birds, some of the birds seen are fire-tailed myzornis, rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, rufous-breasted bush robin, black-eared shrike babblers, grey-winged blackbird, white collared blackbird and gold-billed magpie. Rigsum Pemai Dumra– This recreational park is located in the Heart of the Damphu town. the park serves as a rejuvenating getaway for many tired souls, and also promises to offer you the chance to develop an intimate connection with nature. Overnight at Tsirang, altitude 2000m

Day 03: Birding in Tsirang
Tsirang is noted for its rich biodiversity however it is one of the few dzongkhags without a protected area. Tsirang is one of the birding spot in Bhutan, the bird watching point is just above the national highway near Sankosh bridge. Bird watching at Tsirang– Spot birds like oriental turtle dove, long tail turtle dove, common myna, grey treepie, common redstart, paddyfield pipit, blue whistling thrush, Jungle Babbler, Black eagle, spotted Forktail, etc. Overnight at Tsirang

Day 04: Tsirang- Punakha (3 hrs drive)
Drive through quiet and peaceful forest to Punakha. Enjoy the bird watching at Sankosh river and enjoy few minutes ride through the tunnel. The drive will pass through the construction of hydro power which might be little dusty. Bird watching at Sunkosh– Explore birds like white bellied heron, brown dipper, water plumbous redstart, river lapwing, etc. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Day 05: Birding in Punakha
Punakha is often referred as second capital having best Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha has the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas, listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Bird watching at Tashithang – There are chances to see  great barbet, barred cuckoo dove, magpie robin, palla’s fish eagle, osprey, river lapwing, ruddy shelduck, mallard duck, common merganser, pied kingfisher, white crested kingfisher, red-vented bulbul, kalij pheasant, orange bellied leaf bird, common buzzard, great cormorant, crested bunting, etc. Bird watching at Po Chhu River–  You can see White- bellied Heron, Owlet, Osprey, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Yellow- bellied Fantail, White- throated Familtail, Speckled piculet, etc. Overnight in Punakha

Day 06: Punakha- Phobjikha (3 hrs)
The road to Phobjikha passes through old town of Wangdue taking us through the black mountain region into Gangtey. The drive also passes through some of the most beautiful forests, water fall, hills, river and villages and Pelela pass before stepping into Phobjikha. Enjoy the most scenic and adventurous drive today. Bird watching at Pele La Pass– The Pele La pass is famous for Pheasants like Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Brown Parrot bill, and Maroon-backed Accentor. Bird watching in Nobding- Some of the birds you can see enroute to Pobjikha are Yellow-rumped Honey guide, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Scarlet minivet, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Yellow- bellied Fantail, etc. Bird watching in Phobjikha– The birds found here Alpine Accentor, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Scaly Thrush, Tickell’s Thrush, Fire-capped Tit, Amur falcon, Blue Rock Thrush, Black-faced Laughing thrush, Spotted Laughing thrush, Fire-breasted Flower pecker, Black billed magpie, Red billed chough, spotted nutcracker, himalayan griffon etc. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m

Day 07: Phobjikha- Paro (5 hrs drive)
As we say good bye to the Asian Switzerland, we will retrace the journey back to Thimphu crossing over Pelela, Wangdue, Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas. Bird watching at Lamperi Botanical Garden– The Royal Botanical Park is the country’s first nature recreational park, to preserve the rich natural biodiversity of the area. You will be able to spot some rare Himalayan birds such as Great Parrotbill, Darjeeling woodpecker, streak-breasted scimitar babbler, eurasian jay, strong-footed bush warbler, chestnut-crowned and spotted laughing thrushes. Bird-watching at Pa Chu– You will be able to find water birds like Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, etc. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Day 08: Paro Sightseeing
Home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Blessed with beautiful weathers throughout the year and world famous and most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage Taktsang is located in Paro. Chele La Pass- Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with the stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. Bird watching at Chele La Pass– There are chances of spotting pheasants: Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasent, There is also a chance of sighting Fire-tailed Sunbird, Beautiful Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak, Collared Grosbeak, Cold Tit, Grey bushchat as well. Overnight in Paro

Day 09: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Gompa/Tiger’s Nest Temple– is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Some of the birds you can see on the way are snow pigeon, yellow bellied blue magpie, white throated laughing thrush, rufous sibia, etc. Overnight in Paro

Day 10: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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