Birding Tour Guides in Bhutan

Birding Tour Guides in Bhutan

TashiChhoe Dzong, Thimphu

This 13-days Tour offers a first-hand opportunity to experience both of the bird watching tours & natural wetlands distributed in western, central & eastern parts of Bhutan, going up to the high altitude from where you can literally indulge yourself in the wonderful birding-world, then you will see how beautiful your life would be with this trip. Bhutan possesses the unparalleled natural beauty and is famous for trekking, hiking, rafting and cultural sightseeing. But besides all this, Bhutan is considered to be the spectacular destination in the world for bird watching. Do not miss to book Birding Tour Guides in Bhutan with Heavenly Bhutan Travels (HBT). Birding Tour Guides in Bhutan. 

Day 01: Arrival in Paro- Thimphu (1.5 hrs drive)
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 on 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- Punakha (2 hrs drive)
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. 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. Birdwatching 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. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. 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, altitude 1350m

Day 03: Punakha- Tsirang (3 hrs drive)
Drive through quiet and peaceful forest to Tsirang. The drive will pass through the construction of hydro power which might be little dusty. Enjoy the bird watching at Sunkosh river and enjoy few minutes ride through the tunnel. Bird watching at Sunkosh– Explore birds like white bellied heron, brown dipper, water plumbous redstart, river lapwing, etc. Bird watching in 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 in Tsirang

Day 04: Tsirang- Gelephu (3 hrs drive)
Enjoy the drive through warm valley. Roadside bird watching is possible along the route in the forest.  Gelephu comprise of sub-tropical broadleaved forest. Birding in the forest– Spot birds like Nuthatch, Pied Falconet, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Sultan Tit, Black-backed Forktail, Red-headed Trogon, Black Eagle, Jungle Babbler, Grey-sided Laughingthrush. Later drive to Gelephu. Overnight in Gelephu, altitude 450m

Day 05: Birding in Gelephu
Gelephu have diverse vegetation that are home to rich flora and fauna & is home to many species of birds. Gelephu is one of the best places to see migrating birds from higher altitude, as well as from India. Bird watching in Gelephu– Find birds like Pied Falconet, Jungle Babbler, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Wreathed and Great Hornbill, Puff-throated Babbler, Indian Roller and more. Overnight in Gelephu

Day 06: Gelephu- Zhemgang (4 hrs drive)
Enjoy the drive from Gelephu to Zhemgang. Zhemgang is mostly prestine with undisturbed forest; it will cover subtropical and warm broadleaf forest. One can never get rid of various birds and Zhemgang has been called as birder’s paradise. Bird watching in Tingtibi– You get chances to spot Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, Crested Buntings, Long-tailed Shrikes, Rufescent and Striated Prinias, Rufous headed Woodpeckers, Common Green Magpie, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Common Kestrel, Rufous-necked. Also look for rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Greater racket-tailed drongo. Further drive to Zhemgang. Overnight in Zhemgang, altitude 1050m

Day 07: Birding in Zhemgang
Enjoy the drive from Gelephu to Zhemgang. Zhemgang is mostly prestine with undisturbed forest; it will cover subtropical and warm broadleaf forest. One can never get rid of various birds and Zhemgang has been called as birder’s paradise. Bird watching in Zhemgang– You get chances to spot Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, Crested Buntings, Long-tailed Shrikes, Rufescent and Striated Prinias, Rufous and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Common Green Magpie, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Rufous-necked. Also look for rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. Further drive to Zhemgang. Overnight in Zhemgang, altitude 1050m

Day 08: Zhemgang- Trongsa (3 hrs drive)
As we proceed to Trongsa, you can do bird watching along the way. Trongsa falls at the centre of Bhutan and was considered crucial in controlling the kingdom in ancient history due to its strategic position of the district and particularly Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa is the perfect spot for excellent professional birding. Bird watching along the way– We get chance to see Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Steak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Grey-bellied Tesia, Crested Buntings, Long-tailed Shrikes, Prinias, Rufous Woodpeckers, Common Green Magpie, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, and minivets. Overnight at Trongsa, altitude 2200m

Day 09: Trongsa- Phobjikha (2.5 hrs)
You will have another round of birding in the morning and then drive back to Phobjikha with birding along the way. The valley of black necked cranes and rhododendron and often referred as Asian Switzerland. The natural beauty of the Phobjikha, beautiful home stays and nature adds more value to experience the living style, food habit and culture of the Bhutanese people.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 10: Phobjikha- Paro (5 hrs drive)
As we say goodbye 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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