BHUTAN BIRDING TOUR
Embark on a thrilling 9-day Bhutan birding tour, exploring one of the world’s most exotic and fascinating birding destinations. Bhutan’s unique geography, altitude, and seasonal variations create a haven for bird enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot and photograph rare species in their natural habitats. This expertly curated tour covers renowned and off-the-beaten-track locations, including Thimphu, Punakha, Tsirang, and Paro. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan’s forest-covered landscapes, majestic wildlife, and iconic Paro Taktsang hike. As one of the world’s premier birding destinations, Bhutan promises an unforgettable adventure. Join Eco Expeditions Tours for the ultimate bird watching experience in Bhutan.
- Duration : 08 Nights / 09 Days .
- Destination Covered : Paro – Thimphu - Punakha - Tshirang - Paro
Day 01: Arrival in Paro- Thimphu (1.5 hrs drive)
Embark on a mystical journey to Bhutan, as you fly into Paro International Airport and are warmly welcomed by our dedicated team. With a traditional khaddar ceremony, begin your adventure to Thimphu, the capital city, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. The scenic drive, approximately an hour and a half, follows the tranquil Paro River and passes through picturesque villages, including Bondey, Shaba, and Isina. En route, stop at Tachongang Lhakhang for a leisurely walk and breathtaking views, and marvel at the stunning confluence of rivers at Chuzom. As you arrive in Thimphu, immerse yourself in the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, and rest overnight at an altitude of 2400m.
Day 02: Thimphu- Tsirang (5.5 hrs drive)
Embark on a scenic journey from Thimphu to Tsirang, where breathtaking vistas and charming attractions await. The route takes you through Dochula Pass, renowned for its stunning 180-degree panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. On clear winter days, the snow-capped mountains provide a majestic backdrop to the serene 108 chortens. As you soak in the natural beauty, keep an eye out for exotic bird species, including the fire-tailed myzornis and gold-billed magpie. Further down, explore the picturesque town of Damphu and unwind at the Rigsum Pemai Dumra recreational park, nestled in the heart of the town. As the day comes to a close, retire to your cozy accommodations in Tsirang, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature.
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 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- Paro (3 hrs drive)
As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over 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 from Dochula. 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, River Lapwing, Plumbeous Water Redstart, etc. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m
Day 07: 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 Pheasants, 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 08: 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 09: Departure
Your Bhutan tour ends. Our guide and driver will drop you to the Airport and bid you farewell.
Package Inclusion
A Sustainable Tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education, helath, road sectors, etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Package Exclusion
Airfare (Can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature