bird watching tour
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Included in this Tour
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffel bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
Not Included in this Tour
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Tour Program
13 Days / 12 Nights
Bhutan birding tour is a splendid way of seeing marvelous and highly endemic birds. Let us take you on a great journey of discovery through some of the best birding sites for a dedicated birding experience, including Punakha inside the Jigme Dorji National Park, Phobjikha, Zhemgang and Tingtibi.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Landing at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transfer to hotel for little rest. You will then drive to the riverbank of Paro Chu to the north of Paro to look for ibis bill. In the evening, you can take an exploratory walk in Paro town.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
Early morning, you will drive to Chele La Pass (3810m), which is the famous habitat for three different species of Pheasants — colorful Himalayan Monals, Blood Pheasants and Kalij Pheasants. Not only Pheasants, you might also see other birds like Rose Finches, Grosbeaks and Laughing Thrushes. Return to Paro for lunch. After lunch, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Stroll freely in Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people.
Day 3: Thimphu
Drive to Dodena north of Thimphu valley, where you may see Laughing Thrust, Brown Dipper, Spotted Laughing Thrust, Fire capped Tit, Chestnut–crowned Laughing Thrushes, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, and White-collared Blackbirds. Drive back to Thimphu for lunch. Afterwards, do some sightseeing in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha
Morning, drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3150m). The road passes through forest of hemlock, fir, oak, and rhododendron where many bird species, including Satyr Tragopans, Flycatchers, Rufous-breasted Bush Robins, Black-eared Shrike Babblers, Yellow-billed Blue Magpies, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted can be spotted. Stop in Lobesa for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong, which is said to be one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan.
Day 5: Punakha
Morning, drive to Tashithang inside the Jigme Dorji National Park for birding. Today, you might see Cute Slaty-bellied, Chestnut-headed Tesias, Red–headed Trogons, Small Niltavas, Black-chinned Yuhinas, Wren Babblers, Woodpeckers, Laughing Thrushes and White-bellied Herons.
Day 6: Punakha to Gangtey / Phobjikha
The journey to Phobjikha is through semi-tropical vegetation and then alpine environment, home to rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Stop along the way for possible sighting of Ward’s Trogons and Yellow-rumped Honeyguides. After arrival, walk through Phobjikha Valley which is the winter home (late October to February) of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to escape harsh winter conditions.
Day 7: Gangtey to Trongsa
The journey begins by climbing to Lawala pass (3200m) and then Pele La (Pass) at 3300m. Stop at Pele La and go birding along the old and abandoned road. You might see variety of high altitude bird species. You might also see yaks grazing here. Continue dive to Trongsa. Afternoon, visit massive Tronsgsa Dzong and then stroll through Town.
Day 8: Trongsa to Zhemgang
Today, birding along the Trongsa-Zhemgang road will be wonderful with possible sighting of Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, Grey-bellied Tesias, Steak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Rufous-bellied Eagles, Mountain Hawk Eagles, Common Green Magpies, Prinias, Rufous Woodpeckers, Long-tailed Shrikes, Crested Buntings and Common Kestrels. You might also see the Golden Langur.
Day 9: Zhemgang to Tingtibi
The Zhemgang-Tingtibi road stretch is mostly warm broad-leaved forests and it serves as nice habitat for Rufous-necked and Great Hornbills, varieties of Cool Laughing Thrushes, Cutias, Scarlet Minivets, Pin-tailed Green Pigeons, Woodpeckers, Chestnut-headed, Grey-bellied Tesias, Spotted Wren Babblers, etc. Overnight in Camp.
Day 10: Zhemgang to Trongsa
You will have another round of birding in the morning and then drive back to Trongsa with birding along the way. Overnight in hotel.
Day 11: Trongsa to Thimphu
Today, you will return to Paro. En route, visit Royal Botanical Garden and Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country.
Day 12: Thimphu to Paro
Morning, drive to Paro and then hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 meters above the valley floor.
Day 13: Drive to Paro Airport and Departure
Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!
Further Details
All of our itineraries can be tailored to your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Contact us with your holiday ideas, no matter how big or small, and we’ll start planning your unique trip.Our tailor-made tours are designed by local Travel Specialists who investigate every aspect of the trip themselves, giving you a unique view of each destination.
