Bhutan Bird watching Tour

Overview

Bird Watching in Bhutan

Bhutan is a naturalist’s dream come true destination. Due to its extensive range of altitudinal and climatic conditions, the kingdom harbors enormous variety of birds within its small territory. More than 680 species of birds have been recorded so far; but the lists are growing increasingly as the systematic birding is undertaken. Among them, two species have been introduced by humans, six species are rare or accidental and twenty-two species are globally threatened.

Black-necked crane, White Bellied Heron, Blyth’s Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Monal Pheasant and Rufous-necked horn bill are some best species found in Bhutan. Every year people of Bhutan eagerly awaits the return of Black-necked Carnes. The stately four-foot-tall birds flew from their breeding grounds (Upper Tibetan Plateau to Phobjikha valley). They migrate in these winter roosting place in November – December and fly back to Tibet in February – March.

To the people of Bhutan, Birds have great meaning: they are heavenly emissaries, avatars of long-gone ancestors and lost loved ones; and are the symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. They (birds) are highly respected and culturally so significant that they’re painted on sides of homes and businesses throughout the country. Phobjikha valley’s farmer believes the presence of birds as the symbol of healthy crops and prosperity as the travelers from different countries visit to witness the bird.
A Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan is an exciting trip with mostly easy birding in Himalayas surrounding – truly a magnificent experience.

Itinerary

Day01: Arrival in Paro

Welcome to Paro International Airport; a representative from Dream Bhutan will receive you outside the terminal hall and drive you to the hotel at Paro. If time permits, we head for birding to River banks and search for Ibis bill, Black-tailed Crake, Common Sandpiper, Olive-backed Pipit and Dark-Throated Thrush.

Day02: Drive from Paro – Chelila – Paro – Thimpu

After morning breakfast, we drive to Chelila Pass at 3,890m – the highest pass reached by car in Bhutan. Here we will witness three different species of Birds – Pheasants, the colorful Himalayan Monal, flocks of Blood Pheasants and Kalij Pheasant. We can also witness the Rose – finches, Grosbeaks and Laughing Thrushes. Then we drive to Thimpu via Paro.

Day03: Drive from Thimpu – Punakha – 3 hours

After breakfast, we continue our drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass (3,150m). Here we can witness different spices of birds that includes Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Black-eared Shrike Babblers and Yellow-billed Blude Magpie, Grey-winged Blackbird, Spotted Nutcracker, Gold-billed Magpie.

After exploration, we continue towards the Punakha valley. After lunch, we visit Punthang Dechen Phodrang and Punakha Dzong.

Day04: Drive from Punakha – Tsirang Forest – 4 hours

After early morning breakfast, we drive to Tisrang forest – a tranquil and quiet forest. Here we will explore the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill and more. Today we camp overnight.

Day05: Birdwatching tour: Tsirang – Galephu – 5 hours

In the morning, we proceed for birding in forest which is natural home to Nuthatch, Pied Falconet, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Sultan Tit, Black-backed Forktail, Red – headed Trogon, Black Eagle, Jungle Babbler, Grey – sided Laughingthrush and many more.

Day06: Whole day Birding trip at Galephu

Today we spend our entire day in Gelephu and search for Pied Falconet, Jungle Babbler, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Pin-tailed Green pigeon, Wreathed and Great Hornbill, Puff-throated Babbler, Indian Roller and more

Day07: Birdwatching tour from Galeyphu – Zhemgang – 6 hours

In the morning, we search to witness Laughingthrushs, Tesias, Wren Babbler and Parrot bills

Day08: Birding in Xhemgang

Today we explore the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Green Pigeon Cutia, White-browed Shrike Babblers, Minals, White-tailed Nuthatch, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch and many more

Day09: Birdwatching trip from Zhaemgang – Trongsa – 6 hours

Today we can witness Rusty-cheeked Scimitar, Babblers, White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Steak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Gery-bellied Tesia, Crested Buntings, Long-tailed Shrikes, Prinias, Rofous Woodpeckers, Common Geeen Magpie, Rofous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Commoon Kestrel and Minivets

Day10: Drive from Trongsa – Paro – 7 hours

After breakfast, we drive to Paro which takes around 7 hours. On the way, we can explore the typical Bhutanese countryside lifestyle and great Himalayan ranges.

Day11: Final Departure

A representative from Dream Bhutan will transfer you to the Paro International Airport for your final departure.

Farewell!!!