From : $3890/person
Bhutan has 760 recorded bird species, more than Europe’s or the two Americas combined. In fact, its avifauna is the treasure trove of the entire eastern Himalayas, harboring some 70-plus endangered and rare species. Among its prized species are the White-bellied Heron, critically endangered and numbering number just under 30 in the entire planet, Black-necked Crane, and a range of monals, tragopans, hornbills, babblers and warblers.
Tingtibhi in central and Lingmithang in eastern Bhutan are much sought after today as birding “hotspots” while the rest of Bhutan, from the warm southern foothills to the chilly alpine region, host bird varieties that ornithologists would only dream of.
The flight to Paro offers spectacular views of Himalayan Mountain ranges including our sacred Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake only on clear weather. On arrival at Paro International Airport our representative will be there to welcome you and after that start your drive to our only capital city of Bhutan,Thimphu which takes about 1 hour. On the way if the time permits stop at one of our oldest iron bridge built in 15th century by Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo and again stop at Chuzom (the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River). After reaching Thimphu visit Centenary farmers market and stroll freely in Thimphu city and experience the lifestyle of the people. Overnight in the hotel.
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. After Lunch visit giant Buddha Dordhenma statue, Takin preservation center, Natural handmade paper factory, 13 arts and craft school, Kaja Throm (farmers market) etc.
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.
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.
The journey to Trongsa 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 2-hour journey you will come across the crossroad, the right which goes to Phobjikha valley and the other one which goes straight towards central and eastern Bhutan crossing 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 your dive to Trongsa. Afternoon, visit massive Tronsgsa Dzong and then stroll through Town.
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.
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.
You will have another round of birding in the morning and then drive back to Trongsa with birding along the way. Overnight in hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today you will bid farewell to this country and take a flight back to onward destination.
