Birding in Bhutan 

14 Days

Overview

Bhutan has been safeguarded by its isolation within the Himalayas and the rugged topography of its mountainous terrain, resulting in over 70% of the land remaining forested. Additionally, 60% of this land is protected by 10 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The diverse range of habitats, from sub-tropical jungles at 150m to alpine meadows above 4,500m, supports an extraordinary array of birds and wildlife. Today, Bhutan is recognized as one of the top ten biodiversity hotspots globally, with over 780 recorded bird species. It is located within one of the 221 Global Endemic Bird Areas and is home to 28 species of birds endemic to the Eastern Himalayas.

Bhutan offers a destination like no other. As you traverse dramatic mountain passes adorned with brightly colored prayer flags and temples, some of the bird species we will specifically target include the white-bellied heron, the resplendent Himalayan monal, the Satyr Tragopan, the blood pheasant, the Ibisbill, the Rufous-necked hornbill, the Ward’s trogon, the beautiful nuthatch, the Himalayan cutia, the rufous-throated wren-babbler, the coral-billed scimitar babbler, the black-headed shrike-babbler, the fire-tailed myzornis, and the breathtaking Mrs. Gould’s sunbird—along with around 350 other spectacular bird species.

There will also be opportunities to explore Bhutan’s stunning architecture, visit dzongs, and meet the friendly Bhutanese people. Overall, you will immerse yourself in Bhutan’s unique culture while pursuing birdwatching excellence.

Trip Highlights

  • Breathtaking and stunning landscapes: vast stretches of Himalayan forests framed by snow-capped mountain ranges.
  • As we search for the elusive Satyr Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Himalayan Monal, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, and Beautiful Nuthatch, we’ll also encounter various mammals and vibrant, exquisite flowers.
  • A truly enriching cultural journey: experience timeless birding in the mystical land of the Thunder Dragon.
  • Explore majestic palaces and monasteries, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
  • We’ll experience some of the best birding in the Himalayas, with the possibility of spotting over 300 species.

Itinerary

Drive Thimphu (7,600ft)
Day 1

Birdwatching along Paro chu river, visit Memorial Stupa

Valley of Punakha
Day 2

Birdwatching along higher slopes of the scenic Dochu La, Lampelri Royal Botanical Park, along Punatsangchu river.

Drive to Trongsa
Day 3

Birdwatching along Mo Chu River, Visit Punakha Dzong, scan areas around Nubding, Nubding to Trongsa via Pelela road.

Tingtibi (1,980ft)
Day 4 & 5

Bird watching along the way, scan the region of Tingtibi & Panbang areas.

Towards Bumthang
Day 6

Birdwatching around Trongsa Dzong & over Yutong La pass

Towards Sengor
Day 7

Birdwatching in areas around Tharpaling Monastery, slopes surrounding Thrumshingla National Park, Thrumshingla-Sengor Stretch.

Yongkorla (7,260ft)
Day 8 & 9 & 10

Birdwatching in Sengor & areas between Sengor & Yonkorla, areas in and around Yonkorla, Stretch between Yonkorla and Lingmethang, areas in and around Lingmethang

Chumey
Day 11

Scan Yonkorla-Sengor-Thrumshingla pass areas

Chumzomsa, Wangdue
Day 12

Scan Yutongla, Pelela – Nubding areas

Paro (7,200ft)
Day 13 & 14

Birdwatching along Paro chu river, Hike to Tiger’s Nest monastery on the last day

Depart from Bhutan
Day 15

Tashi Delek & Bon Voyage!

Cost Inclusion

  • Bhutan Government visa and Daily SDF (Sustainable Development Fee)
  • 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners
  • Airport transfers 
  • English speaking Guide 
  • Good location Accommodation with breakfast & dinner included (Camping where necessary)
  • Private SUV with professional driver
  • Entrance fees to all national monuments and museums
  • Sightseeing as listed (can be kept flexible)
  • Mobile Hotspot
  • Unlimited Himalayan bottled water

Cost Exclusion

  • Air fare
  • Personal Expenses like health & travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone bills
  • Tips & gratuities to service providers

Cancellation Policy

For a trip booked and subsequently cancelled, the following applies:

More than 60 days before start of travel program, USD 200 flat rate/per person + Advance payments made to hotels (if any) + Transfer charges
Between 60 – 10 days: 45% of the package cost retain
Less than 10 Days, 100% payment will be retained

For air tickets issued and subsequently cancelled, the following apply.

75% refund permitted for tickets cancelled more than 30 days from the date of travel.
50% refund permitted for tickets cancelled between 30 – last 10 days from the date of travel.
25% refund permitted for tickets cancelled prior to 04 (four) days from the date of travel.
No refund for tickets cancelled within 4 days of travel date.

For air tickets issued and subsequently rescheduled, the following applies:

USD 40 rescheduling fee or equivalent local currency for every flight reschedule less than 72 hours prior to date of travel. No charges for business class passengers

KORA can also help you book flights without any commission involved.

For a detailed itinerary and trip cost, feel free to contact us. Let us help you plan the journey of a lifetime


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