Bhutan Birdwatching Tours
- 15 Days/ 14 Nights
Bhutan is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering an extraordinary variety of avifauna across diverse habitats.
Tour Overview
Bhutan is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering an extraordinary variety of avifauna across diverse habitats. With over 770 bird species, including rare and endemic ones like the White-bellied Heron and Black-necked Crane, Bhutan’s pristine forests, alpine meadows, and river valleys are teeming with birdlife. This 15-day birdwatching tour takes you through the country’s rich ecosystems, from the lowland jungles of Gelephu to the alpine heights of Sengor, providing unforgettable encounters with Bhutan’s unique and vibrant bird species.
Daily Itinerary for Bhutan Birdwatching Tours (15 Days)
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Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery that offers stunning views of the Paro Valley. Later, enjoy birdwatching along the Paro Chu (River), where you may spot species like the Ibisbill and Brown Dipper. Overnight in Paro.
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Day 2: Paro – Chelila Pass – Thimphu
Start your day early with a drive to Chelila Pass (3,890m), a beautiful alpine meadow known for its excellent birding opportunities. Here, you might see Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, and Kalij Pheasant. After lunch in Paro, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. In the evening, continue birdwatching at the Thimphu sewage pond. Overnight in Thimphu.
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Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Begin with an early morning drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,150m), where you'll birdwatch in the Lamperi Botanical Gardens. The pass is home to birds like the Satyr Tragopan and Fire-tailed Myzornis. Continue to Punakha with a visit to Punakha Dzong in the late afternoon. Overnight in Punakha.
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Day 4: Punakha – Tsirang
After breakfast, drive south from Punakha through some of Bhutan’s best-preserved forests, offering opportunities to spot species like the White-throated Laughingthrush and Yellow-vented Warbler. Spend the evening birdwatching in Tsirang and Darachu areas. Overnight in Tsirang.
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Day 5: Tsirang – Gelephu
Morning birdwatching in the forests around Tsirang and Darachu, then head towards the lower elevations of Gelephu, targeting lowland species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill and Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush. Overnight in Gelephu.
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Day 6: Gelephu
Explore the sewage pond and surrounding fields in Gelephu in the morning, where you may see species like the Oriental Darter and Lesser Adjutant. After lunch, head north of Gelephu to explore the rich and diverse lowland forests. Overnight in Gelephu.
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Day 7: Gelephu – Tamala – Tingtibe
Start early from Gelephu, climbing from the foothills to higher elevations, witnessing changes in bird species with altitude. After crossing Tamala, you’ll enter the Zhemgang region, where you’ll spend the night. Overnight in Tingtibe.
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Day 8: Zhemgang – Tingtibe – Gomphu Road
Explore the Dakphel – Tingtibe road in the morning, known for its rich birdlife. In the afternoon, birdwatch along the Gomphu road, which leads to Manas National Park, one of Bhutan’s most biodiverse regions. Overnight in Tingtibe.
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Day 9: Zhemgang – Trongsa – Bumthang
After morning birdwatching in Zhemgang, drive to Bumthang, a long transit day passing through Trongsa. Enjoy opportunities to spot species like the Rufous-bellied Niltava and Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler along the way. Overnight in Bumthang.
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Day 10: Bumthang – Sengor
Drive from Bumthang to Sengor, crossing Phrumshingla Pass (3,800m). The pass offers excellent birdwatching, with potential sightings of the Himalayan Monal and Fire-tailed Sunbird. Continue birdwatching in Sengor in the evening. Overnight in Sengor.
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Day 11: Sengor – Namling – Yongkala
Spend the morning birdwatching around Sengor and Phrumshingla areas before driving to Yongkala. En route, explore the forests of Namling and Yongkala, known as one of the finest birding areas in the Himalayas. Overnight in Yongkala.
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Day 12: Yongkala – Namling – Limithang Road
Dedicate the entire day to birdwatching along the Namling and Limithang roads, which offer some of the best birding experiences in Bhutan. Keep an eye out for specialties like the Ward’s Trogon and Beautiful Nuthatch. Overnight in Yongkala.
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Day 13: Yongkala – Trongsa
Retrace your journey back to Trongsa, continuing to spot flocks and bird species along the way. This day provides an opportunity to revisit some of the birding sites from earlier in the tour. Overnight in Trongsa.
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Day 14: Trongsa – Paro
Drive back to Paro, stopping along the way whenever you encounter flocks of birds. The long journey offers a chance to review and enjoy Bhutan’s diverse avifauna one last time. Overnight in Paro.
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Day 15: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your birdwatching adventure in Bhutan.
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Lets plan you trip!
- Included in this package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water in Vehicle
- Not Included in package
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Premium Travel insurance
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Tips for guide and driver
- Reason To Book With Us
- Expertly Curated Itineraries
- Experience Bhutan's best with meticulously planned, culturally rich, and adventurous tours guided by locals.
- Personalized Service and Flexibility
- Tailored itineraries, special requests, and seamless travel for a customized experience.
- Commitment to Sustainable Travel
- Support local communities and eco-friendly practices, preserving Bhutan's culture and environment.
Tailor Made Tours
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We offer customized tour itineraries based around your unique interests