If you are interested in Himalayan birds, Bhutan is a paradise — home to over 770 bird species.
Here you can easily spot the Blood Pheasant, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Wedge-billed, Long-billed and Bar-winged Wren-Babblers, White-naped Yuhina, Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-vented Warbler, and Blue-fronted Robin among many others.
Bhutan offers five distinct bird habitats — alpine, cool broadleaf forests, forests and scrub, wetlands, and subtropical and warm broadleaf forests.
Day 01 | Arrival in Paro
Welcome to Paro International Airport, Bhutan!
Our guide will greet you upon arrival. If time permits in the afternoon, we will go birding along the riverbanks in search of Ibisbill, Black-tailed Crake, Common Sandpiper, Olive-backed Pipit, and Dark-throated Thrush.
Overnight: Paro
Day 02 | Paro – Chelila Pass – Thimphu
In the morning, we drive to Chelila Pass (3810 m) — the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. Here we may observe three species of pheasants: the colorful Himalayan Monal, flocks of Blood Pheasants, and Kalij Pheasants. There are also good chances to spot Rosefinches, Grosbeaks, and Laughing Thrushes.
Later, we return to Paro and continue our drive to Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03 | Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha (3 hrs)
After breakfast, we drive to Dochula Pass (3140 m). Around this area, we can see birds such as Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-winged Blackbird, Spotted Nutcracker, and Gold-billed Magpie.
We then continue to Punakha for lunch and visit Punakha Dzong (Punthang Dechen Phodrang).
Overnight: Punakha
Day 04 | Punakha – Tsirang Forest (4 hrs)
In the morning, we drive through the quiet and peaceful Tsirang forests, a newly opened region for tourists.
We spend the day birding, looking for species such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill and Great Hornbill, among others.
Overnight: Camping in Tsirang.
Day 05 | Tsirang – Gelephu (5 hrs)
Early morning birding in the jungle, home to Beautiful 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. Continue to Gelephu. Overnight: Gelephu
Day 06 | Full Day Birding in Gelephu
We spend the full day birding around Gelephu, searching for Pied Falconet, Jungle Babbler, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Puff-throated Babbler, and Indian Roller, among others.
Overnight: Gelephu
Day 07 | Gelephu – Zhemgang (6 hrs)
In the morning, we look for Laughingthrushes, Tesias, Wren-Babblers, and Parrotbills in the lower elevations before continuing our drive to Zhemgang.
Overnight: Zhemgang
Day 08 | Birding in Zhemgang
We will look for Rufous-necked Hornbill, Green Pigeons, Cutia, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Minlas, White-tailed Nuthatch, and Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, among others.
Overnight: Trongsa
Day 09 | Zhemgang – Trongsa (6 hrs)
During today’s journey, there are opportunities to spot Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-bellied Tesia, Crested Bunting, Long-tailed Shrike, Prinia, Rufous Woodpecker, Common Green Magpie, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Common Kestrel, and Minivets.
Overnight: Trongsa.
Day 10 | Trongsa – Paro (7 hrs)
Today we drive back to Paro (approx. 7 hours). En route, we may spot some bird species that we might have missed earlier in the trip.
Overnight: Paro
Day 11 | Departure from Bhutan
After breakfast, we drive to the airport for your departure.
Tashi Delek! Wishing you a safe journey and wonderful memories from Bhutan’s birding paradise.
