A Bhutanese Birding Odyssey

1. Day 1 Arrive Paro ▾

   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On arrival at the Paro International airport your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar”. Drive to Hotel and check in.

   Looking into what time you arrive in Paro (if time permits), we will spend the rest of the day birding and exploring the Pa Chhu (Paro River). We shall try spotting Ibis bill, along with other sought-after species such as the Wallcreeper, Black-tailed Crake, Solitary Snipe, Brown Dipper, White-capped Redstart, and Rufous-breasted Accentor.

   Red-billed Choughs are a common sight soaring over the town. Drive back to hotel for a welcome dinner. Overnight in hotel.

2. Day 2 Paro Sightseeing ▾

   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

   Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. During our hike, we’ll encounter an abundance of bird species. Among the ones we’re most likely to see are the Red-billed Chough, Large-billed and House Crow, Blue Whistling Thrush, White-throated and Black-faced Laughingthrush, Plain Mountain Finch, Long-tailed Minivet, Black-browed and Green-backed Tit, Russet Sparrow, and Altai Accentor, to name just a few.

   Afternoon, Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family. Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here.

   You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

3. Day 3 Paro – Chelela Pass - Haa ▾

   • 65 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,670 m Altitude of Haa

   Early morning drive to Chelela Pass which is the highest point between the Paro and the Haa Valley. The Chelela Pass lies at an altitude of 3988 m and is the highest motorable roads in Bhutan. The drive from Haa to Chelela would be through a winding road over the dense pine forest, the view is spectacular.

   As we ascend further to higher elevation the vegetation changes to conifer such as spruce, juniper, hemlock, silver fir and finally at the summit, the vegetation is all open alpine meadows. The Pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags. You can choose to hang some prayer flags or offer incense here.

   On a clear day the views are beautiful. This stunning location offers a chance to spot three magnificent pheasant species: the Himalayan Monal, flocks of Blood Pheasants, and the Kalij Pheasant. Additionally, the area is home to various rosefinches, grosbeaks, and laughingthrushes, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

   Drive to Haa as we do birding on the way. While in Haa, Explore the Haa Valley. Haa valley was known for its animist tradition during the pre- Buddhist era. However, after the visit of the Great Guru Padmasambhava, the inhabitants were transformed into peaceful Buddhist.

   Guru Padmasambhava subdued the local deities such as AP Chundu and made them the guardians of the Buddhist tradition. Traces of this belief system are still noticed in the form of festivals and rituals. Opened to foreign tourist only in the year 2002, it is a culturally rich valley.

   A few famous places to visit are the 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) at the foothills of a venerated three brotherly mountains known as Meri Puensum. The grand annual Haa Tshechu is also performed here at Lhakhang Karpo on the 8th-10th day of the 8th Bhutanese month.

   The valley is also unparalleled in Bhutan in terms of the diversity of the folk culture, legends and shamanistic rituals. The shamanistic traditions are vividly practiced in almost all the communities, most notable of which is the annual ceremony to honor Ap Chundu, the guardian deity of the valley.

   The valley is also a paradise for nature lovers and travelling there is a very rewarding experience. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Haa - Thimphu ▾

   • 110 km Driving distance
   • 3 hr Driving time
   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Please ensure that you make the drive of 110 km interesting and beautiful by birding at places, visiting villages, interacting with people and taking photographs of birds, rural areas and nature. The drive from Haa passes two dzongs en route, at Betikha (34 km. from Haa) and at Dobji (65 km. from Haa.

   It also crosses many villages and fields until you reach Chozom where the Paro River (Pa Chhu) meets the Thimphu River (Wangchhu). You shall see the three stupas built in Nepalese, Tibetan and Bhutanese styles. They were placed here for good luck and safe passage.

   Drive through the villages of wangsisina, Kasadrapchhu and Namseling finally reaching Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Afternoon, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”.

   Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple.

   Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here.

   It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. Finally visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

5. Day 5 Thimphu - Punakha ▾

   • 76 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   In the early morning, we visit the local sewage pond, a prime spot for spotting Ibisbill, as well as Black-tailed and Ruddy-breasted Crakes. Then we shall drive north of Thimphu, where we shall have our packed breakfast amongst the woods and hike to the Cheri Monastery.

   Established in the year 1620, the monastery was initially known as Chagri Dorjeden Monastery. After driving for about 20 minutes, we have to steep hike about approx 1 – 1.5 hrs to reach the monastery. Along the way, we may encounter a variety of bird species, including Spotted, Chestnut-crowned, and White-throated Laughingthrushes, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Wallcreeper, Brown Dipper, and White-collared Blackbird.

   The area around the monastery is also home to Goral, a type of mountain goat. Drive to Then we will set off on a scenic drive to Punakha, passing through some of Bhutan’s most picturesque landscapes. About 22 kilometers from Thimphu, we ascend to the breathtaking Dochula Pass (3,150m), where the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens stand in a serene setting of meticulously maintained gardens.

   This high-altitude pass also serves as an excellent birding hotspot, offering the chance to spot Darjeeling Woodpecker, Stripe-throated Yuhina, and the much-coveted Fire-tailed Myzornis. The area is also home to Black-faced and White-throated Laughingthrushes, while patient observation may reveal the striking Spotted Laughingthrush.

   Another remarkable species that has become increasingly reliable here in recent years is the massive Great Parrotbill. As we descend, we meander through pristine broadleaf forests draped in moss, taking our time to birdwatch along the way. A highlight of the journey is a stop at the Lamperi Royal Botanical Park, an excellent spot to stretch our legs and explore more avian diversity.

   Here, we are likely to be greeted by Blue-fronted Redstarts and the vibrant calls of Great Barbets, while Yellow-billed Blue Magpies playfully hop across the grassy clearings. Overhead, the rhythmic drumming of the Rufous-bellied Woodpecker echoes from the treetops.

   The forests around Lamperi also present our first opportunity to observe mixed warbler flocks, a true test of bird identification skills. Among the many Phylloscopus species that may appear are Whistler’s, Lemon-rumped, Chestnut-crowned, Ashy-throated, and Grey-hooded Warblers.

   This habitat is also known to shelter the elusive Ward’s Trogon, though it is more reliably spotted later in the tour. Another rarity that occasionally graces this area is the Grey-sided Laughingthrush. Adding to the spectacle, flocks of minivets flash through the canopy, while dazzling Verditer, Rufous-gorgeted, and Ultramarine Flycatchers lend their brilliant colors to the scene.

   As the day winds down, we continue our journey into the Punakha Valley, arriving in time to relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at our hotel.

6. Day 6 Punakha ▾

   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   We begin our morning birdwatching in Jigme Dorji National Park and along the scenic Phochu River. This region offers the chance to spot a diverse array of bird species, including the Red-headed Trogon, Slaty-bellied and Chestnut-headed Tesias, Small and Rufous-bellied Niltavas, Black-chinned Yuhina, various wren-babblers, woodpeckers, and laughingthrushes.

   With luck, we may even catch a glimpse of Pallas’s Fish Eagle or a trio of forktails. Afternoon, visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high.

   Keep an eye out for the Tawny Fishing-Owl, often seen roosting in the towering riverside trees. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience. Finally visit Chimi Lhakhang.

   Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas. In the evening, we’ll explore the Pho Chu Valley, hoping to spot one of our main target species—the White-bellied Heron, one of the rarest birds on Earth with a population of fewer than 200 individuals.

   We may also encounter Common and Crested Kingfishers, as well as the elusive Ibisbill. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Punakha – Phobjikha ▾

   • 78 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time

   Early Morning drive to Phobjikha. Take some photographs of the majestic Wangduephodrang dzong from the bridge and continue your journey to Phobjikha along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).

   After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights.

   On the way we shall try to seek out some of Bhutan’s most elusive avian treasures the unique forests of Nubding. This area may provide us with a chance to spot the magnificent Ward’s Trogon, along with other sought-after species such as the striking Himalayan Cutia.

   The cliffs and rocky outcrops here are also prime habitat for the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, which is often seen near hanging rock bee colonies. As we explore these rich woodlands, we remain on high alert for some of the region’s most secretive birds—those that have managed to evade us so far.

   With patience and a keen eye, we may uncover the diminutive Chestnut-headed Tesia or the equally elusive Grey-bellied Tesia. The dense undergrowth could also reveal the tiny but intricately patterned Scaly-breasted Cupwing, while the ultra-secretive Spotted Elachura, known for its cryptic nature, may offer us a rare glimpse before vanishing into the shadows.

   Drive to Phobjikha with a short stop at the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey. Visit the Gangtey Monastery and then hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery.

   The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. (If you are traveling in Early Spring or winter, the endangered Black Necked Cranes shall keep you very busy as you Hike. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Explore the nearby villages for a while. Dinner and overnight ion hotel.

8. Day 8 Gangtey – Trongsa – Tingtibiti (Zhemgang) ▾

   • 180 km Driving distance
   • 6 hr Driving time
   • 600 m Altitude of Tingtibi

   Early morning drive to the Pelela pass (4000 m). Spend the morning hours birding along the old road at Pelela for the high-altitude Bhutan Bird species such as Spotted Laughing Thrushes, Himalayan Griffons, Brown Parrot bills, Finches, and Bush Warblers.

   Continue the drive towards Trongsa. While in Trongsa, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, which is the ancestral home of the Royal family of Bhutan. The first king, before becoming the King of Bhutan, was the Governor (Penlop) of this Dzong.

   Even now, it is tradition that any future King of Bhutan must first serve as Governor of Trongsa before the coronation (a form of governance training). Drive down to Tingtibiti. Stop at places for birding, to view scenery and for photography.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel/ Eco Lodge/ Camp.

9. Day 9 Birding in Tingtibiti (Zhemgang) ▾

   We’ll be exploring a wide variety of habitats of Bhutan Birds on the Zhemgang – Tingtibee road. The habitats range from the moss forest to the streamside lowland forest. This is also our best chance to see Bhutan’s endemic Golden Langur leaf monkey, as it is fairly common here.

   Here, we will be searching for Rufous-necked and Great Hornbills, Pin-tailed Green Pigeons, Cutias, Scarlet Minivets, varieties of Cool Laughing Thrushes, Woodpeckers, Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied Tesias, Spotted Wren Babblers, and the very rare and sought after Beautiful Nuthatches.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel/ Eco Lodge/ Camp.

10. Day 10 Tingtibiti - Panbang (Royal Manas Nationa Park) ▾

    • 75 km Driving distance
    • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
    • 156 m Altitude of Panbang

    After breakfast, we’ll head to the lowlands of Panbang, a small town in Zhemgang Dzongkhag, situated 13 kilometers from the Indian border. This peaceful village is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, showcasing Bhutan’s rich avian biodiversity.

    The only road to Panbang connects it to Royal Manas National Park, but it remains the primary shopping hub for the residents of four gewogs within Panbang Dungkhag. Modern amenities are available, and the town is experiencing a surge of young entrepreneurs embarking on ventures such as organic farming, rafting, chicken farming, piggery, and fishery.

    Our journey will be complemented by leisurely birding experiences. Our list of sightings is bound to grow even more. In the early morning, Green and Mountain Imperial Pigeons can be spotted perched high in the trees, providing a prime opportunity to find the elusive Jerdon’s Baza and the diminutive Collared and Pied Falconets.

    This area is also a hotspot for Bhutan’s large hornbills, including the Great, Rufous-necked, and Wreathed Hornbills. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for other sought-after birds like the Long-tailed Sibia, Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, and the stunning Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.

    The surrounding area features several bamboo patches where we can search for species such as the White-hooded Babbler and Rufous-faced Warbler if we haven’t encountered them yet. Other likely low-altitude finds include the vibrant Streaked Spiderhunter, the colorful Asian Fairy-bluebird, and the vocal Golden-fronted Leafbird.

    The nearby river is a reliable spot to find the Crested Kingfisher and Black-backed Forktail, with the occasional sighting of the rare Blyth’s Kingfisher—though spotting this one may require some luck. These are just a few of the many birds on our radar, and we can expect to record impressive daily totals as we explore the area.

    Dinner and overnight at an Ecolodge, Village house, or Camp.

11. Day 11 Explore the Royal Manas National Park ▾

    • 156 m Altitude of Panbang

    Spend the birding, rafting, visiting villages exploring the Royal Manas National Park. Dinner and overnight at an Ecolodge, Village house, or Camp.

12. Day 12 Panbang (Manas) – Gyelephu ▾

    • 75 km Driving distance
    • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
    • 221 m Altitude of Gyelephu

    After breakfast, we shall leave the enchanting Manas, and drive towards Gyelephu, retracing our steps till Tingtibi. As we traverse the habitat of the Beautiful Nuthatch, we’ll have another chance to spot this stunning bird. From Tingtibi, our journey takes a south-west turn, descending dramatically from an elevation of 2,500 meters to just 150 meters.

    This remarkable change in altitude and the variety of habitats provide an excellent opportunity to observe a plethora of bird species. Keep an eye out for the Barred Cuckoo Dove, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Black and Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Pond Heron, Long-tailed Broadbill, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Maroon Oriole, White-throated and Yellow-bellied Fantail, Ashy, Black and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Blue Whistling Thrush, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-cheeked and Sultan Tit, Blyth’s, Grey-hooded and Black-faced Warbler, Striated, Rufous-necked, and Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Streak-breasted and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Chestnut-tailed and Blue-winged Minla, White-breasted Parrotbill, Maroon-backed Accentor, and possibly many more.

    In the evening, explore the Gyelephu town. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Gyelephu.

13. Day 13 Gyelephu - Tsirang ▾

    • 110 km Driving distance
    • 3 hr Driving time
    • 1,050 m Altitude of Tsirang

    After breakfast, drive towards Tsirang. As you drive through the lowlands of Gelephu passing through villages of Sarpang along the way. This route offers ample opportunities to spot a variety of captivating bird species, including the Great and Rufous-necked Hornbill, Collared Falconet, Orange-bellied and Golden-fronted Leafbird, Common Green Magpie, Grey Treepie, Oriental Magpie Robin, White-rumped Shama, Asian-pied and Chestnut-tailed Starling, Chestnut-bellied and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Sultan Tit, Ashy and White-throated Bulbul, Lesser and Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Jungle Babbler, Golden and Rufous-capped Babbler, Indian Roller, Rufous and Long-tailed Sibia, and Streaked Spiderhunter.

    Beyond Sarpang town, the road begins to ascend, eventually reaching Darey chu, one of Bhutan’s premier birding hotspots. Here, you can look out for an array of fascinating birds, such as the Beautiful Nuthatch, Cutia, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Scaly-breasted and Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Spotted Elachura, Slaty-backed, Spotted, and Little Forktails, Rufous-winged and Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous Sibia, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Grey-chinned and Long-tailed Minivet, Winter Wren, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Grey-throated and Rufous-capped Babbler, and many more.

    Another 20 kms of drive from Dareychhu brings you to Damphu Town in Tsirang. While in Tsirang (if time permits) Visit a nearby village and spend the remaining day interacting with the villagers and exploring the areas as you do some birding.

    Dinner and overnight in hotel.

14. Day 14 Tsirang - Thimphu ▾

    • 150 km Driving distance
    • 5 hr Driving time

    After breakfast, drive to Thimphu pausing frequently for birding in the Tsirang area, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Southern Bhutan, having been relatively inaccessible to tourism for many years, remains a treasure trove of bird species, many of which are yet to be fully documented.

    During our journey, we’ll watch for fascinating species such as the Wallcreeper, Striated Prinia, Great, Golden-throated, and Blue-throated Barbets, Black, Ashy, and Black-crested Bulbul, Blue and Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrushes, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Crested Serpent Eagle, Common Kestrel, Striated and White-throated Laughingthrush, and potentially many other surprises along the way.

    Another main purpose for visiting Tsirang is to explore the untamed stretches of rivers that provide a habitat for the rare and critically endangered White-bellied Heron, which still survives here in small numbers. Bhutan offers the best opportunities to spot this elusive bird, as pairs nest in the Tsirang area.

    However, given the vastness of the region and the limited accessibility to riverbanks, we will need a touch of luck to find our target. Additionally, the Tsirang area is home to numerous Himalayan foothill species, offering plenty of chances to spot and catch up on other remarkable birds.

    Ninety kilometers from Tsirang brings us to Wangdue. From here we will retrace our steps back to Thimphu via Dochula Pass. Farewell dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

15. Day 15 Departure ▾

    “A Bhutanese Birding Odyssey” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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