Bhutan Avian Quest

1. Day 1 Paro Airport –Thimphu ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 15 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   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 Thimphu.

   Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas featuring distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style architecture. Villages, linear settlements the comfortably winding road along the Thimphu and Paro River with some beautiful views are some of the experiences as you reach Thimphu.

   After lunch, if the energy levels allow, stroll around Clock Tower Square, Craft Bazaar and the Kaja Throm”, the new local market built as per the command of the His Majesty. In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan.

   Welcome dinner with your Bhutanese hosts and overnight in hotel.

2. Day 2 Explore Thimphu, The Capital City ▾

   Day 2. Explore Thimphu After a leisure breakfast, 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. Lunch in one of the Tourist Restaurant in Town. After lunch, visit Takin Preserve.

   Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey/ Phobjikha: ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey

   After breakfast, drive to Punakha. On the way stop at the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

   Drive past the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive 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. Explore the Lawala Pass.

   A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey Goemba. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   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. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the valley for a while.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Phobjikha – Trongsa – Tingtibiti (Zhemgang) ▾

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

   Early morning drive to 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 ovenright in hotel/ Eco Lodge/ Camp.

5. Day 5 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.

6. Day 6 Tingtibiti (Zhemgang) – Bumthang (Chhumey) ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 5 hr Driving time
   • 2,800 m Altitude of Bumthang

   After breakfast, drive to Trongsa birding on the way. Expected sperices are Himalayan Bulbul, Blue Rock Thrush, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Crested Bunting, Striated Yuhina, Crimson Sunbird, Spot-winged Starling (rare), White-crested Laughingthrush, Common Rosefinch, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Daurian Redstart (rare), Red-faced Liocichla, Bay Woodpecker, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Black Eagle and Blue-winged Minla.

   After Trongsa we shall do some birding below Yoptongla pass. We can expect to see Himalayan Monal (rare), Blood Pheasant, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Stripe-throated Yuhina, White-winged Grosbeak, Himalayan Griffon, Himalayan Buzzard, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Crimson-browed Finch, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Gold-naped Finch, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Red-headed Bullfinch, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Little Bunting and Himalayan Wood Owl.

   Drive past Yotong La (3450m) till we reach Gyetsha Village in Chhumey. In the evening, (If time permits) explore te Gyetsha Village. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Explore Bumthang. ▾

   Early morning drive to Tharpaling Monastery via dirt road to spot some Bhutan’s special birds, the colorful Himalayan Monal. Visit the Monastery and drive to Jakar. After lunch, photograph the Jakar Dzong (from outside), literally meaning the Castle of White Bird.

   Visit the Wangdichholing Palace which was the home to the First and Second Kings of Bhutan. Continue your day’s sightseeing with visits to Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang (if time permits). In the evening, visit the cheese and apple juice/wine making factory.

   Taste the Locally made red panda beer here. Explore the Chamkhar Town before settling down in your hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

8. Day 8 Bumthang - Punakha ▾

   • 200 km Driving distance
   • 7 hr Driving time
   • 1,310 m Altitude of Punakha

   After breakfast, drive to Punakha/Wangdue Valley. On the way in Chhumey, visit the Yathra Factory. Yathra is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. The Chhumey Valley is known for the beautiful Yathra woven by the locals. Yathra is a hand woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak.

   Drive past Trongsa and on the way visit the Chendebji Chhorten. It was built by Tshering Wangchuk son of Yon-Say and the Mahasiddha Zhidag in the style of the great Boudnath Chhorten of Nepal. You may opt to visit the places you may have missed while going to Bumthang.

   In the evening free time to relax or walk around the Punakha/Wangdue valley. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

9. Day 9 Explore Punakha Valley ▾

   Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style.

   With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.

   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. 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.

   Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

10. Day 10 Punakha - Paro ▾

    • 130 km Driving distance
    • 3 hr 30 min Driving time
    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way stop to visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi. You could choose to some birding here. Lunch at Paro. After lunch, the following activities awaits you. Explore the Paro Town and Valley shopping souvenirs Visits to weaving centers Spend some time in a coffee shop or a handicraft shop Visit the Ta Dzong overlooking the Rinpung Dzong.

    It was built in 1951 as a watch tower. This Dzong is round, more like parts of a European castle. The Dzong was established as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka, etc.

    Dinner and overnight in hotel.

11. Day 11 Paro Valley ▾

    • 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. In the evening do some birdwatching along the Paro River. Dinner and Overnight in hotel.

12. Day 12 Paro – Haa- Paro ▾

    • 65 km Driving distance

    (one way) | Driving Time: 2 – 3 Hr (one way) | Altitude of Haa: 2700 m Early Morning drive to Chelela Pass at 3890 m. The Chelela pass is a cool Alpine meadow and we could see mainly three different species of Pheasants i.e., colorful Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasants and Kalij Pheasants.

    Other birds that can be seen around this are Rose Finches, Grosbeaks, and Laughing Thrushes, etc. Drive further to Haa. Visit 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.

    Explore the Haa town and Valley for a while and then drive back to Paro. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

13. Day 13 Departure ▾

    Your 13 days of immersion in nature, culture and birding comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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