A snow pigeon on a rock in the Bhutanese hills

Bhutan Avian Splendor

Western, Bhutan
10 nights
Moderate

Discover the harmonious blend of Bhutan’s rich culture, heritage, and extraordinary birdlife on this 11-day journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon. This unique tour takes you through iconic landmarks such as the majestic Punakha Dzong, the sacred Tiger's Nest Monastery, and the vibrant streets of Thimphu, immer

Tour highlights

A hassle free private and guided trip
Personalized attention to detail by the Tour Operators
Explore endless tracts of Himalayan forest nestled along snow-capped mountain ranges
Spot over 250 bird species, including rare gems like monals, tragopans, trogons, and the elusive Ibisbill
Enjoy timeless birding adventures in the mystical land of the Thunder Dragon
Marvel at impressive sites, including the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Trongsa Dzong and Punakha Dzong
Experience of most of the beautiful aspect of Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan
Experience traditional Bhutanese life by passing through several villages where locals live as their ancestors did
Bhutan’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage
Lesser-known treasures across Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan’s Untouched Wilderness
Explore the capital city’s blend of tradition and modernity
Experience panoramic views high Mountain Passes
Engage with the warm-hearted locals in remote villages
Discover Bhutan’s rural lifestyle & untouched cultural practices
Enjoy scenic drives through Bhutan’s diverse landscapes
Experience the rugged and pristine beauty of the Eastern Himalayas, where few travelers venture, and uncover the hidden treasures of this remote region

Overview

11 days Culture, Heritage and Birding tour in Bhutan

Interwoven with cultural exploration, the journey offers birding enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to spot Bhutan's avian gems, including the vibrant Himalayan Monal and other rare species. Explore serene valleys, lush forests, and pristine landscapes, with expert guides leading you to the best birdwatching locations. Experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality, savor traditional cuisine, and marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty that frames this unforgettable cultural and birding adventure. Perfect for travelers seeking an enriching blend of nature and heritage, this tour promises memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Itinerary Duration

11 days

Places Covered

Central & Western Bhutan

Species Expected

Over 100 Species of Birds

Best Time

Winter, Spring and Autumn

Altitude Range

600 m to 3990 m

Difficulty Level

Easy - Moderate

How demanding is it?

Moderate

Sightseeing days mixed with real hikes — typically 3–5 hours of walking on uneven ground, sometimes climbing. Comfortable if you walk regularly at home.

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 Neptune Holidays Bhutan 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.
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.
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.
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 overight in hotel/ Eco Lodge/ Camp.
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.
Day 6 Tingtibiti (Zhemgang) – Punakha
- 220 km Driving distance
- 8 hr Driving time
- 1,310 m Altitude of Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa birding on the way. Drive to Punakha/Wangdue Valley. 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.
Day 7 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.
Day 8 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.
Day 9 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.
Day 10 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.
Day 11 Departure

Your 11 days of immersion in nature, culture and birding comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

What is and isn't Included?

All meals Tourism-certified 3-star equivalent hotels Certified English-speaking guide Exclusive vehicle Entrance fees Sustainable Development Fee, visa fee and government taxes Drinking water

All kinds of bank charges
Single room supplement
Personal expenses, such as phone, laundry, etc.
Any form of insurance
Any kinds of bottled drinks
Flights fares – both domestic and international
Gratitude and Tipping
Extra activities such as rafting, cycling, horse ride
(if not included in the inclusion or complimentary)
All kinds of additional expenses due to unforeseen contingencies whether man-made of natural
Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusion during the confirmation of the trip

Complimentary with this tour

Assistance with Bhutan Travel Info
Guidance in planning your Bhutan tour
Drinking water during the tour
A traditional cultural show
Hot stone bath in a village house
National dress and Archery experience

Getting there & when to go

Getting there

Arrive at: Paro International Airport
Depart from: Paro International Airport

We meet you in the arrivals hall and handle every transfer, permit and internal journey from there. Flights to Bhutan →

When it runs

Spring and Autumn

This is a private tour, so there are no fixed departure dates — we build it around yours. When to visit Bhutan →

Trip facts

Trip Type: Private and Guided Trip
Itinerary Duration: 20 Days
Trip Rating: Easy – Moderate
Travel Type: Birding, Nature, Culture, Walks, Hikes, Trek, Local Interactions & Experiences, Sights & Monuments
Destinations: Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan
Altitude Range: 156 m to 3990 m

Travel cost details

Travel Cost

Kindly write to us at idealtravelcreations@gmail.com for the travel cost as the cost varies for different months and Nationalities.

The cost does not include the following:

All kinds of bank charges
Single room supplement
Personal expenses, such as phone, laundry, etc.
Any form of insurance
Any kinds of bottled drinks
Flights fares – both domestic and international
Gratitude and Tipping
Extra activities such as rafting, cycling, horse ride
(if not included in the inclusion or complimentary)
All kinds of additional expenses due to unforeseen contingencies whether man-made of natural
Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusion during the confirmation of the trip

Notes & policies

Notes

During the days of birding, the trip will start early morning (Mostly before breakfast) considering it is best to begin birding at daybreak (especially in the Tropics). The singing and other bird activity are at their peak in the daybreak. By noon the birding activity often minimizes so we make return to hotel for rest and again start birding in the late afternoon as it starts cooling.
Though we are normally 99% successful in spotting all the species mentioned in the itinerary, we cannot guarantee sightings of the all birds or animals as mentioned.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary or hotels/ accommodations anytime as may be required to, in case of unforeseen contingencies (natural/man made) or unavailability of hotels or any other services such as flights and transport.
Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks (or for other unknown reasons). In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
This itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or within any destination and can be combined with any kind of activities such as trekking, rafting, walking tour, cycling , etc
It is advisable to book tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.
Except for the planning, guidance and information phase, all bookings are confirmed only after the receipt of the tour payment.

Cancellation Policies

We shall charge a minimal amount of USD 30 as administrative charges for any bookings cancelled more than a month before the date of travel.
25% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within one month to 16 days from date of travel.
50% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within 15 days to 7 days from date of travel.
100% cancellation charges shall be applicable for any any bookings cancelled within 6 days from date of travel or no show
Cancellation charges shall also depend upon the policies of the parties from whom we have taken the services such as hotels and airlines. The cancellation charges levied by the external parties shall be applicable incase it exceeds the amount as mentioned above in points 1 – 4.