The Avian Wonders of Bhutan

1. Day 1 Guwahati – Samdrupjongkhar ▾

   • 110 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 450 m Altitude of Samdrupjongkhar

   On arrival in Guwahati Airport, you shall be received by your Bhutanese Guide from Ideal Travel Creations with Tashi Khadar. Drive to Samdrupjongkhar in Indian Vehicle. The drive shall take you therough Rangia, Baksa District, Tamulpur and Kumarikatta till you reach the Indian Border town at Daranga.

   Complete your Immigration formalities at the Indian Bhutan Border and check in hotel. In the evening explore the Samdrupjongkhar Town. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

2. Day 2 Samdrupjongkhar - Morong ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,700 m Altitude of Morong

   Early Morning drive to Morong Village. This is a small village under Orong Gewog in Samdrupjongkhar Dzongkhag in South East Bhutan. On the way explore the lowland forests where we shall look for the Great Hornbill, the rare Dark-rumped Swift, Pied Falconet, Jungle Babbler, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Wreathed, Puff-throated Babbler and Pin-tailed Green Pigeon.

   As we start climbing the foothills we shall try to spot different species of Cuckoos, Common Green Magpie, Silver-eared Mesia, Long-tailed Sibia, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, and the Beautiful Nuthatch towards evening.

   Dinner and overnight in Camp.

3. Day 3 Morong - Trashigang ▾

   • 130 km Driving distance
   • 3 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 1,200 m Altitude of Trashigang

   In the morning spend sometime in the area if we trying to spot any birds if we could not spot it the earlier day. Drive to Trashigang through the winding roads. On the way we shall try spotting species of Yuhinas, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Long-tailed Broadbill, etc.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Explore Trashigang ▾

   • 1,200 m Altitude of Trashigang

   We shall do some sightseeing in Trashigang today. After a leisure breakfast, explore the Trashigang town for a while. Then visit the Trashigang Dzong, which lies on the headland of the dzongkhag that gives us the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and the Gamri Chhu.

   It was built by Minjur Tempa, Bhutan’s third Desi in the year 1667. It was once destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in only three years. In the Gorikha (Veranda) are the paintings of the kings and guardians of the four directions. Drive to visit Radhi Village which is famous for “Buray”.

   Buray is a Bhutanese textile woven from raw silk. Explore the village meeting different Bura weaver. Interact with the weavers, study and enjoy the techniques, process, tools and materials for this famous Bhutanese textile. Then drive to Rangjung Village.

   Visit the Rangjung Monastery. Explore the Rangjung Village and then drive to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

5. Day 5 Trashigang - Trashiyangtse ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,800 m Altitude of Trashiyangtse

   Drive to Trashiyangtse. The drive from Trashigang to Trashiyangtse is a journey through some of Bhutan’s most scenic and untouched landscapes. As you wind your way through the rugged terrain, you’ll pass through dense forests, cross high mountain passes, and glimpse traditional villages nestled in the hillsides.

   The route offers breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, with every turn revealing new vistas of lush valleys and distant peaks. On the way visit the Gom Kora Lhakhang. Gomphu means “Meditation Cave” and Kora means “Circumambulation”. The name is derived from a cave formed out of a rock-face next to a temple that has been built as a tribute to this sacred site.

   Located in the eastern Bhutan at an altitude of 1700 m, Trashiyangtse is a rapidly growing town and administrative center of the district. The main town is situated in a small river valley and is a lovely spot to take walks in the countryside.

   This area is famous for wooden containers and bowls. Visit Chorten Kora. One of the most important stupas in Trashiyangtse built in the year 1740, and then explore the villages, learn about wooden containers and bowls and making it. Afternoon, drive to Bomdeling and do some birding here.

   Bomdeling is a picturesque valley renowned for its natural beauty and ecological significance. This serene area is a vital wintering ground for the endangered black-necked cranes, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. if you are traveling in winter or early spring we shall watch the endangered Black Necked Cranes here.

   Other species that we might encounter in Trashiyangtse are; Hodgson’s Redstart, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Blue-fronted Redstart, Oriental Turtle-Dove, Himalayan Bluetail, Great Cormorant, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail, Green-backed Tit, Black Bulbul, etc.

   In the evening drive back to Trashiyangtse. Dinner and overnight in hotel or Homestay.

6. Day 6 Trashiyangtse – Korila Pass - Mongar ▾

   • 120 km Driving distance
   • 3 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 1,600 m Altitude of Mongar

   Retrace your drive back to Mongar till Chazam bridge and the drive to Korila Pass (2450 M, Highest Pass between Mongar and Trashigang). The forest at the Korila Pass is rich in mosses and lichens. We shall do some birding in these Mountain Forest.

   We shall try spotting Steak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-winged Blackbird, Hoary-throated Barwing, Long-tailed and Short-billed Minivets, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler and Spotted Wren-Babbler.

   Drive to Mongar. In the evening walk around the Mongar Town. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Mongar – Yongkola ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,800 m Altitude of Yongkola

   Early Morning drive towards Yongkola Pass Via Limithang Road. We shall be exploring Bhutan’s wet subtropical forest which is one of the finest birding areas in the Himalayas. These areas are ranked among the worlds top birding sites. Untouched forest, ravines, waterfalls and beautiful views come as additional perks.

   We shall start early from Mongar and spend the whole day searching for shortwings, Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, Ward’s Trogon, Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, barbets, Golden Bush-Robin, Chestnut-breasted Partridge and many other rare species alongside Little Forktail, Large Niltava, Russet Bush-Warbler, Violet Cuckoo and Rufous-faced Warbler, Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Spotted Wren-Babbler, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, flocks of parrotbills, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Scarlet Finch, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Lesser and White-browed Shortwings and more.

   Overnight at the Camp.

8. Day 8 Yongkola - Sengor ▾

   • 35 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr Driving time
   • 3,000 m Altitude of Sengor

   We shall start birding as we move towards Sengor early in the morning. Many Birders consider this short stretch of broad-leaved forest between Yongkola and Sengor as “Birding Capital of The World”. By the time we reach Sengor we shall be at 3000 M where the vegetation changes to conifer forests.

   As we near sengor we will be looking for high altitude bird species such as Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan. These birds are in the list of all birders. Other species include Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, Red-headed Bullfinch, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Gold-naped Finch and Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler.

   We shall camp in a highland pastureland in Sengor where thrushes can be spotted.

9. Day 9 Sengor – Ura - Bumthang ▾

   • 120 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 2,800 m Altitude of Bumthang

   After breakfast, drive to Jakar, Bumthang via Thrumsingla at 3800 m and Ura. We shall on the way around Thrumsingla for Blood Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Orange-flanked Bush-Robin, Spotted Nutcracker, Red-billed Chough, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Great Parrotbill, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Grey-crested and Coal Tits and White-browed Fulvetta.

   If lucky we may be able to spot the most beautiful and magical Himalayan Monal. Thrumsingla is a prime habitat for blood pheasants. Explore the Ura Valley for a while and drive to Jakar Bumthang. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

10. Day 10 Explore Bumthang ▾

    • 2,800 m Altitude of Bumthang

    Your day starts with leisure Breakfast at the hotel. Start your days sightseeing with a visit to the Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Visit the Wangdichholing Palace which was the home to the First and Second Kings of Bhutan.

    Continue your day’s sightseeing with visits to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. Picnic Lunch in a quaint setting in the Chhoekhor valley. After lunch, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang and the Könchogsum Lhakhang. As you reach Bathpalathang, 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.

11. Day 11 Bumthang – Trongsa ▾

    • 65 km Driving distance
    • 2 hr Driving time
    • 2,100 m Altitude of Trongsa

    After breakfast we shall leave this most historic and beautiful valley driving via Kikila Pass at 3350 m (Kikila Pass is a starting point for a trek to Longchen Zhukthri) till we reach the Chhumey Valley, popular for “Yathra”, a famous textile of Bumthang.

    Yathra is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak. The wool is first spun into threads and then dyed before they are woven into Yathra with beautiful flower patterns and colors. The Yathra cloth is made into scarves, jackets, tablecloths, bags, etc.

    Most of the women in this valley, especially in Zungye village earn their lively hood by weaving Yathra which is supplied to various towns in Bhutan. As we leave this another beautiful valley, we shall do some birding at Yotongla Pass (3500 m) trying to look for Hill Partridge, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Brown Parrotbill, Chestnut-crowned and Black-faced Laughingthrushes, Darjeeling Woodpecker and Gold-naped Finch.

    Check in hotel in Trongsa. If time permits, visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

    Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. In the evening, explore the Trongsa Town. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

12. Day 12 Trongsa – Tingtibi (Zhemgang) ▾

    • 95 km Driving distance
    • 3 hr Driving time
    • 600 m Altitude of Tingtibi

    After breakfast, drive to Zhemgang. As we journey to Zhemgang, we’ll make several stops at lush, forested valleys, offering excellent opportunities to spot a variety of birds. We may encounter species like the Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-bellied Tesia, Crested Bunting, Long-tailed Shrike, prinias, Rufous Woodpecker, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Spot-winged Starling, Common Green Magpie, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, and various minivets.

    This area is also our best opportunity to observe the Golden Langur, a rare monkey endemic to Bhutan, first discovered in the 1950s. Dinner and overnight in Camp/ Eco Lodge.

13. Day 13 Birding in Tingtibiti ▾

    • 600 m Altitude of Tingtibi

    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.

14. Day 14 Tingtibi (Zhemgang) - Phobjikha ▾

    • 160 km Driving distance
    • 5 hr Driving time
    • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha

    Today, we make our way back to Trongsa, birding at various sites along the route to search for any species we may have missed. From Trongsa we shall head towards Western Bhutan. 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.

    After a scenic and lengthy drive, we reach the Phobjikha Valley, a sacred wintering ground for the endangered Black-necked Crane and one of the most beautiful Valleys in the Himalayas. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

15. Day 15 Phobjikha - Punakha ▾

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

    After an early breakfast, we head to the Pele La Pass at 4000 m, where we’ll spend the morning birding along the old road in search of high-altitude species such as Himalayan Monal, Spotted Laughingthrush, Himalayan Griffon, Brown Parrotbill, and a variety of finches and bush-warblers.

    Later, we will continue our drive to Punakha, passing through the valley of Wangdi Phodrang, where we’ll look for Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and mixed-species flocks along the way. 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. We will overnight in Punakha. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

16. Day 16 Punakha Sightseeing ▾

    • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

    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. 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.

    Dinner and overnight in hotel.

17. Day 17 Punakha - Thimphu ▾

    • 76 km Driving distance
    • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
    • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

    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. In the afternoon, we embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, crossing the Dochula Pass at 3,150 meters. On a clear day, this route offers breathtaking views of the entire eastern Himalayan range.

    Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. In the evening, 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. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

18. Day 18 Thimphu ▾

    • 76 km Driving distance
    • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
    • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

    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. Drive back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we shall drive north of Thimphu 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. On your way back enjoy sometime by the Dodena River and drive back to Thimphu. 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.

19. Day 19 Thimphu – Haa ▾

    • 110 km Driving distance
    • 3 hr Driving time
    • 2,670 m Altitude of Haa

    After breakfast, drive to Haa. Please ensure that you make the drive of 115 km interesting and beautiful by stopping at places, visiting villages, interacting with people and taking photographs of rural areas and nature. The drive from Thimphu to Haa takes you through the villages of Namseling and Kasadrapchhu until you reach Chuzomsa, 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. Then the road follows the river and 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 the secluded Haa Valley. Haa valley was known for its animist tradition during the pre- Buddhist era. Inhabitants of Haa then believed offering animal blood to their local deities. However, after the visit of the tantric master, Guru Padmasambhava, in the 8th century 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: 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 Haa Wangchuklo Dzong (From outside only) built in 1915 after the Dumchog Dzong was razed to the ground by fire is worth visiting. 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.

20. Day 20 Haa – Chelela Pass - Paro ▾

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

    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.

    After a while Hike to Kila Goemba. The trail, spanning approximately 9-12 kilometers, meanders through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. The hike concludes at the serene Kila Goenpa Nunnery, a centuries-old cliffside retreat home to Buddhist nuns.

    This journey, marked by natural beauty and cultural significance, provides hikers with a unique blend of adventure and spiritual tranquility. On the way back visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Check out the varieties of made in Bhutan beers.

    Set in a traditional Bhutanese style, the place is beautifully located overlooking the Paro valley. This place brews different flavors of Bhutanese Beer to suit one’s palette. The outdoor setting of Namgay Artisanal brewery is equally awesome.

    Take a tour in the beer producing house. They mainly produce Indian Pale Ale, Apple Cider, Wheat beer, Dark ale, and red rice lager. Finally visit the Drukgyal Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces.

    It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and was in ruins for a long time until reconstruction process was initiated in the year 2016 under the Command of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

21. Day 21 Paro Valley ▾

    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. 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.

22. Day 22 Departure ▾

    “The Avian Wonders of Bhutan” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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