Cross-country Birdwatching Adventure in Bhutan

Upon your arrival in Guwahati from Delhi or Kolkata, you will be greeted by our local representative, who will drive you to Bhutan. Once in Bhutan, your guide will handle the visa processing. Meanwhile, you can relax at the hotel or take a stroll around the charming town. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 350m, Drive: 3hrs

We will explore the tropical forests of Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang, celebrated as a top birding destination in the Himalayas. Our goal is to encounter unique species, including the Wreathed Hornbill, Blyth’s Kingfisher, and the vibrant Siberian Rubythroat, among others. We may also see the Common Iora, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and Little Spiderhunter, which are rare elsewhere. In addition to these exceptional birds, we can expect to spot more common species such as the Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush and Puff-throated Babbler, with a chance of observing the rare Rosy Starling, recently recorded in Bhutan. Furthermore, Samdrup Jongkhar boasts a diverse array of orchids and butterflies, enhancing the area's ecological richness. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 350m – 600m, Drive: 3hrs

Our adventure takes us to Trashigang, a seldom-visited region. Leaving the small town of Deothang, we climb steeply through lush sub-tropical broadleaf forests, a haven for wildlife. We hope to spot the rare Rufous-necked Hornbill, as well as the Lesser Cuckoo, Red-rumped Swallow, Pied Harrier, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Broadbill, and Scaly-breasted Munia.

In the Morong Valley, we'll search for the globally vulnerable Beautiful Nuthatch and the Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, often seen with Silver-eared Mesia. We’ll also encounter common species like the Mountain Tailorbird, White-browed Shrike Babbler, and flocks of Long-tailed Sibia.

After a picnic breakfast, we will travel along the Melong Brak road, which offers stunning views as we cross several mountain passes. At Kharung La, 2,350 meters high, we may see the Crimson-breasted Woodpecker and Golden Babbler.

Continuing through valleys and over Yonphu La at 2,570 meters, we will descend to Sherubtse College before reaching Trashigang for overnight. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 5hrs

We will set off early from the hotel, traveling through the scenic Sheri Chhu Valley and ascending the Yadi Loops, a series of ten hairpin bends that lead us to the village of Yadi. Continuing through cool broadleaf forests, we will reach Kore La at 2,450 meters, where we’ll seek various bird species, including the Hill Partridge, Asian Barred Owlet, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, and the striking Scarlet Finch.

After crossing the pass, we will descend into forests adorned with rhododendron undergrowth, arriving in the town of Mongar for a brief walk. Our journey will then take us along Lingmethang Road toward Yongkola, where we will look for the elusive Tawny Fish Owl, globally vulnerable Steppe Eagle, and other remarkable birds such as the Bhutan Laughingthrush, Hair-crested Drongo, and Orange-headed Thrush.

Overnight lodge 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 3hrs

The regions of Yongkola, Namling, Tshamang, and Lingmethang are renowned as some of the finest birding locations in the world. Over two full days, we will explore the pristine forests of Thrumshing La National Park along a rarely used paved road. This birding hotspot is home to some of Bhutan’s most sought-after species, including the globally vulnerable Chestnut-breasted Partridge, the magnificent Rufous-necked Hornbill, and the near-threatened Ward’s Trogon. Other highlights include the rare Long-billed Thrush, Yellow-throated and Golden-breasted Fulvettas, and the elusive Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, found at only two known sites in Bhutan.

Additionally, we will search for the Long-billed and Rufous-throated Wren Babblers, Himalayan Cutia, Spotted Elachura, and a variety of colorful birds such as the Black Bulbul and Gould’s Sunbird. After birding in the upper region of Yongkola, we will explore the warm broadleaf forests along Lingmethang Road, where we hope to spot the vibrant Red-faced Liocichla, Maroon Oriole, and Grey-bellied Tesia, among others.

One evening, we will embark on a short night drive in search of the Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel, as well as various owls and frogmouths, including the localized Hodgson’s Frogmouth and the elusive Mountain Scops Owl. Overnight lodge 

Altitude: 1200m – 2900m, Drive: 5hrs

We will continue our birding adventure in the same areas, taking the opportunity to revisit some of the prime locations we explored previously. This allows us to search for any bird species we may have missed during our earlier outings. Our focused efforts will increase our chances of spotting those elusive birds, enhancing our overall experience and knowledge of the rich avifauna in this stunning region.

Overnight lodge 

Altitude: 1200m – 2900m, Drive: 5hrs

We will begin our birding adventure in the cool, broadleaf forests of the Namling region, where we aim to spot rare altitudinal migrants such as Gould's Shortwing, the striking Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, and the photogenic Bar-throated Siva. Additional birds of interest include the resident Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, and Black-throated Parrotbill.

Following breakfast, we will continue our exploration in Sengor Valley, focusing on special species like the elusive Satyr Tragopan, Solitary Snipe, vibrant Fire-tailed Myzornis, localized Bar-winged Wren Babbler, and the sought-after Fire-tailed Sunbird.

We will then ascend to Thrumshing La at 3,780 meters, pausing to search for the scarce Fulvous Parrotbill, shy Eurasian Woodcock, rare Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, and Black-throated and Chestnut Thrushes. As we descend through dense conifer forests, we will look for the spectacular Himalayan Monal and flocks of Blood Pheasants. We will also encounter various regular species, including Goldcrest, Whistler’s Warbler, Himalayan Bluetail, and more.

Our day will conclude in the picturesque village of Ura, followed by a descent into Jakar Valley for an overnight stay. As night falls, we will listen for the calls of the Himalayan Owl, formerly thought to be the Tawny Owl. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2500m – 3700m, Drive: 5hrs

We will have an early visit to Tharpaling Monastery to witness the unique practice of monks feeding Himalayan Monals, as the birds have become accustomed to this ritual. In the surrounding area, we will also look for rare species such as the White-bellied Redstart, the vagrant Godlewski Bunting, Snow Pigeon, Alpine Accentor, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Black-faced Laughingthrush, and flocks of Plain Mountain Finch, Red-billed Chough, and the endemic Black-billed Magpie, which is specific to the Bumthang region.

After breakfast, we will descend to Gattsa Valley and continue our journey to Yotong La at an altitude of 3,450 meters, where we will search for high-altitude birds, including the White-winged Grosbeak, the rare Great Parrotbill, Red-headed Bullfinch, Hume’s Bush Warbler, Whiskered Yuhina, Red Crossbill, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, and the fairly common but range-restricted Hoary-throated Barwing.

Upon arriving in Trongsa, visit the historic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1637, and the Ta Dzong, or Watch Tower, which now serves as the National Museum. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2500 – 1800m, Drive: 2hrs

We will journey along a serene forest road toward Tingtibi, watching for Blue Whistling Thrushes that frequently take flight from the roadside. As we traverse this scenic route, we will also look for the elusive Spotted Forktail near the captivating mossy waterfalls that adorn the landscape. Our path is framed by breathtaking mixed broadleaf forests, descending from 2,000 meters to 700 meters, where we may spot the Endangered Golden Langur, often seen in small groups along the roadside.

In the early morning, we will concentrate our birdwatching efforts on several noteworthy species, including the Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Barred Cuckoo Dove, and Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, which is commonly found in mixed feeding flocks. We will also seek out the Large Hawk Cuckoo, Collared Owlet, and the Great Barbet, the most prevalent barbet species in Bhutan. Other species to watch for include the Lesser Yellownape, Bay Woodpecker, Long-tailed Minivet, Green-backed Tit, White-throated Laughingthrush, the rare Spot-winged Starling, Ashy Bulbul, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, White-tailed Nuthatch, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Sapphire Flycatcher, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Blue Rock Thrush, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and Tibetan Siskin.

Upon reaching the warmer subtropical area of Tingtibi, we will continue our search for additional bird species, including the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Common Cuckoo, Crested Kingfisher, the vagrant Daurian Redstart, as well as the vibrant Emerald Dove and Rufous-necked Laughingthrush. Overnight Eco lodge 

Altitude: 1800m – 1200m, Drive: 5hrs

Early in the morning, we will embark on a drive along the scenic Tingtibi-Panbang stretch, immersing ourselves in the lush bamboo forests as we search for some of the area’s most sought-after birds. Our target species include the White-browed Piculet, the rare Rufous-faced Warbler, and the elusive Pale-headed Woodpecker. We will also keep an eye out for the White-browed Scimitar Babbler, often seen alongside the Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill and the White-hooded Babbler, which is endemic to this particular site in Bhutan. Other notable birds we may encounter include Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher (formerly classified as the Asian Paradise Flycatcher), the fairly common Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, White-rumped Munia, and the rare Smoky Warbler. Along the banks of the Mangde Chhu river, we will be on the lookout for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, whose wild population is estimated at only 60 individuals.

After enjoying a hot picnic breakfast, we will continue our journey into the warmer core of Royal Manas National Park. The Panbang valley is celebrated as one of Bhutan’s premier birding hotspots, where we may spot the magnificent Great Hornbill (globally vulnerable), the elusive Barred Buttonquail, and the striking Blue-bearded Bee-eater. Other species to observe include Nepal Fulvetta, the stunning White-naped Yuhina, Sultan Tit, Blue-throated Barbet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Bronzed Drongo, the vividly colored Common Green Magpie, Rufescent Prinia, Black-crested Bulbul, the territorial Yellow-bellied Warbler, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, and the rare Forest Wagtail. With a bit of luck, we may also find the elusive Rufous-throated Partridge, Collared Falconet, and the near-threatened Rufous-bellied Eagle.

Our hotel in Panbang is nestled within tropical teak forests brimming with birdlife, providing ample opportunities to see all four species of hornbills found in Bhutan. As night falls, we will have the chance to search for owls such as the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl and the more elusive Mountain Scops Owl. Overnight Eco lodge 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 3hrs

Today, we will set off on a birdwatching adventure through the tropical forests between Panbang and Nganglam, in search of some of Bhutan’s rarest and most sought-after species. Our target birds include the globally rare Grey Peacock Pheasant, the Buff-breasted Babbler (first recorded in Bhutan during our 2019 birding tour), and the Eye-browed Wren Babbler, which can only be found in Panbang. We will also be on the lookout for the elusive Rufous-vented Laughingthrush, Collared Treepie, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Green Cochoa, Rufous-backed Sibia, Yellow-vented Warbler, the rare Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, and the Hooded Pitta.

In addition to these rarities, we may encounter more commonly seen birds, such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Lineated Barbet, Eurasian Wryneck, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Greater Flameback Goldenback, Red-breasted Parakeet, Plaintive Cuckoo, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Great Myna, and the striking Red-headed Trogon (one of the most beautiful trogons in the world), as well as the Black-naped Monarch, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Asian House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, and White-throated Bulbul. Overnight Eco lodge 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 2hrs

This morning, we will explore the forest road leading to the Manas National Park office in Panbang, searching for a variety of birds, including the Large Woodshrike, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Cattle Egret, the rare Jerdon’s Baza, the rare Lesser Fish Eagle, Eurasian Collared Dove, Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Indian Cuckoo, Greater Coucal, Savanna Nightjar, Dollarbird, Grey-hooded Warbler, Bank Myna, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Plain Flowerpecker, House Sparrow, Slaty-backed Forktail, and the rare Citrine Wagtail.

The forests in this area are also home to a variety of mammals, such as the Asian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Clouded Leopard, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Sambar, Golden Langur, and Indian Palm Civet, with encounters of any of these species being a significant highlight of the trip.

After breakfast, we will retrace our journey back to Tingtibi, stopping at areas we may have missed on our way in. Overnight Eco lodge 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 3hrs

Today, we return to Trongsa from Zhemgang. Along the way, we will stop for birdwatching at various sites, looking for species we may have missed during our previous observations. We will have lunch in Trongsa before heading to the stunning Phobjekha Valley, a sacred winter resting place for the Black-necked Crane.Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1200m – 2900m, Drive: 6hrs

Today, we will travel along a picturesque mountain road, passing through oak and rhododendron forests draped in lichens, before reaching Lawa La at 3,350 meters. Our descent into the Nobding Valley marks our first birdwatching stop, where we aim to spot Bhutan's rare species like Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and the Long-billed Thrush.

After breakfast, we will head to the Punakha Valley, stopping by the Puna Tshang Chhu River to observe water birds such as the endangered Pallas Fish Eagle and Bar-headed Geese, along with rarities like the Indian Spot-billed Duck and Northern Shoveler. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2900m – 1200m, Drive: 2hrs 

Today, we will explore the Tashithang Valley in Jigme Dorji National Park, beginning with birdwatching in the broad-leaved forests at 1,600 meters. Our goal is to spot raptors such as the Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, and Crested Serpent Eagle, as well as rare species like the Red-headed Trogon. We’ll also be on the lookout for other notable species including Nepal Fulvetta, Spotted Elachura, various woodpeckers, barbets, Tesias, and forktails.

As the day warms up, we will visit the majestic 17th-century Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers. Later in the afternoon, we will search for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and the globally endangered Pallas’s Fish Eagle. 

Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1200m – 1500m, Drive: 3hrs

This morning, we will explore the Puna Tshang Chhu valley, seeking various water birds, including Osprey, Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, and several others. We may also spot rarities such as the Pallas’s Gull, along with Kingfishers, Plovers, and Wagtails.

Continuing our journey through the terraced fields of Lobesa, we will arrive at the mixed broadleaf forest of Menchuna, where a short off-road trail will provide additional birding opportunities. Here, we will search for species like the Scaly Thrush, Ashy Drongo, and Golden Bush Robin. After a picnic lunch in this picturesque setting, we will resume our birdwatching before heading to Paro, making a brief stop at Dochu La to enjoy the stunning landscape views. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1200m – 2300m, Drive:3hrs

We will set off early in the morning on a journey through ancient high boreal forests, climbing to Chele La at 3,780 meters, the highest point of our tour. We will watch for the Grey Nightjar, typically seen at dawn along the roadside. Upon reaching the pass, we will enjoy stunning views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake, as well as expansive vistas of the Paro and Ha valleys. During our time in Bhutan, we will have spotted many target bird species, with further opportunities to photograph sought-after species such as the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, rare Wood Snipe, Himalayan Cuckoo, Rufous-fronted Tit, Greenish Warbler, Spotted Laughingthrush, Red-tailed Minla, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Red-throated Thrush, Blanford’s Rosefinch, Collared Grosbeak, White-browed Bush Robin, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, and flocks of Olive-backed Pipit, White-browed Fulvetta, and Rufous-vented Yuhina.

We will also look for raptors such as the Bearded (Lammergeier) Vulture, Hen Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, and Brown Parrotbill. After breakfast, we will continue birdwatching in Chele La’s breathtaking landscapes before heading back to Paro. En route, we will stop at the Pa Chhu in search of the elusive Ibisbill, a megaspecies of the Himalayas, and may spot the Black-tailed Crake, rare Mandarin Duck, Rosy Pipit, and Common Snipe, along with more common species like the Oriental Turtle Dove, Brown Dipper, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Hodgson’s Redstart, and Russet Sparrow. Towards evening, drive back to Paro for overnight. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2300m – 3988m, Drive: 3hrs

After breakfast, drive for 15 minutes to the starting point of the hike to Takshang Monastery, famously known as the "Tiger's Nest." This site, visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, attracting many great Buddhist masters over the years. The monastery was built in 1692 AD by the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan, over the cave where Guru Rimpoche and his consort, Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal, meditated. Perched on a rocky cliff that towers 800 meters above the valley, the monastic complex stands at an elevation of 2950 meters above sea level.

On your return, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the evening, visit a local farmhouse for dinner and to try hot stone bath. Overnight hotel 

Altitude at the temple: 3150m, Drive: 15min, Distance from parking and back: 7km

Transfer to airport for departure