Paro to Thimphu

Tachog Lhakhang (Tamchu) - Situated across the river from the Thimphu-Paro highway, visitors must cross an iron chain suspension bridge to reach the Lhakhang.

Thimphu - As the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu is nestled in a valley in the western part of the country. Known for its Buddhist landmarks, it is also the seat of government. The impressive Tashichho Dzong, a fortified monastery and government palace, features gold-leaf roofs. The Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a golden spire, is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Tashichho Dzong - Serving as the government seat since 1952, Tashichho Dzong currently houses the king’s throne room and offices, the secretariat, and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are located in nearby buildings.

Thimphu-Punakha

Punakha Dzong - Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong and Punthang Dechen Phodrang, which are among the top tourist attractions in Punakha.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - White-bellied herons inhabit the low elevation riparian habitat below 1700 m, especially in the Punatsang Chhu (river) basin. Approximately 30 individual birds are known to reside within the river valley of Bhutan in the Punakha-Wangdiphodrang district in the west-central part of the country.

Punakha-Tsirang Forest

Tsirang-Galeyphu

Galeyphu

Gelephu - Galeyphu is home to numerous bird species such as the Large Hawk Cuckoo, Pied Falconet, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Jungle Babbler, Wreathed, Great Hornbill, Puff-throated Babbler, Indian Roller, and many more. A guide can provide more information about the area and its birds.

Galeyphu-Zhemgang

Gelephu - Traveling from Galeyphu to Zhemgang, you can observe other bird species like the Tesias, pairs of Wren Babbler, Laughing Thrush, and Parrot bills in the lower elevations.

Zhemgang Sightseeing

Zhemgang to Trongsa

Trongsa - On the journey to Trongsa, the road ascends through a forest of Silver Firs where the Gold-naped Finch can be spotted. There is also a chance to see the elusive Fulvous Parrotbill. Throughout the trip, there are high chances of encountering the Steak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Grey-bellied Tesia, Crested Buntings, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Long-tailed Shrikes, Prinias, Rufous Woodpeckers, and Common Green Magpie.

Trongsa to Bumthang

Bumthang - In this biodiversity-rich region, birds like the White-bellied Heron and hornbills are commonly seen. While traveling to Bumthang, there is an opportunity to observe avian species such as Hill Partridge, Daurian Redstart, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Oriental Skylark, and Common Sandpiper.

Bumthang to Mongar

Yongkala Sightseeing-Mongar

Mongar-Yongkala Pass to Trongsa

Trongsa - This area is home to many of Bhutan’s most sought-after birds, including the Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Ward’s Trogon, the majestic Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Blue-fronted Robin, and the Sikkim Wedge-billed, Long-billed, and Bar-winged Wren-Babblers.

Trongsa-Phobjikha

Phobjikha-Thimphu

Thimphu - Birds found here include the Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Magpie, Chest Tailed Minla, Collared Blackbird, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Brown Bullfinch, Kalij Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, and Himalayan Monal.

Thimphu-Paro

Chele La - In the afternoon, look for target water birds like Ibisbill, Black-tailed Crake, Solitary Snipe, and Brown Dipper. There is also a possibility of seeing ducks and other shorebirds along the river.

Departure

Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point - After breakfast, continue to the airport for departure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• All Fees and Taxes

• Airfare
• 4 and 5 star hotels required extra premium
• Personal expenses

Bhutan serves as a haven for avid bird watchers and ornithologists, boasting records of over 670 bird species, with many more awaiting discovery. About 50 of the identified species are migratory birds that seek refuge during the winter months. Birds falling under this category include ducks, waders, raptors, thrushes, finches, and buntings.

Bhutan also provides sanctuary to several endangered bird species. Specifically, it is home to the Imperial Heron, considered one of the world’s fifty rarest birds, and the elusive Black-Necked Crane. Following breeding in Tibet, this crane species journeys over the Himalayas to winter in Bhutan. Its preferred locations include Phobjikha Valley in Western Bhutan, Bumthang in Central Bhutan, and Bomdeling in Eastern Bhutan. This migratory journey typically begins in the months of September or October, with a return flight to Tibet occurring between February and March.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.