The tour begins in Paro Valley.

Paro - This morning, the local guide and driver from the office will meet the group.

Paro River - The next stop is the Pa Chhu River, where, hidden among the glacial stones, participants can search for the Ibisbill, a highlight of the Bhutan birding tour. In this area, one might also find the Brown Dipper, Common and Green Sandpipers, Common Hoopoe, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Himalayan Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Grey-backed Shrike, Russet Sparrow, Rosy Pipit, Siberian Stonechat, Citrine Wagtail, Rufous-breasted Accentor, and Wallcreeper (a winter visitor).

The northward migration will be underway, and many valleys throughout Bhutan serve as important pathways, so it is possible to see species not yet recorded in Bhutan.

Morning birding at Chele La for high-altitude birds, then continue to Thimphu, 110 km.

Chele La Pass - An early morning departure leads through ancient high boreal forests to Chele La Pass at 3,780m, the highest point on this tour. Along the way, there is a chance to see the Grey Nightjar (often flushed by the vehicle’s light). Chele La offers the opportunity to ascend above the tree line into alpine meadows and dwarf rhododendron scrub, where some of Bhutan’s high-altitude birds may be seen, such as the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Cuckoo, Snow Pigeon, Rufous-fronted and Yellow-browed Tits, Greenish Warbler, Red-tailed Minla, White-browed Fulvetta, Black-throated Thrush, Blanford’s and White-browed Rosefinches, Collared Grosbeak, White-throated Redstart, White-browed Bush Robin, Alpine Accentor, Plain Mountain Finch (often seen in large flocks of up to 200 birds), and Red-headed Bullfinch.

Thimphu - After breakfast, birding continues in the beautiful areas of Chele La before gradually returning to Paro and continuing east to Thimphu city.

Thimphu to Punakha, 78 km. Bird watching stop at Dochu La and Lampelri Park. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong.

Dochula Pass - An early departure allows for viewing the high Himalayas as dawn breaks over Dochu La. It is an awe-inspiring sight, with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and 108 white chortens, unlike any other pass in the world! In this high elevation, mixed broad-leaved forests, there is an incredible range of attractive birds such as Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Rufous Sibia, Fire-tailed Myzornis (one of the top birds in Bhutan), White-collared Blackbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, and Olive-backed Pipit.

Punakha Dzong - Eventually, the group arrives in Punakha for a short cultural break to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637.

Punakha to Phobjikha over Lawa La (pass), 85 km.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - In the morning, birding along the Puna Tshang Chhu will look for Pallas’s Fish Eagle (rare and globally endangered), Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon River, and Red-wattled Lapwing among many other species.

Phobjikha Valley - Phobjikha Valley is the wintering home of the rare and little-known Black-necked Crane (globally vulnerable, and one of the top five birds of Bhutan), which find refuge here from November until March.

Morning birding at Pele La (3,350m) and drive to Trongsa, 85 km.

Trongsa - The road leads through the village of Tangsibji, where a stop near a small stream offers the chance to see a pair of Black-tailed Crake that reside there. The group eventually arrives in Trongsa for an overnight stay.

Trongsa to Tingtibi, 140 km. Birding in Royal Manas National Park.

Bird watching in Royal Manas National Park, one of the best birding locations in Bhutan.

Tingtibi to Trongsa via Zhemgang town, 140 km.

Trongsa to Bumthang, 80 km, birding en-route at Yotong La and Tharpaling Monastery.

Bumthang to Yongkola, 140 km. Stopping along one of the best birding routes in Bhutan and the Eastern Himalayas.

Two full days are spent exploring the best birding locations in Bhutan.

Exploring the bird-rich Thrumshing La National Park.

Yongkola to Bumthang, 140 km. Birding the areas of Namling, Sengor, and Thrumshing La Pass.

A short flight from Bumthang to Paro, (25 mins). Bird watching and cultural visits in Paro Valley.

Rinpung Dzong - This morning, a short flight to Paro (25 mins) offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. Upon arrival in Paro, a visit to Paro Dzong (1644), the Fortress of the “Heap of Jewels,” is planned. This fortress was featured in some scenes of the film ‘Little Buddha’ (1993). The five-story building has white-washed walls and magnificently carved and painted wooden doors and windows, adding to the sense of power and wealth required to build this fortress. From the dzong, the group will follow the stone path down to the Paro Chhu (river) and cross the Nyamai Zam - the wooden cantilevered bridge adorned with prayer flags.

Chele La - From here, the drive continues along the Chele La road for some forest birding before returning to the hotel for the farewell dinner. Birds that may be encountered include Kalij Pheasant, Long-tailed Shrike, Ashy Drongo, Black-throated Tit, Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Ashy-throated Warbler, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Striated Laughingthrush, and Maroon Accentor.

The guide and driver will take the group to Paro airport to conclude the tour.

Paro - Tour concludes.

• All museum and park entrance fees included
• Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro covered
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Bhutan visa fee taken care of

• Travel Insurance (essential)
• Personal expenses
• Charges incurred as a result of circumstances beyond the control of Langur Eco Travels
• Flights
• Gratuities

Experience the ultimate birdwatching, wildlife and cultural expedition in Bhutan. Seated in the aesthetic grandeur of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a petite nation known for its rhododendron groves, breathtaking vistas and welcoming Buddhist traditions.

Birding in this quaint country is deeply gratifying. The urban spaces here are tiny and encircled by unblemished forests, making it an ideal location for birdwatchers. The sparse road traffic allows for remarkable strolls through the Himalayas’ best-conserved woodlands. During this journey, you’ll observe an astounding 350 bird varieties, 12-15 types of mammals, and a diverse collection of butterflies and blossoms.

You’ll have provisions to appreciate the spectacular architecture, visit dzongs – structures that unify the attributes of a fortress and monastery – and interact cordially with the Bhutanese populace. By and large, discover Bhutan’s distinct heritage, combining your curiosity without forfeiting your primary goals!

This meticulously planned itinerary is designed to spotlight Bhutan’s beauty, minimizing the need for extensive travel and eliminating the requirement for camping.

• Not recommended for travellers with serious high altitude sickness

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