Overview
Bhutan is the least spoilt Himalayan country, and this tour takes you in search of the beautiful birds that call this nation home. Besides a first-hand opportunity to see the natural splendour, the tour also combines visits to ancient monasteries and temples that evidence the country’s rich culture.
Birding in the Kingdom of the Dragon
Well, I love birding in the mountains, especially the Himalayas. Apart from seeing amazing birds that call the region home, it also has amazing views of snow-clad peaks and their valleys.
Considered to be the least spoilt Himalayan country, and the greenest as well, Bhutan is an amazing place if you like birds, mountains, and the people that live here.
On my last visit to Bhutan, besides getting a great opportunity to see the country in all its natural splendor, I also got to visit ancient monasteries and temples and destinations like Paro, Thimphu, Phobjikha, and Punakha. The famous Paro Dzong Fortress and the Ta Dzong watchtower, as well as the birdwatching around Paro and Thimphu, were amazing experiences.
I found myself in spectacular surroundings looking for legendary species in pristine and seemingly endless forests. The birds that call Bhutan home include species such as the White-bellied Heron, Black-tailed Crake, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, Ibisbill, and a whole host of other spectacular species, all beautiful birds that I got to admire and photograph.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
Arrival in Paro from Delhi or Kathmandu. You will be met upon arrival. Drive to Hotel Joryangz. In the afternoon, birds along the Paro river valley looking for ibisbill, brown dipper, etc.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Meripuensum Resort
Birds along the river valleys of Paro & Thimpu Rivers. Entering the pristine forest of hemlock, fir, oak, and blossoming magnolias and rhododendrons one should see a wealth of birds in species-rich feeding flocks. Entering the pristine mixed forests of hemlock, fir, oak, magnolias, and rhododendron one would see a wealth of birds including some species-rich feeding flocks. Nutcrackers are common and other highlights may include a hill partridge, golden bush robin, cutia, brown parrotbill, or even fire-tailed my or is. The highlight of the day might be satyr tragopan, fire-tailed my or is. Halt at Meripuensum Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort
Spending this night at a traditionally decorated hotel near Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, the birders will have ample time to explore the braided channels of the Mo Chu River and the bird-rich subtropical forests it contains. The route will take you past the Punakha Dozing. You may see an impressive array of species including the white-bellied heron, one of Bhutan's specialties. We are sure to encounter several parties of brightly colored minivets, noisy striated laughing thrushes, and may also see more red-headed trogon, and wedge-tailed pigeon, wait to be discovered. Fire-capped tit breeds here, as does white-gorgeted flycatcher and rare yellow-vented warbler. We will also search for a variety of skulkers including white-browed shortwing, spotted and pygmy wren-babblers, and all three species of tesia. The night will be spent near Punakha in Meri Puensum Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
Continuing east, past Wangdue Dzong (a monastery and fortress combined), the birders will make a series of brief stops to scan the braided river channel. One can look for Pallas' Gull and Pallas' Fish Eagle here. You also check forest edges and explore some of the small patches of cultivation. You will enter a productive forest near the end of our journey and will stop here to look for species such as blood pheasant, satyr tragopan, or majestic Himalayan monal. Spotted laughing thrush, yellowish-bellied bush warbler, rusty-flanked treecreeper, and white-winged grosbeak also occur here. We will also make a proper search for ward's trogon, perhaps Bhutan's premier avian prize, before heading on to our superbly situated, guesthouse next to Gangtey Gompa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
Today after leisurely birding in this area, we will proceed to Thimpu and bird outside Jigmey Dorji National Park. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
Morning birding along the way to Paro. Rest of the day free for birding or sightseeing in and around Paro. Overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Today you depart on a Druk Airlines flight to Delhi or Kathmandu.
Note: Bhutan is a Himalayan destination, the flight schedule and weather conditions may sometimes force us to change the itinerary. Please do not take this as a standard or final itinerary as we can customize it depending on your travel date and flight timings.
Note: if the flight schedule changes and one has to stay an additional night, the tour cost will increase on pro-rata basis
Highlights
- Pristine Himalayas
- Excellent Birding
- Amazing architecture
- Interesting road journeys
- Great Tibetan food
- Sightseeing
Included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis Meals as per the itinerary
- Guided birding Any permits within Bhutan | All surface transfers by a private vehicle
Video
Location
Stories

Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.

Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.

Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.

Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown