Bhutan Biodiversity & Birding Expedition – 10 Days/9 Nights

Embark on a 10-Day/9-Night Bhutan Biodiversity & Birding Expedition. Explore pristine forests, rare Himalayan bird species, vibrant flora, and breathtaking landscapes with expert naturalists.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Birdwatching in Paro Valley
Arrive at Paro International Airport; traditional Bhutanese welcome.
Short orientation and briefing on birding protocols.
Afternoon: Birding around Paro River Valley and paddy fields.
Key birds: Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Ruddy Shelduck, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Brown Dipper.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Overnight: Paro

Day 2: Paro – Chelela Pass – Thimphu
Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988 m), with forest trail birding.
Target species: Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Spotted Laughingthrush.
Continue to Thimphu via scenic route.
Visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) in the evening.
Overnight: Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing – Lamperi Park – Punakha
Morning birding in Lamperi Royal Botanical Park (over 220 bird species).
Species: Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Hoary-throated Barwing, Golden-breasted Fulvetta.
Drive through Dochula Pass to Punakha Valley.
Visit Punakha Dzong and Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge.
Overnight: Punakha

Day 4: Punakha – Pho Chhu Valley Birding
Morning birdwatching along Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Key species: Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Scarlet Minivet.
Afternoon: Walk to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, observing rural bird habitats.
Overnight: Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley
Drive to Phobjikha Valley (4 hours), famous for Black-necked Cranes.
Birding en route at Lawala Pass: Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Fire-tailed Sunbird.
Visit Gangtey Gompa and explore Gangtey Nature Trail.
Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 6: Phobjikha – Trongsa
Early morning birding in Phobjikha wetlands.
Drive to Trongsa, stopping at Pelela Pass.
Visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum.
Birdwatching: Great Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Mountain Hawk Eagle.
Overnight: Trongsa

Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive through temperate forests to Bumthang Valley.
Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery.
Afternoon birding near Chamkhar River: Brown Dipper, White-collared Blackbird.
Overnight: Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang – Tang Valley Excursion
Full-day birding in Tang Valley, exploring forests, meadows, and villages.
Target species: Ward’s Trogon, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Beautiful Nuthatch, White-gorgeted Flycatcher.
Visit Ogyen Choling Heritage Museum for local culture.
Overnight: Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang – Paro
Early morning departure to Paro by road (7 hours) or optional domestic flight.
Leisure time in Paro for souvenir shopping or short walks.
Overnight: Paro

Day 10: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike – Departure
Early morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
Birding along trail: Fire-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, White-throated Laughingthrush.
Return to Paro town and transfer to airport for onward journey.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.