Bird Watching · 8 days

Birds of Bhutan – 8-Day Himalayan Birding Adventure

Discover the incredible birdlife of Bhutan on a 7-night / 8-day journey through some of the country’s most diverse and beautiful habitats.

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Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Region
Western Bhutan
Difficulty
Easy
Price
Price on request

Overview

About this journey

Discover the incredible birdlife of Bhutan on a 7-night / 8-day journey through some of the country’s most diverse and beautiful habitats. From the riverbanks of Paro and subtropical forests of Punakha to the alpine landscapes of Chele La and the wetlands of Phobjikha, this adventure offers excellent opportunities to observe a remarkable variety of Himalayan bird species. Along the way, search for colourful pheasants, rare herons, mountain birds and migratory species, including the spectacular Black-necked Crane during the winter season. Combined with breathtaking Himalayan scenery and Bhutan’s peaceful natural environment, this is an unforgettable experience for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Discover Bhutan’s rich variety of Himalayan, subtropical and alpine bird species.
  • Explore the bird-rich landscapes of Chele La and Pele La Passes.
  • Birdwatch across riverbanks, forests, alpine meadows, bamboo groves and wetlands.
  • Search for Bhutan’s colourful and iconic pheasant species.
  • Visit the Phobjikha Valley, with opportunities to see wintering cranes during the appropriate season.

Private journey

Price on request

Every journey is planned privately around your dates, hotels and pace, so we quote each trip individually. Send us your travel month and group size and we will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.

Enquire about this journey

Or message us on WhatsApp +975 77 34 88 13

Day by day

Itinerary

Your guide and driver are with you throughout. Every day can be adjusted to your interests and pace.

Habitat: Riverine gravel beds, agricultural edges and willow groves
Altitude: Approx. 2,200 m

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your dedicated Orion Bhutan Travel specialist will welcome you and assist with your transfer and hotel check-in.

In the afternoon, begin your first birding excursion along the rocky banks of the Paro Chhu. Search the riverbed and surrounding vegetation for the distinctive Ibisbill, along with Brown Dipper, Crested Kingfisher, River Lapwing and Plumbeous Water Redstart.

Overnight: Paro

Habitat: Alpine meadows, dwarf rhododendron and fir forests
Altitude: Up to 3,988 m

Begin the day with an early morning drive to Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable road pass. The cool alpine environment provides an excellent opportunity to search for high-altitude pheasants and mountain birds.

Look for spectacular species such as the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Spotted Nutcracker and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.

In the afternoon, drive toward Thimphu, making birding stops along suitable forested sections of the route.

Overnight: Thimphu

Habitat: Mixed conifer forests, sub-alpine passes and broadleaf valleys
Altitude: Approx. 3,100 m to 1,200 m

Start with an early morning birding walk through the forests around Thimphu, searching for woodland species including Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and various laughingthrushes.

Continue toward Punakha via Dochula Pass. The rhododendron-covered surroundings of the pass offer opportunities to observe mixed feeding flocks and high-altitude forest species.

Descend into the warmer subtropical Punakha Valley in the afternoon.

Overnight: Punakha

Habitat: Subtropical broadleaf forests, chir pine forests and riverbanks
Altitude: Approx. 1,200 m

Begin early with a riverbank birding excursion around the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. The area provides opportunities to search for the rare White-bellied Heron, along with Great Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle and Crested Kingfisher.

In the afternoon, explore suitable forest areas toward Tashithang, scanning the forest canopy and river corridors for hornbills, raptors and other subtropical species.

Overnight: Punakha

Habitat: Mountain bamboo, alpine wetlands and glacial valley
Altitude: Approx. 3,000 m

Travel from Punakha toward the highlands, making a birding stop around the bamboo habitats of Nobding. Search for species such as Ward’s Trogon and other Himalayan forest birds.

Continue to the spectacular Phobjikha Valley, a high-altitude wetland and important habitat for the Black-necked Crane during the winter season.

From late autumn through winter, watch for these magnificent migratory cranes as they arrive in the valley from the Tibetan Plateau.

Overnight: Phobjikha

Habitat: High-altitude mountain scrub and bamboo glades
Altitude: Approx. 3,420 m

Begin with an early morning excursion to Pele La Pass, exploring the bamboo clusters and alpine scrub for specialized mountain birds.

Target species include Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Brown Parrotbill, Rosefinches and Spotted Laughingthrush.

After the morning birding session, continue your journey toward Paro, making suitable birding stops along the route as time and conditions permit.

Overnight: Paro

Birding Area: To be confirmed based on seasonal conditions and target species

Spend the day exploring one of Bhutan’s productive birding habitats. Your experienced birding guide will select the most suitable locations according to recent sightings, weather conditions and your preferred target species.

Continue searching for Himalayan, forest and riverine birds while enjoying Bhutan’s spectacular landscapes.

Overnight: Paro

Enjoy a final morning birding session around Paro, depending on your flight schedule. This provides a final opportunity to add a few species to your trip list and photograph Bhutan’s beautiful birdlife.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

End of Program

What the price covers

Included and not included

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off at Paro International Airport
  • Private transportation throughout the itinerary
  • 7 nights of accommodation in comfortable hotels/resorts
  • Experienced English-speaking birding guide
  • Dedicated local birding specialist
  • All birdwatching excursions and guided nature walks mentioned in the itinerary
  • Binoculars and spotting scope, if provided by the tour operator
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the tour
  • Drinking water during birding excursions
  • All sightseeing and visits mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entry fees for designated sightseeing locations
  • Bhutanese government-approved trekking/birding permits, where applicable
  • Assistance with hotel check-in and travel arrangements
  • First-aid support during excursions
  • Birding checklist and assistance with species identification
  • All applicable government taxes and service charges

Not included

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), unless specifically included in the package
  • Personal travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and shopping
  • Alcoholic beverages and other premium drinks
  • Personal birding equipment such as binoculars and cameras, unless specifically provided
  • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional accommodation or meals outside the scheduled program
  • Emergency medical treatment or evacuation costs
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
  • Any expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations or unforeseen circumstances
  • Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned under Inclusions

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Tailor-made, at no extra cost

Tailor your Bhutan journey

We can shape your Bhutan experience around your preferences, interests, travel style and schedule at no additional cost. Want more time for culture, nature, adventure or wellness, or simply a slower pace? Tell us, and we will plan the journey around you.

Send a custom enquiry
WhatsApp +975 77 34 88 13