17-Day Bhutan Birding Expedition
Explore Bhutan’s unparalleled birding paradise on this 17-day journey across the kingdom’s diverse ecosystems. From subtropical forests to high-altitude passes, discover a rich array of bird species while immersing yourself in Bhutan’s culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Overview
- Day 1: Flight to Guwahati, Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar
- Day 2: Samdrup Jongkhar to Morong
- Day 3: Morong to Trashigang
- Day 4: Trashigang to Kori La to Mongar to Yongkala
- Days 5-6: Yongkala; Birding along the Limithang Road
- Day 7: Yongkala to Sengor
- Day 8: Sengor to Jakar to Trongsa
- Day 9: Trongsa to Zhemgang
- Day 10: Zhemgang to Tingtibe Road
- Day 11: Zhemgang to Phobjikha
- Day 12: Phobjikha to Punakha
- Day 13: Punakha to Thimphu
- Day 14: Thimphu to Paro
- Day 15: Paro; Birding at Cheli La Pass
- Day 16: Paro River or optional Tiger’s Nest Excursion
- Day 17: Departure from Paro
Day 1 | Flight to Guwahati, Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar
Objective: Begin your birding journey in Bhutan with an introduction to its diverse lowland ecosystems.
- Arrive in Guwahati, India, and drive across the border to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan.
- En route, look for wetland species such as Little Cormorant, Ashy Drongo, and Red-wattled Lapwing.
Day 2 | Samdrup Jongkhar to Morong
Explore the lush lowland forests and climb towards the foothills, encountering species like Pied Falconet, Great Hornbill, and the Beautiful Nuthatch.
Day 3 | Morong to Trashigang
Travel through forested valleys while birdwatching along the way. Look for Rufous-necked Hornbill, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, and Mountain Hawk Eagle.
Day 4 | Trashigang to Kori La to Mongar to Yongkala
Journey through the moss-covered mountain forests of Kori La and Mongar, home to Bhutan Laughingthrush, Hoary-throated Barwing, and Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch.
Days 5-6 | Yongkala; Birding along the Limithang Road
Explore the legendary Limithang Road, one of the world’s top birding sites, with species like Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Ward’s Trogon, and Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler.
Day 7 | Yongkala to Sengor
Ascend into Bhutan’s high-altitude forests, where you may spot Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird.
Day 8 | Sengor to Jakar to Trongsa
Cross Thrumshing La pass, scanning for Himalayan Monal and Fire-tailed Sunbird while traversing breathtaking landscapes.
Day 9 | Trongsa to Zhemgang
Explore the lower forests of Zhemgang, known for its rich birdlife, including Cutia, Common Green Magpie, and Spot-winged Starling.
Day 10 | Zhemgang Tingtibi Road
Spend the day birding along the remote Tingtibi Road, looking for rare species such as Rufous-necked Hornbill and Beautiful Nuthatch.
Day 11 | Zhemgang to Phobjikha
Drive through mountain valleys to Phobjikha, the winter home of the Black-necked Crane, and visit Gangtey Monastery.
Day 12 | Phobjikha to Punakha
Stop at Pele La pass for high-altitude birding before reaching Punakha, where you will birdwatch along the Pho Chhu River.
Day 13 | Punakha to Thimphu
Explore the Jigme Dorji National Park before driving to Thimphu, where cultural visits and urban birding await.
Day 14 | Thimphu to Paro
Visit the local sewage pond for Ibisbill sightings and hike to Cheri Monastery for more avian discoveries.
Day 15 | Paro; Birding at Cheli La Pass
Head to Cheli La Pass for the chance to see Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasants, and various finches and grosbeaks.
Day 16 | Paro River or optional Tiger’s Nest Excursion
Enjoy birdwatching along the Paro River or embark on a memorable hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Day 17 | Departure from Paro
Conclude your birding adventure with a morning in Paro before transferring to the airport for departure.