Birding Tour in Bhutan

Birding Tour in Bhutan
Nestling in the heart of the Himalayas and protected by a complex geography of high mountains and deep valleys, Bhutan is certainly one of the most mysterious countries in the world (Dompnier,1999). The intriguing yet profound tale of the transformation of this traditional kingdom, without losing out on its traditional normsand values while embarking on a modern course of development in the last half a century has been both a story of sustainable and progressive development in harmony with its natural environment.Small and landlocked, to the north lies the great Tibetan plateauand to the south, the tropical Indian plains and jungles.Today, the proportion of land under forest cover is 72.5%, including shrub forest (2008). The need to live in harmony with ratherthan against nature has never been illustrated better. When GlobalWarming is now an accepted universal “Inconvenient Truth,” the need to preserve, conserve and respect the air we breathe. Bhutan is considered a Birding paradise for BIRD Lovers.

Trip Facts

  • Tour Duration: 12 Days
  • Tour Guide: Professional Birding Guide
  • Birding Tour Cost: US$ 2955 PP
  • Meals: All Inclusive
  • Trip Type: Birding and Cultural.
  • Transport: Private Tour

Birding Tour Highlight

  • Find Satyr Tragopan at Dochula Pass.
  • Explore the Cultures of Bhutan.
  • Enjoy the best of Farm House visits.
  • Enjoy the amazing mountain Flights.

Day 01 Arrival at Paro International Airport

Your Guide from Excursion to Himalayas will receive you at the airport and brief you about the program. Paro is one of the beautiful wide valley in western Bhutan with lots of modern development. It is the only International airport in the country.

Day 02: Thimphu Tour

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan with lots of touristic places to explore. It lies at an altitude of 2300m above sea level. Thimphu has population of about 100000 from all walks of life. All major offices in Bhutan is located in Thimphu. Your day begins with visit to national memorial chorten built in 1974 in memory of 3rd King of Bhutan. The chorten is just 10 minutes drive from main Thimphu city. You could see many locals circumbulating the monastery, it is believed that more you circumbulate more your sins are forgiven. You can also visit the simply Bhutan museam just 10 minutes drive from the chorten. The museam offers the live local dance and music with local whisky. The museam also offers you to experience the chance to shoot archery the national game of Bhutan. After lunch visit Largest Bhudha Statue over looking Thimphu valley. Car will be parked below the steps. You need to climb 282 steps before reaching the huge statue. Most of the artifacts are painted in gold color. You can also visit inside the temple. Evening on your own.Over night in Hotel.

Day 03 Thimphu Bird Watching Begins

Your Bird watching tours begins in Thimphu. It is 45 minutes drive from main city to the forests above Dodina (2575m) below Cheri Lhakhang on the trail towards Shodu, Thimphu Valley (Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park). You can see the Oak forests in Noethern Thimphu where Spotted Laughing thrush, Fire-capped Tit, and Yellow-bellied Flower picker thrives. Back to Hotel in the evening.

Day 04 Thimphu to Punakha

72 Kms, 2 hours drive). Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. Dochula offers the grandest 360degree view of 10 popular Mountain Ranges. There is also hiking routes which explore the mountains of Dochula. Further drive down to the valley visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his “ Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. Lunch at Punakha.Bird Watching at Mo Chhu Valley and Rimchu to the Jigme Dorji National Park:Here warm broad leaf forests are the habitat of the rare WhitebelliedHeron, White-gorgoted Flycatcher and the Yellow-ventedWarbler. Best times are November to early May.

Day 05 Birding at Wangdiphodrang(Mo Chhu Valley to Wangduephodrang (1300m):

The river just north of Wangduephodrang is an excellent area for
water fowl and migratory birds like the Bar-headed Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, and the rare White Bellied Heron.Common Kingfisher. Evening at Hotel.

Day 06 Wangdiphodrang to Damji(Damji to Gasa (1700m / 2430m - 1-day trek):

Damji is 2 hours drive from Punakha. The place is covered with warm broadleaf forests and home to the Black-tailed Crake and the Grey-sided Laughing Thrush. Evening at Camping in Damji.

Day 07 Damji to Punakha and Gangtey

Home to the endangered Black Necked Crane. The ideal time for viewing is mid to late November during the Thrung Thrung Karma festival which honors the revered birds.

Day 08 Gangtey to Trongsa

Habitat Fir, Rhododendron and Bamboo forests come full bloom in April to May where Brown and Green Parrotbills, Marron-backed Accentor reside visibly. Isisbills and migrant birds flock home to the broad-fields and river areas during March – May and October – November.

Day 09 Trongsa to Bumthang Sightseeing (Forested Road over the Pele La Pass (3390m)

Tour the unique central Bhutan. Bumthang is home to some of the Kingdoms most ancient and preciouys Buddhist sites. The distrcict is divided into four blocks of Chhokor, Chhume, Tang and Ura. The elevation of Bumthang starts from 2400M to 6000 meters. The famouse place to visit during Bumthang tour the Magnificient Jakar Dzong Castle of white bird built in 1677 and 6th century Jampa Lhakhang.

Day 10 Bumthang To Batpalathang Domestic Airport to Paro

After early breakfast drive to the domestic airport from your Hotel. Batpalathang to Paro airport is just about 25 minutes flight.

Day 11 Paro Tiger Nest Hike

Hike the most iconic temple of Bhutan. The temple received more than thousand guest every day.

Day 12 Paro airport see off

Talk to our Our Experts

What to Bring for Birding Tour?

  • Binoculars, preferably light-strong ones (e.g. 10 x 50 = Optics x Diameter). Fellow bird watchers will not mind to let you have a look through their binoculars, if necessary.
  • A bird classification book, which contains names, characteristics and information on the seasons or areas preferred by the birds. It will also state plenty of additional facts about the world of birds. You can find in library the book called “Birds of Bhutan”.
  • Sturdy shoes, a windbreaker, and depending on the length of your excursion some provisions and drinking water.

What is Included in the Cost?

  • 11 Nights Accommodation in 3 star Hotel
  • 11 Breakfast, 12 Lunch and 11 Dinner
  • Professional Birding Tour Guide
  • FWD SUV Car for the tour
  • Visa Fees
  • Airport Pick and Drop

What is Excluded in the Cost?

  • International Airfare to reach Bhutan.
  • Domestic airfare from Batpalathang to Paro Airport.
  • Alcoholic Drinks.
  • Tips and Gratuity.
  • Any shopping of personal nature.
  • Insurance

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