Trip Overview
This is another lean season tour that we have been running successfully for the past two years. This birding tour in Bhutan is specially focused on the wintering migrants, including Black-necked Cranes, a globally threatened species. During our birding tours in Bhutan, we will also encounter other fascinating species such as the migrant Wallcreeper, Ducks, Waders, Thrushes, Rosefinches, and Redstarts. Birding tours in Bhutan offer a great opportunity to see a variety of resident species, including three species of Pheasants, two species of Hornbills, and a wide range of Laughingthrushes, Sunbirds, Woodpeckers, Parrotbills, and many more. However, the challenging winter season can make it tough to find some of the skulkers like the Wren Babbler, Tesia, and Shortwing.
This trip starts from Paro, the only place in the country with an international airport, and we will work our way to central and eastern Bhutan, making a loop through the south and ending in Paro. Throughout this birding tour in Bhutan, we will cover 11 different districts, expecting to see over 270 species of birds and 10–15 species of mammals, such as three species of langurs, including the nearly endemic Golden Langur, the Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, and Himalayan Goral.
Other highlights of our birding tours in Bhutan include a visit to Bhutan’s most scenic icon and a crucial destination for pilgrimages, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the stunning Punakha Dzong, and a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local hospitality.
This trip starts from Paro, the only place in the country with an international airport, and we will work our way to central and eastern Bhutan, making a loop through the south and ending in Paro. Throughout this birding tour in Bhutan, we will cover 11 different districts, expecting to see over 270 species of birds and 10–15 species of mammals, such as three species of langurs, including the nearly endemic Golden Langur, the Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, and Himalayan Goral.
Other highlights of our birding tours in Bhutan include a visit to Bhutan’s most scenic icon and a crucial destination for pilgrimages, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the stunning Punakha Dzong, and a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local hospitality.
Experts on this Trip
Join Sherab on otheR birding tours in Bhutan
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Arrive in Paro, where our representative will receive you. Transfer to the hotel, and after some downtime and refreshments, begin exploring the rich birding sites around Paro Valley and Paro River. This marks the perfect start to your birding tours in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro.
Overnight: Paro.
Day 2: Chelila Birding
We’ll set off early in the morning to the cool alpine meadows of Chelela Pass, the highest drivable pass in Bhutan. The forests along the way offer excellent opportunities to spot high-altitude bird species, making it a fantastic addition to birding tours in Bhutan.
Afternoon: Free time to stroll around Paro town.
Overnight: Paro.
Afternoon: Free time to stroll around Paro town.
Overnight: Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Tiger’s Nest – transfer Thimphu
After breakfast, take a 30-minute drive to the parking lot at the base of Tiger’s Nest Monastery and hike to one of the most beautiful and holiest temples in Bhutan.
In the evening, transfer to Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu.
In the evening, transfer to Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha
Early morning drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass (3150). En route to Punakha stop at Lamperi Botanical. Afternoon: Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Overnight: Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Jigme Dorji National Park
We will spend the morning birding inside Jigme Dorji National Park along the Mochu Chu River, a prime location for spotting diverse bird species and a highlight of birding tours in Bhutan.
In the afternoon, continue birding along the Pho Chu River and Punatshangchu River.
Overnight: Punakha.
In the afternoon, continue birding along the Pho Chu River and Punatshangchu River.
Overnight: Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha – Nobding – Phobjekha
Early morningyou’ll wind up your way to the Phobjekha Valley. En route, we’ll spend a couple of hours birding the entire stretch of Nobding and continue our journey to Phobjekha. Overnight: Phobjekha
Day 7: Phobjekha – Pelela – Bumthang
we’ll spend our morning hours birding along the Pelela pass (3400) old road. Continue your drive to Bumthang with some birding stops along the way: Overnight: Bumthang
Day 8: Bumthang– Phrumshingla – Yongkala
we drive from Bumthang to Yongkala going over Phrumshingla (3800m). later in the afternoon birding along the forest of Namling and Yongkala. Overnight: Yongkala
Day 9-10: Yongkala – Namling – Limithang Road
We’ll spend two entire days birding Namling, upper and lower Limithang road, one of the finest birding areas in the Himalayas: Overnight: Yongkala
Day 11: Yongkala – Korila – Trashigang- Journey to Trashigang
With several birding stops along the way in a wide range of habitats from the cultivation, small settlement, chir pine forest to mid-altitude forest rich with mosses, lichens, and rhododendrons. Overnight Trashigang
Day 12: Trashigang – Wamrong – Samdrup Jongkhar
our journey takes us through a lush green mid-range forest filled with rhododendrons. In the evening we will hit the low elevation, the lowest ever being of the trip. Overnight Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 13: SamdrupJongkhar – Deothang – Morong – Samdrup Jongkhar
We will enjoy the full day of birding in between Samdrup Jongkhar and Dewathang the stretch of 18 km road with the elevation ranging from 150m – 500m. the subtropical evergreen forest here are good habitat for many lowland species. Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 14: Departure
Departure
Trip Gallery
What to Expect
Led by expert guides, you’ll visit prime birding spots while enjoying the country’s serene natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unspoiled wilderness. Expect immersive days filled with rare bird sightings and breathtaking scenery.
Inclusion
Testimonials 2025
Read heartfelt testimonials from our satisfied guests, sharing their unforgettable experiences, exceptional service, and cherished memories of their journey.
Surreal
Mr Norbu is well versed , very patient and takes pains to ensure you have a good bird watching experience.
A memorable trip….so much to experience.
We were well looked after, and the guides were unbelievably good at identifying the many birds, both by sight and sound.
Fantastic 3 week small group birding tour in Bhutan
The trip was well organised, with plenty of information given in advance, including a zoom meeting with Norbu the group leader.
Top class bird watching tour of Bhutan
The entire trip was a delight. We travelled extensively around the country with excellent accommodation, meals and transport, all of which were organised by Wild Nature Quest.
Trip Extension
Enhance your trip with an extension to eastern Nepal to spot the elusive Red Panda or visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam, home to one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants, and vibrant birdlife.
Contact us for itineraries and pricing!
Bhutan’s Bird Songs
Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.
