Trip Overview
This tour is an extensive lean-season winter birding tour led by Norbu, the founder of the company. Norbu is one of the most senior and top birding guides in Bhutan with experience of over 20 years. He has guided some of the most known international birders, making him an expert in birdwatching in Bhutan.
The tour takes you to some of the most remote and least explored sections of the country, including the Manas National Park. The Royal Manas is not only the most diverse protected area in the Kingdom but also one of the world’s biologically outstanding conservation sites. It is the oldest protected area in the country and a prime location for birdwatching in Bhutan.
Some of the desirable species you might see on this trip include three species of Pheasants and Hornbills, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill, Black-necked Cranes, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and Beautiful Nuthatch, one of the most sought-after specialties of the Bhutan avifauna. With such diversity, this tour offers an incredible opportunity for birdwatching in Bhutan, with a chance to sight over 300 species of birds. Additionally, you may encounter 10–15 species of mammals, such as three species of langurs, including the nearly endemic Golden Langur, Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, and Himalayan Goral.
Other highlights include a visit to Bhutan’s most scenic icon and a key destination for birdwatching in Bhutan—Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The tour also covers the stunning Punakha Dzong and a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local hospitality, making it a perfect blend of culture and nature.
The tour takes you to some of the most remote and least explored sections of the country, including the Manas National Park. The Royal Manas is not only the most diverse protected area in the Kingdom but also one of the world’s biologically outstanding conservation sites. It is the oldest protected area in the country and a prime location for birdwatching in Bhutan.
Some of the desirable species you might see on this trip include three species of Pheasants and Hornbills, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill, Black-necked Cranes, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and Beautiful Nuthatch, one of the most sought-after specialties of the Bhutan avifauna. With such diversity, this tour offers an incredible opportunity for birdwatching in Bhutan, with a chance to sight over 300 species of birds. Additionally, you may encounter 10–15 species of mammals, such as three species of langurs, including the nearly endemic Golden Langur, Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, and Himalayan Goral.
Other highlights include a visit to Bhutan’s most scenic icon and a key destination for birdwatching in Bhutan—Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The tour also covers the stunning Punakha Dzong and a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local hospitality, making it a perfect blend of culture and nature.
Experts on this Trip
Join Norbu on other birdwatching in Bhutan tours
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Gelephu
Arrive at Gelephu, where you’ll have some time to rest and refresh. The area offers a great introduction to birdwatching in Bhutan, with birding around the town and Gelephu sewage pond. Overnight: Gelephu.
Day 2: Gelephu – Tamala – Tingitbe
Off to Tingtibe with several birding stops along the way, offering a great opportunity for birdwatching in Bhutan. The journey covers a wide range of habitats, from 150m to 2500m in elevation. Overnight: Tingtibe.
Day 3: Tingtibe – Dakphel and Gomphu Road
we will spend our entire morning birding the entire stretch of Zhemgang – Dakphel and Gomphu road, habitat mostly consists of cool, warm broadleaved, sub-tropical forest and continuous bamboo. Overnight Tingitbe
Day 4: Tingitbe –Gomphu – Panbang
Today we’ll leave Tingtibe and head toward the south to theRoyal Manas (250m) is another beautiful and scenic ride. We will have several stops along the drive be exploring the low lands and the tropical forest mixed with evergreen trees and bamboo. Overnight: Panbang
Day 5: Panbang –Nganglam
our trip to Nanglam (570m) is the least visited district by tourists not because it’s restricted but because of its remoteness and the non existence of a direct or pass-through highway until recently. Our trip today would take us through the mixed bamboo forest that hosts many cool species. Overnight: Nganglam
Day 6: Nganglam – Gyalpoizhing – Yongkala
After our final morning of birding in this wonderful and least-explored habitat, we’ll make our way to Yongkala. The journey follows the newly built double-lane Nganglam–Gyalpoizhing road, crossing multiple bridges through rugged terrain. Later in the evening, we’ll continue birdwatching in Bhutan above the town of Limithang, exploring habitats of scrub, subtropical forest, and farmland. Overnight: Yongkala.
Day 7-8: Yongkala – Namling – Limithang Road
Over the next two days, we will explore the entire stretch of Namling, Limithang Road, and all the way to Phrumshingla Pass. This 77-kilometer route, located entirely within Phrumshingla National Park, is renowned as one of the finest sites for birdwatching in Bhutan and among the best in Asia. Overnight: Yongkala.
Day 9: Yongkala– Bumthang
after very early breakfast, we’ll be moving uphill in search of high-altitude species, we cross one of the high passes, the Phrumshing La, at3800m. Phrumshing La is the prime habitat for Blood Pheasant and also holds other high-altitude species. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang– Phobjekha
A transit day with most of the time spent driving. By evening, we’ll arrive in Phobjikha Valley, the wintering home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes—one of the highlights of birdwatching in Bhutan. Overnight: Phobjikha.
Day 11: Phobjekha – Punakha
Morning birding along the old abandoned road at Pelela Pass, exploring open meadows and Rhododendron forests. In the afternoon, we’ll continue birdwatching in Bhutan along the Punatshang Chu River, a wintering paradise for migratory birds, and the Pho Chu River (Male River) in search of the White-bellied Heron, one of the rarest birds in the world. Overnight: Punakha.
Day 12: Punakha – Thimphu
visits the impressive Punakha’s Punthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Bliss) standing on the confluence of the two rivers, the Phochu and Mochu. Drive to Thimphu through mixed evergreen and broad-leaved forests to the pass at 3140 meters stopping en route at Lamperi Botanical Park and taking a nature walk. Evening we will bird Babesa Sewage Pond south of Thimphu town. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 13: Thimphu– Chelela pass – Paro
Very early in the morning take 3hrs. drive to the cool alpine meadow of Chelela pass (3,890m). this is the highest pass on the car road and the highest point of our trip. Here we should be rewarded with the three different species of Pheasants, Colorful Himalayan Monals, flocks of Blood Pheasants, and Kalij Pheasants. Afternoon free time to wander around downtown Paro: Overnight:Paro
Day 14: Paro – Tiger’s Nest excursion
Excursion to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery, one of the most beautiful and holiest temples in Bhutan. Overnight: Paro
Day 15: Departure
Departure After breakfast at the hotel our representative, your tour guide, and driver will drive you to the airport and bid you goodbye.
Trip Gallery
What to Expect
Led by expert guides, you’ll visit prime birding spots, all while enjoying Bhutan’s serene natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unspoiled wilderness. Expect immersive days of birdwatching in Bhutan, 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.
