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BIRDING TOUR

Wings of Bhutan

14 DAYS

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AVAILABILITY

Space Available

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 8 PAX

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

DEPARTURE

9-24 Feb, 2025
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Wallcreeper

From $ 5,400

Per Person Twin Bed /Double Room

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Or call us: +975 17 11 96 64

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Trip Overview

Our most comprehensive winter birding tour especially targets the species that winter in Bhutan such as Thrushes, Wallcreeper, and Finches. This time of year, offer a good chance to sight a critically endangered species White-bellied Heron, with a population of 60 individual worldwide. The tour starts from the southeast of Bhutan entering from the Indian state of Assam covering the east, and central, and eventually finishing in the central south of Bhutan covering wide ranges of habitats from the lowland subtropical forest to semi-alpine at a very comfortable pace. you can experience an elevation from 150m to 3890m.

We’ll likely see most of the key species of Bhutan including three species of Pheasants, rare and critically endangered White-bellied Heron, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, one of the most sought specialties of the Bhutan avifauna. All in all, we will be able to show you over 250 species of birds and 10-15 species of mammals including rare and near-endemic Golden Langur.
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Experts on this Trip

Pema Dawa

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Pema Dawa was raised in a breathtakingly beautiful area, surrounded by pristine forests, in a remote village located in the Upper Kheng of the Zhemgang district. He is now a full-time employee of Wild Nature Quest, previously known as Off to Bhutan.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Samdrup Jongkhar
In the evening time allows we will do some introductory Bhutan birding in and around the town. Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 2: Samdrup Jongkhar – Dewathang Birding
We will leisurely enjoy the full day birding in between Samdrup Jongkhar and Dewathang the stretch of 18 km road with the elevation ranging from 150m – 500m in the subtropical evergreen forest. Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 3: Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang
After early breakfast we will begin our journey into the mountain, spending the morning hours birding around Morong searching for some key species that occur here. continue our journey to Trashigang stopping en route for birding. Overnight: Trashigang)
Day 4: Trashigang – Korila – Mongar – Yongkla
After early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll wind up our way to Yongkala, en route birding Korila pass remaining of the day will be spend birding lower Limithang Road. Overnight: Yongkala
Day 5-7: Yongkala – Namling – Limithang Road
For these three days we will explore the entire stretch of Namling, Limithang road and all the way to Phrumshingla pass. This stretch of 77-kilometre road all inside Phrumshingla National Park is touted as one of the finest birding sites in Asia. Overnight: Yongkala
Day 8: Yongkla – Nganglam Morning
birding lower Limithang we will drive to Nganglam through new built Gyalpoizhing-Nganglam highway. Evening birding around Nganglam. Overnight” Nganglam
Day 9: Nganglam – Panbang
Drive to Panbang with several birding along the way. (Overnight: Panbang
Day 10: Panbang – Gomphu – Tingitbe
To Tingitbe with many birding stop in superb habitats mostly consist of sub-tropical forest and continuous bamboo forests en route. Overnight: Tingitbe
Day 11-12: Tingitbe – Dakphal – Gomphu Road
Birding entire stretch of Zhemgang – Dakpehl and Gomphu road, habitat consist mostly of cool, warm broadleaved and forest, that host good numbers of cool looking specialties. Overnight: Tingitbe
Day 13: Tingitbe – Gomphu – Gelephu
After early breakfast, we’ll wind up your way to Gelephu, en route birding at Tamala. In the evening we will explore the Gelephu for lowland species. Overnight: Gelephu
Day 14: Departure
Departure

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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.
This birding tour will be on selected sites that do not pose any threats such as steep slopes. During these trips, you should expect yourself to walk at least 6-7 kilometers on average per day
Like elsewhere, the best time for watching birds is in the morning. You can expect an early start in the morning most of the time. However, a couple of very early mornings are required to look for high elevation dwelling Pheasant that comes out to the roadside early in the morning.
Accommodation on this tour is generally simple but comfortable. The hotels are generally spacious, clean, and comfortable, built-in westernized Bhutanese style, and all rooms have private facilities.

This trip coincides with the Himalayan winter. The weather will generally be cool and clear, which offers a better chance to view the high Himalayas ranges. Mornings and evenings could be especially cool; the temperature is likely to be below zero degrees Celsius

Inclusion

What is Included?

  • All internal taxes and charges (SDF)
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis
  • All meals, tea, snack, and bottled water
  • All travel with a licensed local birding guide
  • All surface transfers by a private vehicle
  • Camping equipment and haulage for camping and trekking tours
  • All entry fees to monuments, Museum and National Parks
  • Bhutan Visa Fee

What is not Included?

  • Optional tours/excursions, personal & incidental expenses.
  • Tips, laundry, phone calls, and bars.
  • International and domestic airfare, and insurance.

Review

Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland

We went with “Off to Bhutan” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.
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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

Bhutan Birdsong Collection
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.

Norbu

With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.
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