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Bhutan Birds in Focus

19 DAYS

FROM $ 5,600

AVAILABILITY

Space Available

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 PAX

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

DEPARTURE

5-23 Nov, 2025
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Black-throated Parrotbill

From $ 5,600

Per Person Twin Bed /Double Room

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Trip Overview

The Bhutan Birds in Focus photography tour takes you on an immersive journey through some of Bhutan’s most pristine and least-explored regions. This carefully crafted expedition offers photographers the unique opportunity to capture both iconic and elusive bird species that thrive across Bhutan’s diverse habitats, ranging from subtropical lowlands to high-altitude forests.

As we traverse through rugged terrains and scenic landscapes, you’ll not only photograph regularly observed species but may also encounter rare and lesser-documented birds, making this journey a truly exciting and unpredictable adventure. Additionally, the route offers breathtaking views, serene wilderness, and cultural richness, ensuring a holistic experience of Bhutan’s natural and cultural heritage. The blend of bird photography, stunning landscapes, and challenging yet rewarding drives guarantees both thrills and unforgettable memories. This tour is a perfect blend of bird photography, exploration, and adventure, providing unparalleled opportunities to discover Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.

Trip Highlights

Rufous Necked Hornbill
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  • Capture Bhutan’s most sought-after bird species, including hornbills, pheasants, parrotbills, and other exciting highland and lowland specialties.
  • Visit some of the least-explored birding habitats in Bhutan, where opportunities to photograph rarely-seen species are high.
  • Travel through a variety of ecosystems, from subtropical forests and bamboo groves to cool broadleaf forests and alpine passes.
  • Beyond birds, there’s a chance to photograph the near-endemic Golden Langur and, with luck, even spot the elusive Red Panda.
  • Journey through Bhutan’s rugged and picturesque terrain, including high mountain passes, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls, perfect for landscape photography.
  • Visit iconic landmarks like the Punakha Dzong, monasteries, and rural villages, experiencing Bhutan’s unique blend of nature and culture.
  • Traverse winding mountain roads and off-the-beaten-path routes, offering an exciting, sometimes nerve-wracking, but ultimately rewarding adventure.

Experts on this Trip

Norbu

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Norbu, the founder of Wild Nature Quest, previously known as Off to Bhutan, has been at the forefront of birding excursions and exploring Bhutan’s diverse ecosystems for over 25 years.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu. After lunch and a brief rest, begin with an introductory bird photography session around Thimphu, followed by a tour briefing.

Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha

Visit Dochula Pass for stunning Himalayan views, then head to Lamperi Botanical Garden before continuing to Punakha to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.

Overnight: Punakha
Day 3: Punakha – Relangthang – Tsirang

Travel south of Punakha, along the Punatshangchu River, with many opportunities to photograph various bird species, including the endangered White-bellied Heron. Birding along Darachu Road will also provide a focus on unique species.

Overnight: Tsirang
Day 4: Tsirang – Darachu – Gelephu

Continue south to Gelephu, making several stops along the Darachu Road to photograph species common to the area. Later, explore the lowlands for capturing the region’s lowland species.

Overnight: Gelephu
Day 5: Gelephu – Suray Valley – Tamala – Tingtibi

Journey through Suray Valley and cross Tamala Pass, ascending from subtropical to cool broadleaved forests, offering excellent opportunities for bird photography.

Overnight: Tingtibi
Day 6: Tingtibi – Dakpai Road

Start early, ascending to Dakpai, where we focus on photographing the Beautiful Nuthatch, Golden Langur, and other fascinating species.

Overnight: Tingtibi
Day 7: Tingtibi – Gomphu – Panbang

Follow the Mangde Chu River with hopes of spotting the elusive White-bellied Heron, focusing on species found in bamboo forests.

Overnight: Panbang
Day 8: Pangang – Nanglam

Journey through unexplored habitats, offering great opportunities to photograph rare and exciting bird species.

Overnight: Nganglam
Day 9: Full Day Exploration Nganglam

Explore one of Bhutan’s least explored regions, covering diverse habitats from subtropical to cool broadleaved forests, offering excellent bird photography opportunities.

Overnight: Nganglam
Day 10: Nganglam – Gyalposhing – Yongkala

Spend the morning exploring bird-rich habitats for unique species, then continue through rugged terrain, with opportunities for breathtaking scenic photography.

Overnight: Yongkala
Day 11-12: Yongkala – Namling – Limithang Road

Over the next two days, photograph a wide range of bird species, including elusive ones hidden in the undergrowth. Night sessions offer the chance to capture nocturnal birds and mammals.

Overnight: Yongkala
Day 13: Yongkala – Namling – Sengor

Continue to Sengor in Phrumshengla National Park, with opportunities to photograph a variety of bird species along the way and one of Bhutan’s largest waterfalls.

Overnight: Sengor
Day 14: Sengor – Phrumshingla – Bumthang

Explore Phrumshingla Pass for high-altitude species like the Blood Pheasant. Visit a Bumthang monastery to capture the vibrant Himalayan Monal.

Overnight: Bumthang
Day 15: Bumthang – Trongsa – Phobjekha

Revisit the monastery for another opportunity to photograph the Himalayan Monal. Explore the Trongsa Dzong and head to Phobjekha for serene valley views.

Overnight: Phobjekha
Day 16: Phobjekha – Pelela – Paro

Explore Pelela Old Road for excellent bird photography before heading to Paro via Nobding Forest Range.

Overnight: Paro
Day 17: Paro – Chelela

Visit Chelela Pass for photography of the Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, and Common Pheasant. Enjoy leisure time in Paro Town.

Overnight: Paro
Day 18: Paro – Tiger’s Nest

Embark on a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, capturing breathtaking views and sacred sites. Enjoy a traditional Hot Stone Bath, an archery match, and a farmhouse dinner with Bhutanese cuisine.

Overnight: Paro
Day 19: Departure
Departure

Trip Gallery

Satyr Tragopan

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. However, due to the limited availability of good lodges and hotels in some remote part of the country, you will spend a couple of nights in basic hotels or tented camp.

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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