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Hornbill Photo Journey

13 DAYS

FROM $ 3,800

AVAILABILITY

Space Available

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 PAX

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

DEPARTURE

13-25 Feb, 2025
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GREAT HORNBILL

From $ 3,800

Per Person Twin Bed /Double Room

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Trip Overview

This Bhutan Hornbill Photography Expedition is specially designed for bird enthusiasts and photographers with a focus on capturing all four hornbill species found in Bhutan. From the semi-alpine zone to the lush subtropical forests in the south, bordering India, this tour offers an immersive experience in diverse ecosystems.

Alongside the hornbills, we will photograph a variety of other fascinating bird species. The tour also takes you to areas where the Golden Langur, a near-endemic leaf monkey, is commonly found, providing excellent opportunities to capture these striking creatures in their natural habitat.

Trip Highlights

Rufous Necked Hornbill
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  • Capture all four species of hornbills found in Bhutan – Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, and Rufous-necked Hornbill – in their natural environments.
  • Explore a variety of landscapes, from the semi-alpine regions to subtropical forests, each offering unique birding and photography opportunities.
  • Visit areas where the Golden Langur, a near-endemic species to Bhutan, is commonly found, with chances to photograph these monkeys in their natural habitat.
  • In addition to hornbills, photograph an array of bird species, including rare and striking ones like the Beautiful Nuthatch, Ibisbill, and Black-tailed Crake.
  • Experience Bhutanese culture with visits to local villages, where you can interact with the community and enjoy traditional activities like archery and hot-stone baths.

Experts on this Trip

Tshering Dorji

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After graduating from high school, Tshering Dorji traveled in and around Bhutan as far as the countries wideness go. Exploring and studying birds in particular and nature in general.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Paro. Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu. After some downtime and lunch, we’ll begin with an introduction to bird photography and birding, exploring the areas around Thimphu to familiarize ourselves with the local species.

Overnight: Paro
Day 2: Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha
After an early start our journey will take us to photograph one of the most scenic mountain pass with panoramic view of the easter Himalayas.

Afterward, we’ll continue our photographic journey at the Lamperi Botanical Garden, a lush sanctuary packed with biodiversity, offering more opportunities to capture the region’s exciting birdlife. We’ll then proceed to Punakha, where we’ll photograph the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks.

Overnight: Punakha
Day 3: Punakha – Tsirang
We’ll start our journey south toward Tsirang, following the Punatshangchu River. Along the way, we’ll make several stops for birding, with a chance to encounter one of the world’s rarest birds, the White-bellied Heron. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the Tsirang-Darachu stretch.

Overnight: Tsirang
Day 4: Tsirang – Darachu – Gelephu
Today, our expedition takes us further south towards the plains. Along the Darachu Road stretch, we’ll make several stops in search of the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill, the rare Beautiful Nuthatch, and many other bird species.

After a rewarding morning of birding, we’ll continue our drive to the plains of Gelephu, where we have an excellent chance to photograph the magnificent Great Hornbill.

Overnight: Gelephu
Day 5: Birding around Gelephu
After an early start, we’ll explore the Gelephu area and the surrounding foothills, searching for opportunities to photograph three species of hornbills: the Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and Oriental Pied Hornbill.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Gelephu Sewage Lagoon for additional birding opportunities.

Overnight: Gelephu
Day 6: Gelephu – Suray – Tamala – Tingtibi
Today, we’ll travel through the scenic Suray Village, crossing over Tamala Pass before descending into Tingtibi, making several photography stops along the way. We’ll have additional opportunities to photograph the Great Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill.

Overnight: Tingtibi
Day 7-8: Tingitbe – Dakphel – Gomphu Road
We’ll spend two full days photographing a variety of striking bird species. Additionally, we’ll have excellent opportunities to capture the stunning Golden Langur, a near-endemic species to Bhutan, which is commonly seen in this area.

Overnight: Tingtibi
Day 9: Tinigitbe – Trongsa – Phobjekha
Today is primarily a transit day, involving a lot of driving. However, we’ll make stops whenever there’s an opportunity to photograph any species of interest along the way.

Overnight: Phobjekha
Day 10: Phobjikha – Pelela old road – Paro
After an early start, we’ll explore the Pelela Old Road, focusing on high-altitude species photography. En route to Paro, we may also have the chance to explore sections of the Nobding Road, which is home to some cool bird species.

Overnight: Paro
Day 11: Paro – Chelela – Pachhu River.
Today, our bird photography expedition takes us to the highest point of the trip, offering stunning views of Mount Jomolhari. We’ll aim to photograph three species of pheasants, along with Rosefinches, Redstarts, and Accentors.

In the evening, we’ll bird along the Pachhu River and explore small patches of wetland, seeking opportunities to photograph the striking Ibisbill and Black-tailed Crake.

Overnight: Paro
Day 12: Tigers Nest Excursion
Today, we board on a full-day hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), with birding stops along the way. This iconic and sacred site offers not only a spiritual experience but also opportunities to photograph the diverse birdlife in the area.

In the evening, we’ll visit a local farmhouse where you’ll enjoy a traditional Hot-Stone Bath, a unique cultural experience. You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at Archery with the locals and taste a delicious hot dinner prepared at the farmhouse.

Overnight: Paro
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast transfer to airport for 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.
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.
View Bird Sounds