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Pheasant Frames Bhutan

9 DAYS

FROM $ 2,600

AVAILABILITY

Space Available

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 PAX

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

DEPARTURE

20-29 Mar, 2025
SATYR TRAGOPAN

Trip Overview

Board on an unforgettable bird photography expedition through the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan. This tour offers a perfect blend of birding and photography, taking you from lush valleys to scenic mountain passes, and into diverse habitats teeming with avian treasures. From photographing vibrant Himalayan pheasants to capturing iconic species like the Ibisbill, every moment is designed to inspire both nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Along the way, immerse yourself in Bhutan’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and stunning alpine vistas. This carefully curated journey promises not only rare bird sightings but also an unforgettable experience in the serene and majestic landscapes of Bhutan.

Trip Highlights

  • Photograph rare and colorful pheasants, including the Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, and the spectacular Himalayan Monal.
  • Explore Bhutan’s highest passes with panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas and Mount Jomolhari, creating opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
  • Visit diverse birding hotspots such as Phrumshengla and Pachhu River to capture high-altitude species, Tits, Laughingthrushes, Magpies, and the iconic Ibisbill.
  • Walk along the abandoned Pelela road, where vibrant rhododendron flowers offer an enchanting backdrop for landscape and macro photography.

Experts on this Trip

Tshering Dorji

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.

Join Tshering in other trips


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Paro. Transfer to Thimphu

Later in the day, drive north of Thimphu valley. While there may be opportunities to photograph other birds, we will focus on capturing the Satyr Tragopan, a beautiful Himalayan pheasant.

Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha

Starting early, our journey leads to one of the most picturesque mountain passes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. We’ll pause to photograph this stunning landscape while keeping an eye out for Tits, Laughingthrushes, and Magpies, often spotted in the region.

Later, we’ll continue our expedition at Lamperi Botanical Garden, a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty.

Overnight: Punakha
Day 3: Punakha – Nobding – Trongsa – Bumthang

We’ll begin the day with an early breakfast before making our way to Bumthang, with frequent stops to photograph fascinating species.

In the evening, we’ll embark on an exciting excursion to capture images of the vibrant and iconic Himalayan Monal.

Overnight: Bumthang
Day 4: Bumthang – Phumshengla Pass excursion.

Starting early, we’ll maximize our chances of spotting the striking Blood Pheasant, often seen feeding along the roadside in the morning.

The rest of the day will be spent exploring Phrumshengla, home to many high-altitude bird species, perfect for photography. In the evening, we’ll return to Bumthang.

Overnight: Bumthang
Day 5: Bumthang – Phobjekha

If needed, we can revisit the site to photograph the majestic Himalayan Monal. The rest of the day involves retracing our journey to Phobjekha, with opportunities to capture various bird species and scenic landscapes.

Overnight: Phobjekha
Day 6: Phobjekha – Pelela Old Road – Paro

We’ll explore the old Pelela road in the morning, photographing diverse bird species and enjoying the stunning rhododendron blooms. Later, we’ll drive to Paro.

Overnight: Paro
Day 7: Paro – Chelela Pass – Pachhu River

Today’s bird photography expedition takes us to Bhutan’s highest pass, offering views of Mount Jomolhari. We’ll photograph pheasants like the Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and Himalayan Monal. In the afternoon, we’ll bird along the Pachhu River, focusing on the Ibisbill.

Overnight: Paro
Day 8: Tigers Nest Excursion

A full-day hike to Taktsang with birding stops. In the evening, visit a local farmhouse to experience a traditional hot-stone bath, archery with locals, and a hot dinner prepared at the farmhouse.

Overnight: Paro
Day 9: 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.

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.