Bird Watching in Bhutan
13 Nights / 14 Days
Level of difficulty
Moderate
March to May & Sep to Nov
Bird watching tour in Bhutan
A 13-night / 14-day birding tour in Bhutan offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the country's rich avian diversity across various habitats—from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Here's a detailed itinerary highlighting key birding spots and experiences
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Your tour guide will meet you at Paro International Airport. Visit Ta Dzong, a historical tower now the National Museum of Bhutan, and Tagchok temple along the river. Spend the afternoon exploring Thimphu’s streets, visiting shops, and relaxing at your hotel.
Overnight: Thimphu
Start your day with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang, the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a major landmark, and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum to see traditional Bhutanese arts. Stop by the Takin Preservation Center to see Bhutan’s national animal. Hike to Wangditshe Temple for views of Thimphu valley and birdwatching. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body.
Overnight: Thimphu
Hike through forests of hemlock and rhododendrons to Lungchutse Temple and Trashigang Goenpa, with great birdwatching opportunities. Spot birds like Ibisbills, Sandpipers, Kingfishers, and more.
Overnight : Thimphu
Drive to Dochu La for views of the Himalayas and visit Lampelri Botanical Park to see various bird species. Continue to Punakha, known for its bird-rich subtropical valley and critically endangered White-Bellied Heron.
Overnight in Punakha
Walk through paddy fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang temple and continue birdwatching. Spot Bay Woodpeckers, Red-headed Trogons, and more. Enjoy lunch by the river and then go rafting in the Mochu River. After rafting, visit Punakha Dzong and cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.
Overnight in Punakha
Drive to Gangtey Valley, home of the Black-Necked Cranes (October to March). Birdwatch in the Phobjikha Valley and visit the Black-Necked Crane Center. Stay at a local farmhouse for a traditional Bhutanese experience.
Overnight at a farmhouse
Drive through scenic landscapes to Trongsa, with stops for birdwatching. Trongsa offers great habitats for birds like Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler and Rufous-bellied Eagle. Visit Trongsa Dzong and the Royal Heritage Museum.
Overnight: Trongsa
Travel to Zhemgang, with birdwatching stops in dense forests. Spot rare species like the White-bellied Heron and the Golden Langur. Stay in a tented camp.
Overnight: Tented camp
Explore birding spots in Tingtibi, including subtropical and mossy forests. Spot birds like the Beautiful Nuthatch, Crested Honey Buzzard, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Stay in a tented camp.
Overnight: Tented camp
Drive to Bumthang, making stops for birdwatching. Look for Rose Finch, Rufous-breasted Accentor, and more.
Overnight: Bumthang
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Spot Monal Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan around Bumthang. Visit sacred Me-Bar Tsho (Burning Lake) and Tang nunnery. Explore Ugyen Choling Palace and a sheep farm, and visit Red Panda Brewery.
Overnight: Bumthang
Fly from Bumthang to Paro. Visit Chencho Handicraft for local handicrafts and explore Paro town. Visit Kichu Lhakang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Overnight: Paro