Tour OverviewNo country has such an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, of low and high altitude, of dazzling colour and deep Buddhist tradition as the Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan. It is the quintessential “Shangri-La”, that mythical, exotic, earthly paradise that James Hilton wrote about in his novel Lost Horizon.
Not only is this landlocked country in south Asia a place of Buddhist monasteries, snow-capped mountains, mysterious history and magnificent scenery, it is also a biodiversity hotspot. Due to its incredibly varied habitat (including endless green forests, scrublands, marshy wetlands, alpine habitats and agricultural land) and dramatic elevation changes (from near sea level to almost 8 kilometres above), Bhutan boasts a bird list of almost 700 species.
Although the country has no endemics, its avifauna list includes 460 resident species, 21 globally threatened species and 200 migratory species. The country has 23 Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and one Endemic Bird Area, the famed Eastern Himalayas. By law, at least 60% of the country must remain forested for all future generations; it currently stands above 70%. Not only is Bhutan carbon neutral, but it actually absorbs more carbon than it emits; a true conservation role model!
This 15-day Nature Travel Birding tour will visit most of the birding hotspots in the country, ensuring a great trip list and a fantastic birding holiday in this rugged and remote wonderland. We will enjoy some adventurous camping in beautiful settings, stunning fauna and flora, extraordinary cultural heritage, breathtaking mountain scenery, superb historical Buddhist architecture, fantastic local cuisine and very friendly people.
Let’s go birding in Bhutan!
Get more detail about what to expect on this tour: Go to full itinerary
Safari starts and ends in Paro.
Tour duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Type of accommodation: Comfortable, mid-range (tented camp in certain remote locations)
Next departure dates: To be confirmed
Private and small group, customised safaris can be booked on request for your preferred travel dates
-Incredible Buddhist architecture in Paro, Thimphu and other towns and cities
-Dramatic mountain scenery all around you
-Vast altitudinal variations with associated different species of fauna and flora
-Opportunities to see some iconic bird and mammal species
-Rich cultural heritage in one of the most fascinating countries on earth
-Superb cuisine, interesting beverages and incredibly friendly people
Top Birds:
• Rufous-necked and Great Hornbill
• Ibisbill
• Pallas’s Fish Eagle
• White-bellied Heron
• Chestnut-breasted and Hill Partridge
• Himalayan Monal
• Satyr Tragopan
• Blood and Kalij Pheasant
• Ward’s Trogon
• Rufous-throated and Long-billed Wren-Babbler
• Beautiful Nuthatch
Top Mammals:
• Tiger (small chance)
• Sloth Bear (small chance)
• Asiatic Black Bear
• Red Panda
• Gee’s Golden Langur
• Spotted and Sambar Deer
• Takin
Optional Activities:
• Tiger’s Nest excursion on final day of the tour (see full itinerary)
| ITINERARY OVERVIEW |
|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Paro, transfer to Thimphu |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La |
| Day 3 | Punakha to Phobjikha |
| Day 4 | Phobjikha to Trongsa |
| Day 5 | Trongsa to Tingtibi |
| Day 6 | Birding around Tingtibi, including the Gomphu Road |
| Day 7 | Tingtibi to Bumthang |
| Day 8 | Bumthang to Sengor |
| Day 9 | Sengor to Yongkola |
| Day 10 & 11 | Limithang Road |
| Day 12 | Yongkola to Trongsa |
| Day 13 | Trongsa to Paro |
| Day 14 | Paro – birding OR optional Tiger’s Nest excursion |
| Day 15 | Departure from Paro |
All our tours can be customised according to your specific requirements.
Get in touch with one of our team members for more information at info@naturetravelbirding.com