Bhutan Bird Watching Trip
"most beautiful and popular high altitude treks in Bhutan"
Bhutan is undoubtedly one of the world’s top destinations for bird-watching tours and ornithologists. With 72% of the country covered in forests, Bhutan offers ideal habitats for birds — rich in vegetation, protected environments, and favorable weather conditions.
Birding in Bhutan provides an abundance of opportunities, as the country is home to over 770 bird species — roughly the same number found across the entire European continent!
In recent years, local birders have discovered several new species, and it’s likely that more remain to be found. Our Bhutan birding tours are typically organized as comfortable camping expeditions with excellent meals, and occasionally include stays in quality 3-star hotels or guesthouses.
The best birding locations are found in western, eastern, and southern Bhutan. As a result, most of our tours follow a route from the west to the southeast (or vice versa), typically lasting a minimum of two weeks. These routes offer a unique opportunity to experience the contrast between the remote eastern regions and the more urbanized west.
The ideal seasons for birding are from mid- to late spring, and again in mid-fall. Our expert local birding guides are dedicated to finding the best spots and ensuring you have ample time to observe Bhutan’s remarkable birdlife.
Note: The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) 50% discounts of USD: 200 now USD:100/ per person per night for tourists goes towards activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and build a more sustainable tourism sector. This includes offsetting the carbon footprint of tourists and upskilling workers in the sector. Indian tourists will pay a previously stipulated fee, which will be revised at a later date. The rate refers to the minimum sum paid by all tourists for an all-inclusive package tour to Bhutan. The above incentives will come into effect from 1st September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31st August 2027. You can also visit the Tourism Department’s official website
Tour Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu or Bangkok
Day 2. Paro to Chele La (3,780m) and drive to Thimphu, 120 km
Day 3. Thimphu to Punakha, 78 km and visit Punakha Dzong
Day 4. Punakha to Phobjikha over Lawa La (pass), 85 km
Day 5. Phobjikha to Trongsa over Pele La (3,350m), 85 km
Day 6. Trongsa to Tingtibi, 140 km, birding along the Zhemgang road
Day 7. Explore the Royal Manas National Park for birds and mammals
Day 8. Tingtibi to Gelephu, 140 km, birding the areas of Tama La and Surey valleys
Day 9. Explore the bird-rich tropical forest of Gelephu
Day 10. Fly to Paro (25 mins). Birding and cultural visits in Paro valley
Day 11. Walk up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (5 hrs return hike)
Day 12. Fly to Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu or Bangkok for your onward connections
Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,300m)
This morning, you will take the Drukair or Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro, where, weather permitting, you should have spectacular views of the Himalayas, including many of the world’s highest mountains. After clearing customs and immigration, you’ll be met by your guide from Langur Eco Travels.
Our first stop will be the Pa Chhu river, where we’ll look for camouflaged Himalayan riverine species among the glacial stones. Ibisbill is a key target here, often seen dipping into the snowmelt. Other possible species include:
- Brown Dipper (fairly common on Bhutan’s rivers)
- Common Snipe, Green and Common Sandpipers
- Common Hoopoe
- Himalayan Buzzard, Common Kestrel
- Grey-backed Shrike, Russet Sparrow, Rosy Pipit
- Siberian Stonechat, White Wagtail
- Rufous-breasted Accentor
- Wallcreeper (winter visitor)
As northward migration will be underway, many valleys throughout Bhutan act as important corridors, meaning you might see species not previously recorded in the country.
Overnight: Paro Grand or similar, Paro (2,300m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 2: Paro – Chele La Pass – Thimphu (2,300m)
We depart early through ancient boreal forests to Chele La Pass (3,780m) – the highest point on our tour. En route, we look for Grey Nightjar, often seen on roadsides at dawn.
At the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of Jhomolhari (7,219m), Jichu Drake (6,989m), and the Paro and Ha valleys.
Likely species:
- Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant
- Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Hen Harrier (rare)
- Himalayan Cuckoo, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker
- Rufous-fronted Tit, Greenish Warbler
- Spotted Laughingthrush, Red-tailed Minla
- White-browed Fulvetta, Rufous-vented Yuhina
- Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Red-throated Thrush (rare)
- Collared Grosbeak, White-browed Bush Robin
- Brown Parrotbill, White-browed & Blanford’s Rosefinches
After breakfast, we’ll continue birding the Chele La area before heading towards Thimphu, stopping for birds like:
- Long-legged Buzzard (rare), Mandarin Duck (rare)
- Oriental Turtle Dove, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
- Hodgson’s Redstart, Olive-backed Pipit
Overnight: Tashi Yid Wong Grand or similar, Thimphu (2,300m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Thimphu – Dochu La – Punakha (1,300m)
We depart early to experience the spectacular Dochu La Pass (3,150m) at dawn, with its 108 white chortens and fluttering prayer flags.
In the mixed broad-leaf forests, look for:
- Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, Rufous-vented Tit, Buff-barred Warbler
- Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler
- Chestnut-crowned & Grey-sided Laughingthrushes
- Rufous Sibia, Fire-tailed Myzornis (key target)
- White-collared Blackbird, White-browed Shortwing
- Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Green-tailed Sunbird, Olive-backed Pipit
At Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri, possible species include:
- Hill Partridge, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker
- Red-billed Leiothrix, Fire-capped Tit
- Blue-fronted Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher
- Blue-fronted Robin (rare), Scarlet Finch
- Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Maroon-backed Accentor (very rare)
In Punakha, we’ll visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong (built 1637), located at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Chhu rivers. In the hotel grounds, we may see:
- Slender-billed Oriole (localized), Scaly-breasted Munia
- Collared Scops Owl (at night)
Overnight: Zhingkham Resort or similar, Punakha (1,300m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Punakha – Lawa La – Phobjikha (2,800m)
Morning birding along Puna Tshang Chhu valley for waterbirds:
- Pallas’s Fish Eagle (rare), Osprey, Bar-headed Goose
- Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon
- Mallard, Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler
- Tufted Duck, Goosander, Great-crested Grebe
- River Lapwing, Plovers, Greenshank
- Pallas’s Gull, Kingfishers, Spotted Dove
- Richard’s Pipit (scarce)
We ascend to Lawa La (3,350m) through oak and rhododendron forests, targeting:
- Ward’s Trogon (Himalayan specialty)
- Long-billed Thrush, Spot-winged Grosbeak
Descending into Phobjikha Valley, we visit Gangtey Monastery. The valley is a winter home for Black-necked Cranes (globally vulnerable), present from November–March.
Other species:
- Oriental Skylark, Red-billed Chough, Hen Harrier
- Upland Buzzard, Lammergeier
Overnight: Dewachen or similar, Phobjikha (2,800m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Phobjikha – Pele La – Trongsa (2,000m)
Early drive to Pele La (3,350m) to explore high boreal forests:
- Himalayan Vulture, Solitary Snipe
- Lesser Cuckoo, Black-faced Laughingthrush
- Hume’s Bush Warbler, Short-billed Minivet
- Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Crimson-browed Finch
- Red Crossbill, Brown Bullfinch, Little Bunting
Through rhododendron forests, we reach Chendibji and Tangsibji, stopping for Black-tailed Crake near a small stream.
Overnight: Yangkhil Resort or similar, Trongsa (2,000m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Trongsa – Tingtibi (600m)
Drive to Tingtibi, through pristine forests (2,000–700m), home to Golden Langurs. Birds include:
- Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Barred Cuckoo Dove
- Green-billed Malkoha, Red-headed Trogon
- Speckled Piculet, Lesser Yellownape, Bay Woodpecker
- Long-tailed Minivet, Large Niltava, Green-backed Tit
- Woodcock, Spot-winged Starling (rare), Blyth’s Leaf Warbler
- Blue Rock Thrush, Long-tailed Broadbill, Tibetan Siskin
In sub-tropical Tingtibi:
- Crested Kingfisher, Lesser Coucal, Rufous Woodpecker
- Peregrine Falcon, Crimson Sunbird, Emerald Dove
- White-crested & Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes
Overnight: Berti Eco Lodge or similar, Tingtibi (600m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Tingtibi – Gomphu – Tingtibi (Day Trip)
Explore the Tingtibi–Gomphu road, rich in bamboo forests.
Notable species:
- Tawny Fish Owl (roosting), White-hooded Babbler (only known site)
- Rufous-faced Warbler, Pale-headed Woodpecker (very rare)
- Great Hornbill (globally vulnerable), Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher
- Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Wryneck, Barred Buttonquail (rare)
- Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Large Woodshrike
- Rufous-throated Partridge, Rufous-bellied Eagle
In the evening, listen for the eerie call of the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl near your hotel.
Overnight: Berti Eco Lodge or similar, Tingtibi (600m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Tingtibi – Tama La – Gelephu (250m)
At Tama La (1,660m) look for:
- Oriental Honey Buzzard, Shikra, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo
- Slaty-bellied Tesia, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide (near bee nests)
Descending to Gelephu, birds include:
- Striated Heron, Oriental Hobby (rare), Alexandrine Parakeet
- Green Bee-eater, Black-throated Sunbird
Night drive for owls: Brown Hawk Owl, Spotted Owlet, and elusive Oriental Bay Owl.
Overnight: Hotel Kuku Grand or similar, Gelephu (250m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Gelephu – Tsirang Road – Thimphu bit long drive.
Morning visit to Gelephu sewage pond:
- Black Baza, Black Stork, Red-naped Ibis (all rare)
- Great Thick-knee, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Sand Lark
Along Tsirang road, look for:
- Indian Peafowl, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Red-collared Dove
- Bonelli’s Eagle, Indian Roller, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker
- Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, Rufous Treepie (rare)
Overnight: Tashi Yid Wong Grand or similar, Gelephu (250m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Thimphu to Paro – Birding Chele La Road
Flight back to Paro (25 minutes) with mountain views. Visit Paro Dzong, featured in Little Buddha (1993), and cross the Nyamai Zam cantilever bridge.
We’ll revisit the Pa Chhu river for another look at the Ibisbill and bird Chele La road:
- Kalij Pheasant, Northern Goshawk, Ashy Drongo
- Black-throated Tit, Pygmy Wren Babbler
- Striated Laughingthrush, Dark-breasted Rosefinch
Overnight: Paro Grand or similar, Paro (2,300m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Paro – Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
A cultural highlight: hike to Taksang Monastery, perched 600m above the valley floor. It’s a 1.5–2 hr uphill walk (340m ascent to the cafeteria). Bird species en route:
- Himalayan Buzzard, Eurasian Jay, Darjeeling Woodpecker
- Green-tailed Sunbird, Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Final stretch includes 100m descent and climb to the monastery itself. Look for Snow Pigeon, Altai Accentor, Little Forktail, White-capped, and Plumbeous Water Redstarts.
Return to Paro and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Paro Grand or similar, Paro (2,300m)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, or Bangkok.
Meals: B.
1. A fifty percent discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200/ for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan, The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027. This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
2. 2% Government Tax per Person per Night.
3. All Meals.
4. Daily Mineral Water.
5. English Language Speaking Guide.
6. Comfortable and Luxurious Imported Cars for Internal Transportation with Skilled Driver.
8. The Government set package rates is valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis.
9. A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
- Airfare international & Domestic.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal shopping.
- Alcohol.
- Laundry.
- Tips for Guide & Driver.
- There are many temples, museums, monasteries, and dzongs, so you can decide on the spot which ones you’d like to visit.
- BOOK BHUTAN TOUR
- Changzamtok, Gongphel Lam
Ashi Building: 20 - Thimphu, Bhutan – 11001
- Phone: +975 2 340 662
- B-Mobile: +975 1761 4054
- WhatsApp: +975 7770 7070
- info@bookbhutantour.com