BIRD WATCHING TOUR

 BIRD WATCHING TOURS – 8 Days (7 Nights)          

 “Camera on the Tripod”

Join our captivating bird watching tour in Bhutan, where you’ll discover the vibrant bird life of this Himalayan kingdom. Bhutan is known for its stunning natural beauty and dedication to preserving the environment, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Our tour takes you through various habitats, from lush forests to alpine meadows, giving you the chance to see a wide range of bird species. Accompanied by experienced guides who know Bhutan’s birds inside out, you’ll explore ancient trails and hidden valleys where elusive birds like the Satyr Tragopan and Ward’s Trogon reside. From iconic birds like the Black-necked Crane to colorful species like the Fire-tailed Myzornis, each bird you encounter tells a story of Bhutan’s ecological diversity.

Our tour isn’t just about bird watching; it also includes cultural experiences like visiting ancient monasteries, meeting local communities, and enjoying Bhutanese hospitality. Amidst the chorus of bird calls, you’ll be surrounded by Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes, enhancing your birding adventure. Our Bhutan bird watching tour seamlessly blends nature, culture, and ornithological discovery, offering enthusiasts a deep connection with the kingdom’s winged inhabitants and the enchanting spirit of the Eastern Himalayas. With Butter Lamp Tours, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey that celebrates Bhutan’s rich avian biodiversity and cultural heritage, all while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 01:          Arrival in Paro – Drive to Thimphu.

Day 02:          Birdwatching in Thimphu. 

Day 03:          Drive from Thimphu to Punakha Valley.  

Day 04:          Birdwatching in Punakha.

Day 05:          Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha.

Day 06:          Birdwatching in Phobjikha. 

Day 07:          Paro Taktshang Hike (Tiger’s Nest). 

Day 08:          Departure. Bid farewell from Paro.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Thimphu:      On arrival at capital city Thimphu. Drop off your bags at the hotel and head out to explore the best birding spots in the suburbs like Upper-Motithang and the northern end of the valley (Cheri, Doedena, and Begana). Spend the afternoon birdwatching, starting with Upper-Motithang where you can spot species like the Rufous-fronted Tit, Sparrow Hawks, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Hoopoes, Nepal House Martin, and Hill Myna. Take breaks to visit Tashichu Dzong and the Giant Buddha Statue. Then return to your hotel in Thimphu for the night.

Explore Bird in Thimphu:             Explore some of the key attractions in Thimphu before venturing into the beautiful upland valley. Thimphu valley, surrounded by Blue Pine and temperate evergreen forests, offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. However, due to human settlement, the best birding spots have shifted about 10 km away from the city center.

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha Valley:       As we journey from Thimphu, we pass through Dochula,standing at 3,100 meters, offers the most breathtaking views in Bhutan, surrounded by lush forests of hemlock, fir, rhododendron, and evergreen oak. With the majestic peaks of the eastern Himalayas in the background, it’s an ideal spot for birdwatching.
Here, we search for a variety of bird species including White-throated, Striated, and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous Sibia, Hoary-throated Barwing, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Rufous-winged Fulvettas, Lemon-rumped and Ashy-throated Warblers, Whistler’s Warbler, Yellow-browed Tit, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Green-tailed Sunbird, Common Crossbill, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, and Red-headed Bullfinch. If we’re lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of the stunning Fire-tailed Myzornis.

As the evening approaches, we descend to Punakha at 1,350 meters, continuing our journey through Bhutan’s picturesque landscapes and rich avian diversity.

Punakha Valley:     In this sub-tropical valley lies the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the former capital, nestled between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. As we hike along the Mo Chhu, amidst expansive forests along the riverbanks and its tributaries, we search for a variety of bird species.Keep an eye out for the Crested Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, and Slaty-backed Forktail along the river. Among the numerous species found here, we’ll be eager to spot the Yellow-vented Warbler, Spotted Wren-Babbler, and if luck is on our side, the extremely rare White-bellied Heron and Pallas’s Fish Eagle.

Other bird species you may encounter in this area include the Grey-headed Woodpecker, Greater and Lesser Yellownapes, Maroon Oriole, Ashy and Hair-crested Drongos, Common Myna, Grey Treepie, Black-winged Cuckoo-Shrike, Mountain Bulbul, Ultramarine, Verditer, and Grey-headed Flycatchers, Small Niltava, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Blyth’s Leaf, Green-crowned, and Grey-hooded Warblers, Black-throated Tit, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Crested Serpent Eagle, Spotted Dove, Himalayan Cuckoo, Himalayan Swiftlet, House Swift, White-throated Kingfisher, Great and Golden-throated Barbets, and Black-throated Sunbird.

We’ll also be on the lookout for babblers, including Rufous-capped Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Red-tailed, and Blue-winged Minlas, Whiskered Yuhina, and Nepal Fulvetta. Enjoy the diverse birdlife as we explore this enchanting valley.

Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha:        We will journey from Punakha, Wangdue to Phobjikha valley, traveling through densely forested terrain. Along the way, we’ll immerse ourselves in birdwatching amidst the changing vegetation, experiencing everything from sub-tropical to temperate to alpine environments.

Keep an eye out for the elusive Yellow-rumped Honeyguide near Rock Bee hives. Among the various bird species found in this stretch, you may spot the Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Fork-tailed Swift, Chestnut-bellied and Blue-capped Rock Thrushes, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Indian Blue Robin, and Hume’s Bush Warbler. Enjoy the diverse avian life as we journey through this scenic landscape.

Drive from Phobjikha to Paro:   Bid farewell to the scenic beauty of Phobjikha valley and the graceful cranes as we journey eastward towards Pele La Pass. The morning hours offer the best opportunity to spot some of the area’s most cherished birds, including the Satyrs Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Yellow-Billed Magpie, Chest-Tailed Minla, Collard Blackbird, and Ultramarine Flycatcher.

After enjoying these avian delights, we’ll leisurely drive back to Paro, making several stops along the way for birdwatching. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Shriek Babbler, a rare find on this scenic route. As we journey back, cherish the memories of the birds and landscapes encountered during our birding adventure.

Paro Taktshang Hike (Tiger’s Nest):    After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, which entails approximately 4 hours of walking. This iconic monastery is one of Bhutan’s most renowned landmarks, clinging to the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley floor.
Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, arrived at this sacred site on the back of a tigress and meditated here, hence the name “Tiger’s Nest”. Recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan, it was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is considered a must-visit for all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Although a fire severely damaged the main structure of the monastery on 19 April, 1998, it has since been meticulously restored to its original splendor, standing as a symbol of Bhutanese heritage and spirituality. Enjoy the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of this Bhutanese jewel during your visit.

COST INFORMATION

Cost varies based on group size and travel dates, including SDF(Sustainable Development Fund). Pleasecontact us for precise details. 

INCLUDED

• Accommodations in listed hotels or similar (best available standard tourist hotels)
• All meals, including some evening tea
• Bottled water in the vehicle
• All transportation within the country including airport transfers
• Entrance fees for Museums and  Monuments
• Visa fees
• SDF (Sustainable Tourist Development Fees)
• Sightseeing Tours & Entry Fees
• English speaking guide
• Travel permits, etc.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Flight costs
• Travel/Medical Insurance
• Personal expenses such as bars, beverages, optional tips/gratuities
• Personal gears/clothing
• All other costs not listed in the included section