Birding Adventure

We’ll leave early for Chelela Pass (3,890 meters), a chilly alpine meadow carpeted with exquisite alpine complying with stunning scenery. This is Bhutan’s northernmost road point. We are going to examine the area for pheasant species such as the Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, and Blood Pheasant. There will be sightings of Laughingthrush, Rosefinch, and Grosbeak. After lunch at our hotel in Paro, we will have a brief tour of Paro town. Towards evening, we take the hour-long drive to the capital city, Thimphu.

Night halt in hotel.

We drive to the north of Thimphu in the morning and then hike to Cheri monastery, hoping to see multiple kinds of Laughing Thrush – Spotted, Chestnut-Crowned and White-throated – laughingythruush alongside the Rufous bellied Woodpecker, Brown Dipper and White-collared Blackbird. Blue whistlingthrush We should be able to observe the mountain goats near the monastery. After lunch at the hotel, we explore cultural, social, and spiritual attractions in and around the city. These include Tashichho Dzong, the King’s palace-fortress, the world’s tallest Buddha, the Folk Heritage Museum, and, if time lets you, a traditional archery contest at Changlimithang.

At night at the hotel.

At night at the hotel

Today, we immerse ourselves in nature as we drive to Dochula Pass (3,150 m), taking in the breathtaking vistas of the majestic Himalayas. Along the way, we traverse mixed forests of hemlock, oak, and fir, interspersed with an impressive variety of rhododendron species. This rich habitat is home to the elusive Satyr Tragopan, a rare Himalayan pheasant. Other notable birds we may encounter include the Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher.

We also visit Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress-palace renowned for its architecture and historical significance, before continuing to Shaten, nestled within Jigme Dorji National Park. Night halt: Camp at Shaten.

From Shaten Camp in Jigme Dorji National Park, we spend two days exploring the area, focusing on riverbanks and hillsides in search of sought-after bird species. With a bit of luck, we may encounter the critically rare White-bellied Heron, one of fewer than 200 individuals remaining worldwide. The impressive Pallas’s Fish Eagle is another highlight of this region. Other birds we may encounter include Red-headed Trogon, Black-chinned Yuhina, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Small Niltava, Forktails, Wren-babblers, various Woodpeckers, and Laughingthrushes.

Night halt: Camp at Shaten.

Drive early to Phobjikha Valley, where we shall look for Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and mixed flocks. We will stop seeing different kinds of Bush Warbler and Laughingthrush that flourish in the dwarf bamboo near Gangteyla Pass. Fortunately, the Black-necked Crane certainly is the highlight of our Phobjikha visit. As the bird’s largest wintering habitat, we should be able to witness a lot of them. Following that, we will visit the crane Information Centre and have a tour of the grand 17th-century Gangtey monastery, which is home to Buddhism’s Peling lineages.

Night halt in camp, Phobjikha.

On our way to Trongsa, our first birding destination is the Pelela pass (4,000 m), where high-altitude species are often observed. These include Finches and Bush Warblers, Brown Parrotbill, Spotted Laughingthrush, and Himalayan Griffon. When we travel in Trongsa, we have lunch and then view the majestic Trongsa Dzong, which was constructed without the use of any iron nails. This palace-fortress was historically the fortification for powerful governors, whose descendants are currently ruling the country as monarchs.

Night halt at hotel, Trongsa.

Beginning early at Yotongla Pass (3,500 m) for views of Brown Parrotbill, Chestnut-crown Laughing Thrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Hill Partridge, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Gold-naped Finch, and Darjeeling Woodpecker. As we arrive in Bumthang, we will eat lunch before embarking on a cultural tour of the valley, which is rich in stories, legends, temples, and sacred places.

Night halt at hotel, Bumthang.

The path that leads to Sengor passes through Thrumshingla (3,800 m), a significant habitat for Blood Pheasants. This high-altitude park offers the Spotted Nutcracker, Red-billed Chough, Fire-tailed Sunbirds, Great Parrotbills, Stripe-throated Yuhinas, Snow Pigeon, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, White-browed Fulvettas, Grey-crested Tits, and Coal Tits. We shall capture for the sought Satyr Tragopan in Sengor later in the evening, as this location is highly known for its wonders to mind.

Night halt at camp, Sengor.

After breakfast, we trek for three hours to Tiger’s Lair, formerly known as Taktshang, a spectacular 17th-century temple erected on a sheer cliff face. After the climb, we may have a hot stone bath with medicinal plants at a widely recognized traditional site that is believed to heal and serene our fatigued physical beings, nevertheless this is optional.

Night halt at hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Bid farewell to the serene landscapes and rich culture of Bhutan as you board your flight home, carrying cherished memories of your time in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Safe travels! Tashi Delek!