Destination: Bhutan
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Start: Guwahati, India
End: Paro, Bhutan
Best Time to Visit: Timing varies according to target species; Black-necked Cranes are present from approximately mid-November to early March
This specialist 15-day birding tour crosses Bhutan from east to west, beginning in the subtropical lowlands near the Indian border and continuing through broad-leaved forest, bamboo, rhododendron, coniferous woodland and alpine habitats. Covering elevations from approximately 150 to 3,890 metres, the itinerary offers access to an exceptional variety of Himalayan birds within a relatively compact country.
The tour concentrates on several of Bhutan’s finest birding areas, including the forests between Samdrup Jongkhar and Dewathang, the celebrated Namling–Limithang Road, Phrumshingla National Park, Pelela Pass, the Phobjikha Valley, Jigme Dorji National Park and Chelela Pass. These locations provide opportunities to search for highly sought-after species such as Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Himalayan Cutia, Long-billed Wren-Babbler, Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Spotted Elachura, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal.
Bhutan has recorded more than 780 bird species, including 12 restricted-range species, and we anticipate encountering approximately 225–270 species during the tour. The remarkable changes in altitude and habitat also give us chances of finding mammals such as Red Panda, Golden Langur, Goral and Bhutan Flying Squirrel.
Although birding is the principal focus, the tour also provides an excellent introduction to Bhutan’s dramatic landscapes and Buddhist culture. Cultural highlights include Trongsa Dzong, Punakha Dzong, the 108 chortens of Dochula Pass and the celebrated Tiger’s Nest Monastery, together with a traditional farmhouse visit and Bhutanese hot-stone bath.
This itinerary is best suited to birders who enjoy full days in the field, regular roadside birding stops and moderate daily walking. Most days involve approximately 6–7 kilometres of walking, while the Tiger’s Nest excursion includes a longer uphill walk at altitude.
This tour starts at Guwahati Airport, India, and ends at Paro, Bhutan.