Bhutan Ultimate Birding

Upon arrival in Paro, we will check in at the hotel and take some time to settle in. In the evening, we will head out for a relaxing birdwatching session along the river, where we hope to spot the Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Green-tailed Sunbird, Brown Dipper, and the elusive Black-tailed Crake. Overnight stay in Paro.

Today, we embark on a breathtaking hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a sacred landmark perched dramatically on a cliffside. As we ascend, we may encounter Peregrine Falcon, Altai Accentor, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Spotted Nutcracker, Himalayan Monal, along with various Tits and Warblers. After lunch, we will drive to Thimphu, with another opportunity to spot the Ibisbill for those who may have missed it in Paro. Overnight in Thimphu.

Our journey to Punakha will be filled with rewarding birdwatching opportunities. We will search for the striking Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, along with Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Brown Parrotbill, Himalayan Shortwing, and the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. Additionally, sightings of Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, Minivets, and Tesia will be highlights of the day.

Early morning, we will visit the riverside in search of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. Other possible sightings include the Ibisbill, Crested Kingfisher, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. We will then continue our journey towards Tsirang, passing through rich birding habitats.

Today, we venture into the lush lowland forests, home to an incredible diversity of bird species. Key highlights include Speckled and White-browed Piculet, Rufous Woodpecker, Great Hornbill, Common Green Magpie, Ashy Drongo, and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch. We will also look for Striated Yuhina, Blue-eared Barbet, Silver-eared Mesia, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and the melodious Shama.

As we drive through the scenic landscapes, we will keep an eye out for Greater Yellownape, Red-faced Liocichla, Spotted Elachura, White-naped Yuhina, and Black-backed Forktail. Additional species of interest include Red-headed Trogon, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, and the tiny but fierce Pied Falconet.

A full day of exploration in Tingtibe promises exciting birdwatching experiences. Our checklist includes White-hooded Babbler, Collared Treepie, White-browed Piculet, Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill, and Blue-eared Barbet. We will also search for the rare Beautiful Nuthatch, along with Lesser and Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Pale-headed Woodpecker, Green Cochoa, Scarlet Finch, and Shortwings. Another chance to spot the White-bellied Heron will be an added highlight.

As we travel toward Bumthang, we will encounter a mix of species, including Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Himalayan Cutia, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Black-faced Warbler, Yellow-vented Warbler, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, and Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon.

This leg of the journey takes us deeper into Bhutan’s pristine forests, where we will have a chance to see Spotted Laughingthrush, White-collared Blackbird, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Red-headed Bullfinch, Great Parrotbill, and Fulvous Parrotbill. If we are fortunate, we may also spot a Red Panda in the wild.

Spending two full days in Yongkala, one of Bhutan’s premier birding destinations, will allow us to observe a spectacular range of species. Some highlights include Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Chestnut-bellied and Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Rufous-bellied Eagle, White-bellied Erpornis, Golden-throated Barbet, and Hodgson’s Frogmouth. The vibrant Red-faced Liocichla, Black-throated Parrotbill, and the rare Rufous-necked Hornbill will also be on our watchlist.

We continue towards Mongar, where we will look for White-browed Bush Robin, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Collared Owlet, Himalayan Bulbul, Blue-naped Pitta, Tawny Fish Eagle, and the striking Crested Bunting.

Our journey to Kharungla will take us through prime birding habitats where we will search for Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mountain Scope Owl, Scarlet Minivet, Gray-bellied Tesia, Bar-winged Wren Babbler, Blyth’s Tragopan, and the Rufous-necked Hornbill.

With two days in Kharungla, we will have ample time to seek out high-altitude species like Shortwings, Spot-winged Grosbeak, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Cutia, and the elusive Temminck’s and Blyth’s Tragopan if you guys ready to hike for an hour.

Continuing our journey, we will search for Long-tailed Broadbill, Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Beautiful Nuthatch, Square-tailed Drongo, and the impressive Lesser and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.

As we move further east, we will encounter Rufous-backed Sibia, Blue-throated Barbet, Spotted and Black-backed Forktail, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, White-naped Yuhina, Black-throated Tits, Streaked Spiderhunter, Black-crested Bulbul, and the stunning Asian Emerald Cuckoo. Overnight Bangtar Way hotel

Today’s highlights include Wreathed Hornbill, Pied and Collared Falconet, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-backed Forktail, and the rare Blyth’s Kingfisher. Overnight Bangtar Way hotel.

Our final full day of birding will focus on the lowland species of Samdrup Jongkhar, including Lesser Adjutant, Crested Serpent Eagle, and White-throated Laughingthrush. Overnight S.jongkhar

On our way to Guwahati, we will have a last chance to spot Great Hornbill, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Green Cochoa, marking a perfect end to an unforgettable birding adventure.