Black-necked Crane Adventures

Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and later explore the Pachu River area in search of the Black-tailed Crake, Wallcreeper, and Ibisbill.
Overnight: Paro

We begin our journey with an early morning departure, ascending through ancient high-boreal forests to reach Chele La Pass at 3,780m—the highest point of our tour. Along the way, we may spot the Grey Nightjar, often visible along the roadside at dawn.

Upon reaching the pass, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Jhomolhari (7,219m), with stunning vistas of the Paro and Ha valleys below.

This will be our first opportunity to spot the vibrant Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasant, along with other species such as the Collared Grosbeak, Blanford’s Rosefinch, White-throated Redstart, White-browed Bush Robin, Alpine Accentor, Himalayan Cuckoo, Rufous-fronted Tit, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Black-throated and Dusky Thrushes, Long-legged Buzzard, and Plain Mountain Finch.

After breakfast, we will continue birdwatching in the stunning Chele La area before gradually making our way back to Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu

We will begin the day with an early morning drive to Punakha (approx. 2.5 hours), stopping at Dochula Pass (3,150m) to search for alpine species such as Finches, Yuhinas, Eurasian Jay, and Fire-tailed Myzornis.

Descending from the pass, we will visit the Royal Botanical Park, a hotspot for broadleaf forest birds. Here, we may spot Ward's Trogon, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Slender-billed and Streaked-breasted Scimitar Babbler, and Grey-sided Laughingthrush.

Continuing our journey, we will explore the Punakha Valley, where we’ll look for Scarlet and Long-tailed Minivets, Great and Golden-throated Barbets, and other resident birds.

In the evening, we will drive along the Po Chhu River in search of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and the vulnerable Pallas’s Fish Eagle, along with Ibisbill, Red-wattled Lapwing, Common and Crested Kingfishers, and various raptors.
Overnight: Punakha

We will start early for a scenic 4-hour drive to Phobjikha Valley, stopping en route to explore the lush broadleaf forests. Expect sightings of Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Himalayan Cutia, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Ward's Trogon, Hoary-throated Barwing, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler, Bhutan Laughingthrush, and Rufous-capped Babbler.

As we approach Lawala Pass, where the vegetation transitions to dwarf bamboo, we’ll search for Spotted, Chestnut-crowned, and Black-faced Laughingthrushes, Spotted Nutcracker, Great and Brown Parrotbills, Oriental Skylark, White-browed Shortwing, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Red-billed Chough, and Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler.
Overnight: Phobjikha

In the early morning, we will visit the Black-necked Crane Valley for a closer observation of these majestic birds.

After breakfast, we will depart for Trongsa, keeping an eye out for Golden-breasted, White-browed, and Rufous-winged Fulvettas, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Jay, Nepal House Martin, Blyth’s Swift, White-throated Needletail, Black Eagle, and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler.

Higher-altitude species such as Brown Parrotbills, Spotted Laughingthrush, Himalayan Griffon, White-winged and Collared Grosbeaks, Grey-sided Bush Warblers, and Snow Pigeon can also be found along this route.
Overnight: Bumthang

We will drive towards Tharpaling Monastery, passing through pristine blue pine forests. This is an excellent spot to see the Himalayan Monal up close, along with Beautiful Rosefinch, Snow Pigeon, and Eurasian Magpie.
Overnight: Bumthang

We begin our journey back to Paro with an 8-hour drive, making stops along the way for birdwatching and searching for any species we may have missed.
Overnight: Paro

Today, we embark on a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most revered Buddhist sites. The trail, which takes over two hours from the last road point, ascends through blue pine and mixed conifer forests—habitats for species such as Rufous Sibia, Spotted Nutcracker, Yellow-billed Magpie, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, and Rufous-breasted Accentors. This will be a fulfilling conclusion to our expedition, combining stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and spiritual exploration.
Overnight: Paro

Departing from Bhutan after a wonderful and memorable trip—hope to see you again in the future.