Into the Wild: Hornbill Expedition in Bhutan

Upon arrival in Paro, we will check in at the hotel and take some time to settle in. In the evening, we will enjoy a relaxing birdwatching session along the Paro River, targeting species such as Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Green-tailed Sunbird, Brown Dipper, and Black-tailed Crake. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

A full day of birding in JDNP, one of Bhutan’s prime birding destinations. Key species include Satyr Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, White-bellied Erpornis, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie. The park also offers chances to spot Spotted Laughingthrush and Fire-tailed Myzornis. Return to Thimphu for an overnight stay.

An early start to Dochula Pass (3,100m), where we will search for Himalayan Monal, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, and Green-tailed Sunbird. We continue towards Punakha, stopping for birding along the Lamperi Botanical Park. In Punakha, we will visit the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers to search for the endangered White-bellied Heron. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Early morning birding along the Punakha River, with a chance to see Ibisbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Crested Kingfisher. The drive to Tsirang takes us through lush subtropical forests, where we will look for Great Hornbill, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Scarlet Minivet, and Striated Yuhina. Overnight in Tsirang.

A day of lowland birding as we drive towards Gelephu. Species of interest include Speckled and White-browed Piculet, Rufous Woodpecker, Wreathed Hornbill, Common Green Magpie, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. We will also search for Silver-eared Mesia, Ashy Drongo, and Blue-eared Barbet. Overnight stay in Gelephu.

A full day to explore the tropical forests of Gelephu, home to Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Red-headed Trogon, Spotted Elachura, Black-backed Forktail, and Scarlet Finch. Special highlights include Sultan Tit, Collared Treepie, and Beautiful Nuthatch. Overnight in Gelephu.

A scenic drive through varied elevations, offering birdwatching opportunities for Rufous-throated Partridge, Greater Yellownape, Lesser Yellownape, and Pale-headed Woodpecker. We will also look for the striking Long-tailed Broadbill and Scarlet Minivet. Overnight stay in Tingtibe.

A full day of birding along the Gomphu Road, a hotspot for rare species such as White-hooded Babbler, Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, and Green Cochoa. Another opportunity to spot the elusive White-bellied Heron. Overnight stay in Tingtibe.

A bird-filled journey through the renowned Zhemgang region, known for the highest concentration of Rufous-necked Hornbills. Other highlights include Beautiful Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and Ward’s Trogon. We continue through Trongsa, stopping to look for Golden-breasted Fulvetta and Himalayan Cutia before reaching Gangtey. Overnight stay in Gangtey.

Morning birdwatching in Phobjikha Valley for Black-necked Cranes (seasonal), Spotted Laughingthrush, and White-browed Bush Robin. As we travel through Nobding, we may see Brown Parrotbill and Black-faced Laughingthrush. Evening birding in Punakha along the riverside. Overnight in Punakha.

A 2-day exploration of Bhutan’s most famous birding stretch. Key species include Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Chestnut-bellied and Beautiful Nuthatch, White-browed Bush Robin, Black-throated Parrotbill, and Red-faced Liocichla. We will also keep an eye out for Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Bar-winged Wren Babbler, and Rufous-necked Laughingthrush. Overnight stays in Yongkala.

Today, we return from Yongkala to Trongsa, stopping en route for sightings of Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Cutia. We will also explore temperate forests for Spot-winged Grosbeak and Satyr Tragopan. Overnight in Bumthang

Early morning birding in Trongsa before driving back to Paro. We may spot Himalayan Griffon, Red-billed Chough, and Grey-sided Bush Warbler along the way. Upon arrival in Paro, transfer to the airport for departure, concluding our incredible Hornbill birding tour.

Overnight: Paro

Today, we embark on a scenic hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The trail winds through a beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendron, offering excellent birding opportunities along the way. Look out for species like Altai Accentor, Spotted Nutcracker, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie. Reaching the monastery, we’ll take in breathtaking views and immerse ourselves in Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage. Overnight: Paro

Depart from Paro airport.