About Our Birding Team

Meet Our Expert Guides

At Bhutanbird Travel, our team of expert Bhutanese birding guides brings years of experience in guiding international birding enthusiasts. Passionate about birding, they are well-versed in Bhutan’s diverse avian hotspots, ensuring you have access to the best locations for sightings. Their deep knowledge of local birds, ecosystems, and habitats allows them to offer insightful, enriching experiences. Beyond their expertise, our guides are approachable, friendly, and dedicated to making your birding journey enjoyable and easy, fostering an atmosphere of clear communication and comfort throughout your adventure.

Bird Expertise

Sonam Dorji

Sonam Dorji is a seasoned ranger who dedicated 12 years to bird conservation in Bhutan’s Department of Forest. Recognized as one of the country’s leading bird experts, his deep passion for nature and its diverse inhabitants, especially birds, has shaped his extensive expertise. A true bird enthusiast, he spends much of his time in nature, immersed in bird calls and photography.

Sonam is also an active eBirder, contributing valuable data for decades to support bird research and conservation efforts. As the co-author of the book Birds of Jigme Dorji National Park and a dedicated conservationist, his love for birds has taken him across the globe—from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, Europe, and Australia. With a sharp eye for photography and an in-depth knowledge of over 4,000 bird species, he has refined his expertise to an exceptional level. As a freelance bird guide, he has led numerous international birding groups, offering them unforgettable experiences while exploring Bhutan’s rich avian diversity.

Why Choose Bhutanbird Travel?

In a digital age filled with misleading information, Bhutanbird Travel stands apart by being sincere and dedicated to delivering on our promises. As birding enthusiasts ourselves, we prioritize passion over profit, ensuring that we genuinely meet our clients’ expectations. We spend time understanding your goals through detailed discussions and select the best approach to achieve them. Our guides undergo extensive training under expert mentors to maintain the highest standards of knowledge and professionalism.

We actively encourage our guides to explore new areas and stay connected with nature, ensuring they continuously discover fresh spots to showcase. When planning your Bhutan adventure, it’s important to carefully research the right company. While prices may vary, choosing the right provider guarantees a rewarding and meaningful experience.

Why Birding in Bhutan: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Bhutan is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting an incredible diversity of over 770 species set against the backdrop of its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Our Highlights of Bhutan Birding Tour offers exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph many of these rare and sought-after birds.

Lush forests and dramatic valleys shelter endemic and iconic species, including the Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. The serene Phobjikha Valley is a must-visit for glimpses of the rare Black-necked Crane, while birding hotspots like Punakha, Bumthang, and Trashigang reveal treasures such as the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Himalayan Cutia, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and Spotted Elachura.

We’ll explore the untouched forests of Lingmethang Road, Zhemgang, Panbang, and Kharungla Valley, renowned for their biodiversity and home to rare species like the Blue-fronted Robin, Red-headed Trogon, and Golden-breasted Fulvetta. Bhutan is also famous for its magnificent pheasants, including the Satyr Tragopan, Blyth’s Tragopan, and Temminck’s Tragopan, making it a dream destination for bird enthusiasts.

Beyond birds, Bhutan’s pristine wilderness supports a remarkable array of wildlife. The elusive Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Goral, and Takin roam its forests, along with primates such as the Golden Langur. With its diverse ecosystems, rich birdlife, and stunning landscapes, our Highlights of Bhutan Birding Tour promises an unforgettable adventure, filled with rare sightings and unparalleled natural beauty.

Special Interest Tours Beyond Bird Watching

At Bhutanbird Travel, we specialize in creating unique interest-based tours and personalized adventure holidays. If you're looking to step off the beaten path and have a custom itinerary, feel free to reach out to us, and our experts will craft a tailored adventure just for you. For those who prefer tried-and-true experiences, here’s a selection of our Special Interest Tours: