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Bhutan Bird Watching Tour: |
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 Bhutan's extensive bird list reflects the kingdom's wide range of agro-ecological environments, from subtropical to alpine. Currently 675 species have been recorded in Bhutan. Most widely known are the Black Neck Cranes, a rare and endangered crane. In Bhutan, the Black Neck Crane holds a special place in folklore and Bhutanese hearts. To injure a Black Neck Crane in Bhutan is go to prison for life.
Hundreds flock to the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley in a remote area with no electrical power. Here the Black Neck Cranes are conservatory protected and can be viewed. There are many legends and myths about this bird. The Bhutanese call it Thrung Thrung. Black Neck Crane Dancers honor the bird with a festival dance. Other migratory birds as the Pailas' fish eagle, which is considered rare, migrates through Bhutan between Tibet and northern India. This bird is often seen near Wangdi near spring. Often it will be spotted with Ospreys and Pied Avocet. Wintertime brings numerous species down to lower altitudes, including accentors, rose finches, grosbeaks, snow pigeons and pheasants such as the satyrtragopan, the Himalayan monal and the blood pheasant.
Even the casual observer can be sure to see the blue whistling-thrush, yellow blue magpie, the wallcreeper, white capped water redstarts, spotted nutcracker in the pine forest and the red-billed choughs on the roofs on the dzongs. All animals in Bhutan are protected by the Buddhist ethic that prohibits killing. Further protection in the 1995 Forest and Nature Conservation act defines several species as totally protected - Black Neck Cranes, Monal Pheasant, Peacock, Pheasant, Raven and the Rufous-Necked Hornbill.
The following itinerary is a suggestion and can be modified according to length of your stay.
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Bird-Watching Itinerary (March and April) |
| Itinerary: |
Day 1:
Arrive Paro Airport. Received by Clan Treks Bhutan representative after completing the visa process. Drive to your hotel in quaint Paro Village. Your hotel welcomes you to Bhutan . Enjoy a hearty lunch at the hotel and prepare for your first bird watching outing in beautiful Paro Valley. You will then proceed to visit Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and is abutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, offers superb woodwork and is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A .D. Enjoy hearty Bhutanese dinner at a local restaurant in quaint Paro town. Overnight hotel; wonderful cluster of individual Bhutanese cottages.
Day 2:
Drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. A visit to the bank and post office to exchange money and have an opportunity to purchase collector item Bhutan stamps. Bird stamps are extremely beautiful and a must for your birding adventure. After check in at your hotel, enjoy a relaxing lunch. After lunch, the famous weekend market is an exciting time in Bhutan. A wonderful opportunity to mingle with local Bhutanese folks out to market, and marvel at the handicrafts and fresh organic produce. Market is held on weekends.
Optional trip to Textile Museum is available. We are now driving to the countryside outside of Thimphu for bird sightings. Here we will find; Brown dippers, Ibis Bill, Shrikes and Fantails. Tonight we enjoy a reception dinner with our hostess, local representative in Thimphu . Itinerary review with our guide upon return to the hotel.
Day 3:
A drive into the country today full a full day of birding in spectacular Tango/Cheri Valley. Sightings will be seen of Sunbirds, Wagtails and different varieties of dippers and thrush. Don't forget the camera and binocular. Picnic Lunch provided. Return to Thimphu and dine at cozy local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4:
Drive to Dochula Pass (10,500 ft.) Spectacular views are offered from the visa point, which is surrounded by prayer flags fluttering on high. The Dochula and Menchola area provide a good chance to see Tragopans, Monals and different varieties of Pheasants, as well as Wood Peckers, Tree Creepers and varieties of Doves. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5:
Today we drive to Punakha. Along the way we stop to see the beautiful Punakha Dzong , the former winter capital and present administrative seat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, uncaring male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 A. D. Punakha is a true work of Bhutanese art. It stands proud, preserved by the ages. A short drive and we check into the hotel in Wangduephodrang, After lunch we depart for an afternoon of birding in Punakha and Tashithang Valley . Here we will see Kingfishers, Fishing Eagles and Hornbills. Tonight we campout, Bhutanese style. You will enjoy wonderful food, warm fires and stories of enchantment in The Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Day 6:
Today we spend the entire day bird watching in Tashithang Valley. We overnight at camp. Conversation around the campfire relives your day of unusual bird sightings today. Sleep well.
Day 7:
Depart Tashithang for Wangdue Pelela Pass. The countryside here is rich in foliage and forest, making it ideal for Nutcrackers, Warbblers, Fork-tails and Robins. After time spent here we depart to visit the ancestral home of the royal family, the Trongsa Dzong. Built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the Third Desi, in 1648 it is presently the administrative seat of the district and home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. Views from here are extensive creating strategic location of this Dzong. We also tour the medieval Watchtower, located over the Trongsa Dzong. This ancient structure gives unobstructed views of the valley, and it's winding river and roads. The Watchtower is located strategically above the Trongsa Dzong. Climb the ancient ladders to the top, as you view warrior armor and aging altars, immersing yourself in the presence unchanged within its walls. Overnight in Trongsa Hotel.
Day 8:
Drive from Trongsa to Kuengarabten. Breakfast enroute to Kuengarabten and do some bird watching for Honey Guides along the way. Here you will see many beautiful terraced rice fields along the Manage Chi Valley. Proceed to Bumthang in Central Bhutan. Stop along the way to watch and marvel at the textile weavers and handicraft shops close to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang and enjoy Bhutanese hospitality at its finest.
Day 9:
Depart Bumthang, after traditional buckwheat pancake breakfast, for Gayzamchu and Thumshingla. We will bird watch here for the day, looking for Himalayan Pheasants and campout tonight at our highest altitude of the tour, 10,850 ft. Snuggle up To the fire after a sumptuous dinner and local Ara provided by the locals. Songs of Bhutan by your guide.
Day 10:
Leave Gayzamchu for Sengor crossing Thumshingla pass., altitude 10, 400 ft. Near Sengor, one can see Yellow-bill Magpies, Fire-tail mizoros and Jungle fowls. Overnight Halt in Sengor.
Day 11:
Continuing on to Thrumshingla - Limithang . This is the best birding area in the Himalayan Mountains. A wide variety of sub- tropical to alpine birds can be found. Varieties of Hornbills Owls, NightJars. Camp overnight at Yongkola Lingmithang.
Day 12:
Lingmithang Birdwatching Full Day. Overnight Halt.
Day 13:
Begin drive back to west. Photos stops. Overnight Hotel.
Day 14:
Continue our drive back toward the west. Tonight we arrive in Paro Town and enjoy our farewell dinner. We hope you have enjoyed your bird watching tour in Bhutan.
Depart for airport and your return home.
Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.
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