Itinerary

Summary

Detailed

Day 01 Kathmandu – Paro

This morning we take the Druk Air flight to Paro, Bhutan, where we should have good views of the Himalayas, including many of the highest mountains in the world. After checking into our hotel and having lunch we will begin with a walk along the river to look for Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Indian Roller, Rock Pigeon, Oriental Turtle-dove, Olive-backed and Rosy Pipits, Black Bulbul, Long-tailed Minivet, White-capped and Plumbeous Redstarts, White-browed Fulvetta, Long-tailed and Grey-backed Shrikes, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch and Russet Sparrow. Overnight at Gangtey Palace, Paro (2300m).

Day 02 Paro – Thimphu

We depart early for our journey up through ancient pine and fir forests to Chele La Pass (3780 m), where there are fantastic views of the high Himalayan peaks of Jhomolhari (7219m), Jichu Drake (6989m) and down into the Paro and Ha valleys. Above the tree line we will look for Lammergeier, Hill Partridge, Blood and Kalij Pheasants, Large Hawk-cuckoo, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Alpine Accentor, White-collared Blackbird, Dark-throated Thrush, White-throated Redstart, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Green-backed Tit, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-browed Warbler and White-browed Rosefinch. After a hot breakfast we will continue birding in this beautiful area before gradually making our way back to Paro and on to Thimphu. We will stop near Shaba to look for Wallcreeper. In Thimphu we will visit the sewage treatment plant where there will be a wide variety of birds including Ruddy Shelduck, Ferruginous Duck, Blue Whistling-thrush, Little Bunting, Black-tailed Crake and Brown Dipper. Overnight at the Hotel Phuntshopelri Thimphu (2400m).

Day 03 Thimphu- Punakha

We will leave our hotel very early in order to see the Himalayas as dawn breaks over Dochu La Pass (3200 m). This is an awe-inspiring sight enhanced by the prayer flags festooned along the road and the chortens. While drinking in the scenery we will also be on the lookout for Great Barbet, Rufous-breasted and Maroon Accentors, White-browed Shortwing, Ashy-throated and Whistler’s Warblers, Verditer and Ferruginous Flycatchers, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Blue-fronted Redstart, Striated Laughingthrush, Rufous Sibia, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Fire-capped Tit, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Dark-rumped Rosefinch and Large-billed Crow. After breakfast we will follow a trail through the broad-leafed forest where we should have our first encounter with the rare Ward’s Trogon. Other possibilities include Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Large Niltava, Grey Bushchat, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Hoary-throated Barwing, Maroon Oriole and Grey Treepie. At the bottom of the trail we will have lunch then drive through sub-tropical forests to the green terraced fields of Punakha. Punakha Dzong is majestically situated on a promontory that juts out between the crystal-clear waters of the Mo chhu (female) and Pho chhu (male), which merge into the Puna Tsang chhu, and it is here, in this relatively open habitat, that we will find Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler, Slender-billed Oriole and Richard’s Pipit. This is also home to the globally threatened White-bellied Heron. Overnight at Meri Puensum, Punakha (1400m).

Day 04 punakha valley areas

Today we will rise before dawn and drive to the beautiful, pristine forested areas of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, at an elevation of 1400m. This area is much warmer than any we have previously encountered and necessitates a very early rise in order to catch birding activity at its best. In this magnificent forest we should encounter Golden Eagle, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Tawny Fish-owl, Red-headed Trogon, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Asian Martin, Red-vented, Striated and Mountain Bulbuls, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Plain-backed Thrush, Sapphire Flycatcher, Large and Small Niltavas, Little and Slaty-backed Forktails, Spotted Wren-babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Blue-winged Minla, Rufous-winged and Nepal Fulvettas, Whiskered Yuhina, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Ashy and Hair-crested Drongos, Tibetan Siskin, Spot-winged Grosbeak and Scarlet Finch. In the afternoon we will drive along the Pho Chhu to look for Pallas’s Fish-eagle, Great Black-headed Gull, White-throated Kingfisher, Oriental Magpie-robin, Chestnut-tailed Starling and Scaly-breasted Munia.

Day 05 Punakha – Gangtey/ Phobjikha

In the early morning we will bird the dense and pristine forests at the foot of Pele La, looking for Wedge-tailed Pigeon, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Himalayan Swiftlet, Fork-tailed and House Swifts, Golden-throated Barbet, Speckled Piculet, Scarlet Minivet, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Black-throated Tit and Blyth’s Leaf-warbler. After breakfast in the field we will drive up through mixed broad-leafed forests to Khelekha to look for the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. The last stage of the journey takes us through mixed conifer forests to our campsite amidst flowering rhododendrons and magnolias, where we will look for Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Great and Fulvous Parrotbills, White-tailed Nuthatch and Spotted Nutcracker. Overnight in Phobjikha valley.

Day 06 Gangtey – Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro (6-7 hrs)

In the morning, take a short easy walk in the valley and also visit the Nature information centre. One of the main attractions of the valley is the endangered black-necked crane, which reside in Phobjikha from late October till March. Later drive back and descend into sub-tropical valley of Wangdue (2-3hrs). We spend some time below Dochula pass to explore the botanical park and nearby surrounding for birds for diverse flora, Lunch could be planned at Dochula pass. After descending into Thimphu, continue short drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel

Day 07 Paro Valley (Takstang) 3100m

Before the hike, you can visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong. Then follow it by day excursion to famous Taktsang or Tiger’s nest monastery. We can arrange pony ride for the uphill part but you must be able to walk down hill. This is expected to take all day.If for some reason, you wish skip Taktsang, our Guide and driver can arrange other interesting alternatives based on your interest. Return to Paro for farewell dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Day 08 Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro and fly out your on destination.

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