Bhutan Birding Tour - Rare Birds & Scenic Valleys Tour

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3,998 meters. This vantage point offers sweeping views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and lush valleys. The region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, look out for Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopans, Himalayan Monals, Kalij Pheasants, White-browed Rosefinches, Greenish Warblers, and many other high-altitude species commonly seen along the forested roadside. Enjoy the crisp mountain air, capture breathtaking photographs, and soak in the serene surroundings. Return to Paro by evening. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

Revisit Chelela Pass for another opportunity to spot species that may have been missed the previous day. After completing high-altitude observations, focus shifts to aquatic birds such as the Black-tailed Crake, Ibisbill, River Lapwing, and other aquatic bird species in the area. Then, drive from Paro to Thimphu with a stop to enjoy the landscape and photograph birds in their natural habitat. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. Later, extend the birding adventure north of Thimphu Valley to Dodina, a wooded riverside sanctuary renowned for sightings of the Black-faced Laughingthrush, Brown Dipper, Spotted Laughingthrush, and the beautiful Fire-capped Tit. Return to the hotel by evening. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Following breakfast, journey to the scenic Phobjikha Valley via Dochula Pass, taking time at the pass to enjoy panoramic views. En route, stop at the Royal Botanical Park, home to species such as the Slender-billed Oriole, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and the striking Fire-tailed Myzornis. Continue through the Puna Tsang Chhu river valley, where waterbirds like the Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Bar-headed Geese, Osprey, and Ruddy Shelduck can be found.

Make a stop in Nobding Valley, an excellent birding site known for sightings of the elusive Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Scarlet Minivet, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Long-billed Thrush, and various montane forest birds such as Blue-winged Minla, Lesser Yellownape, and White-browed Shrike-Babbler. The route offers exceptional opportunities to observe a wide range of Himalayan birdlife.

Spend the full day exploring the expansive Phobjikha Valley, a glacial basin and key conservation area in Bhutan. Renowned as the wintering ground of the rare and endangered Black-necked Crane, this peaceful valley also shelters a wide array of bird species. Possible sightings include flocks of Red-billed Choughs, Oriental Skylarks singing over open meadows, and Spotted Nutcrackers perched on towering conifers. Your local guide will lead you to the valley's top birding locations for a rewarding day of exploration. The serene countryside setting enhances this rich birding experience. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Bumthang, passing through Trongsa and climbing through dense Silver Fir forests. Keep binoculars ready for species like the dazzling Gold-naped Finch and the rare Fulvous Parrotbill, highlights for avid birders. This biodiverse region also offers chances to see the Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Grey-bellied Tesia, and Crested Bunting. Also, watch for majestic raptors including the Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, and Common Kestrel. On the wooded slopes and edges, you may spot Rusty-cheeked and White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Long-tailed Shrikes, Prinias, Rufous Woodpeckers, and the colorful Common Green Magpie. Reach Bumthang by evening and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Embark on a full day of birding in the culturally rich and ecologically vibrant Bumthang Valley. Begin with commonly seen species such as the Red-billed Chough and Black-billed Magpie, both adding local character to the area. Additional frequent sightings include the Large-billed Crow and Eurasian Tree Sparrow, often seen around fields and villages. Continue along Selthang La (3,600 m), with views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,315 m), the tallest unclimbed mountain in the world. This route is surrounded by rugged Himalayan terrain and picturesque villages, making it ideal for birdwatching. Be on the lookout for the striking Spotted Laughingthrush, elusive Chestnut-headed Tesia, nimble Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Long-tailed Minivet, and Dark-rumped Rosefinch. High-altitude birds like the Brown Bullfinch, White-winged Grosbeak, and three species of Tits—Coal, Grey-crested, and Rufous-vented—may also be spotted. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Begin the day early with a scenic drive to Punakha via Pelela Pass (3,450 m), renowned for its rich birdlife. Explore birding trails along this ancient mountain path, where you may encounter the vibrant Himalayan Monal and the elusive Satyr Tragopan, stars of the Eastern Himalayas. Also, look for Spotted Nutcrackers in the conifers and Fire-tailed Myzornis in rhododendron thickets. Other potential sightings include the Dark-rumped Rosefinch, White-browed Shortwing, Stripe-throated and Rufous-vented Yuhinas, Black-faced Laughingthrush, and Golden-naped and Scarlet Finches. Keep an eye on the skies for soaring Himalayan and Bearded Vultures.

After birding at the pass, continue to Punakha, pausing along the way for further sightings, including Yellow-billed Blue Magpies, Darjeeling Woodpeckers, Snowy-browed Flycatchers, Red-tailed Minlas, Whiskered Yuhinas, and various Laughingthrush species. Arrive in Punakha by evening and enjoy a night stay.

After breakfast, spend the day birdwatching in the warm, lowland river valley of Punakha, noted for its abundance of wetland and riparian species. Noteworthy sightings include the uncommon Great-crested Grebe and Goosander along the rivers. Watch for Grey Herons, Little Egrets, and Great Cormorants near the water’s edge. In the rice fields and marshy areas, look for River and Red-wattled Lapwings, Long-billed and Little Ringed Plovers, Common Greenshanks, and both Green and Common Sandpipers. The elusive Pallas’s Gull may also make a surprise appearance. Other likely sightings include Spotted Doves, Long-tailed Shrikes, White-throated and Common Kingfishers, Oriental White-eyes, Scaly-breasted Munias, various Wagtails, Richard’s Pipits, and the localized Slender-billed Oriole. Overnight stay in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, begin the return drive to Paro, enjoying more birdwatching en route. Use this final journey to spot any missed species or capture better photos of earlier sightings. The route's changing altitudes and familiar stopovers offer fresh birding prospects, perhaps a rare migrant or a shy resident that you may have not spotted earlier. Arrive in Paro by evening for a restful overnight stay.

Embark on a long but scenic drive back to Bagdogra Airport (approximately 11 hours). As you journey through Bhutan’s serene countryside one last time, reflect on the unforgettable birdwatching experiences. Your guide will ensure a timely arrival at the airport, marking the conclusion of this enriching avian adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Note: It is advisable to book evening flights, since the drive between Paro and Bagdogra can take up to 11-12 hours’ time.