Bhutan Ultimate Birdwatching Expedition: 25 Days in the Dragon Nest

After breakfast, drive to the Phobjikha Valley, an important black-necked crane habitat.

• Gangtey Monastery – Visit the monastery and hike through the valley, looking for woodpeckers, tits, and pheasants.
• Phobjikha Wetlands – Explore the wetlands and meadows where migratory birds like sandpipers, swans, and wild ducks can be spotted.
  Overnight in Phobjikha.

Spend two full days birdwatching in Phobjikha.

• Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for sightings of black-necked cranes as they forage in the fields.
• In the valley, look out for bustards, great hornbills, and eagles soaring overhead.
• Visit the Dhangka Temple, perched on a hilltop, offering elevated views of the valley and birding opportunities.
  Overnight in Phobjikha.

Drive to Thrumshing La National Park, a key birding area in central Bhutan.

• Hike through alpine forests, where sightings of Himalayan monal, Satyr tragopans, and golden eagles are possible.
• Look for species such as Tibetan snowcock, woodpeckers, and barred cuckoo-doves in the park’s rich biodiversity.
  Overnight near Thrumshing La.

Spend two full days in Thrumshing La, where you’ll enjoy guided walks and treks to spot various birds.

• Search for Himalayan griffons, golden eagles, tits, and red-billed choughs.
• Visit the higher altitudes of the park to look for elusive species like Himalayan snowcock and Tibetan partridges.
  Overnight near Thrumshing La.

Drive to Zhemgang, a relatively unexplored birding destination.

• Zhemgang Forests – Look for hornbills, swamp francolins, pheasants, and other lowland species.
• Observe waterfowl such as great-crested grebes, herons, and the rare white-bellied heron along riverbanks.
  Overnight in Zhemgang.

Explore Royal Manas National Park, one of Bhutan's oldest and most biodiverse national parks.

• The park is famous for its Indian hornbills, lesser adjutant storks, and pheasants.
• Observe riverine species such as cormorants, herons, and kingfishers.
• Take nature walks along the river to spot waterfowl and enjoy Bhutan’s subtropical ecosystems.
  Overnight in Zhemgang.

Drive to Punakha, an important riverine birding hotspot.

• Explore the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers for kingfishers, egrets, swans, and waterfowl.
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – Trek to this viewpoint for panoramic views of Punakha Valley and excellent birdwatching opportunities for raptors and buzzards.
  Overnight in Punakha.

Spend two days birdwatching in Punakha’s wetlands.

• Spot egrets, kingfishers, swans, and terns.
• Hike through Punakha Valley for sightings of high-altitude species such as woodpeckers, sunbirds, and red-billed choughs.
  Overnight in Punakha.

Drive to Haa Valley, a pristine location for high-altitude birdwatching.

• Look for snow partridges, Tibetan snowcock, golden eagle, and red-billed choughs in the alpine meadows.
• Hike along the Neyphug Monastery trail, home to woodpeckers, tits, and sparrows.
  Overnight in Haa.

Enjoy two days birdwatching in the Haa Valley.

• Observe Tibetan snowcock, Himalayan griffons, red-billed choughs, and swallowtail kites.
• The area is ideal for spotting blue-capped rock thrushes, green-backed tit, and various hummingbirds.
  Overnight in Haa.

Drive to Bumthang, known for its spiritual significance and rich biodiversity.

• Explore the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, home to golden eagles, woodpeckers, tits, and red-billed choughs.
• Visit Jakar Dzong for birding in the surrounding forest, where you may find species like black-headed shrike-babbler and black-throated parrotbill.
  Overnight in Bumthang.

Drive back to Paro.

• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a serene temple surrounded by birdlife. Look for swallows, mythical white-capped redstarts, and wagtails.
• Take some time to explore Paro Town and its birdlife, including swallows and sparrows.
  Overnight in Paro.

• Tiger’s Nest Hike – Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, perched dramatically on the cliffside. Along the way, observe eagles, tits, and woodpeckers.
• Scenic Views – Take in panoramic views of Paro Valley and the surrounding forests, ideal for birding.
• Enjoy the cultural and natural beauty of Bhutan’s spiritual landscape.
  Overnight in Paro.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight, concluding the 25-day Bhutan Birdwatching Expedition.