bird watching

Bird watching in Bhutan is a delightful experience! Bhutan's diverse landscapes, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, provide a habitat for over 700 bird species. Here are some tips and places to consider for bird watching in Bhutan:

1. Phobjikha Valley: This valley is a designated conservation area and is home to the rare black-necked crane during the winter months. Apart from cranes, you can spot various species of birds like the Himalayan Griffon, Blood Pheasant, and many others.

2. Jigme Dorji National Park: This park, the second-largest in Bhutan, is rich in biodiversity. It offers opportunities to spot birds like Satyr Tragopan, Ward's Trogon, and the beautiful Himalayan Monal.

3. Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in eastern Bhutan, this sanctuary is another excellent spot for bird watching. It's particularly known for its diverse avian population, including the vulnerable Rufous-necked Hornbill.

4. Royal Manas National Park: This park, situated in southern Bhutan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers excellent birding opportunities. You might see species like the Great Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and the White-bellied Heron.

5. Trekking Trails: Many trekking trails in Bhutan pass through diverse habitats, providing ample opportunities for bird watching. Trails like the Druk Path Trek and the Snowman Trek offer chances to spot various bird species along the way.

6. Local Guides: Hiring a local birding guide is highly recommended. They have expert knowledge of the area, including where to find specific bird species and can enhance your birding experience.

7. Best Time to Visit: The best time for bird watching in Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and bird activity is high.

Remember to respect the environment and wildlife while bird watching and enjoy the serene beauty of Bhutan's landscapes.

Creating a bird watching itinerary in Bhutan can be an exciting adventure! Here's a sample itinerary covering some of the best birding spots in the country

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

• Arrive in Paro, Bhutan's only international airport.
• Transfer to your hotel and relax after your journey.
• If time permits, visit the Paro Valley for some initial bird watching, where you might spot species like the Himalayan Monal and the Himalayan Griffon.

Day 2: Paro to Phobjikha Valley

• Depart for Phobjikha Valley early in the morning.
• Spend the day exploring the valley and its surroundings, including the Gangtey Monastery.
• Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about these majestic birds.
• Enjoy bird watching in the valley, focusing on spotting the rare Black-necked Cranes along with other species like the Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan.

Day 3: Phobjikha Valley to Punakha

• Depart for Punakha after breakfast.
• En route, stop at Dochula Pass for bird watching, where you might see species like the Rufous-breasted Bush Robin and the Fire-tailed Myzornis.
• Continue to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
• Explore the surroundings for bird watching, with possibilities of spotting the White-bellied Heron and the Great Cormorant.

Day 4: Punakha to Trongsa

• Depart for Trongsa after breakfast.
• En route, stop at Wangdue Phodrang and Tingtibi for bird watching opportunities.
• Arrive in Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan.
• Spend the evening bird watching around Trongsa, looking out for species like the Ward's Trogon and the Beautiful Nuthatch.

Day 5: Trongsa to Bumthang

• Depart for Bumthang after breakfast.
• En route, stop at Yotong La Pass and Yongkhola for bird watching.
• Arrive in Bumthang and visit some of the sacred sites in the region, such as Jakar Dzong and Jambay Lhakhang.
• Spend the evening bird watching in the Bumthang Valley, where you might spot species like the Himalayan Cutia and the Brown Parrotbill.

Day 6: Bumthang to Thimphu

• Depart for Thimphu after breakfast.
• En route, stop at Ura Valley and Sengor for bird watching opportunities.
• Arrive in Thimphu and visit attractions such as the National Memorial Chorten and the Tashichho Dzong.
• Spend the evening bird watching around Thimphu, focusing on urban bird species like the Blue Whistling Thrush and the Plumbeous Water Redstart.

Day 7: Thimphu to Paro

• Depart for Paro after breakfast.
• Visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) for a memorable hike and bird watching experience.
• Spend the evening exploring Paro town and its surroundings for any birding opportunities you may have missed earlier.
• Overnight in Paro.

Day 8: Departure

• Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure, with wonderful memories of your bird watching adventure in Bhutan.

Remember to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences, interests, and the specific bird species you wish to see. We can customize based on your need and requirement. Kindly contact us.