Bhutan is home to more than 700 bird species. This tour, led by a specialist birding guide, visits the best habitats of western and central Bhutan: the forests of Chele La for pheasants and parrotbills, the Punakha river for the critically endangered white-bellied heron, and the Phobjikha valley, winter home of the black-necked crane.
Early starts, flexible days and small groups give you the best chance of great sightings and photographs.
Arrive in Paro and spend the afternoon birding along the Paro Chhu for ibisbill and river birds. Overnight: Paro
Pre-dawn drive to Chele La (about 3,900 m) for Himalayan monal, blood pheasant and kalij pheasant, plus rosefinches and parrotbills. Overnight: Paro
Birding at Thimphu sewage ponds and Cheri valley for ibisbill, wallcreeper and forest birds. Overnight: Thimphu
Dawn at Dochu La for laughingthrushes and fire-tailed sunbirds, then descend through rich forests to Punakha. Overnight: Punakha
Search the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers for the white-bellied heron, then bird the Jigme Dorji National Park forests. Overnight: Punakha
Bird the Pele La area on the way to the Phobjikha valley. Overnight: Phobjikha
Watch the cranes feeding and roosting in the valley marshes, and visit the Crane Information Centre and Gangtey Goenpa. Overnight: Phobjikha
Long drive back to Paro with birding stops along the way. Overnight: Paro
Transfer to Paro airport.
Yes. Every tour is private and tailor-made. We can change the number of days, hotel category, pace and activities, or start from Siliguri, NJP, Bagdogra or Paro.
Indian nationals need a valid passport or original Voter ID (birth certificate for children). International guests need a passport valid for 6+ months and a visa approval, which we arrange. See all travel requirements.
Your quotation clearly shows whether the SDF is included. It is currently ₹1,200 per night for Indian nationals and USD 100 per night for international visitors. Read about the SDF.
Cancellation charges depend on how close to the travel date you cancel. See our Cancellation & Refund Policy.
6 Days / 5 Nights
The Druk Path is Bhutan's favourite short trek, an ancient trail that once linked Paro and Thimphu. It climbs through blue pine and rhododendron forests to high ridges…
7 Days / 6 Nights
Experience Bhutan at its most colourful. This tour is built around the spring Paro Tshechu, when monks and dancers perform sacred masked dances in the courtyard of…
6 Days / 5 Nights
The perfect first trip to Bhutan. In six relaxed days you will explore the capital Thimphu, cross the 108-chorten Dochu La pass, stand beneath the magnificent Punakha…
Tell us your dates and interests. A local Bhutan travel expert will build your itinerary, arrange your permits and send a free quote within 24 hours.
