Itinerary

Day 1. From Assam to the Foothills of Bhutan

Our Bhutan adventure begins in Guwahati, where we meet our local team and travel towards the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. The drive offers a fascinating transition from the plains of Assam to the forested foothills of the eastern Himalayas, with wetlands, rice fields and scattered woodland providing our first birding opportunities.

Greater and Lesser Adjutants may be seen feeding in open country, while kingfishers, bee-eaters and herons add colour to the journey. After entering Bhutan and settling into our hotel, we spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding lowlands. These subtropical habitats support an impressive diversity of birdlife, from Yellow-footed Green Pigeons and Black-hooded Orioles to parakeets, bee-eaters and riverine species.

The first day offers a gentle introduction to Bhutan’s remarkable biodiversity and sets the stage for the extraordinary birding that lies ahead.

Night in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 2. The Tropical Forests of Eastern Bhutan

Today we immerse ourselves in the lush tropical forests surrounding Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang. These warm, species-rich woodlands represent one of the most biologically diverse environments in the country and provide an exciting start to our exploration of Bhutan’s avifauna.

Throughout the day we will slowly work our way through forest roads and clearings, searching for colourful barbets, drongos, broadbills and hornbills. Among the highlights may be Asian Fairy Bluebird, Long-tailed Broadbill, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Green-billed Malkoha and the spectacular Great Hornbill. Mixed feeding flocks can be particularly productive, often revealing a variety of babblers, flycatchers and sunbirds.

Every stop has the potential for surprises, and the combination of tropical forest scenery and exceptional bird diversity makes this one of the most enjoyable introductions to birding in the Himalayas.

Night in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 3. Through the Morong Valley to Trashigang

Leaving the subtropical lowlands behind, we begin our journey into the mountains of eastern Bhutan. The road climbs steadily through the magnificent forests of the Morong Valley, a region renowned among birders for its outstanding diversity and several highly sought-after species.

We spend much of the day exploring these forests, searching for specialties such as Beautiful Nuthatch, Cutia, White-browed Shrike Babbler and a variety of colourful minlas, barbets and woodpeckers. The scenery is equally rewarding, with forested ridges, traditional villages and terraced fields stretching across the landscape.

As we continue towards Trashigang, the changing habitats introduce a wealth of new species, reflecting the extraordinary ecological diversity that makes Bhutan one of Asia’s premier birding destinations.

Night in Trashigang.

Day 4. Across Kore La to Yongkola

Today we travel westwards through some of eastern Bhutan’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. The road climbs towards Kore La Pass, passing through broadleaf forests, small settlements and cultivated hillsides where birding opportunities arise throughout the journey.

The forests around the pass often produce finches, laughingthrushes and treecreepers, while lower elevations support woodpeckers, pheasants and a variety of forest passerines. Descending towards Mongar, we pass through valleys draped in orchids and mosses before continuing into the increasingly famous birding region of Yongkola.

The dramatic changes in altitude and habitat create a constantly changing bird community, ensuring that every stop offers something new and adding to the anticipation of the exceptional birding awaiting us in the days ahead.

Night in Yongkola.

Days 5–6. The Legendary Birding Roads of Yongkola and Sengor

For many visiting birders, the forests of Yongkola represent the highlight of Bhutan. During two full days we explore this remarkable region, following quiet mountain roads through pristine broadleaf forests that rank among the finest birding habitats anywhere in the Himalayas.

The area is famous for a remarkable collection of rare and localised species, including Ward’s Trogon, Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-fronted Robin and Black-headed Shrike Babbler. The forests also support a dazzling array of laughingthrushes, yuhinas, fulvettas, babblers and flycatchers, ensuring constant activity throughout the day.

One morning we ascend to the higher forests of Sengor, where cool mountain habitats provide opportunities for additional specialties. The combination of spectacular scenery, low traffic and world-class birding makes these two days among the most memorable of the entire tour.

Night in Yongkola.

Day 7. Thrumshing La and the High Himalayas

This morning we leave Yongkola and begin the ascent towards Thrumshing La, one of Bhutan’s highest road passes. The route traverses a succession of habitats, from temperate broadleaf forests to extensive conifer woodlands and alpine environments.

As we climb, we search for a variety of high-altitude species including parrotbills, bush robins, thrushes and mountain raptors. Near the pass itself, the forests offer opportunities for some of Bhutan’s most celebrated birds, including Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan.

The views from Thrumshing La are spectacular, with sweeping panoramas across the eastern Himalayas. After crossing the pass, we descend through forests of fir, spruce and hemlock before arriving in the beautiful Bumthang region, often considered the cultural heart of Bhutan.

Night in Bumthang.

Day 8. Monasteries, Mountain Forests and Trongsa

An early departure takes us through the peaceful valleys surrounding Bumthang, where forests and open hillsides provide opportunities for pheasants and other montane species. Near Tharpaling Monastery, we search for Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasant while enjoying magnificent views across the surrounding mountains.

Crossing Yotong La, we explore rhododendron forests alive with yuhinas, laughingthrushes and grosbeaks. Species such as Fire-tailed Myzornis add a splash of colour to these high-elevation habitats.

Later we continue towards Trongsa, combining birding with a visit to one of Bhutan’s most historically important towns. Perched dramatically above a deep valley, Trongsa offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Night in Trongsa.

Day 9. Descending into the Southern Forests

Today we leave the cool mountain forests behind and descend towards the warmer landscapes of southern Bhutan. This dramatic change in elevation brings a corresponding change in birdlife, with many subtropical species appearing for the first time on the tour.

The famous Shemgang Road offers excellent birding throughout the day, with opportunities for flycatchers, woodpeckers, buntings, sunbirds and barbets. As we move lower, flowering trees and broadleaf forests create ideal conditions for a variety of colourful species.

By the time we reach Tingtibi, we have entered one of Bhutan’s richest subtropical regions. Here, the possibility of encountering the magnificent Rufous-necked Hornbill adds excitement to an already rewarding day.

Night in Tingtibi.

Day 10. Royal Manas and the Forests of Tingtibi

The forests around Tingtibi form part of one of Bhutan’s most important biodiversity strongholds. Situated near Royal Manas National Park, the region supports an extraordinary concentration of rare birds, mammals and other wildlife.

Today we devote our time to exploring these forests in search of some of Bhutan’s most desirable species. Potential highlights include Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Green Cochoa, White-hooded Babbler and Grey Peacock-Pheasant. The area is also one of the best places to observe the endemic Golden Langur, a striking primate found only in a small part of the eastern Himalayas.

The sense of wilderness here is remarkable, and birding in such an untouched landscape is one of the most rewarding experiences Bhutan has to offer.

Night in Tingtibi.

Day 11. Return to Trongsa

We retrace our route towards Trongsa, making the most of another opportunity to explore the productive forests and valleys of the Shemgang region. The day allows us to revisit key sites and search again for species that may have remained elusive.

Forest birding is interspersed with spectacular mountain scenery, waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. Along the way we may encounter hornbills, laughingthrushes, babblers and woodpeckers, while rivers and streams often provide additional surprises.

Near Trongsa, dramatic cliff faces attract colonies of wild bees and occasionally the unusual Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. This combination of scenery and birding ensures a fitting conclusion to our exploration of southern Bhutan.

Night in Trongsa.

Day 12. Crossing Central Bhutan to Punakha

The journey to Punakha takes us through a fascinating variety of habitats and landscapes. Rivers, forests and mountain passes each contribute their own distinctive bird communities, ensuring an enjoyable day of birding while travelling westward.

After visiting the charming village of Chendebji and its distinctive chorten, we climb towards Pele La Pass. Forest birding along the route may reveal Himalayan Griffon, Cutia, shrike-babblers and a variety of woodpeckers.

Descending into the warmer valleys around Punakha, the scenery changes once again as subtropical forests replace high mountain woodland. The evening offers opportunities for nocturnal species around our accommodation, while the valley itself provides a wonderfully relaxed setting after a rewarding day on the road.

Night in Punakha.

Day 13. Punakha, Dochu La and Paro

This morning begins with a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful architectural landmarks. Set at the confluence of two rivers, the dzong offers an excellent introduction to Bhutanese culture, history and religious traditions.

We then continue to the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri, where extensive forests support a variety of Himalayan birds and mammals. The area forms an important ecological corridor between two national parks and is among the most botanically diverse locations in the country.

Later we ascend to Dochu La, famous for its 108 chortens and stunning views of the Himalayan range. On clear days the panorama stretches across some of Bhutan’s highest peaks before we continue towards the historic valley of Paro.

Night in Paro.

Day 14. Alpine Birding at Chele La

A full day is dedicated to the spectacular landscapes surrounding Chele La Pass. Rising above the treeline, this area provides access to alpine habitats that contrast dramatically with the forests and valleys visited earlier in the tour.

The combination of mountain scenery and specialised birdlife makes Chele La one of Bhutan’s premier birding destinations. Species such as Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Alpine Accentor, Fire-tailed Sunbird and Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch are among the possibilities.

After exploring the high slopes and mountain meadows, we return to the Paro Valley and spend time along the Pa Chhu River. Here we search for the remarkable Ibisbill, one of the most distinctive birds of Himalayan river systems.

Night in Paro.

Day 15. Tiger’s Nest and the Paro Valley

Our final day in Bhutan combines birding, scenery and culture in unforgettable fashion. The centrepiece is the hike to Taktsang Monastery, universally known as the Tiger’s Nest, one of the most iconic sites in the Himalayas.

The trail winds through forests alive with birdlife and offers magnificent views across the Paro Valley. Along the way we may encounter magpies, nuthatches, nutcrackers and several species of laughingthrush, while the rocky slopes around the monastery sometimes support Snow Pigeon and Alpine Accentor.

Few places capture the spirit of Bhutan more completely than Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliff face and surrounded by mountains and forest, it provides a memorable finale to our journey through this extraordinary country.

Night in Paro.

Day 16. Departure from Bhutan

Transfer to Paro Airport for your flight to Delhi or Kolkata and onward international connections. End of tour.