The tiny secluded kingdom of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas is well-known by several names like the Druk-Yul, Last Shangri La, Dragon Kingdom, The land of Thunder Dragons, Land of Gross National Happiness, Land of Monasteries, etc. Adding to these, Bhutan has also tagged itself as the "birding paradise" of the world. Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Fire-tailed Myzornis, White-naped Yuhina, Wedge-billed, Long-billed, Bar-winged Wren-Babblers, Wards Trogon, Yellow-vented Warbler Yellow-throated Fulvetta, and Blue-fronted Robin, etc, are a few to name which can be easily spotted amongst over 600 species of birds in Bhutan.
1. Day 1: Arrival at Paro:
Before commencing the tour, it is of utmost importance that you get hold of a guide who specializes in birding tours. Starting from Paro, you will come across several species of birds such as Ibis bill Black-tailed Crake, Common Sandpiper, Olive-backed Pipit and Dark-throated Thrush.
2. Day 2: Birding at Chelela Pass- Thimphu:
Driving from Paro to Chelela Pass which is the highest pass in Bhutan, here you can observe three different species of Pheasants namely; the colorful Himalayan Monal, flocks of Blood Pheasants and the Kalij Pheasant. Besides these, Rose-finches, Grosbeaks and Laughing thrushes are also few bird species which can be rarely seen.
3. Day 3: Thimphu:
Thimphu is the beating heart of Bhutan kingdom and nature enthusiasts can doubtlessly halt a stay at this mesmerizing point. It not just allows discovering the variant species of birds but also gives you the opportunity to visit its famous landmarks and sightseeing places. Bird stamps are also available in Thimphu which can be a good token for self-collection or sharing with your family and friends. Spotted Laughing Thrush, Fire Capped Tit, Golden Breasted Fulvetta, Yellow-Backed Flower Packer, and Maroon Backed Accentor are few varieties of bird species one can witness in Thimphu.
4. Day 4: Thimphu-Punakha:
Driving from Thimphu to Punakha, there is a 3,150 m of a huge Pass called the Dochula Pass where you can easily spot different species of birds like the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Black-eared Shrike Babblers, Grey-winged Blackbird, and Gold-billed Magpie. Later on, you can also visit the glorious Punakha Dzong and Punthang Dechen Phodrang which are a few top tourist sightseeing places in Punakha.
5. Day 5: Punakha-Tsirang forest:
The Tsirang forest division of Bhutan has newly inaugurated the Pemachoeling Heritage Forest which is a welcoming route to paradise for bird lovers. Tourists in large numbers visit this lively place to explore birds such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill and much more.
6. Day6: Tsirang-Galeyphu:
Whole day birding in Tsirang and then to Galeyphu will take you to explore some distinct varieties of birds such as the Black-backed Forktail, Pied Falconet, Sultan Tit, Red-headed Trogon, Black Eagle, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Jungle Babbler, Grey-sided Laughing Thrush and much more.
7. Day 7: Galeyphu:
Galeyphu is the habitat to many bird species like the Large Hawk Cuckoo, Pied Falconet, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Jungle Babbler, Wreathed, Great Hornbill, Puff-throated Babbler, Indian Roller and much more. Your guide can help you know more about the place and birds.
8. Day 8: Galeyphu-Zhemgang:
On the way from Galeyphu-Zhemgang, you can witness other bird species like the Tesias, couples of Wren Babbler, Laughing Thrush, and Parrot bills etc. in the lower alleviation.
9. Day 9: Zhemgang:
Zhemgang, formerly known as Shemgang is one of the 20 districts in Bhutan. About 86 percent of its area is covered by forests and preserving its natural ecosystem and wildlife. The protected areas such as the Jigme Singye Wangchuk and Thrumshingla National Park are the habitat of species like the necked Hornbill, White-browed Shrike Babblers, Minlas, Green Pigeons Cutia, White-tailed Nuthatch, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch & much more.
10. Day10: Trongsa:
On the trip to Trongsa, the above road climbs will take you through the forest of Silver Firs where you can spot the Gold-naped Finch. There is also the possibility to witnessing the elusive Fulvous Parrot bill. Besides these, during the entire trip, there are high chances to see the Steak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Grey-bellied Tesia, Crested Buntings, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, White-browed Scimitar Babblers, Long-tailed Shrikes, Prinias, Rufous Woodpeckers, and Common Green Magpie.
Bhutan offers a number of birding tour packages which provide the following services:
1. Bhutan Visa arrangement service 2. Accommodations in best Bhutan hotels 3. English speaking guide 4. Private transportation and sightseeing 5. FIT Surcharge for one and two persons Plan a trip to Bhutan availing the best birding tour package to explore the birding paradise of the Himalayan kingdom along with its natural splendors of snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, breathtaking landscapes, and magnificent monasteries and dzongs.
