The Bhutan Birding Trek is designed for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, offering an exceptional opportunity to observe the diverse avian species of Bhutan. This trek takes you through some of Bhutan’s best birding habitats, including forests, valleys, and wetlands, allowing you to experience the country’s rich biodiversity.

Overview

The Bhutan Birding Trek is ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers, as Bhutan is home to over 700 bird species, including several rare and endangered ones. The trek covers various ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, providing a chance to spot a wide range of birds. Key species include the black-necked crane, white-bellied heron, Rufous-necked hornbill, and Satyr tragopan.

Key Highlights

• Bird Species: Black-necked crane, Rufous-necked hornbill, Satyr tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Ward’s Trogon
• Habitats: Subtropical forests, temperate forests, alpine meadows, wetlands
• National Parks and Protected Areas: Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang Valley
• Cultural Sites: Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Monastery, Jakar Dzong, Trongsa Dzong
• Villages: Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang

Trekking Notes

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Trek: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
• Accommodation: Combination of hotels, guesthouses, and camping
• Permits: Special permits required for certain trekking regions, arranged by the tour operator

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

• Altitude: 2,250 meters (7,382 feet)
• Activities: Arrive at Paro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize. Explore Paro town and visit local markets.
• Overnight: Paro

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing and Birding

• Altitude: 2,250 meters (7,382 feet)
• Activities: Visit Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. Birding along the trail, where you can spot species like the Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang and the National Museum of Bhutan.
• Overnight: Paro

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu

• Altitude: Thimphu (2,320 meters / 7,610 feet)
• Distance: 55 kilometers (34 miles)
• Travel Time: 1.5 hours
• Activities: Drive to Thimphu. Birding en route. Visit Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the Giant Buddha Statue. Birding in the Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi.
• Overnight: Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha

• Altitude: Punakha (1,200 meters / 3,937 feet)
• Distance: 75 kilometers (47 miles)
• Travel Time: 2.5 hours
• Activities: Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Birding at Dochula Pass, where you can spot species like the Fire-tailed Myzornis and Rufous-breasted Bush Robin. Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
• Overnight: Punakha

Day 5: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

• Altitude: Phobjikha Valley (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet)
• Distance: 78 kilometers (48 miles)
• Travel Time: 3 hours
• Activities: Drive to Phobjikha Valley, winter home to the black-necked cranes. Birding in the valley to spot cranes (seasonal) and other species like the Great Parrotbill and Himalayan Griffon.
• Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley Exploration

• Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
• Activities: Full day birding in Phobjikha Valley. Explore Gangtey Monastery and nature trails. Look for species such as the Spotted Laughingthrush and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush.
• Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 7: Phobjikha to Trongsa

• Altitude: Trongsa (2,200 meters / 7,218 feet)
• Distance: 120 kilometers (75 miles)
• Travel Time: 5-6 hours
• Activities: Drive to Trongsa. Birding along the way in different habitats. Visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong museum.
• Overnight: Trongsa

Day 8: Trongsa to Bumthang

• Altitude: Bumthang (2,800 meters / 9,186 feet)
• Distance: 68 kilometers (42 miles)
• Travel Time: 2-3 hours
• Activities: Drive to Bumthang. Birding en route in mixed forests and valleys. Visit Jakar Dzong and explore Bumthang town.
• Overnight: Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang Birding

• Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
• Activities: Full day birding in Bumthang Valley. Visit key cultural sites such as Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. Look for birds like the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and White-throated Redstart.
• Overnight: Bumthang

Day 10: Bumthang to Sengor

• Altitude: Sengor (3,000 meters / 9,843 feet)
• Distance: 70 kilometers (43 miles)
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Drive to Sengor. Birding along the way in different forest types. Look for species like the Ward’s Trogon and Satyr Tragopan.
• Overnight: Sengor

Day 11: Sengor to Mongar

• Altitude: Mongar (1,600 meters / 5,249 feet)
• Distance: 125 kilometers (78 miles)
• Travel Time: 5-6 hours
• Activities: Drive to Mongar. Birding en route in subtropical and temperate forests. Visit Mongar Dzong and explore the town.
• Overnight: Mongar

Day 12: Mongar to Trashigang

• Altitude: Trashigang (1,150 meters / 3,773 feet)
• Distance: 91 kilometers (56 miles)
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Drive to Trashigang. Birding along the way. Visit Trashigang Dzong and explore the town.
• Overnight: Trashigang

Day 13: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar

• Altitude: Samdrup Jongkhar (230 meters / 755 feet)
• Distance: 180 kilometers (112 miles)
• Travel Time: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Birding en route in lowland forests. Explore Samdrup Jongkhar town.
• Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

Day 14: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati

• Distance: 110 kilometers (68 miles)
• Travel Time: 3 hours
• Activities: Drive to Guwahati, India for your departure.

This trek provides an excellent opportunity to explore Bhutan’s natural beauty and rich birdlife while also experiencing the cultural and historical aspects of the country.