Birdwatching

Bhutan is an ornithologist’s paradise with over 640 bird species of which according to BirdLife International, a total of 16 bird species in Bhutan have been identified as globally threatened: Chestnut-breasted Partridge (Arborophila mandellii), Blyth’s Tragopan (Tragopan blythii), Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri), White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola), Dark-rumped Swift (Apus acuticauda), Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), Grey-crowned Prinia (Prinia cinereocapilla), Beautiful Nuthatch (Sitta formosa), and the White-throated Bushchat (Saxicola insignis).

The number of species which are found in the Tingtibi of Zhemang area are beyond compare, in addition to the area stretching from Ura to Lingmithang. The Tingtibi-Gongphu-Tali-Tamala areas are reputed to be among the very best birding spots in Asia. Further, Bhutan is home to numerous large birds and mammals, including vultures, tigers, leopards, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, red pandas, elephants, blue sheep, barking deers, gorals and takins.

Phobjkha trip

• Day 1 Arrive Paro; transfer to Thimphu, the capital city
• Day 2 Rest and acclimatize in Thimphu
• Day 3 Drive to Punakha; en-route bird watch in Dochu-La and Lamperi areas
• Day 4 Bird watch Mo Chu areas, Punakha
• Day 5 Bird watch Pho Chu areas, Punakha
• Day 6 Drive to Phobjikha
• Day 7 Bird watch in Phobjikha
• Day 8 Drive to Thimphu
• Day 9 Drive to Paro
• Day 10 Rest in Paro
• Day 11 Depart from Paro Airport

Zhemgang Trip

• Day 1 Arrive Paro; transfer to Thimphu, the capital
• Day 2 Drive to Punakha; en-route do bird watching in Dochula and Lamperi area
• Day 3 Bird watch in Mo Chu, Punakha
• Day 4 Bird watch (White-bellied Heron) in Pho Chu, Punakha
• Day 5 Drive Trongsa
• Day 6 Drive to Zhemgang
• Day 7 Bird watch in Dakphai/Pam area, Zhemgang
• Day 8 Bird watch in Tali/Buli road, Zhemgang
• Day 9 Drive to Wangdue
• Day 10 Drive to Paro
• Day 11 Rest in Paro
• Day 12 Depart from Paro Airport