Bhutan Black-necked Crane Birding Tour
A nine-day private Bhutan birding route from Paro to Phobjikha and Bumthang, centered on wintering Black-necked Cranes and high-Himalayan birds.
About this tour
Travel across western and central Bhutan on a nine-day birding journey that links river valleys, broadleaf forest, alpine passes and the winter crane grounds of Phobjikha. The route begins in Paro with high-elevation birding at Chele La, continues through Thimphu and Punakha, and reaches Phobjikha for dedicated Black-necked Crane observation before moving east to Bumthang and Tharpaling.
Changes in elevation create opportunities for a wide range of Himalayan birds. Snow Pigeon and Himalayan Griffon share the high country with pheasants, including Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan and Blood Pheasant. Lower valleys and rivers add Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, water redstarts, River Lapwing and kingfishers. In Phobjikha, the focus is on wild wintering cranes in open fields and wetland habitat, with sightings dependent on season and natural activity.
The program includes private road transport, licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guiding, meals and three-star accommodation, plus one domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. The final full day combines forest birding with the hike to Paro Taktsang. Published fixed departures have passed, so current dates and availability are confirmed after a BirdWatch inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Bhutan.
Birds you can spot
Grus nigricollis
target
Ithaginis cruentus
target
Megaceryle lugubris
target
Paradoxornis aemodius
target
Lophophorus impejanus
target
Ibidorhyncha struthersii
target
Vanellus duvaucelii
target
Tragopan satyra
target
Columba leuconota
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Paro and Chele La
Drive from Paro to Chele La for birding in blue pine, fir and rhododendron forest at elevations up to 3,988 metres. Look first for Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasant, then scan the high slopes for Snow Pigeon, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Griffon and the more elusive Satyr Tragopan.
Day 2
Paro to Thimphu
Follow the Paro and Thimphu river valleys, making several waterside stops. Ibisbill and River Lapwing are key possibilities, joined by Brown Dipper, Grey Wagtail and White-capped Water Redstart.
Day 3
Dochula and Punakha
Cross Dochula at 3,100 metres and bird the pass for sunbirds, forest thrushes, tits and laughingthrushes. Descend to Punakha, where warmer river habitat offers further chances for Crested Kingfisher and River Lapwing.
Day 4
Punakha to Phobjikha
Move through changing forest zones to Phobjikha Valley, the central crane site on this route. Spend the later part of the day observing open fields and wetlands for wintering Black-necked Cranes.
Day 5
Phobjikha to Bumthang
Begin with another crane-watching session, then cross Pele La toward Bumthang. Alpine habitat around the pass can hold Great Parrotbill and White-winged Grosbeak, while Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Griffon and Blood Pheasant are other possibilities.
Day 6
Tharpaling birding
Make an early excursion from Bumthang to the forests and alpine slopes around Tharpaling. Search the high country for White-winged Grosbeak and Snow Pigeon, as well as Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan and Blood Pheasant.
Day 7
Bumthang to Paro
Use the morning for local birding around Bumthang, then take the domestic flight west to Paro. Depending on season and conditions, look for Himalayan Buzzard, Black-faced Laughingthrush, magpies and highland thrushes.
Day 8
Paro Taktsang hike
Hike through pine and rhododendron forest to Paro Taktsang, gaining roughly 870 metres from the valley. Forest birding may produce Kalij Pheasant, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Himalayan Bluetail, fulvettas and redstarts.
Day 9
Departure from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport after breakfast for the onward flight.
Locations & map
- Paro and Chele La - Paro District Bhutan (High-elevation conifer and rhododendron habitat.)
- Punakha Valley - Punakha District Bhutan (Warmer river-valley habitat.)
- Phobjikha Valley - Wangdue Phodrang District Bhutan (Open fields and wetlands used by wintering Black-necked Cranes.)
- Bumthang and Tharpaling - Bumthang District Bhutan (Mountain forest and alpine birding habitat.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available from late October to early March, with Black-necked Crane viewing generally strongest from November to Februar
Included
- Three-star accommodation - Four- and five-star upgrades can be requested.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner - Meals are provided throughout the confirmed program.
- Private ground transportation - Airport transfers and itinerary travel use a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide - Guiding is provided throughout the journey.
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee and visa processing - The SDF, visa processing and visa fee are included in the program.
- Entrance fees and bottled water - Included for the activities and transfers described in the confirmed itinerary.
Not included
- International flights - Flights to and from the arrival gateway are not included.
- Travel insurance - Appropriate travel insurance is recommended.
- Personal expenses and alcoholic drinks - Laundry, telephone calls, snacks, shopping, minibar purchases and premium drinks are excluded.
- Guide and driver gratuities - Tips are optional and at the traveler’s discretion.
- Unlisted optional activities - Any additional activities or services are quoted separately.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle and one domestic flight Road travel connects Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang. The return from Bumthang to Paro is by domestic flight. | Meet: Paro International Airport | Pickup: Arrival and departure transfers are included for the confirmed flights.
Accommodations
- Three-star hotels and lodges
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
When is this crane tour available?
Dream Destination Travel confirmed availability from late October to early March. Crane viewing is generally strongest from November to February, while exact timing and sightings depend on natural migration and current conditions.
Does the route involve high altitude?
Yes. Chele La reaches 3,988 metres, and several other birding stops are above 3,000 metres. Travelers should discuss any altitude concerns before booking.
Is the Tiger’s Nest hike included?
Yes. The ninth-day program is preceded by a full-day guided hike to Paro Taktsang on day eight. Horse hire, if requested, is extra.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.