Small-Group Bhutan Standard Birding Tour
A small-group 16-day Bhutan circuit from Paro through central valleys and eastern highlands, with an estimated 275-325 species plus selected cultural visits.
About this tour
This small-group 16-day route combines Bhutan's Himalayan birding zones with selected cultural landmarks. From Paro it proceeds to Thimphu for the School of Arts and Crafts, museums and Jigme Dorji National Park. Dochu La and Punakha lead south toward Damphu, including a search for White-bellied Heron, before the itinerary crosses through Trongsa and Tingtibi.
The eastern section climbs through Bumthang, Sengor and Namling to the highlands above Yongko La for two full field days. The return passes Chumey, Phobjikha and Pele La before reaching Paro. A day is reserved for the Tiger's Nest Monastery hike, followed by Chele La and wetlands near Paro. Himalayan Monal, Ward's Trogon, Black-tailed Crake and seasonal Black-necked Crane are among the named searches. The estimate is 275-325 species.
Pace is easy to moderate and difficulty moderate. Most birding uses roadsides, but early starts are frequent, mountain roads can be narrow, and passes reach around 3,700 meters. September through May is listed, excluding the summer monsoon. December-February is the sole period in which Black-necked Cranes occur on this route. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to confirm seasonal priorities, availability and final pricing.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Bhutan.
Birds you can spot
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Paro
Land in Paro and prepare for the birdwatching route to follow. Continue the route to Thimphu birdwatching at Paro Valley along the way. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts later in the day. Stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2
Jigme Dorji National Park
In the morning, make a field stop at Jigme Dorji National Park. The afternoon brings time to visit Thimphu sites including the Postal Museum, Textile Museum and Buddha Dordenma. Accommodation for the night is at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3
Dochu La and Punakha
Travel through Dochu La Pass to Punakha, birdwatching at Dochu La and other sites along the way. The second half of the day is used to visit Punakha Dzong and Buddha Dordenma. The itinerary uses a hotel in Punakha for the overnight.
Day 4
Damphu and White-bellied Heron search
Spend a complete field day birdwatching while travelling south toward Damphu, pausing along the way for a search for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. The day finishes with accommodation at a hotel in Damphu.
Day 5
Birding around Damphu
The first part of the day is used to spend time birdwatching around Damphu. Travel north again before proceeding to Trongsa. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.
Day 6
Birding at along the Mangde Chhu River into forest near Tingtibi
Use the entire field day for birdwatching along the Mangde Chhu River into forest near Tingtibi. The planned overnight is at a hotel near Tingtibi.
Day 7
Transfer back north toward Trongsa birding
The initial field period is used to make the onward journey back north toward Trongsa birdwatching along the way. Continue northeast across Yotong La to Bumthang birdwatching the highlands. At Tharpaling Monastery, search for Himalayan Monals drawn to food scraps in the surrounding area. Tonight's stay is at Guesthouse in Bumthang.
Day 8
Sengor, Namling and Yongko La highlands
Set aside the entire field day for travel toward the highlands above Yongko La, with field stops at Sengor and Namling. The itinerary uses Trogon Villa Lodge for the overnight.
Day 9
Birding at highlands above Yongko La
Explore the site throughout the day in the highlands above Yongko La. Accommodation for the night is at Trogon Villa Lodge.
Day 10
Birding at highlands above Yongko La
Keep the full field program centered in the highlands above Yongko La. Overnight at Trogon Villa Lodge.
Day 11
Birding highlands above Yongko La
The first part of the day is used to focus the field session in the highlands above Yongko La. Travel westward to Chumey with birdwatching along the way. The day finishes with accommodation at a hotel in Chumey.
Day 12
Yotong La and Phobjikha Valley
In the morning, make the drive over Yotong La back toward Trongsa birdwatching along the way. Continue west to Phobjikha Valley. Tonight's stay is at a hotel in Phobjikha Valley.
Day 13
Departure for Pele La
Start early and set out for Pele La. Use this session to explore birdlife there. Move onward to Paro with a birdwatching stop near Nobding for Ward's Trogon. The planned overnight is at a hotel in Paro.
Day 14
Tiger's Nest Monastery hike
Spend most of the day hike ascending to Tiger's Nest Monastery. The day includes if timing allows, visit Drukgyal Dzong in Paro later in the day. Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 15
Birding highlands of Chele La Pass
The initial field period is used to focus the field session in the highlands of Chele La Pass and lower forest across the mountain slopes. Use the post-lunch period to search wetlands near Paro for Black-tailed Crake. The overnight base is a hotel in Paro.
Day 16
Travel to Paro airport to connect
Begin the field day with time to make the onward journey to Paro airport to connect with the international flight home. The tour concludes at the airport.
Locations & map
- Paro - Bhutan
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: September-May
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.