15-Day Bhutan Spring Birding Expedition
A 15-day spring route from eastern Bhutan to Paro, with focused birding around Samdrup Jongkhar, Yongkola, Tingtibi, Phobjikha and Punakha.
About this tour
Follow a 15-day private spring route from Bhutan’s eastern gateway forests to the western valleys. The journey begins at Guwahati Airport, enters Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar and works habitat around Morong, Trashigang and Yongkola before continuing through central Bhutan to Phobjikha, Punakha and Paro.
Extended field time around Yongkola, Namling Valley and Thrumshing La brings opportunities for eastern Himalayan forest birds. Beautiful Nuthatch, Satyr Tragopan and Blue-fronted Robin are among the interests, alongside Rufous-necked Hornbill and Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler. Lower elevations around Tingtibi and Zhemgang add subtropical broadleaf forest, while the western stages include river valleys, high passes and mixed woodland.
The program combines birding with selected cultural stops, including Punakha Dzong and the hike to Paro Taktsang. Dream Destination Travel confirmed that it operates this tour and that older Langur Eco Travels wording does not identify the operator. Current dates, price, group size and room arrangements are confirmed after a BirdWatch inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Bhutan.
Birds you can spot
Sitta formosa
target
Cinclidium frontale
target
Aethopyga ignicauda
target
Buceros bicornis
target
Lophophorus impejanus
target
Aceros nipalensis
target
Tragopan satyra
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar
Meet the guide at Guwahati Airport and drive about 105 kilometres to Bhutan’s eastern gateway, with introductory birding in fields, wetlands and river habitat along the way.
Day 2
Samdrup Jongkhar forest birding
Spend the day in tropical forest between Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang, working lowland habitat for barbets, hornbills, pittas, broadbills, drongos and mixed feeding flocks.
Day 3
Morong Valley and Trashigang
Travel through Morong Valley with repeated forest stops, then continue to Trashigang. Beautiful Nuthatch, Cutia, Kalij Pheasant, trogons and woodpeckers are among the possibilities.
Day 4
Trashigang to Yongkola
Cross Kore La and descend through broadleaf and rhododendron forest toward Lingmethang and Yongkola, pausing for finches, laughingthrushes, woodpeckers and pheasants.
Day 5
Yongkola and Namling Valley
Use a complete field day around Yongkola, Namling Valley and Sengor. The varied elevations support Beautiful Nuthatch and Fire-tailed Sunbird, with Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler, Blue-fronted Robin and Satyr Tragopan among further possibilities.
Day 6
Thrumshing La to Trongsa
Cross the high forest of Thrumshing La, then continue west through changing habitat toward Trongsa, with stops for pheasants, sunbirds, warblers, treecreepers and grosbeaks.
Day 7
Trongsa to Tingtibi
Descend toward Tingtibi through broadleaf and subtropical forest. Search for hornbills, nuthatches, barbets, broadbills and other lower-elevation specialties.
Day 8
Tingtibi and Zhemgang birding
Explore the productive forest corridor around Tingtibi and Zhemgang, using a full day for slow observation and photography in riverine and subtropical habitat.
Day 9
Return to Trongsa
Retrace the forest road to Trongsa with fresh stops at promising elevations, providing another opportunity for species missed on the outward journey.
Day 10
Trongsa to Phobjikha
Travel west through mountain forest to Phobjikha Valley. Birding stops focus on conifer and open-valley species before arrival.
Day 11
Phobjikha to Punakha
Begin in the Phobjikha landscape, then descend to Punakha through changing forest zones and river habitat.
Day 12
Jigme Dorji National Park
Spend the day birding forest and river sections associated with Jigme Dorji National Park, adjusting stops to current activity and weather.
Day 13
Punakha to Paro via Dochu La
Cross Dochu La and continue to Paro, with high-pass and woodland birding stops along the route.
Day 14
Paro Taktsang and valley birding
Hike to Paro Taktsang with birding in the surrounding forest, or arrange a gentler Paro Valley program according to mobility and interest.
Day 15
Departure from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport after breakfast for the onward flight.
Locations & map
- Samdrup Jongkhar and Morong - Eastern Bhutan Bhutan (Subtropical and lower broadleaf forest.)
- Yongkola and Thrumshing La - Mongar District Bhutan (Broadleaf, temperate and high-elevation forest.)
- Tingtibi and Zhemgang - Central Bhutan Bhutan (Subtropical forest and river valleys.)
- Phobjikha and Punakha - Western Bhutan Bhutan (Open valley, river habitat and mixed forest.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Designed for spring, when breeding activity and plumage make Bhutan’s forest birding especially productive. Exact dates
Price: Price on request
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 road transport A private vehicle follows the cross-country itinerary from Guwahati to Paro. | Meet: Guwahati Airport, India | Pickup: Arrival transfer is included for the confirmed flight.
Accommodations
- Three-star hotels and lodges
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Who operates this tour?
Dream Destination Travel confirmed that it operates the program. Older Langur Eco Travels wording does not identify the current operator.
Where does the journey begin and end?
The tour begins with pickup at Guwahati Airport in India, enters Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar and ends at Paro International Airport.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The route visits strong spring habitats, but sightings depend on weather, season and natural bird activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.