Birding Loops of Central Bhutan

Paro | Thimphu | Punakha | Nobding | Bumthang | Yongkola

19 Days

Tour available date

March-April | 2024

Package Includes
Hotels
Guide
Transportation
Camping crew
SDF & visa
Park fees
2 Person

Per person USD 3225

4-10 Person

Per person USD 2850

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  • Tour Details
Tour Details

Day 1- Paro

Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, the representative from Wildwing Adventure will be there to welcome you. You will be transferred to your hotel in Paro for check-in and to freshen up. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, either at the hotel or a local restaurant, savoring Bhutanese or international cuisine. After lunch, embark on a bird-watching excursion. Explore areas known for attracting water birds such as Black-tailed Crake, Ibisbill, and River Lapwing. The guide from Wildwing Adventure can provide insights into the local birdlife and habitats. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the natural surroundings. Take in the beauty of the landscape and the serenity of the Paro region. Return to the hotel and unwind. Have dinner, either at the hotel or at a recommended local restaurant.

Day 2- Thimphu

Start your day early, departing from your hotel in Paro. Head towards Chelela, which is the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3998 meters. As you drive, enjoy the stunning scenery and be on the lookout for bird species like Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, White-browed Rosefinch, and Greenish Warbler along the roadside. Take breaks along the route to observe and photograph the diverse birdlife. The high-altitude landscapes may offer unique birding opportunities. Return to your hotel in Paro in time for lunch. Use this time to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Post lunch, check out from your hotel in Paro. Drive towards Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, with occasional stops for landscape photography and bird watching. Check in to your hotel in Thimphu. After settling in, enjoy some tea or coffee. Explore common birds in and around the capital. The diverse habitats around Thimphu may offer a variety of bird species. Return to your hotel and have dinner. Reflect on the day's bird sightings and experiences. Rest for the night at your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3- Thimphu-Dochula-Royal Botanical Park-Punakha

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Thimphu. Depart from Thimphu and make your way to Punakha, a scenic drive through the Bhutanese landscape. En route, stop at the Royal Botanical Park for a nature walk. Keep an eye out for various bird species that may inhabit this lush and diverse environment. Continue your journey via Dochula Pass, a mountain pass known for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Bird watching opportunities may include species like Slender-billed Oriole, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Lesser Coucal, Blue-fronted Redstart, Eurasian Jay, along the drive to spot and observe a variety of bird species. Your guide from Wildwing Adventure can help identify and provide insights into the avian life of the region. If time permits, visit Punakha Dzong. Learn about the historical significance of this fortress, which was the former capital and now serves as the winter residence of the central monastic body. Check in to your hotel in Punakha and have dinner. Share your bird watching experiences and enjoy a relaxing evening. Rest for the night at your hotel in Punakha.

Day 4- Punakha-Nobding-Phobjikha

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Punakha. Begin your day by scanning the Punatsangchu area for water birds. Take advantage of the opportunity to observe and identify various water bird species. After the water bird scanning, embark on a drive in search of specific bird species. Keep an eye out for Blyth’s Shrike Babbler, Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, cuckoos, Golden-throated Barbet, Fire-capped Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and other birds. After birdwatching activities, drive to Phobjikha. Enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the valley, known for being the winter residence of the endangered Black-necked Crane. Spend time exploring Phobjikha Valley, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Keep an eye out for Red-billed Chough, Oriental Skylark, Spotted Nutcracker, and other bird species. Check in to your hotel in Phobjikha. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the scenic beauty of the valley.

Day 5- Phobjikha-Trongsa-Bumthang

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel in Phobjikha. Head to Pelela Pass, a journey that takes approximately an hour. Spend the morning birding along the old road of Pelela Pass, looking for a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out for species such as Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, White-browed Shortwing, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Spotted Laughingthrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Golden-naped Finch, Scarlet Finch, White-winged Grosbeak, Eurasian Cuckoo, Himalayan Vulture, Bearded Vulture, and more. After birdwatching, gradually drive towards Trongsa. Enjoy the scenic views and occasional stops for birdwatching along the way. Look for bird species like Brown Parrotbill, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Whiskered Yuhina, White-throated Laughingthrush, and others during the journey.Check in to your hotel in Trongsa. Relax and refresh before continuing your exploration. Have dinner at the hotel, sharing your birdwatching experiences with fellow travelers. Rest for the night at your hotel in Trongsa.

Day 6- Bumthang-Phrumsengla - Yongkola

Begin your day with an early breakfast at your hotel in Bumthang. Depart for Phrumshengla and Yongkola. Spend the early morning birdwatching in Bumthang, looking for species such as Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Red Crossbill, Red-billed Chough, Eurasian Magpie, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Fire-tailed Sunbird, White-browed Bush Robin, Great Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Red-tailed Minla, Whistler’s Warbler, Himalayan Wood Owl, and many others. Journey towards Phrumshengla, a pass known for its biodiversity. Keep a lookout for birds along the way. Take breaks along Phrumshengla to observe and identify the diverse bird species present. Enjoy the natural beauty of this high-altitude region. After completing your birdwatching in Phrumshengla, continue your drive to Yongkola. Check in to your accommodation in Yongkola. Relax and refresh before any evening birdwatching activities.If time permits, engage in birdwatching activities in the evening. Explore the surroundings for additional bird species. Have dinner at your accommodation, discussing the day's birdwatching highlights. Rest for the night at your accommodation in Yongkola.

Day 7-Namling-Yongkola

Start your day with an early morning bird watching session in the Namliang area. Look for species like Green-tailed Sunbird, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Black-throated Parrotbill, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Whiskered Yuhina, Golden Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Grey Bushchat, Ward’s Trogon, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, White-cheeked Warbler, Black-faced Warbler, and many others. After the morning birdwatching session, explore the Yongkola area. Keep an eye out for additional bird species in this diverse region. Take a break for lunch at a suitable location in Yongkola. Enjoy the local surroundings and perhaps share birdwatching stories. Resume birdwatching activities in the afternoon, focusing on any specific species you may have missed earlier. Explore different habitats and elevations for a variety of bird sightings. Take some time to rest and relax in the beautiful surroundings of Yongkola. Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Have dinner at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's birdwatching experiences. Rest for the night at your accommodation in Yongkola.

Day 8- Yongkola-Lingmithang-Yongkola

Start your day with an early breakfast at your accommodation in Yongkola. Depart for Lingmithang for a day of bird watching. Spend the morning bird watching in the Lingmithang area. Look for species such as Red-faced Liochicla, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Black-throated Bushtit, Long-tailed Broadbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufescent Prinia, Striated Yuhina, Blue-bearded Bee-Eater, Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher, Tawny Fish Owl, Grey-chinned Minivet, and many others. Take a break for lunch in a suitable location in Lingmithang. Enjoy the natural surroundings and perhaps share bird watching stories. Resume bird watching activities in the Lingmithang area in the afternoon. Explore different habitats and elevations for a variety of bird sightings. After a full day of bird watching, return to Yongkola. Enjoy the scenic drive back and keep an eye out for any additional bird species. Have dinner at your accommodation in Yongkola, discussing the day's bird watching highlights. Rest for the night at your accommodation in Yongkola.

Day 9- Namling-Sengor-Bumthang

Start your day with an early breakfast at your accommodation in Yongkola. Depart for Namling and Sengor for a focused birdwatching session. Spend the morning scanning for bird species that you may have missed in your previous journeys. Look for specific target species and enjoy the diverse birdlife in these areas, take a break for lunch in a suitable location in Namling or Sengor. Use this time to relax and discuss your birdwatching experiences. Continue birdwatching activities in the afternoon, focusing on any target species or exploring new areas. Make the most of your time to observe and identify birds in different habitats. After a day of birdwatching, return to Bumthang. Enjoy the scenic drive back and reflect on the bird sightings. Have dinner at your accommodation in Bumthang, sharing highlights from the day's birdwatching. Rest for the night at your accommodation in Bumthang.

Day 10-Bumthnag-Trongsa-Nobding

Start your day with an early breakfast at your accommodation in Bumthang. Depart for Trongsa, keeping an eye out for bird species along the way. As you drive back to Trongsa, take breaks to look for bird species like Black-throated Prinia, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Nepal House Martin, Blyth’s Swift, Blyth’s Shrike Babbler, Himalayan Monal, Godlewski’s Bunting, Altai Accentor, Snow Pigeon, Spotted Nutcracker, Himalayan Vulture, Crimson-browed Finch, Rufous-breasted Accentor, and many others. Reach Trongsa and explore the surroundings for additional birdwatching opportunities. Visit any specific locations of interest. Continue your journey towards Nobding, keeping your eyes peeled for more bird species. Enjoy the scenic drive and any birdwatching stops along the route. Arrive in Nobding and, if time permits, engage in birdwatching activities in the evening. Explore the immediate surroundings for bird sightings. Have dinner at your accommodation in Nobding, discussing the day's birdwatching highlights. Rest for the night at your accommodation in Nobding.

Day 11-Nobing-Dochula-Paro

Begin your day with an early breakfast at your accommodation in Nobding. Depart for Dochula, continuing your bird watching tour. Spend the morning looking for any missing species and key species like Ward’s Trogon, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Grey-bellied Tesia, Brown Bullfinch, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Black Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, and others in the Nobding area. After bird watching in Nobding, proceed to Dochula. Explore the Dochula Pass area for additional bird sightings and enjoy the panoramic views. Take advantage of the diverse habitats around Dochula Pass to spot birds that may have been missed earlier in your journey. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the pass. Take a break for lunch at a suitable location near Dochula. Use this time to relax and share your bird watching experiences. After lunch, drive towards Paro. Stop along the Punatsangchu stretch to scan for water birds. Upon arrival in Paro, if time permits, engage in evening birdwatching activities around the Paro area. Explore different habitats for a variety of bird species. Have dinner at your accommodation in Paro, discussing the day's bird watching highlights. Rest for the night at your accommodation in Paro.

Day 12-Exit

Check out from your accommodation in Paro in the morning. Your representative from Wildwing Adventure will pick you up from the accommodation. Head to the airport for your departure. Arrive at the airport and your Wildwing Adventure representative will assist with the check-in process. Bid farewell to Bhutan and your guide. Board your flight and depart from Paro.