Winter Birding Tour

Paro | Thimphu | Punakha | Tingtibi | Yongkola | Bumthang | Nobding

13 Days

Tour available date

December-February | 2023-2024

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

Per person USD 3300

4-10 Person

Per person USD 3150

  • Tour Outlet
Tour Outlet

Day 1- Paro to Paro

Upon your arrival at the airport terminal, a representative from "Wildwing Adventure" will be there to receive you. They will assist you with the initial arrangements and provide any necessary information about your stay. After settling in, you'll proceed to have lunch. Depending on your preferences, this could be a local culinary experience or a more familiar international meal. Following lunch, the adventure begins with a bird-watching excursion. The focus will be on observing water birds, and some of the species you may encounter include: Black-tailed Crake, Ibisbill, River Lapwing, and Various other bird species native to the area. After an exciting day of bird watching, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay. Ensure you rest well to prepare for the upcoming days of exploration.

Day 2- Paro to Thimphu

Start your day early by departing from the hotel towards Chelela, which boasts the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3998 meters. This journey offers a chance to witness the stunning landscape as the day breaks. Along the road to Chelela, keep a lookout for a variety of bird species, including: Blood Pheasants, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, White-browed Rosefinch, Greenish Warbler and other birds native to the region. After the morning bird-watching session, return to your hotel in Paro for a well-deserved lunch. Post lunch, check out from your hotel and embark on the scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The journey offers breathtaking views, and there will be occasional stops for landscape appreciation and bird photography. Upon reaching Thimphu and checking into your hotel, take some time to relax with tea or coffee. Later in the evening, explore the common birds in and around the capital. After a day filled with bird watching and scenic drives, enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3- Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula and Royal Botanical Park

After breakfast, take some time for additional bird watching or exploration around Thimphu before starting the journey to Punakha. Begin your journey by visiting the Royal Botanical Park, providing opportunities to spot various bird species, including,Blue-fronted Redstart, Eurasian Jay, Brown Parrotbill, Darjeeling Woodpecker ,Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Kalij Pheasant, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Red Crossbill, White-winged Grosbeak, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, other bird species in the area. Continue your journey towards Punakha, driving via the scenic Dochula Pass. The pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is known for its serene beauty. During the drive, be on the lookout for various bird species that inhabit the region.Conclude the day with an overnight stay in a hotel in Punakha, surrounded by the tranquility of the Bhutanese landscape.

Day 4- Punakha to Phobjikha via Nobding

Begin your day with a session of bird watching around the Punatsangchu area, focusing on water birds and other species, such as, Blyth’s Shrike Babbler, Ward’s Trogon, and Himalayan Cutia, Golden-throated Barbet other local bird varieties. After the morning bird-watching session, embark on a drive towards Nobding, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Keep a lookout for birds as you travel, and make occasional stops for bird watching and photography. Upon reaching Phobjikha, marvel at the breathtaking landscape of the valley. This area is particularly known for being the winter residence of the endangered Black-necked Crane. Additionally, look out for other bird species like Red-billed Chough, Oriental Skylark, and Spotted Nutcracker. After a day filled with bird watching and scenic drives, relax and enjoy an overnight stay in a hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 5- Phobjikha to Bumthang via Trongsa

Begin the day with an early breakfast and a drive to Pelela Pass (3450m), where you'll spend the morning birding along the old road. Look out for a variety of species, including, Himalayan Monal, Spotted Nutcracker, Dark-rumped Rosefinch,Stripe-throated Yuhina, Rufous-vented Yuhina,Spotted Laughingthrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, White-winged Grosbeak, Himalayan Vulture,Bearded Vulture other bird species in the region. After the birding session, gradually drive towards Trongsa. Enjoy the scenic views and be on the lookout for more bird species along the way. Keep an eye out for birds like Brown Parrotbill, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Whiskered Yuhina, White-throated Laughingthrush, and other species. Reach Trongsa and take some time to relax and refresh at your hotel. After a day filled with birding and travel, unwind with an overnight stay in a hotel in Bumthang.

Day 6- Bumthang to Sengor via Phrumsengla Pass-Sengor

Commence your day with a birding session at Phrumsengla Pass. Explore the high-altitude environment and search for species such as,Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Great Parrotbill, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Red-tailed Minla, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Coal Tit, Rufous-vented Tit, Grey-crested Tit, Spotted Nutcracker, White-browed Fulvetta, Rufous-fronted Tit, White-browed Bush Robin, Stripe-throated Yuhina, other high-altitude bird species. After the birding session, continue your journey towards Sengor. Enjoy the scenic landscapes and keep an eye out for birds along the way. Arrive at Sengor and check into your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. Take this time to rest and rejuvenate after a day of high-altitude bird watching.

Day 7- Sengor to Yongkola via Namling

Spend the entire day immersed in bird watching as you explore the Namling area. Keep an eye out for a diverse range of bird species, including, Black-throated Parrotbill, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Mountain Tailorbird, Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Ward’s Trogon, Grey-chinned Minivet, Streaked Prinia, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Black-faced Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Whiskered Yuhina, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Greater Yellownape, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Long-billed Wren Babbler,Little Pied Flycatcher,Large Niltava, various other bird species. After a day of extensive bird watching, return to Yongkola and check into your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. Take this time to relax and reflect on the rich biodiversity of the Namling area.

Day 8- Yongkola to Trongsa via Bumthang

Begin your day early and embark on the journey back towards Trongsa. Make a few strategic stops along the way for any bird species you might have missed during the previous days. Take advantage of the journey to spot and enjoy bird species in different locations. The varied landscapes may offer the chance to encounter new species or observe those you've seen before. Continue the drive until you reach Trongsa, taking in the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Check into your hotel in Trongsa for an overnight stay. Rest and reflect on the birding experiences you've had throughout your journey.

Day 9- Trongsa to Tingtibi via Khosha

Today holds the promise of more exciting bird watching as we journey from Trongsa to Tingtibi, passing through the enchanting landscapes of Khosha. As the sun rises, we'll embark on an early drive to Tingtibi, and along the way, we'll keep our eyes peeled for some key bird species that call this region home. Our bird watching checklist for the day includes the elusive Golden Babbler, the captivating Rufous-capped Babbler, the dainty Speckled Piculet, the striking White-browed Piculet, the vibrant Crimson Sunbird, the melodious Ashy Bulbul, the colorful Blue-throated Barbet, the charming White-browed Scimitar Babbler, the cheerful Mountain Bulbul, the elusive Blue-capped Rockthrush, the resplendent Golden-throated Barbet, and many more. The journey will not only be a birdwatcher's delight but also an opportunity to appreciate the diverse landscapes and habitats of Bhutan. As the day progresses, we'll make our way to Tingtibi, where we'll check into our hotel for overnight stay. Take this time to unwind and relish the memories of the day's birding adventures.

Day 10- Tingtibi-Gomphu and back to Tingtibi

Today promises another day of exciting bird watching as we explore the rich biodiversity around Tingtibi, with a special visit on a way to Gomphu. After a hearty breakfast, we'll set out to discover more avian wonders, keeping our eyes peeled for some unique species that inhabit this region. Our bird watching checklist for the day includes the charming White-hooded Babbler, the elusive Pale-billed Parrotbill, the sociable White-breasted Parrotbill, the captivating White-browed Scimitar Babbler, the lively Lesser-necklaced Laughingthrush, the elegant Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, the delicate Striated Yuhina, the intelligent Bronzed Drongo, and many more. As we explore the diverse habitats around Tingtibi and Gomphu, our experienced guides will share their knowledge about the behavior, calls, and habitats of the birds we encounter. After a day filled with birding adventures, we'll return to our hotel in Tingtibi for a relaxing overnight stay. Take this time to reflect on the day's sightings, and perhaps share stories and experiences with your fellow birdwatchers.

Day 11- Tingtibi-Tamala and back to Tingtibi

Today holds another day of thrilling bird watching as we embark on a journey to Tamala, a haven for diverse bird species. We'll start our day early, eager to catch sight of some key species that make this region their home. Keep your binoculars ready as we search for the striking Yellow-throated Fulvetta, the charismatic Rusty-fronted Barwing, the elusive Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, the regal Ward’s Trogon, the enchanting Long-billed Wren Babbler, the dainty Pygmy Flycatcher, the vibrant Red-headed Trogon, the melodious Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, the colorful Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, the striking Black-throated Sunbird, the energetic Green-tailed Sunbird, the melodious Chestnut-crowned Warbler, the agile White-tailed Nuthatch, the majestic Large Niltava, the delicate Small Niltava, the charming Blyth’s Shrike Babbler, the lively Yellow-cheeked Tit, the regal Red-tailed Minla, the vibrant Blue-winged Siva, the exquisite Rufous-winged Fulvetta, and the sociable White-naped Yuhina, among others. Tamala offers a unique and diverse habitat for bird watching, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. After a full day of birding adventures, we'll return to our hotel in Tingtibi for a well-deserved rest. Take this time to cherish the memories of the day's sightings and prepare for more exciting bird watching in the days ahead.

Day 12- Tingtibi to Khoshala and Return to Trongsa

Start your day early for an early morning departure from Tingtibi. This allows for ample time to cover the journey back to Trongsa.Utilize the drive back as an opportunity for bird watching, focusing on areas where you may have missed certain bird species during your previous travels. Make a stop at Khoshala for birding, ensuring you have the chance to spot any specific species in this particular location. Continue the drive back to Trongsa, enjoying the scenic landscapes and birding opportunities along the way. Upon reaching Trongsa, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Take the evening to relax and reminisce about the birding experiences of the day.

Day 13- Departure

Your representative from "Wildwing Adventure" will accompany you for the transfer to the airport. Make sure to allow enough time for any necessary procedures at the airport. Bid farewell to your representative and embark on your journey back home, carrying with you the memories of the wonderful bird-watching adventure in Bhutan. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. If you've collected photographs and notes during your birding expedition, these will serve as beautiful reminders of the diverse avian life and scenic landscapes of Bhutan.