Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan – With 14 Days Birding Tour, you will get a chance to explore the flora & fauna of Bhutan. You will be indulging in bird watching activity in those regions of Bhutan, where one can spot some most exotic avifauna species, as many as 770 species in number. You will be exploring places such as Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang and more. Along with birding, you are also going to enjoy visits to the popular tourist attractions. Bird Watching Tour Guides in Bhutan is a pure happiness for all bird lovers. This tour will be very enjoyable and memorable one.
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. Tachongang Lhakhang- En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Bird watching at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park- Possibility of birds seen are Crested Kingfisher, Brown Parrotbill, Rufous Sibia, Whiskered Yuhina, Black-faced Laughing thrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughing thrush, White-throated Laughing thrush, some species of Warblers, Spotted Nutcracker, etc. Buddha Dordenma- The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula Pass- The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Bird-watching at Dochula Pass- Out of many birds, some of the birds seen are fire-tailed myzornis, rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, rufous-breasted bush robin, black-eared shrike babblers, grey-winged blackbird, white collared blackbird and gold-billed magpie. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m
Punakha is often referred as second capital having best Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha has the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas, listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Bird watching at Tashithang – There are chances to see great barbet, barred cuckoo dove, magpie robin, palla’s fish eagle, osprey, river lapwing, ruddy shelduck, mallard duck, common merganser, pied kingfisher, white crested kingfisher, red-vented bulbul, kalij pheasant, orange bellied leaf bird, common buzzard, great cormorant, crested bunting, etc. Bird watching at Po Chhu River- You can see White- bellied Heron, Owlet, Osprey, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Yellow- bellied Fantail, White- throated Familtail, Speckled piculet, etc. Overnight in Punakha
The drive though newly constructed road is quite smooth however some of the stretch are still under maintenance. The drive will pass through abundant natural beauty, spectacular landscapes, rich flora and fauna, breath taking hills and snow capped mountains and iconic Buddhist monasteries. Enjoy the drive through a region of diverse people with unique dialects, dress, food and lifestyle. This district falls at the centre of Bhutan and was considered crucial in controlling the kingdom in ancient history due to its strategic position of the district and particularly Trongsa Dzong. Roadside bird watching- You may see black bulbul, mountain bulbul, striated bulbul, common kestrel, spot winged grosbeak, mountain hawk eagle, whiskered yuhina, wall creeper, etc. Trongsa Dzong- This is the largest Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located in the centre of the country. The Dzong is beautifully built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde Chhu River. The Dzong played very crucial role in the ancient history in protecting Bhutan and its sovereignty. The ruler of Trongsa Dzong was the most powerful leader to form Wangchuk Dynasty in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Overnight at Trongsa, altitude 2200m
Today we will be crossing Trongsa and over two passes up until we reach Bumthang. Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. It is famous for its brightly coloured distinctive woolen item called Yathra and district formed by four valleys. Road side bird watching- It includes Great parrotbill, Fulvous parrotbill, black billed magpie, red billed chough, Himalayan black eagle, etc. Bird watching in Bumthang- You are likely to get the chance to gaze at avian species like Hill Patridge, Daurian Redstart, Oriental Skylark, blue finch and Common Sandpipe. Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird”- Dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town, 3km 1.2 miles away from Chamkhar town. Overnight in Bumthang, altitude 2600m
Birding in Thrumgi La Pass- You may see Himalayan monal pheasant, blood pheasant, snow pigeon, plain mountain finch, etc. Ura Village- Ura is one of oldest villages of Bhutan located at an elevation of 3100m. You can stroll around Ura village and hop into few friendly villager’s home for tea and chit-chat. The people here still practice semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. Overnight at Sengore
Today’s drive will be through bamboo forest, then moving into mixed forests. This drive is the longest stretch with good forests and makes roadside bird watching easy. Yongkola is about two hour drive from Sengor, and is known as the best birding place towards the east. Yongkola has a rich sub tropical forest where you can view many species sub tropical birds here in this lush forest area. Roadside bird watching- Chances to spot birds like rosefinch, gold-naped finch, little forktail, white capped redstart, chestnut bellied rock thrust, coal tit, green tailed sunbird, long tailed minivet, Golden-throated Barbet, Great barbet, Blue- throated barbet etc. Overnight at Yongkola
Birding in cold broad-leaved forests and descending to warm broad-leaved forests. Namling, these areas possess best explored forests in Bhutan. Birding in Yongkola & Namling- It can give you the glimpse of ward’s trogon, satyr tragopan, grey chinned minivet, chestnut breasted partridge. Striated laughing thrust, rufous-necked hornbill, blue throated bee-eater, maroon oriole, racket tailed drongo, red-headed trogon, grey treepie, grey Nightjar, hill prinia, asian emerald cuckoo, etc. Overnight at Yongkola
Retrace the drive back to Bumthang. Bumthang is go-to place for birders to watch birds. It's home to vultures, falcons, eagles and many more birds. Roadside bird watching near Sengore- one can see Yellow-bill Magpies, Fire-tail Mizoros and Jungle fowl. This area is a HOT SPOT for Satyr Tragopan which is on the endangered species List. This pristine countryside is rich in foliage and forest, making it ideal for Nutcrackers, Warbblers, Fork-tails and Robins. Overnight at Bumthang
You will have another round of birding in the morning and then drive back to Phobjikha with birding along the way. Bird watching in Phobjikha- The birds found here Alpine Accentor, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Scaly Thrush, Tickell’s Thrush, Fire-capped Tit, Amur falcon, Blue Rock Thrush, Black-faced Laughing thrush, Spotted Laughing thrush, Fire-breasted Flower pecker, Black billed magpie, Red billed chough, spotted nutcracker, himalayan griffon etc. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m
As we say good bye to the Asian Switzerland, we will retrace the journey back to Thimphu crossing over Pelela, Wangdue, Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas. Bird watching at Lamperi Botanical Garden- The Royal Botanical Park is the country’s first nature recreational park, to preserve the rich natural biodiversity of the area. You will be able to spot some rare Himalayan birds such as Great Parrotbill, Darjeeling woodpecker, streak-breasted scimitar babbler, eurasian jay, strong-footed bush warbler, chestnut-crowned and spotted laughing thrushes. Bird-watching at Pa Chu- You will be able to find water birds like Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, etc.Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Gompa/Tiger’s Nest Temple- is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Some of the birds you can see on the way are snow pigeon, yellow bellied blue magpie, white throated laughing thrush, rufous sibia, etc. Overnight in Paro
Transfer to airport in time for your international flight back home.
INCLUSIONS:
EXCLUSIONS:
Starts from US $ 3250/- per person
Visa fee (One Time)
USD $ 40/- per person for entire tour in Bhutan.
Passport: A valid passport is required for travel to Bhutan and the validity of the passport should be minimum 6 months.
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For the services contracted, 40 % advance payment should be made to hold the booking on a confirmed basis and the balance amount should be paid before commencement of your tour. We hold the right to decide upon the amount to be paid as an advance payment, based on the nature of services and the time left for the commencement of the services.
Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, Cash payment to our office or by Demand Draft / Cheque. All payments should be free and clear of any withholding tax and deduction. Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) would be strictly borne by payer.
Tour once commenced will strictly go as per the itinerary finalised. In case of events and circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to change all or parts of the contents of the itinerary for safety and well being of our esteemed passengers.
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:
Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.
In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.
Where as in case of Cancellation before the commencement, it will take atleast two weeks time to refund the said amount.
Please note that after the finalization of the tour/service cost, if there are any hikes in entrance fees of monuments/museums, taxes, fuel cost or guide charges by the Govt. of India, the same would be charged as extra.
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All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort & general well being.
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We shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property, or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services, resulting – directly or indirectly – from any act of GOD, dangers, fire, accident, breakdown in machinery or equipment, breakdown of transport, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.
We do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country. All baggage & personal property/s at all times are at the client’s risk.
To travel to India from overseas countries except for the citizen of Nepal & Bhutan, one needs a 06 months valid passport and a valid Visa. And processing of Passport and Visa are not included in the tour cost.
Any person who has a contagious disease is forbidden to travel, any person found during the tour with such a disease will be asked to leave the tour and will have to make their own arrangements to return home.
