Bhutan Birding Tour
On this 15-day birding tour, we visit Bhutan, a small Buddhist nation is nestled among the breathtaking Himalayas. Bhutan is a very safe and peaceful country that offers some of the best birding in Asia. Nearly 70% of its forest ecosystem remains undeveloped and 25% of this undeveloped forest is protected as either a wildlife sanctuary or national park. With diverse habitats, spending time in the sub-tropical lowlands at 150m elevation and in the alpine at over 4,500m in elevation.
Tiger's Nest Monestary
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Himalayan Monals
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Bhutan Birding Tour Information
Dates: November 15-29, 2026
Start/End city: Bangkok, Thailand
Cost: $7,800 USD | $10,900 CAD per person
Single Supplement: $410 USD | $595 CAD
Leader: Gavin McKinnon + local guides
Start/End city: Bangkok, Thailand
Cost: $7,800 USD | $10,900 CAD per person
Single Supplement: $410 USD | $595 CAD
Leader: Gavin McKinnon + local guides
Bhutan Birding Tour Itineraey
November 15: Flight from Bagkok to Paro - biridng along the Paro River and transfer to Thimphu
Today, we will take a flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan enjoying scenic views of the Himalayan Mountains. After completing customs and immigration procedures, our Bhutanese hosts will meet us. We will then drive along the Pa Chhu, where, camouflaged among the glacial stones, we can spot the monotypic Ibisbill, as it dips into the snowmelt in search of food. Other bird species in the area include White Wagtail, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts, Oriental Turtle Dove, Common Hoopoe, Crested Goshawk, Common Kestrel, Brown Dipper, White-collared Blackbird, Long-tailed and Gray-backed Shrikes, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, and Russet Sparrow. With the northward migration in progress, we may also encounter species not yet recorded in Bhutan. After birding along the Pa Chhu, we will proceed to Thimphu for the night
November 16: Thimphu to Punakha with birding stops
Today, we will depart early to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas at Dochu La Pass (3,116m). At the pass, we will enjoy a field breakfast and take in the panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas. In Bhuta's high elevation and mixed evergreen and broad-leafed forests, a diverse range of birds, mammals, and flowering plants can be found. Species such as Fire-tailed Myzornis, Mrs. Gould’s and Green-tailed Sunbirds, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, and Green Shrike Babbler may be observed around the beautiful blossoms of rhododendron bushes. As we descend from the pass, we may encounter Olive-backed Pipit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Alpine Thrush, Hill Partridge, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, and Golden Bush Robin. Continuing through the sub-tropical forests around Punakha, where cactus, poinsettia, and banana plants thrive, we will reach the green terraced fields of Punakha. Along the Puna Tshang Chhu river, amidst numerous water birds, keep an eye out for the Crested Kingfisher and the rare Pallas’s Fish Eagle. In the afternoon, as birding activity lessens, we will return to Punakha to visit the Dzong, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese religion and culture. Punthang Dechen Phodrang (Punakha Dzong) is an impressive fortress that sits comfortably in its superb setting, referred to as the Palace of Great Bliss. Inside the dzong, intricate frescoes and magnificent carvings showcase the creative skills of our traditional arts. The Kuenrey or Assembly Hall is perhaps the most spectacular building, featuring huge statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and the Zhabdrung under a truly spectacular ceiling adorned with hundreds of painted dragons.
November 17: Punakha to Phobjikha, birding along Khelekha, Nobding, and Lawa La Pass
Early this morning we will visit Khelekha's forests on pour way to, the village of Nobding , and Lawa La Pass at 3350m in elevation on our way to Phobjikha, our destination for the night. There are chances to see birds including Grey-headed Woodpecker, Fire-capped Tit, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, and Greater and Lesser Yellownapes. We will ascend to the pass at Pele La (3,390m) via diverse mixed forests. Great Parrotbill, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Crimson-browed Finch, the brilliant Spotted Laughingthrush, and Himalayan Vultures soaring in the skies above Pele La are among the birds we should see while birding along the pass. We will descend through more stunning forests and dwarf bamboo thickets as we continue our journey via the pass. We are going to stop for birds, including the Hume's Bush Warbler, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Whiskered and Stripe-throated Yuhinas, and Oriental Skylark. November is a fascinating time to visit the glaciated valley of Phobjikha, a pristine area and the natural home of about 450 Black-necked Cranes. In addition, we'll look for common species like , Ruddy Shelduck, Hen Harrier, and, with any luck, the seldom seen Wood Snipe.
November 18: Phobjikha to Bumthang, stopping at Pele La Pass and Yotong La Road
For high-altitude birds such as the Himalayan Monal, Great Parrotbill, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Altai Accentor, Solitary Snipe, Large-billed Crow, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Bhutan Laughingthrush, White-browed Bush Robin, Indian Blue Robin, Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, and White-winged Grosbeak, we will again ascend to Pele La Pass (3,350m) this morning. We descend through spruce and silver fir forests to the upland valleys of Chumey, Bhutan's religious heartland, which is home to historic religious and cultural sites that date back to the seventh century. In Bhutan, Bumthang is one of the only locations where Black-rumped Magpies can be found among the numerous loud and obnoxious Red-billed Choughs that are frequently spotted foraging in the buckwheat fields nearby. In the hopes of seeing the vibrant Himalayan Monal, we will visit Tharpaling Monastery from Chumey if time permits. Snow Pigeon, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Alpine Accentor, White-throated Redstart, Dark-throated Thrush, and Godlewski Bunting are other possible birds.
November 19: Bumthang to Yongkola, birding at Thrumshing La, Sengor, and Namling Valleys
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the High Himalayas, prayer flags positioned for good fortune, Bhutanese villages, and magnificent temples, this drive is regarded as one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas. It is a genuinely magical place! The highest of the four valleys of Bumthang, Ura, is a serene place where we will pause and stroll Ura, a thriving village, lies beneath Thrumshing La. Flocks of Russet Sparrow, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Snow Pigeon, Plain Mountain Finch, Upland Buzzard, White-browed Rosefinch, and Red Crossbill may be seen in fields nearby. We ascend from Ura to Thrumshing La (3,780m) via woods of larch, silver fir, spruce, and tall hemlocks. We search this road for the magnificent Blood Pheasant, which can be seen feeding by the roadside among the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Between Sengor and Yongkola, we hoep to come across species like Mrs. Gould's and Green-tailed Sunbirds, Rufous-gorgeted and Ultramarine Flycatchers, Ashy-throated, Lemon-rumped, Large-billed, and Blyth's Leaf Warblers, as well as Gray-crested, Coal, Green-backed, and Yellow-browed Tits,Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Himalayan Buzzard, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Dark-throated and Eye-browed Thrushes, Satyr Tragopan (rare), White-browed and Rufous-winged Fulvettas, and Green Shrike Babbler Also, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Himalayan Bluetail, Blue-fronted Redstart, Gray-sided Bush Warbler, Red-headed Bullfinch, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Rufous-collared Blackbird, and the Gold-naped Finch. We will drive through more beautiful forests as we descend from Thrumshing La to milder Yongkola. . We will also search for the uncommon Satyr Tragopan, which is frequently spotted feeding on the side of the road, along this journey. We will arrive in Yongkola where we will spend three nights.
November 20 & 21: Thrumshing La National Park.
We will explore the upper and lower Yongkola region for two full days, one of Asia's finest birding hotspots. In this stunning location, we will bird in a protected area of pristine woodlands via a paved yet rarely traveled road. We can search for some of Bhutan's highly prized bird species, which are hard to locate elsewhere. Some of the species we can see here include the Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Satyr Tragopan, and Fire-tailed Sunbird, Hill Partridge, Rufous-bellied and Crested Serpent Eagles, Rufous-necked Hornbills, Speckled Wood Pigeons, Blue-bearded Bee-eaters and Ward's Trogons. This location also hosts two of the rarest birds in the Himalayas, the elusive Wedge-billed Wren Babbler and the cobalt Blue-fronted Robin. Other species we hope to find include Bay Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Golden-throated and Blue-throated barbets, Large and Oriental Hawk Cuckoos, Collared Owlet, Himalayan Treepie, Gray-chinned, Short-billed and Long-tailed Minivets, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, White-browed Shortwing, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Hodgson’s Redstart, Slaty-backed Forktail, Sultan, Black-throated, Rufous-fronted, and Yellow-cheeked Tits, Mountain and Ashy Bulbuls, Hill and Striated Prinias, Chestnut-headed, Slaty-bellied, and Gray-bellied Tesias, Gray-sided Bush Warbler, Gray-hooded, White-spectacled, Chestnut-crowned, Broad-billed and Black-faced Warblers, White-crested, Striated, Rufous-necked, Gray-sided, and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Red-faced Liocichla, Streak-breasted, Coral-billed and Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, and the enigmatic and endangered Rufous-throated Wren Babbler.
November 22: Yongkola to Panbang
Birding in the subtropical woodlands along Lingmethang Road is how we will start the day. Rufous-bellied Eagle, Ashy Bulbul, Spangled Drongo, Striated Yuhina, Asian Barred Owlet, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, and other species are among the most desirable birds in this region. We will continue our descent to Nganglam after breakfast at Lingmethang, making stops along the way when there are chances to see birds. We will search for tropical birds at only 400m Nganglam, some of the rarest species in Bhutan such as the shy Collared Treepie, Blyth’s Kingfisher, and Black-backed Forktail can be found here. We will stop along Yangbari and the Norbugang Valley, looking for spcecies such as Rufous-vented Laughingthrush, Eye-browed Wren babbler, Green Cochoa, Red-headed Trogon, Wreathed Hornbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Greater Necklaced
Laughingthrush, Grey-headed Parrotbill, and Chestnut-breasted Partridge.
November 23: Exploring Royal Manas National Park
This World Heritage Site, is among Bhutan's oldest protected places. With a total size of 1,059 square kilometers, Manas National Park is currently connected via biological corridors to Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thumbing La National Park, India's Manas Tiger Reserve, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park to the north. From the tropical lowlands to the High Himalayas, this connection offers an endless array of natural, protected habitats.
With more than 90% of the park covered by forest, including large tracts of tropical and sub-tropical monsoon forests, natural grasslands, and expansive riverbeds, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. We will look for: Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Oriental Dwarf and Ruddy Kingfishers, Red-breasted
Parakeet, Indian Roller, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Dollarbird, White-rumped Shama, Citrine Wagtail, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Hill Myna, Oriental Pied, and Great Hornbills, among the many that frequent the landscape here. Mammals in the area include: Asian Elephant, Water Buffalo, Sambar, Large Indian Civet, Malayan Giant Squirrel, and Capped Langur.
November 24: Panbang to Tingtibi with birding stops
We will spend the majority of the morning birding in the Panbang valley. We will make further stops along the Mangdi Chhu valley on our way to Tingtibi after breakfast. Species we will look for today inlcude Green-billed Malkoha, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Collared Falconet, Ashy Drongo, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Oriental Hobby, Tawny Fish Owl, Striated Yuhina, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-throated Partridge, and Sultan Tit. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tingtibi where we will spend two nights.
November 25: Sub-tropical forests of Tingtibi
We will spend today touring the northern portion of Royal Manas National Park, as well as the areas surrounding Tingtibi and Shemgang. The stunning and infrequently traveled Shemgang Road is among the world's most serene and lovely highways, and we have many target birds to look for. Some of the target birds for the day include: Pale-headed Woodpecker, Red Junglefowl, Crested Kingfisher, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Spotted Elachura, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, the amazing Rufous-necked and Great hornbills, White-browed Piculet, Bay Woodpecker, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-tailed Robin, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, Rufous-winged and Nepal fulvettas, Black-chinned Yuhina, Lesser and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills, Long-billed Wren Babbler, White-hooded Babbler, Yellow-bellied and Rufous-faced Warblers, and the rare Beautiful Nuthatch as well as up to nine(!) species of cuckoos.
November 26: Tingtibi to Trongsa via Shemgang
We will drive to Dakphai valley to explore the region for some temperate forest birding. Here we should find: Emerald Dove, Collared Owlet, Beautiful Nuthatch, Grey Nightjar, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Bronzed Drongo, Ashy Woodswallow, Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Green-billed Malkoha, Pygmy and White-gorgeted flycatchers, Black-throated Prinia, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Rufescent Prinia, Smoky Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Ashy Drongo, Rufous-capped Babbler, Mountain Bulbul, Himalayan Cutia, White-
browed Shrike Babble, Common Green Magpie, Chestnut-tailed Starling, White-crested Laughingthrush, Black Redstart, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Sultan Tit, and Long-tailed Broadbill. Afterwards we willcontinue to Trongsa, stopping at Zhemgang and Koshala valley for birds and stunning landscape views.
November 27: Trongsa to Paro, birding in Bjee Zam, Chendibji, and Nobding Valley.
Bjezam village will be our first destination for the morning's birding. We'll travel to Nobding after breakfast, stopping along the Chendibji and Pele La roads. Before we continue on to Paro, we stop near the Puna Tsang Chhu river for water birds. We hope to see Tibetan Siskin, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Sapphire, Ferruginous and Little Pied Flycatchers, Brown Treecreeper, Spotted Forktail, Red-tailed Minla, Rufous-fronted Tit, Oriental Skylark,
Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Himalayan Vulture, Striated Laughingthrush, Black Bulbul, Greater Yellownape, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Grey Treepie, Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard, Common and Green Sandpipers, Red-wattled Lapwing, Richard’s Pipit, Scaly-breasted Munia, and more.
November 28: Hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
We hike up to the well-known Taksang (Tigers Nest) Monastery today. According to mythology, the renowned Indian saint Guru Padma Sambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to vanquish five demons that were preventing Buddhism from spreading throughout Bhutan from the monastery, which is situated around 600 meters (2,000 feet) up on a cliff overlooking the valley. The monastery features multiple structures where the four primary temples are located. Every building has a golden roof that gleams in the sunlight and is painted white. Steps carved into the rock connect each building, and balconies at every level offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On the hike up to the mostestary, we hope to find Green-backed Tit; Rufous-breasted Accentor; Little Forktail; Common Snipe; Black-tailed Crake; Black-faced Laughingthrush; White-browed Fulvetta; Himalayan Buzzard; Hodgson’s
Redstart; and Red-billed Chough.
November 29: Paro to Bangkok
The tour will end this morning as we arrive in Bangkok from Paro.
Today, we will take a flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan enjoying scenic views of the Himalayan Mountains. After completing customs and immigration procedures, our Bhutanese hosts will meet us. We will then drive along the Pa Chhu, where, camouflaged among the glacial stones, we can spot the monotypic Ibisbill, as it dips into the snowmelt in search of food. Other bird species in the area include White Wagtail, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts, Oriental Turtle Dove, Common Hoopoe, Crested Goshawk, Common Kestrel, Brown Dipper, White-collared Blackbird, Long-tailed and Gray-backed Shrikes, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, and Russet Sparrow. With the northward migration in progress, we may also encounter species not yet recorded in Bhutan. After birding along the Pa Chhu, we will proceed to Thimphu for the night
November 16: Thimphu to Punakha with birding stops
Today, we will depart early to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas at Dochu La Pass (3,116m). At the pass, we will enjoy a field breakfast and take in the panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas. In Bhuta's high elevation and mixed evergreen and broad-leafed forests, a diverse range of birds, mammals, and flowering plants can be found. Species such as Fire-tailed Myzornis, Mrs. Gould’s and Green-tailed Sunbirds, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, and Green Shrike Babbler may be observed around the beautiful blossoms of rhododendron bushes. As we descend from the pass, we may encounter Olive-backed Pipit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Alpine Thrush, Hill Partridge, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, and Golden Bush Robin. Continuing through the sub-tropical forests around Punakha, where cactus, poinsettia, and banana plants thrive, we will reach the green terraced fields of Punakha. Along the Puna Tshang Chhu river, amidst numerous water birds, keep an eye out for the Crested Kingfisher and the rare Pallas’s Fish Eagle. In the afternoon, as birding activity lessens, we will return to Punakha to visit the Dzong, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese religion and culture. Punthang Dechen Phodrang (Punakha Dzong) is an impressive fortress that sits comfortably in its superb setting, referred to as the Palace of Great Bliss. Inside the dzong, intricate frescoes and magnificent carvings showcase the creative skills of our traditional arts. The Kuenrey or Assembly Hall is perhaps the most spectacular building, featuring huge statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and the Zhabdrung under a truly spectacular ceiling adorned with hundreds of painted dragons.
November 17: Punakha to Phobjikha, birding along Khelekha, Nobding, and Lawa La Pass
Early this morning we will visit Khelekha's forests on pour way to, the village of Nobding , and Lawa La Pass at 3350m in elevation on our way to Phobjikha, our destination for the night. There are chances to see birds including Grey-headed Woodpecker, Fire-capped Tit, Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, and Greater and Lesser Yellownapes. We will ascend to the pass at Pele La (3,390m) via diverse mixed forests. Great Parrotbill, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Crimson-browed Finch, the brilliant Spotted Laughingthrush, and Himalayan Vultures soaring in the skies above Pele La are among the birds we should see while birding along the pass. We will descend through more stunning forests and dwarf bamboo thickets as we continue our journey via the pass. We are going to stop for birds, including the Hume's Bush Warbler, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Whiskered and Stripe-throated Yuhinas, and Oriental Skylark. November is a fascinating time to visit the glaciated valley of Phobjikha, a pristine area and the natural home of about 450 Black-necked Cranes. In addition, we'll look for common species like , Ruddy Shelduck, Hen Harrier, and, with any luck, the seldom seen Wood Snipe.
November 18: Phobjikha to Bumthang, stopping at Pele La Pass and Yotong La Road
For high-altitude birds such as the Himalayan Monal, Great Parrotbill, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Altai Accentor, Solitary Snipe, Large-billed Crow, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Bhutan Laughingthrush, White-browed Bush Robin, Indian Blue Robin, Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, and White-winged Grosbeak, we will again ascend to Pele La Pass (3,350m) this morning. We descend through spruce and silver fir forests to the upland valleys of Chumey, Bhutan's religious heartland, which is home to historic religious and cultural sites that date back to the seventh century. In Bhutan, Bumthang is one of the only locations where Black-rumped Magpies can be found among the numerous loud and obnoxious Red-billed Choughs that are frequently spotted foraging in the buckwheat fields nearby. In the hopes of seeing the vibrant Himalayan Monal, we will visit Tharpaling Monastery from Chumey if time permits. Snow Pigeon, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Alpine Accentor, White-throated Redstart, Dark-throated Thrush, and Godlewski Bunting are other possible birds.
November 19: Bumthang to Yongkola, birding at Thrumshing La, Sengor, and Namling Valleys
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the High Himalayas, prayer flags positioned for good fortune, Bhutanese villages, and magnificent temples, this drive is regarded as one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas. It is a genuinely magical place! The highest of the four valleys of Bumthang, Ura, is a serene place where we will pause and stroll Ura, a thriving village, lies beneath Thrumshing La. Flocks of Russet Sparrow, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Snow Pigeon, Plain Mountain Finch, Upland Buzzard, White-browed Rosefinch, and Red Crossbill may be seen in fields nearby. We ascend from Ura to Thrumshing La (3,780m) via woods of larch, silver fir, spruce, and tall hemlocks. We search this road for the magnificent Blood Pheasant, which can be seen feeding by the roadside among the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Between Sengor and Yongkola, we hoep to come across species like Mrs. Gould's and Green-tailed Sunbirds, Rufous-gorgeted and Ultramarine Flycatchers, Ashy-throated, Lemon-rumped, Large-billed, and Blyth's Leaf Warblers, as well as Gray-crested, Coal, Green-backed, and Yellow-browed Tits,Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Himalayan Buzzard, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Dark-throated and Eye-browed Thrushes, Satyr Tragopan (rare), White-browed and Rufous-winged Fulvettas, and Green Shrike Babbler Also, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Himalayan Bluetail, Blue-fronted Redstart, Gray-sided Bush Warbler, Red-headed Bullfinch, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Rufous-collared Blackbird, and the Gold-naped Finch. We will drive through more beautiful forests as we descend from Thrumshing La to milder Yongkola. . We will also search for the uncommon Satyr Tragopan, which is frequently spotted feeding on the side of the road, along this journey. We will arrive in Yongkola where we will spend three nights.
November 20 & 21: Thrumshing La National Park.
We will explore the upper and lower Yongkola region for two full days, one of Asia's finest birding hotspots. In this stunning location, we will bird in a protected area of pristine woodlands via a paved yet rarely traveled road. We can search for some of Bhutan's highly prized bird species, which are hard to locate elsewhere. Some of the species we can see here include the Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Satyr Tragopan, and Fire-tailed Sunbird, Hill Partridge, Rufous-bellied and Crested Serpent Eagles, Rufous-necked Hornbills, Speckled Wood Pigeons, Blue-bearded Bee-eaters and Ward's Trogons. This location also hosts two of the rarest birds in the Himalayas, the elusive Wedge-billed Wren Babbler and the cobalt Blue-fronted Robin. Other species we hope to find include Bay Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Golden-throated and Blue-throated barbets, Large and Oriental Hawk Cuckoos, Collared Owlet, Himalayan Treepie, Gray-chinned, Short-billed and Long-tailed Minivets, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, White-browed Shortwing, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Hodgson’s Redstart, Slaty-backed Forktail, Sultan, Black-throated, Rufous-fronted, and Yellow-cheeked Tits, Mountain and Ashy Bulbuls, Hill and Striated Prinias, Chestnut-headed, Slaty-bellied, and Gray-bellied Tesias, Gray-sided Bush Warbler, Gray-hooded, White-spectacled, Chestnut-crowned, Broad-billed and Black-faced Warblers, White-crested, Striated, Rufous-necked, Gray-sided, and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Red-faced Liocichla, Streak-breasted, Coral-billed and Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, and the enigmatic and endangered Rufous-throated Wren Babbler.
November 22: Yongkola to Panbang
Birding in the subtropical woodlands along Lingmethang Road is how we will start the day. Rufous-bellied Eagle, Ashy Bulbul, Spangled Drongo, Striated Yuhina, Asian Barred Owlet, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, and other species are among the most desirable birds in this region. We will continue our descent to Nganglam after breakfast at Lingmethang, making stops along the way when there are chances to see birds. We will search for tropical birds at only 400m Nganglam, some of the rarest species in Bhutan such as the shy Collared Treepie, Blyth’s Kingfisher, and Black-backed Forktail can be found here. We will stop along Yangbari and the Norbugang Valley, looking for spcecies such as Rufous-vented Laughingthrush, Eye-browed Wren babbler, Green Cochoa, Red-headed Trogon, Wreathed Hornbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Greater Necklaced
Laughingthrush, Grey-headed Parrotbill, and Chestnut-breasted Partridge.
November 23: Exploring Royal Manas National Park
This World Heritage Site, is among Bhutan's oldest protected places. With a total size of 1,059 square kilometers, Manas National Park is currently connected via biological corridors to Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thumbing La National Park, India's Manas Tiger Reserve, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park to the north. From the tropical lowlands to the High Himalayas, this connection offers an endless array of natural, protected habitats.
With more than 90% of the park covered by forest, including large tracts of tropical and sub-tropical monsoon forests, natural grasslands, and expansive riverbeds, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. We will look for: Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Oriental Dwarf and Ruddy Kingfishers, Red-breasted
Parakeet, Indian Roller, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Dollarbird, White-rumped Shama, Citrine Wagtail, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Hill Myna, Oriental Pied, and Great Hornbills, among the many that frequent the landscape here. Mammals in the area include: Asian Elephant, Water Buffalo, Sambar, Large Indian Civet, Malayan Giant Squirrel, and Capped Langur.
November 24: Panbang to Tingtibi with birding stops
We will spend the majority of the morning birding in the Panbang valley. We will make further stops along the Mangdi Chhu valley on our way to Tingtibi after breakfast. Species we will look for today inlcude Green-billed Malkoha, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Collared Falconet, Ashy Drongo, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Oriental Hobby, Tawny Fish Owl, Striated Yuhina, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-throated Partridge, and Sultan Tit. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tingtibi where we will spend two nights.
November 25: Sub-tropical forests of Tingtibi
We will spend today touring the northern portion of Royal Manas National Park, as well as the areas surrounding Tingtibi and Shemgang. The stunning and infrequently traveled Shemgang Road is among the world's most serene and lovely highways, and we have many target birds to look for. Some of the target birds for the day include: Pale-headed Woodpecker, Red Junglefowl, Crested Kingfisher, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Spotted Elachura, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, the amazing Rufous-necked and Great hornbills, White-browed Piculet, Bay Woodpecker, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-tailed Robin, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, Rufous-winged and Nepal fulvettas, Black-chinned Yuhina, Lesser and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills, Long-billed Wren Babbler, White-hooded Babbler, Yellow-bellied and Rufous-faced Warblers, and the rare Beautiful Nuthatch as well as up to nine(!) species of cuckoos.
November 26: Tingtibi to Trongsa via Shemgang
We will drive to Dakphai valley to explore the region for some temperate forest birding. Here we should find: Emerald Dove, Collared Owlet, Beautiful Nuthatch, Grey Nightjar, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Bronzed Drongo, Ashy Woodswallow, Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Green-billed Malkoha, Pygmy and White-gorgeted flycatchers, Black-throated Prinia, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Rufescent Prinia, Smoky Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Ashy Drongo, Rufous-capped Babbler, Mountain Bulbul, Himalayan Cutia, White-
browed Shrike Babble, Common Green Magpie, Chestnut-tailed Starling, White-crested Laughingthrush, Black Redstart, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Sultan Tit, and Long-tailed Broadbill. Afterwards we willcontinue to Trongsa, stopping at Zhemgang and Koshala valley for birds and stunning landscape views.
November 27: Trongsa to Paro, birding in Bjee Zam, Chendibji, and Nobding Valley.
Bjezam village will be our first destination for the morning's birding. We'll travel to Nobding after breakfast, stopping along the Chendibji and Pele La roads. Before we continue on to Paro, we stop near the Puna Tsang Chhu river for water birds. We hope to see Tibetan Siskin, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Sapphire, Ferruginous and Little Pied Flycatchers, Brown Treecreeper, Spotted Forktail, Red-tailed Minla, Rufous-fronted Tit, Oriental Skylark,
Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Himalayan Vulture, Striated Laughingthrush, Black Bulbul, Greater Yellownape, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Grey Treepie, Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard, Common and Green Sandpipers, Red-wattled Lapwing, Richard’s Pipit, Scaly-breasted Munia, and more.
November 28: Hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
We hike up to the well-known Taksang (Tigers Nest) Monastery today. According to mythology, the renowned Indian saint Guru Padma Sambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to vanquish five demons that were preventing Buddhism from spreading throughout Bhutan from the monastery, which is situated around 600 meters (2,000 feet) up on a cliff overlooking the valley. The monastery features multiple structures where the four primary temples are located. Every building has a golden roof that gleams in the sunlight and is painted white. Steps carved into the rock connect each building, and balconies at every level offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On the hike up to the mostestary, we hope to find Green-backed Tit; Rufous-breasted Accentor; Little Forktail; Common Snipe; Black-tailed Crake; Black-faced Laughingthrush; White-browed Fulvetta; Himalayan Buzzard; Hodgson’s
Redstart; and Red-billed Chough.
November 29: Paro to Bangkok
The tour will end this morning as we arrive in Bangkok from Paro.
