Wild Wings & Sacred Valleys: Birding, Camping & Culture Journey through Bhutan
Tour Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Tour Destinations: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Pele La (Camping) – Trongsa – Bumthang – Yongkola – Paro
Bhutan Birding & Culture Tour: A 14-Day Immersive Himalayan Journey
This 14-day Bhutan expedition offers an enriching blend of biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and timeless cultural heritage. Explore the country’s pristine wilderness and sacred sites while enjoying rewarding birdwatching and immersive experiences across diverse ecological zones.
Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting Himalayan icons such as:
• Satyr Tragopan
• Ward’s Trogon
• Blood Pheasant
• Black-necked Crane (winter visitor)
Experience Highlights:
• High-altitude birding camp near Pele La or Chele La, surrounded by pristine mountain forests
• Guided hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery in Paro
• Visits to Bhutan’s most revered cultural landmarks: Thimphu, Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Monastery, and Jakar Dzong
• Exploration of remote birding hotspots in Yongkola and Ura Valley
• Journey through ecological zones ranging from lush subtropical forests to crisp alpine meadows
Accommodation:
• Comfortable eco-lodges, cozy guesthouses, and a fully serviced wilderness camp ensure a memorable and rewarding stay
This unforgettable Bhutan journey is ideal for birders, nature photographers, and culturally curious travelers seeking a harmonious mix of wildlife and spirituality in the Himalayas.
14-Day Bhutan Birding & Culture Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu (Birding & Culture Introduction)
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your naturalist guide will warmly welcome you. Begin with a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
• En route birding along the Paro River: Ibisbill, Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Redstart, Wallcreeper
• Visit Buddha Dordenma, Textile Museum, and Thimphu weekend market
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu – Cultural Immersion & Forest Birding
• Explore Institute of Zorig Chusum, Tashichho Dzong, and National Library
• Forest birding near Motithang Preserve: Himalayan Bluetail, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Speckled Wood Pigeon
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha (Birding in Transition Zones)
• Early drive to Dochula Pass (3,100m): Fire-tailed Myzornis, Hoary-throated Barwing, Striped Laughingthrush
• Descend into Punakha Valley
• Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang
Overnight in Punakha
Day 4: Punakha Valley Birding & Soft Hike
• Morning birding near Mo Chhu River: Rufous-necked Hornbill, Common Green Magpie
• Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
• Optional hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Overnight in Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley (Wetlands & Cranes)
• Birding en route via Nobding–Lawala road
• Explore Phobjikha Valley: Black-necked Crane (Nov–Feb), Hill Partridge, Slaty-blue Flycatcher
• Visit Gangtey Monastery
Overnight in Phobjikha
Day 6: Phobjikha – High-Altitude Camping near Pele La
• Transfer to Pele La Pass (3,400m) for wilderness camping
• Prime birding: Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
• Campfire dinner under the stars
Overnight in alpine tented camp
Day 7: Morning Birding – Drive to Trongsa (Royal Heritage Zone)
• Early birdwatching in Pele La region
• Drive to Trongsa
• Visit Trongsa Dzong and the Royal Heritage Museum
Overnight in Trongsa
Day 8: Trongsa – Bumthang via Yutong La Pass
• Birding at Yutong La Pass: Fire-tailed Sunbird, Himalayan Rosefinch
• Explore Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang
• Optional visit to weaving center in Chumey Valley
Overnight in Bumthang
Day 9: Bumthang – Ura Valley Exploration
• Visit remote Ura village
• Birding highlights: Himalayan Cutia, Fire-capped Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing
• Village walk and local interaction
Overnight in Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang – Yongkola via Thrumshing La
• Scenic drive via Thrumshing La Pass (3,780m)
• Birding en route: Ward’s Trogon, Golden-breasted Fulvetta
• Arrive in Yongkola—Bhutan’s birding hotspot
Overnight in eco-lodge
Days 11–12: Yongkola Intensive Birding Days
• Explore Limithang Forest and Namling Waterfall
• Sightings may include: Beautiful Nuthatch, Slaty-bellied Tesia, White-naped Yuhina, Long-billed Wren Babbler
Overnight in Yongkola
Day 13: Yongkola – Bumthang – Fly to Paro
• Early drive back to Bumthang
• Weather permitting, domestic flight to Paro
• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang or enjoy leisure time
Overnight in Paro
Day 14: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Departure
• Iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
• Birding en route: Black-faced Laughingthrush, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird
• Farewell dinner in Paro
Departure the following morning
Tour Inclusions
• 13 nights’ accommodation in comfortable eco-lodges, guesthouses, and 1–2 nights in a fully serviced wilderness camp
• All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the tour
• Private transport with professional driver for all overland travel
• Services of a professional English-speaking birding guide/naturalist
• Entry fees and permits to all national parks, dzongs, temples, and monuments as per the itinerary
• Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and visa processing charges
• Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro (subject to availability)
• Bottled drinking water during transfers, drives, and hikes
• Guided hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
• Birding checklists and expert field support
Tour Exclusions
• International airfare to and from Bhutan (via Paro)
• Travel insurance (mandatory and must include medical & evacuation coverage)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, tips, and beverages
• Camera/video charges at monuments (if applicable)
• Tips and gratuities for guide and driver (at traveler’s discretion)
• Emergency evacuation or medical expenses not covered by insurance
• Expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances such as weather, flight delays, or political unrest
Travel Information
Travel Conditions
• All overland travel within Bhutan is via private vehicle; roads are mountainous, winding, and often narrow
• Average driving speed is around 35 km/h; expect long drives with scenic and birding stops
• Vehicles provided based on group size:
• 1–2 guests: 4×4 SUV (Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe)
• 3–6 guests: Toyota Hiace Van
• 7–14 guests: Toyota Coaster Bus
• Domestic flight (Bumthang to Paro) is included; if unavailable, route will be driven overland
Terrain & Altitude
• Altitudes range from 1,200m (Punakha) to 3,750m (Thrumshing La Pass)
• Daily birding walks are mostly easy to moderate; the Tiger’s Nest hike is a moderately strenuous uphill walk (2–3 hours)
• The itinerary includes rest and acclimatization days; travelers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor
Accommodation
• Comfortable 3-star eco-lodges selected for proximity to birding locations
• 1–2 nights in a fully serviced wilderness camp near Pele La with sleeping tents, proper bedding, dining, and toilet arrangements
• Yongkola and other remote lodges are basic but clean, offering warm hospitality
Meals
• All meals are included (Bhutanese, Indian, and continental options)
• Buffets are common in hotels; packed meals provided during long field days
• Vegetarian and special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice
Weather
• Cool to cold mornings and evenings at high elevations (Pele La, Phobjikha, Yongkola)
• Mild daytime temperatures in Punakha and Paro valleys
• Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (October–November) for clear skies and active birdlife
Health & Safety
• No mandatory vaccinations required, but bring motion sickness tablets, altitude medicine, and personal prescriptions
• Tap water is not safe to drink—bottled water is provided
• Travel insurance with emergency evacuation and trip cancellation coverage is mandatory
Connectivity
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels; speed may be limited in remote areas
• Mobile coverage is available in major towns; Bhutanese SIM cards can be arranged if needed
Currency & Payments
• Local currency: Ngultrum (Nu), equal to Indian Rupee (except ₹500 & ₹2000 notes which are not accepted)
• Credit card usage is limited—carry sufficient cash for incidental expenses and tips
• ATMs are available in main towns but may not be reliable
What to Pack
• Binoculars (essential), camera with zoom lens, and field bird guide
• Warm layers, gloves, windproof jacket for cold mornings and high-altitude regions
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
• Reusable water bottle, flashlight or headlamp, and round-pin power adapter (220V)