Overview
This 19-day Ultimate Bhutan Birding Expedition is a carefully curated journey through Bhutan’s most biodiverse habitats — from alpine passes and pristine river valleys to subtropical forests near the Indian border. Designed for serious birdwatchers, ornithologists, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers, the tour covers Eastern, Central, and Western Bhutan, offering sightings of some of the Himalayas’ rarest and most sought-after bird species.
Key highlights include chances to spot Ibisbill, White-bellied Heron, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and the endangered Black-necked Crane. With expert guides, slow-paced exploration, and multiple overnight stays in prime birding zones, this is one of the most comprehensive birding itineraries in Bhutan.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy relaxed birding along the Paro Chhu (Pachhu) River, known for its rich waterbird diversity. Likely sightings include:
Ibisbill
Brown Dipper
White-capped Water Redstart
Plumbeous Water Redstart
River Lapwing
Overnight in Paro
Early morning drive to Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, ideal for pheasant sightings. Species commonly encountered include:
Himalayan Monal
Blood Pheasant
Kalij Pheasant
Satyr Tragopan
Fire-tailed Myzornis (chance sighting)
Overnight in Paro
Drive east toward Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass (3,050 m) for Himalayan views and birding around the forested slopes. Walk around the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens while scanning for high-altitude species.
Overnight in Punakha
Explore bird-rich stretches along the Pho Chhu River toward Gasa. This region is famous for raptors and riverine birds. Sightings may include:
White-bellied Heron
Pallas’s Fish Eagle
Lesser Fish Eagle
Osprey
Asian-barred Owlet
Jungle Owlet
Black-throated Sunbird
Striated & Whiskered Yuhina
Overnight in Punakha / Gasa area
Drive through the Black Mountain region to Phobjikha Valley, a protected glacial valley and winter habitat of the endangered Black-necked Crane.
Overnight in Phobjikha
Continue to Trongsa, Bhutan’s historical heartland. Bird en route through montane forests. Visit Trongsa Dzong, dramatically overlooking the Mangde Chhu gorge.
Overnight in Trongsa
Follow the Mangde Chhu River south into subtropical forests toward Zhemgang and Tingtibi, one of Bhutan’s richest birding regions. Species include:
Red-headed Trogon
Blue-bearded Bee-eater
Pin-tailed Green Pigeon
Chestnut-breasted Partridge
Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler
Overnight in Tingtibi
Full days dedicated to birding in low-elevation forests. Target species include:
Beautiful Nuthatch
Sapphire Flycatcher
Broadbills, Barbets, and Babblers
Overnight in Tingtibi
Morning birding followed by drive back to Trongsa, visiting:
Trongsa Dzong
Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum)
Continue to Bumthang Valley.
Overnight in Bumthang
Birding around Tharparling Monastery and alpine forests. Excellent chances for:
Himalayan Monal
Satyr Tragopan
Spot-winged Grosbeak
Daurian Redstart
Oriental Skylark
Overnight in Bumthang
Drive over Thrumshing La Pass (3,800 m), one of Bhutan’s best birding corridors. Species include:
Blood Pheasant
Fire-tailed Sunbird
Spotted Nutcracker
Red-headed Bullfinch
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
Overnight in Sengor
Travel to the legendary Yongkola Birding Area, globally renowned among birders. Target species include:
Ward’s Trogon
Gould’s Shortwing
Yellow-rumped Honeyguide
Great & Golden-throated Barbets
Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler
Overnight in Yongkola
Two full days dedicated to intensive birding to maximize sightings. Possible species include:
Rufous-necked Hornbill
Tawny Fish Owl
Himalayan Cutia
Hoary-throated Barwing
Rufous-throated & Pygmy Wren Babblers
Overnight in Yongkola
Drive east toward Trashigang, birding en route. Species include:
Silver-eared Mesia
White-rumped Shama
Greater Flameback
Overnight near Trashigang
Descend into subtropical lowlands toward Samdrup Jongkhar near the Indian border. Look out for:
Pied Falconet
Sultan Tit
Black Eagle
Grey-sided Laughingthrush
Jungle Babbler
Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast, our team will assist with Bhutan immigration formalities before your onward journey to Guwahati, concluding an unforgettable Himalayan birding adventure.
Your feedback means the world to us
Our tour guide, Sangay Wangchuk was knowledgeable, friendly, and deeply passionate about Bhutanese culture and history. His insights added so much depth to each location we visited, and he made sure we understood the significance of each place in a way that was engaging and easy to follow. He was always just a call or message away, ready to assist with any queries or requests, which gave us a lot of comfort throughout the trip. Also he entertained us with his beautiful Shero -shayri & hind songs during the long travel.
Every aspect of the tour – from transportation and accommodations to sightseeing and local experiences – was thoughtfully curated. Thanks to the Teem Travel, we could fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and serenity of Bhutan without any logistical stress.
On behalf of our Group of Four, may I thank you, your Guide Kinley Lekpa and Pilot Pratap for taking excellent care of us, right from the moment we landed in Paro Int. Airport on Aug 17, to the time we reached the Paro Int. Airport on Aug 22, to take a return flight back to India.All four of us are immensely pleased with your Company and your officers Kinley and Pratap for the kind courtesy and genuine warmth extended to us throughout our 6 day stay in Bhutan-rightly called as the Happiest Country in the World.
Our family had the most incredible experience in visiting Bhutan and I thank TEEM TRAVEL BHUTAN. I recently had the pleasure of touring Bhutan with Teem Travel, and I must say, it was a truly memorable and seamless experience right from the very beginning (Pick up from Bagdogra Airport), the planning and coordination were handled with professionalism and care, ensuring we had nothing to worry.
