from 0 review
16 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
___
Embark on an avian exploration like no other in Bhutan. Our birding adventures promise a symphony of fluttering wings and melodious calls as you traverse the lush landscapes. Bhutan’s diverse ecosystems offer a haven for a plethora of bird species, from vibrant sunbirds to elusive Himalayan monal. Our expert guides will lead you through prime birding sites, ensuring you catch glimpses of both endemic and migratory species. Whether you’re an avid birder or a novice enthusiast, Bhutan’s skies hold an ornithological delight for everyone.
Embark on a 16-day West to East Birding Tour in Bhutan, revealing the country’s diverse landscapes from Thimphu to the rarely explored Eastern Valley. Our birding adventures promise a symphony of fluttering wings and melodious calls as you traverse the lush landscapes. Tailored for bird enthusiasts, this journey, led by experienced guides, promises sightings of rare species such as the Black-necked Crane, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, and Ward’s Trogon. The tour encompasses remote gems like Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, and Trashigang, passing through the highest pass, Thrumsingla, from cold mountainous terrain to the warmth of Lingmethang. Comfortable tent accommodations and provided meals enhance the birding experience. Beyond bird-watching, participants immerse themselves in the unique culture and traditions of the Unseen Eastern Valley, discovering ancient temples and monasteries against the backdrop of pristine landscapes—an unforgettable blend of nature and culture in one of the world’s most captivating environments.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a tour guide from Unseen Valley Tours and Travels will be waiting for the reception. From there, embark on a picturesque one-hour drive to Thimphu. Visit the Takin Preserve, Kuensel Phodrang Buddha Point, and the Memorial Chorten. Finally, visit Tashichhodzong. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The adventure begins after breakfast with a thrilling mixed camping and hotel expedition. Journey along the West-East Road, exploring high altitude road passes. Keep an eye out for birdlife, including Quarrelsome Nutcrackers. Explore the forest more thoroughly, a chance to discover rare bird species. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Punakha Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on an exciting adventure exploring the braided channels of the Mo Chhu river and the bird-rich sub-tropical forests. Discover an impressive array of bird species, including the White-bellied Heron, brightly coloured minivets, noisy Striated Laughing thrushes, and Ibisbill. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Punakha Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your journey eastward, making stops to scan the braided river channel. Explore forest edges and small patches of cultivation, known for a treasure trove of avian diversity. Enter a productive forest with a chance to spot spectacular birds like the Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and the Himalayan Monal. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Gangtey Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Observe one of the largest colonies of the endangered Black Necked Crane in Gangtey. Follow the road over the Pelela pass into Central Bhutan, offering breathtaking views. Explore a birdwatcher’s paradise with species like the Great and Brown Parrotbills and the Golden-breasted Fulvetta. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Trongsa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head south from Trongsa to the beautiful and serene campsite near Zhemgang. Make stops to observe the elusive Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. Explore a valley rich in forested areas, observing a variety of bird species, including the Fire-capped Tit, Large Niltava, and Russet Bush Warbler. Accommodation: Camping tent Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Retrace the route through Trongsa, climbing over a bamboo-thronged pass. Explore the first of the four Bumthang Valleys, known for rare species such as the Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Fulvous, Brown and Great Parrotbills, White-browed and Rufous-breasted Bush Robins. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Bumthang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue the circuit eastward, searching for various species of pheasants. Reach and cross the Thrumsingla, the highest road pass in Bhutan. Explore the Lingmethang road, home to many sought-after birds like the Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Ward’s Trogon, and the Rufous-necked Hornbill. Accommodation: Village homestay in Sengor Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the lush, primary forests near Lingmethang, home to unique and exotic bird species. Venture through the forest, spotting specialities such as the Slender-billed and Coral-billed Scimitar-Babblers, Scaly and Blue-winged Laughing Thrushes, and the Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill. Accommodation: Village homestay in Sengor Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave the campsite and continue towards Trashigang. Explore the forested hill slopes surrounding Samdrup Jongkhar, a unique habitat for diverse bird species. Encounter rare and elusive species such as Grey Peacock Pheasant, Jerdon’s Baza, and Pied Falconet. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Trashigang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey towards the southeast of Bhutan, stopping to view an ornate Buddhist temple. Explore forests near Narphung, a region not well studied for birdlife. Camp overnight, with a chance to spot the elusive Black-tailed Crake and explore surrounding forests and grasslands. Accommodation: Camping tent Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore mid-altitude forest areas, observing the rich avifauna. Scan the area for bird species and explore the surrounding forest areas. Continue towards the base for the following two nights in Samdrup Jongkhar. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Deothang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the forested hill slopes surrounding Samdrup Jongkhar. Encounter rare and elusive species such as Grey Peacock Pheasant, Jerdon’s Baza, and Pied Falconet. Navigate through the forested hill slopes, observing the behavior and characteristics of different bird species. Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Samdrupjongkhar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a fulfilling breakfast, embark on a scenic three-hour drive to the Guwahati International Airport, reflecting on the incredible journey through Bhutan.
Unseen Valley Tours and Travel, as a local tour operator in Bhutan, offers a cost-effective alternative to booking through foreign travel agents. Booking directly can save money, and local operators are essential for arranging tourist visas.
Solo travel is welcomed in Bhutan. Unseen Valley Tours and Travel ensures that you can travel independently, providing you with an individual guide and driver. Group travel is optional and not enforced.
The best times to travel are from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the weather is favourable, and numerous festivals take place. While travel is possible year-round, June to August is slightly humid due to the monsoon, and December to February is the cold winter season.
As of June 20, 2022, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF or Royalty) is USD 100 per night per person. This fee is separate from the actual travel cost, which includes government-approved hotels, transportation, guide fees, and meals. The old Minimum Daily Tariff is no longer applicable.
Unseen Valley Tours and Travel can arrange your airline tickets with no commission fees involved. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets directly from the airlines' websites: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
All visitors are advised to get travel insurance coverage from their own countries.
