Tour Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive at Paro:
You will be received by the representative from Bhutan Dragon Adventures at the airport and driven to Thimphu. On the way we will visit Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02. Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu: (72 kms, 3 hours drive).
After breakfast we will drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop for at the pass to view the higher Himalayas. While in Punakha we will visit Punakha Dzong, situated between Pho Chu, “Male River,” and Mo Chu, “Female River.” It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and for many years, until the time of the second king, served as the seat of government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted,”…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant.” At the time there was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu, “Small Dzong,” that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue. While Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From this vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, “Palace of Great Happiness.” Here the war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and, in 1952, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here.

After lunch, we will drive to Wangdi Phodrang stopping enroute to view Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility,” built in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also popularly known as “Devine Mad Man.”  This will be followed by sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, where we will visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. We drive back to Thimphu in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03. Thimphu – Paro:
After breakfast, we will be sightseeing in Thimphu. First a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy. Then we browse through the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, followed by visit to Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art. Lastly we visit the Folk Heritage Museum.

The afternoon features an excursion to Cheri Monastery. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The last stop is the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. In the evening, we drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 04. Paro Sightseeing:
This will be a very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten and from there a two hour horse ride to the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktshang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort.

After lunch, we tour Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the National Museum of Bhutan, followed by a visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. Then we make a stop at the Drukgyel Dzong. Now in ruins, it was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the Dzong name’s means “victorious Druk.” Until 1951, it was used as an administrative center when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Lastly we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 05. Departure:
Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell.

Booking

Itinerary

DAY 1.
Arrive at Paro National Air port. On a clear morning, the flight promises spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. You will be welcomed in traditional custom by representatives from Bhutan Dragon Adventures will escorted to your hotel. After lunch, visit the National Museum, housed in a 16th century watchtower and Paro Rinpung Dzong, the seat of the district administration and residence of the monk body. Although not a birding day, you may come across the Wallcreeper probing the sides of the fortress, a pair or two of Ibis bill, Brown Dipper, Hodgson’s, Slumberous and White-capped Water-Redstarts around the river valley and nearby rock cliffs. Over night in Paro.

DAY 2 .Paro – Thimphu through Chele La Pass.
Today we will begin the our  birding tours, we will  drive up early to the Chelela pass to catch the elusive Himalayan Monal, the amazing Blood Pheasant, and the most sought after of all pheasants, the mythical Satyr’s Tragopan. After breakfast at Chelela, drive to Thimphu capital city of Bhutan. On the return drive, there will be opportunities to run into Kalij Pheasants, White-winged Grosbeak, White-browed Rose finch, Spotted Nutcracker, Rufous Sibia, White-browed Fulvetta, Brown Parrot bill, Stripe-throated Yuhina and various Eurasian warblers. Before calling it a day, take a short trip to downtown Thimphu where we usually see Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Ruddy Shelduck, and assorted shorebirds along the riverbed. Over night at hotel, Thimphu

DAY 03 –Thimphu – Tango – Cheri
Today after early breakfast we drive to the north of the capital to Cheri, a quiet Buddhist retreat that is also the home of various species of birds. The river banks at Cheri are the haunts of Yellow-rumped Honey guide, Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Blue fronted Red starts, Rufous flanked, yellow brown Tit, and Blacked faced Laughing thrushes, Wallcreeper and many others. Lunch will be served at the location. Over night in Thimphu

DAY 4 – Thimphu – Punakha
Today we will be Leaving Thimphu early to reach the Dochu La pass (3,150m) in time for sunrise. On a clear day, the scenery from Dochula is breathtaking: we can get a full view of the mightiest peaks of the Himalayas towering along the northern horizon. Today is an excellent opportunity to see pheasant species like the Satyr’s Tragopan and a host of mixed species that dwell in the cool broadleaf forests. En route to Punakha, espy the Red-flanked Bluetail and Golden Bush-Robin, Grey Bushchat and Rufous-breasted Accentor. Identify the Blue-winged, Red-tailed and Chestnut-tailed Minlas, Rufus-winged, White-browed and Nepal Fulvetta and Whiskered, Stripe-throated, Rufus-vented, Black-chinned and White-bellied Yuhinas. It is possible to see both Barwings plus a good selection of Laughing Thrushes before Punakha.After lunch, take a short trip to the temple of the “Divine Mad Man”. The temple is famous today for its miraculous powers to bestow fertility to barren women. From the temple, walk to the Phochu banks to look for the endangered Pallas’ Fish-Eagle and the world-renowned White-bellied Heron. Over night at Hotel in Punakha.

DAY 5. Punakha – Tashithang (Day excursion)
Drive northwards to Tashithang, a thickly forested base for Bhutan ’s extremely challenging northern trek routes. Here, at an elevation of 5,000 feet above the sea level, comb for species such as Crested Kingfisher, Lesser Shortwing, Greater Yellownape, Bay Woodpecker, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Little and Slaty-backed Forktail, Pygmy Wren-babbler, Golden Tree-Babbler, Striated and Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, tesias, Golden-spectacled and Broad-billed Warbler, Small Niltava and Black-throated Tits. Also, if lucky, spot a pair or two of Yellow-throated Martins and flocks of Assamese Macaques or the extremely rare Twany Fishing Owl. This area is known for its excellent hawk watching spots.After lunch, retrace the journey to the imposing Punakha Dzong, a massive 17th century fortress that was the seat of the Bhutanese government until the 1950s. Over night in Punakha

DAY 6 – Punakha to Pele La Pass area
Get another go at spotting the White-bellied Heron during an excursion along the river and up through a forest of cool broadleaf and evergreen trees to Pele-la, the pass that divides eastern and western Bhutan. The diverse habitats along the way should present numerous prospects of seeing a great range of species such as Cutia, Great Barbet, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Long-tailed Minivet, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, White-throated Laughingthrush, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Yellow-bellied Bush-Warbler, Ashy-throated Leaf Warbler, and Verditer. Ward’s Trogon is usually sighted along this road. Night camping near Pele pass or in Chendipjee Areas.

DAY 7. Pele pass or in Chendipjee Areas – Trongsa
It should be another day of great birding prospects. Scour the slopes of the campsite for the Himalayan Bear, Black Leopard, White-collared Blackbird, the Himalayan Monal, Black-faced Laughing Thrush and White-tailed Nuthatch. Chances of seeing tragopans are high as it is the bird’s breeding season. In the pine forests around the pass look for Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Dark Rosefinch, Himalayan Greenfinch and Rufus-vented, Grey-crested, Green-backed Tits, Common Buzzard, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Steppe Eagle and Himalayan Griffon.

Finally, move on to the interior town of Trongsa through cool broadleaf forests where it is highly likely that you will come across Red-billed Leiothrix, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie and Gray-sided Bush-Warbler. Over night at Trongsa.

DAY 8 – Trongsa – Zhemgang
Today we will drive deep into the interior of an area known as the Black Mountain National Park , via the town of Zhemgang and finally to Tingtibhi, the night halt. The path cuts through dense jungles that contain a plethora of wildlife species like the Black-Eagle, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Speckled Piculet, Lesser Yellownape,and the Golden Langur (a strikingly beautiful monkey species that is found only in Bhutan ). Flowers and fruiting trees that attract sunbirds will be plentiful enroute along the descent to the lowest elevation. This entire region is very rich in wildfire and has thus been declared as a protected area by the Bhutanese government. Night camp at Tingtibhi.

DAY 9 – Zhemgang – Zhemgang
We will start birding early. Breakfast and lunch will be served at birding points in the forests. The bamboo groves around Tingtibhi are usually the haunts of Lesser Rufus-headed Parrotbills and Streaked Laughingthrushes while the fruiting trees attract Golden-throated Barbets, Wedge-tailed and Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon and Scarlet Minivets. This area is also the best chance of encountering the Rufus-necked Hornbill. Chances are you will see flocks of Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantail and other species like yuhinas, minlas, fulvettas and sibias. Night camp at Tingtibi

DAY 10 – Zhemgang – Trongsa
Again we will return back to Trongsa today and en route look for birds that may not have been seen earlier.  Expect to see the Mountain-Imperial Pigeon, Golden-throated Barbet, Great-pied Hornbill, White-browed Piculet,Nepal House-Martin, Fulvous-breasted, Grey-capped, Gray-headed Green Woodpeckers,laughingthrushes, White-throated,Greater,Necklaced,Rufus-chinned,Liocichla.BeautifulNuthatch another species found in this region. Over night at Trongsa

DAY 11 – Trongsa – Bumthang
A relaxed trip awaits to  Bumthang, the next night’s halt, just about 67 kilometres away. The  aim here should be to spot the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, then climb the Yotongla Pass and enter the forests of spruce and fir abruptly changing the avifauna. The Bumthang valley, one of the most beautiful in the country, is home to Beautiful Rosefinch, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Spotted Laughingthrush, Ibisbill and Snow Pigeon. The Himalayan Black Bear is commonly spotted in this valley. After lunch in Bumthang, explore the valley in the afternoon visiting, among others, the textile shops, the Jakar Dzong (fortress), ancient monasteries, the local brewery, and a stupa under which, legend has it, lies the severed head of a Tibetan General who tried to invade Bhutan. Over night at Bumthang.

DAY 12 – Bumthang – Sengor
Today Early we will drive eastwards. Crossing a pass and enter the Ura valley for a stop to visit the village. The Ura locality is not only beautiful but has plenty of bird species. After the stopover, climb up to the Thrumsing La pass, the highest point on of the journey, and then begin a long descent to Sengor. Over Night camping at Sengor.

DAY 13, 14 and 15 Lemithang Road camping
Now next three days we should highlights of the tour, scouring the Lemithang valley for birds. The Lemithang area, situated at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 12,400 feet, boasts some of the country’s most pristine forests, unrivalled in the density of tree species, and thus is a natural haven for birds. The endless stretches of forests, the quaint villages and a sleepy road which winds through the valley are all frequented by flocks after flocks of birds of all shades that make the entire area a visual delight for bird lovers. Here we have the greatest chance of seeing famous Bhutanese birds that may have been missed elsewhere during the trip like the Rufus-necked Hornbill, Ward’s Trogon, Satyr Tragopan and endless others.The objective here is to track down, among others, the Collared Scops-Owl, Collared Owlet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Striated, Black-crested, White-cheeked, Red-vented, Ashy, Black and Mountain Bulbuls, Golden-breasted and Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Slender-billed Rusty-cheeked, Streak-breasted, and Coral-billed Scimitar-Babblers, Hill and Rufecent Prinia, Gray-headed Canary Flycatcher, Common Tailorbird, Ashy, Bronzed, Lesser Racquet-tailed and Hair-crested Dorangos, and Scarlet Finch. Over night camping for 3 nights here.

DAY 16 – Lemithang – Bumthang
From Lemithang we will retrace the journey back to western Bhutan, the airport and eventually the flight home. It doesn’t however mean that no new birds will be added to the sighting list. And we will be doing some cultural tours if you’re interested. Over night at Bumthang.

DAY 17 – Bumthang – Wangduephodrang / Punakha
After breakfast will drive to Wangdue / Punakha via Yontong La Pass, Pelela Pass. Over night in Wangdue / Punakha.

DAY 18 – Wangduephodrang/ Punakha via Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast at around 8- 8.30 am, we will drive to back to Paro via Dochula Pass. We will have lunch at Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. In the evening we will drive to Paro.

DAY 19 – Paro- Depart.
Early breakfast we will drive to Paro National air port and bid you a farewell.

Thank you and Tashi Delek!!!

Cost

Tour cost: US$3,630.00 per head. Inclusive of Bhutan Visa fees, Tourism Development.

Group size: 3 people and above.

Booking