Birding In Bhutan
Page updated – 20 August 2025
Birdwatching in remote Bhutan
Bhutan offers an exceptional range of bird species for the avid birdwatcher (twitcher) with over 700 species recorded to date.
This Bhutan birding private tour is best suited for parties between 2 & 15 persons and covers a broad area of southern & western Bhutan.
Over 12 days/11 nights travellers will be transported through a range of altitudes and environments to discover Bhutan’s fascinating birdlife, along with some key cultural & spiritual site visit options.
Tour Costs from USD4276.00 pp twin/double share for 2 travelling together.
ENQUIRE NOW or REQUEST A QUOTE
Bhutan Birding Private Tour Introduction:
- Discover Bhutan’s biodiversity & rich birdlife on this 11-night private tour
- Stay in a mix of Bhutanese style hotels, eco-lodges and/or homestays
- Features best birding regions of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in western Bhutan, & Gelephu, Panbang, Tingtibi & Trongsa in south/central Bhutan
- Escorted by a professional birdwatching & English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- Best months to take this tour OCT-MAY. Tour operates on selected days only to fit in with domestic flight schedules
- Combine birding with essential cultural & Buddhist spiritual sites
- Option to take a pilgrimage hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery in Paro
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS:
James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
Bhutan Birding Private Land Tour Inclusions
- Professional English-speaking birding guide throughout tour.
- Professional driver and private vehicle (SUV or Minivan).
- Full Board (FB) for 2 days incl all meals and site visit entry fees.
- Half Board (HB) for 9 days incl breakfasts/dinners (lunches at own expense – no site visit fees applicable).
- Two 500ml bottles of water provided daily per person.
- All transfers and touring
- All site visits & birding excursions/hikes as per itinerary.
- Provision of Bhutan Birding guide book (1 per couple) for you to keep.
- Flexibility to change itinerary & inclusions to suit personal preferences, where possible.
- Accommodation for 11 nts in range of Bhutanese 3-star hotels and eco-lodges.
- All hotels offer private bathrooms. Eco-lodges sometimes offer only shared bathroom facilities.
- Domestic airfares Paro-Gelephu incl guide airfares.
- Bhutan ‘Sustainable Development Fee’ (SDF – aka Tourism Tax)
- All local Bhutanese taxes (20%)
- Bhutan visa and park visit/birding permits.
- Provision of Bhutan & Beyond’s travel app ‘COMPANION’.
- Bhutan Visitor Guide for expert trip planning.
Tour Cost Exclusions
- Items of a personal nature (communications, medicines, laundry etc.)
- International airfares to/from Bhutan.
- Meals and site visits other then specified in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended for this style of travel.
- Drinks other then water provided daily, and tea/coffee with included meals.
- Please bring your own binoculars/cameras etc.
Bhutan Birding Private Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrival at Paro, Introductory Birdwatching and Transfer to Thimphu. Alt 2340m.
On the arrival at Paro international airport, you will be greeted by a rep from BTCL, our long-time Bhutanese partner operator. Your birding starts here, exploring the Paro river bank specifically looking for monotypic Ibis bill, Brown Dipper and Wallcreeper. While looking for the above targeted species you will also have a good opportunity to view other more common species.
Later transfer to Bhutan’s quirky capital, Thimphu (approx 1.5 hrs drive incl stops). This afternoon take a wander through Kaja Throm, the local produce markets.
Overnight: Thimphu – traditional Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
HB: Dinner only included today. Lunch at your own expense.
Day 2:
Thimphu – Jigme Dorji National Park Exc – Paro. Alt 2850m
Early morning, drive to Jigme Dorji National Park (30 mins from city), located north of Thimphu, via drive by of the impressive Thimphu Dzong, Royal Residences and Supreme Court Building.
This is the finest birding area within close proximity to the city. The park provides excellent habitat for the magnificent Satyr Tragopan, among other notable species. In addition to commonly seen birds, key highlights include the Great and Brown Parrotbill, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, several species of Laughingthrushes, Red-headed Bullfinch, Scarlet Finch, Hume’s Bush Warbler, Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, various Sunbirds, Minlas, and Yuhinas.
Take the middle of the day to visit some key sites in Thimphu. Options include:
- Craft Bazaar, featuring genuine regional Bhutanese handicrafts
- Choki Art Centre, for both viewing & immersion into local arts.
- Take a circumambulation of the National Memorial Chorten, with the locals.
- Visit the S. Bishwa Art Gallery in the CBD, showcasing Bhutan’s emerging modern art scene
- The Folk Heritage Museum
Drive back to Paro, retracing the same road with opportunities to look for any missed species along the way and making a stop at the awesome Buddha Dordenma & monastery. A 54m high statue made of bronze and gilded in gold.
Overnight : Paro – trad Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
FB: All meals and site visit fees included today.
Day 3:
Domestic Flight to Gelephu – Lowland Birding and Night Excursion. Alt 221m
Early this morning take a short domestic flight to Gelephu (40 mins), a lowland region in southern Bhutan known for its rich bird diversity. Here, the focus will be on finding lowland forest species, as well as exploring the area that attracts a variety of migratory waterbirds. In addition to common species, birders should look out for Wreathed, Great, and Oriental Pied Hornbills, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Rosy Minivet, Himalayan Flameback, several species of Parakeets, Black-hooded Oriole, Rufous Treepie, and various woodpeckers.
Gelephu is also an excellent location for night birding. After dark our birding continues, and there are good chances of encountering Oriental and Collared Scops Owls, Spotted Owlet, Large-tailed Nightjar, and Brown Boobook.
Overnight: Gelephu – trad Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. No site visit fees applicable.
Day 4:
Gelephu-Panbang (approx 6 hrs drive time). Alt 314m.
Start your day with an early morning birding excursion around Gelephu. Before crossing the immigration check-point, keep an eye out for the Brown Fish Owl in the surrounding areas.
As you begin ascending into the warm broadleaf forests, the birding becomes especially rewarding. Look for key species such as Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, White-breasted Parrotbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Long-tailed Broadbill, Sultan Tit, and Himalayan Cutia, along with a variety of Yuhinas, warblers, barbets, and woodpeckers.
Continue exploring the forested areas before reaching Tamala (mountain pass at approx 2,500m), where you may encounter specialties like the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Long-billed Wren Babbler. In the mature oak forests around Tamala, watch for the striking Ward’s Trogon.
As you descend toward Tingtibi, scan the forest edges for Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, and Silver-eared Mesia.
After passing Tingtibi, along the riverbanks and through bamboo thickets, be on the lookout for the elusive and critically endangered White-bellied Heron. This stretch also offers chances to spot bamboo specialists such as White-hooded Babbler, Pale-billed Parrotbill, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Pale-headed Woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Warbler.
As you approach Panbang, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and undisturbed, offering a high potential for additional rare and interesting species. Keep watch for Tawny Fish Owl, Red-headed Trogon, Collared Falconet, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Common Green Magpie, and more.
Overnight: Panbang – Tented Eco-Lodge (pls note shared common toilets/bathrooms)
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. No site visit fees applicable.
Day 5:
Panbang Birding, alt 314m.
Drive along the Panbang–Nganglam road, a scenic route that offers excellent birding opportunities. Keep an eye out for the Black-backed Forktail, often seen foraging along the roadside streams. The forest stretch along this road is particularly rich and known to support all four species of hornbills found in Bhutan, making it a highlight for hornbill enthusiasts.
Other notable species to look for include the Grey-lored Broadbill, Long-tailed Broadbill, Rufous-backed Sibia, Ruddy Kingfisher, and Blue-eared Barbet. The area also holds more elusive species such as the Eyebrowed Wren Babbler and the rarely recorded Rufous-vented Laughingthrush. There are also further chances of encountering White-hooded Babbler, Pale-billed Parrotbill, and Large Scimitar Babbler.
Additionally, this route has yielded several records of the secretive Green Cochoa, and the haunting calls of the Grey Peacock-Pheasant are often heard echoing through the forest.
Overnight Panbang – Tented Eco-Lodge (pls note shared common toilets/bathrooms)
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. No site visit fees applicable.
Day 6:
Panbang -Tingtibi (approx 3+ hrs drive time) Alt 600.
Retrace your route along the Panbang–Tingtibi road, making targeted stops to search for any missed species from the previous day. This stretch of forest is highly productive and offers another excellent opportunity to spot the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, especially along riverbanks and quiet streams. Take time to scan key habitats carefully, as this elusive bird often appears unexpectedly
Overnight: Tingtibi – depending on availability in Tingtibi, which is remote, accom will be at either a local homestay, the Berti Eco-Lodge (pls note cabins in good order although private attached bathrooms are very basic) or as a last resort the basic TWang Hotel (2-star standard but with private bathroom).
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. No site visit fees applicable.
Day 7:
Tingtibi – Trongsa (approx 3 hrs drive time via Zhemgang bypass route) Alt. 2200m.
Drive along the Tingtibi–Zhemgang ‘bypass’ road, with the main focus on searching for the rare and sought-after Beautiful Nuthatch. In addition to common species, this stretch offers good chances of encountering Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Lesser and Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, and Red-headed Trogon. There have also been several sightings of the impressive Spot-bellied Eagle Owl along this road. Keep watching for Blue-bearded Bee-eater and hornbills, which are regularly seen in the area.
While continuing your drive to Trongsa, look for Himalayan Bulbul around Wangdigang, where they are commonly observed. Make sure to stop at Khoshala, another excellent birding spot along the way, known for Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Piculets, and a variety of other common forest species.
CULTURAL HIKING OPTION:
Substitute the shorter ‘bypass’ road for the ‘old’ Zhemgang-Trongsa road. Stop at ancient Trong Village in Zhemgang and commence a 9.5 km easy hike through to Gompong Chorten, where you reunite with your diver and vehicle and continue the drive to Trongsa. This option adds an hour to the drive time along with an extra 1 hr hike time so is a longer day.
Overnight: Trongsa – trad Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. No site visit fees applicable.
Day 8:
Trongsa – Punakha (approx 4.5 hrs drive time) Alt. 1200m.
Subject to opening hours, consider a visit to the ‘Heritage Museum’ in Trongsa this morning, one of Bhutan’s best museums.
Driving to Punakha, you are unlikely to encounter many new bird species, however it is worthwhile exploring the bamboo patches before Chendebji for specialties such as Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Black-throated and Brown Parrotbill, and the beautiful Fire-tailed Myzornis. The wetland area before Pelela Pass is also a good place to search for the elusive Solitary Snipe.
Spend some time at Pelela Pass (3420 m), scanning for high-altitude species like Spotted Laughingthrush, Rosefinches, varieties of Tits, Yuhinas, Minlas, and Sunbirds. Pelela Pass is particularly good for pheasants during the early morning and evening hours.
Make a brief stop at Nobding to look for Ward’s Trogon if it has been missed in earlier locations. Finally, while in Punakha, be sure to check the riversides for another chance to see the White-bellied Heron.
Overnight: Punakha – trad Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. Heritage Museum site visit fee USD6.00pp/BNU500 payable direct.
Day 9:
Punakha Birding and Dzong Visit. Alt 2800m
Begin the morning with birding around Yemay Gompa at Talo, a productive area known for several sought-after species. Key targets here include Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, Golden-naped Finch, Black-throated Parrotbill, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, and Golden-breasted Fulvetta. The area also offers good chances of seeing various woodpeckers, Maroon Oriole, Slender-billed Oriole, and a range of cuckoo species depending on the season.
In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time with a visit to the impressive Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic and historically significant monasteries.
Overnight: Punakha – trad Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
FB: All meals and entrance fees included today.
Day 10:
Punakha – Paro (approx 4 hrs drive time). Alt 2200m.
Drive to Paro, making a stop en-route at Menchuna to search for Ward’s Trogon if it has been missed earlier.
Continue the journey with a stop at Dochula Pass, where you can look for high-altitude specialties such as Great Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, and other common species of the temperate forest.
Reaching Paro, take time to re-explore the Paro River and surrounding habitats to search for any missed species from earlier in the trip, or alternatively take some leisure time to explore Paro town which features the CSI Market building and Ta Dzong, the National Museum.
Overnight: Paro – trad Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. Ta Dzong Museum site visit fee USD6.00pp/BNU500 payable direct.
Day 11:
Paro Birding and Taktsang Monastery Hike option. (Drive time approx 2 hrs) Alt 4000m.
Early morning drive to Chelela, on the highest motorable road in Bhutan, at approx 4000 m above sea level. Keep an eye out for high altitude birds, including the Kalij Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, and Himalayan Monal. Various other species such as Laughingthrushes, Tits, Grosbeaks, Sunbirds, and Rosefinches can also be spotted along the way and around the pass.
Consider the afternoon at leisure or the option below.
Optional Taktsang Monastery Pilgrimage Hike (aka Tiger’s Nest). This takes up to 5 hrs round trip or 2 hrs if only hiking as far as the monastery viewpoint). This hike is best done early morning so it could be combined with Chelela birding in the afternoon.
Overnight: Paro – trad Bhutanese 3-star hotel with private bathroom.
HB: Breakfast & dinner included. Lunch at your own expense. Taktsang Monastery site visit fee USD12.00pp/BNU1000 payable direct.
Day 12:
Paro Departure by air
Transfer to Paro Airport today for your onwards destination by air.
Breakfast only included today. If on a late flight from Paro lunch & any extra site visit fees will be at your own expense.
