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Bhutan is a bird-watcher's paradise. Due to the wide range of specific
altitudinal and climatic conditions (from sub-tropical to alpine), the
Kingdom possesses an immense variety of birds within its small territory. Over 600 species have been recorded to date, this extensive list growing increasingly longer as more systematic birding is undertaken. The most high profile species include the Black-neckedcrane, Blyth's/Satyr tragopan, Ward's trogon, Monal pheasant, Wedge-billed, Long -billed, Bar Winged wren-Babblers, yellow-throated fulvetta and Rufous-necked hornbill. For a wider variety of birds and better sightings one should travel to the east of the country. Sengor and Limithang are known to be some of the finest areas. Early morning is the best time for watching. Afternoons can therefore be used to discover the other cultural like beautiful monasteries, dzongs (Fortress), archery contests colourful national dress, bazaar and ecological aspects that make being in Bhutan a truly singular experience.
Birds watching tour to western Bhutan
Tour itinerary- 6nights/7days.
Day 01: Fly to Paro by Druk air a truly spectacular flight. After clearing immigration we'll drive through the wide, flat-bottomed Paro Valley making a few stops to look for Ibisbill, Wallcreeper or perhaps a regional specialty such as Rufous-fronted Tit. Night in Thimpu , Bhutan 's delightful capital.
Day 02: We'll head east out of Thimpu, up onto the western slopes of the Dochu La, the first of a series of passes. Entering the pristine forests of hemlock, fir, oak and blossoming magnolias and rhododendrons we should see a wealth of birds in species-rich feeding flocks. Highlights may include a skulking Hill Partridge or Satyr Tragopan, a quarrelsome Nutcracker, a Golden Bush-Robin, an immaculate Cutia or even a gorgeous Fire-tailed Myzornis. In the recent past we've even managed excellent views of Ward's Trogon, one of Bhutan 's premier avian prizes. Most of our birding will be from paved roads which are virtually lacking in traffic. Several times we'll explore side trails, while our Bhutanese guides move ahead to prepare lunch. After lunch we'll arrive at our splendid hotel near Punakha , Bhutan 's former capital. Night near Punakha.
Day 03: Today we'll explore the braided channels of the Mo Chhu River and the bird-rich subtropical forests toward Tashitang. We should see an impressive array of species here perhaps including White-bellied Heron, one of Bhutan 's most elusive specialties. We may also see more Ibisbills as well as a host of forest birds such as Bay Woodpecker, Red-headed Trogon, Wedge-tailed Pigeon, perhaps three species of forktails, Yellow-vented Warbler, Fire-capped Tit and White-gorgeted Flycatcher. We'll also search for a variety of skulkers including Lesser Shortwing, Spotted and Pygmy Wren-Babblers and two of the three species of tesias. Night near Punakha.
Day 04: Continuing east we'll make a series of brief stops to scan the river channel for Pallas's Gull and Pallas's Fish-Eagle as well as to check forest edges or explore some of the small patches of cultivation. About an hour before the end of our journey, we'll enter particularly productive forest where we'll look three magnificent pheasants - Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan and the majestic Himalayan Monal. Other species could include Spotted Laughingthrush, Rufous-vented Tit, White-browed Bush Robin and White-winged Grosbeak. Our guest house for the night is superbly situated right next to Gangtey Gompa in the heart of the Phobjika Valley . Night in Gangtey.
Day 05: Leaving Gangtey we'll backtrack briefly before heading up over the Pele La Pass and into central Bhutan . A stand of ringal bamboo extends for about three miles below the pass and here we'll search for specialties such as Great and Brown Parrotbills and Golden-breasted Fulvetta, surely one of the world's most attractive passerines. We'll arrive at Trongsa in the evening, early enough to have views of Bhutan 's largest and undoubtedly most impressive dzong (fortress-monastery). Night in Trongsa.
Day 06 : Trongsa - Paro After breakfast drive back to Paro inroute visit Wangdue Dzong, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan . We make a short stop to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu and then continue drive to Paro via Dochola pass. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Paro - Departure. An early breakfast served at your hotel and then drive a short distance to the Paro airport or Phuntsoling border where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell. Good-bye and happy journey back home.
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