Birding Expedition

Black Crane Festival observed on 11th November, every year on occassion of Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck is an eco-tourism initiative to promote the sustainable livelihood of the local community. Apart from the festival, you will actually get to see the rare and endangered Black-necked crane species which are known to spend their winter months in Bhutan. The program also includes several short treks in other areas also.

Day 01: Paro (2245m) to Thimphu (2300m, dist: 55 kms, time 1 hr)

During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari in Bhutan. Upon landing on the beautiful Paro valley our team (who will be there with you until you depart back) will accord a warm traditional reception and drive around 1 hour to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan along the river banks.

After arriving in Thimphu, we will visit Kwangjangsa area where all the heritage and conservation areas are located. Our first visit will be Folk Heritage Museum to see the replica of an age old traditional farmhouse and also to see the traditional clay pot being made, followed by Traditional Medicine Institute where rich herbal medicines are manufactured and dispensed. Another interesting place to visit will be Traditional School of Arts and Crafts where 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught.

Towards evening we will visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third King, the Father of Modern Bhutan and also vist Government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu to Punakha (At 1350m, dist: 70 km, time 3 hrs)

After breakfast start off to Punakha from Thimphu. There will be stoppage at Dochu la Pass to enjoy the 360 degree of beautiful panoramic view of Himalaya mountain range as well as to see the Druk Wangyal Chortens-108 stupa built by the eldest Queen Mother Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. From the pass, after driving downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock, you will arrive at Lobesa. Visit Chime Lhakhang, the fertility temple founded by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as the ‘Divine Madman.

After traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River, one will get awestruck to see fascinating and wonderful Punakha Dzong built in 1637, at the Confluence of Phochu and Mochhu (male and female river). The Punkha Dzong that was built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel bears the historical and religious significance as all the Bhutanese Kings are enthroned here. Still it is used as the winter headquarters by the Central Monastic Community led by the Chief Abbot.  Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government moved to Thimphu. Halt at hotel in Punakha.

Day 03 Punakha to Phobjikha (At 2900m, dist:70 kms, time 3hrs)

Drive to Phobjikha through Wangdue Phodrang.  Arrive Phobjikha Valley, the winter home for Black necked cranes and also visit to Gangtey Goempa, built in 15th century and is the seat of Gangtey Truelku. The black necked crane numbering around 600 cranes can be seen from November until March. Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 04: Phobjikha sightseeing

Attend the Black Necked Crane Festival hosted by local community. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government and use Phobjikha as their winter residence. The Cranes circle three times in a clock-wise direction around the Gangtey Gompa as a reverence to the Monastery before landing in the valley and repeat the same practice before flying back to Tibet in early spring. The black necked crane numbering around 600 cranes. The birds could be seen from November until March.

Take some short hikes in the vicinity of the valley to view the panoramic view of the valley as well as to see the Crane. Visit some farm houses and overnight at hotel Phobjikha.

Day 05: Phobjikha to Paro (At 2245m, dist: 145 km, time 5 hrs)

Early morning start off for Paro. After arriving at Paro, visit will be made to the town including Taa Dzong, previously the watch tower which has now been converted to National Museum. From Taa Dzong we will take a short trek to visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 17th Century by Great Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel and has served as a key strategic place to defend the external forces. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Sight seeing in Paro and visit to Taktshang monastery.

No trip to Bhutan for that matter is complete without a hike and/or taking pictures of Taktshang monastery. As such after breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike to Taktshang, the Tiger Nest Monastery where Guru Rinpochhe is believed to have flown here on the back of a tigress to to spread Buddhism in 746 A.D. The round trip takes about 4 hours. As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan.

Alternatively for others who cannot hike upto Taktshang monastery, an arrangement to have clear view from the road point can be made and later join the group for afternoon program.

Towards late afternoon drive further North to visit Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” that was built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. It is undergoing reconstruction. Depending upon the weather, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Departure

After breakfast, our transport team will reach you to the Airport and will bid farewell for safe journey.

This birding trip will take you through Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Trongsa districts lying between altitude of 1000m – 3600m and will also cover part of Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. You can witness atleast 200 species of birds. In the course of birding expedition you will also get to see some of the ecotourism initiatives taken by Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park vis a vis Community Based Ecotourism Management at Nabji -Korphu block under Trongsa district.

Day 01: Arrival at Paro Airport.

During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari in Bhutan. Upon landing on the beautiful Paro valley our team (who will be there with you until you depart back) will accord a warm traditional reception and drive around 1 hour to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan along the river banks.

After lunch, you will be acclimatizing to Bhutanese weather and prepare for the birding adventure. Your birding trip will be introduced by visiting the Pachhu river where you will be able to spot water birds like Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, Common Sandpipers, White-collared Black Bird, River lapwings, Grey and White wagtails, etc. At the same time you will get an opportunity to get clear view of Taktshang monastery (perched on cliff where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of tigress in 746 AD) from the river bed. Night halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (2300m, dist: 95 kms, time 3 hrs)

Early morning drive to Chelela pass situated at 3780 m, from where you can get a view of mount Jhomolhari and also see flowers such as Asters, Potentilla and orchid species.  This area is good for Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Bhutan laughing thrush, spotted laughing thrush, Black faced Laughing thrush, rosefinches, Grosbeaks, Green-backed Tit, Rufous-fronted Tits, Coal tits, Gould Sunbirds, Greentailed sunbird, etc. In the evening drive towards Thimphu and halt at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu (Birding + sight seeing)

Drive about 30 minutes to Dodena, to the north of Thimphu which is a birding hotspot in Thimphu. It is also Western boundary of Jigme Dorji National Park. At Dodena we will do bird sightings to see Ibisbill, Crested Pied Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Hoopoe, Nepal House Martin, Long-tailed Minivet, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Spotted Nutcracker, Red-billed Chough, Black-browed and Grey-crested Tits, Striated and Black-faced Laughing Thrushes, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Common Merganzer, Crested Serpent-eagle, etc.

Towards afternoon drive back to Thimphu to visit some places some places of cultural interests like Tashichhodzong, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Institute of Traditional Arts and Crafts, Buddha point and ofcourse do some leisure walk for shopping.  Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha (Goenshari). (At 1350m, dist: 70 km, time 3 hrs)

Early morning drive towards Punakha making a stoppage at Dochula pass to see the 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten and to witness the 360 degress spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The birding expedition will be done in and around Dochula to see variety of woodpecker species, cuckoos, owls, warblers, Yuhinia, minivets, Fire-tailed Myzornis, the rare Ward’s Trogon, Hoary-throated Barwing, etc.

After about 20 minutes drive, will visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri to see Hill Patridges, Fantails, Satyr Tragopan, White-tailed Nuthatch, Chestnut-headed Tesia, rusty-flanked Treecreepers, etc. There is Information Center of the park as well as Rhododendron garden and Baritsho lake to see.

After lunch we further drive down towards Punakha through fir forest and rhododendron understorey. You can also see the sudden drop down of altitude which makes areas favourable for green leafbirds, barbets, Asian-barred owlets, Wall-creepers, etc to sight.

Overnight at Tented camp in Goenshari (Jigme Dorji National Park).

Day 05: Birding in Jigme Dorji National Park

Birding exercises will be carried out starting from Rimchu upto Tashithang where species such as the threatened White-bellied heron, endangered species like pallas Fish Eagle with its White Crest are often observed on tall chirprine trees. Other bird species such as the Chestnut-headed Tesia, Niltivas, Red-headed Trogons, Wren Babblers compose and Water birds such Mandarin Duck and Pochards are also seen in these area. Overnight at Tented camp in Goenshari.

Day 06: Goenshari to Phobjikha (At 2900m, dist:70 kms, time 3hrs)

Enroute do birdwatching to see Slaty-backed Forktail, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Grey-headed Parrotbills, fire-breasted Flowepecker, sunbirds, Black-throated tits, Striated-laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughthrush, Cutia, Red-tailed Minla, etc.

Arrive Phobjikha valley and try to explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government and use Phobjikha as their winter residence. The birds could be seen from November until March.  We will try to put in the homestays where you can enjoy interacting with families and drink locally brewed wine. These homestays are community based ecotourism group supported by Royal Society for Protection of Nature. Halt in Homestays at Phobjikha.

Day 07: Phobjikha to Nimshong (At 1320m, 90 kms, 4-5 hrs).

Drive towards Nimshong passing through Chelela pass situated at an altitude of 3,150 meters, providing a wonderful opportunity for photographs and enroute pass through Trongsa Dzong, stretched along a ridge above a ravine.

Enroute do some bird watching to see Hoary-throated Barwin, Blue fronted redstarta, Rufous Necked Hornbill, Common Green Magpie and also be able to see Golden Langur, capped langur, etc.  Halt at Tented camps in Nyimshong, the boundary of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park start from Nyimshong.

Day 08: Nyimshong to Nabji (At 1350m, 13 kms, 1 hour).

From Nyimshong starts the entry into Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) and will visit the Community Based  Ecotourism Management Groups in these areas (Nyimshong, Nabji and Korphu), while not losing the focus of bird watching. We will be driving through the Geog road (block road which has been paved just recently). JSWNP is considered unique as it has a combination of all different vegetation zones starting from sub tropical in the south to alpine in the north. The literatures on JSWNP reveal that about 391 species of birds, 40 species of mammals and 5000 species of vascular plants are available in JSWNP. It is the only park that contains potential sizes of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest. Because of its wide range in altitude and vegetation, and its central location, the park is vital for various migratory fauna species, particularly birds. Besides, the park provides suitable habitats for many rare and endangered species like tiger, red panda, golden languor, Himalayan black bear, hornbill, tragopan pheasant, peacock pheasant, etc. and internationally significant breeding populations of bird species.

Enroute do some bird watching as we are travelling through the warm braodleaf forest and see Hoary-throated Barwin, Yellow-throated Fulrett, Great Hornbill, Common Green Magpie. Arrive Nabji the fertile alluvial valley which also houses Nabji Lhakhang meaning oath monastery harbouring a stone pillar where the Guru Rinpoche, Sidhu Rajha the king of Bumthang valley and Nawjay the local king of India left their hand marks as peace was made between the two Kings. Halt at Tented camp in Nabji

Day 09: Bird watching in and around the Nabji valley:

We will take a day hike to Korphu located on hill top and enroute will see Great Hornbill, Wreathed hornbill, Hoary-throated Barwin, Yellow-throated Fulrett, Common Green Magpie, Ward’s Trogon, Tawny Fish Owl, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Himalayan Swiftlet, beaitiful Nuthatch. The view from Korphu village is spectacular. Return back for overnight in tented camps in Nabji. The cultural programmes can also be arranged during the night hosted by Community Based Ecotourism Management Group.

Day 10: Nabji to Trongsa (At 2300m, dist: 75 km, time 3-4 hrs)

Drive on the geog (block) road until we meet the main highway and then drive to Trongsa. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the seat of Trongsa Poenlop, the post assumed by Prince before accession to the Golden Throne. Built in 17th century during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong played significant role in bringing Eastern Bhutan under the Zhabdrung’s regime. We will also visit Ta Dzong, above the Trongsa Dzong which houses the museum. Overnight halt at hotel in Trongsa.

Day 11: Trongsa to Paro (At 2245m, dist: 254 km, time 6-7 hrs)

Early morning start off for Paro. After arriving at Paro, we will take a leisure walk in the town. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, our transport team will reach you to the Airport and will bid farewell for safe journey.

This birding trip will take you through West part of Bhutan to South Central covering altitude from as low as 200 m to as high as 4000 m. You can witness more than 250 species of birds covering three National Parks (JDNP, JSWNP and RMNP). In the course of birding expedition you will also get to see some of the ecotourism initiatives taken by Royal Manas National Park vis a vis Community Based Ecotourism Management at Lower Kheng, in Zhemgang district.

Day 01: Arrival at Paro Airport.

During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari& Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Upon landing on the beautiful Paro valley our team (who will be there with you until you depart back) will accord a warm traditional reception and drive around 1 hour to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan along the river banks.

After lunch, you will be acclimatizing to Bhutanese weather and prepare for the birding adventure. Your birding trip will be introduced by visiting the Pachhu river where you will be able to spot water birds like Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, Common Sandpipers, White-collared Black Bird, River lapwings, Grey and White wagtails, etc. At the same time you will get an opportunity to get clear view of Taktshang monastery (perched on cliff where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of tigress in 746 AD) from the river bed. Night halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (2300m, dist: 95 kms, time 3 hrs)

Early morning drive to Chelela pass situated at 3780 m, from where you can get a view of mount Jhomolhari and also see flowers such as Asters, Potentilla and orchid species.  This area is good for Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Bhutan laughing thrush, spotted laughing thrush, Black faced Laughing thrush, rosefinches, Grosbeaks, Green-backed Tit, Rufous-fronted Tits, Coal tits, Gould Sunbirds, Greentailed sunbird, etc. In the evening drive towards Thimphu and halt at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu (Birding + sight seeing)

Drive about 30 minutes to Dodena, to the north of Thimphu which is a birding hotspot in Thimphu. It is also Western boundary of Jigme Dorji National Park. At Dodena we will do bird sightings to see Ibisbill, Crested Pied Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Hoopoe, Nepal House Martin, Long-tailed Minivet, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Spotted Nutcracker, Red-billed Chough, Black-browed and Grey-crested Tits, Striated and Black-faced Laughing Thrushes, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Common Merganzer, Crested Serpent-eagle, etc.

Towards afternoon drive back to Thimphu to visit some places some places of cultural interests like Tashichhodzong, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Institute of Traditional Arts and Crafts, Buddha point and ofcourse do some leisure walk for shopping.  Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha (Goenshari). (At 1350m, dist: 70 km, time 3 hrs)

Early morning drive towards Punakha making a stoppage at Dochula pass to see the 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten and to witness the 360 degress spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The birding expedition will be done in and around Dochula to see variety of woodpecker species, cuckoos, owls, warblers, Yuhinia, minivets, Fire-tailed Myzornis, the rare Ward’s Trogon, Hoary-throated Barwing, etc.

After about 20 minutes drive, will visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri to see Hill Patridges, Fantails, Satyr Tragopan, White-tailed Nuthatch, Chestnut-headed Tesia, rusty-flanked Treecreepers, etc. There is Information Center of the park as well as Rhododendron garden and Baritsho lake to see.

After lunch we further drive down towards Punakha through fir forest and rhododendron understorey. You can also see the sudden drop down of altitude which makes areas favourable for green leafbirds, barbets, Asian-barred owlets, Wall-creepers, etc to sight.

Overnight at Tented camp in Goenshari (Jigme Dorji National Park).

Day 05: Punakha (Goenshari) to Trongsa (At 2300m, dist:152 kms, time 5-6 hrs)

Enroute visit Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes’ winter habitat. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government and use Phobjikha as their winter residence. The black necked crane numbering around 600 cranes could be seen from November until March.

Post lunch while driving to Trongsa, will pass across Pele La pass situated at an altitude of 3,150 meters, a wonderful opportunity for photographs.Enroute we will stop and have lookout for Scarlet Finch, White-throat-ed Laughing Thrush, Eurasian Jay, Verditer Flycatcher and a variety of exoctic pigeon species. Arrive Trongsa, the seat of Trongsa Poenlop, the post assumed by Prince before accession to the Golden Throne. Built in 17th century during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong played significant role in bringing Eastern Bhutan under the Zhabdrung’s regime.  Overnight at hotel in Trongsa

Day 06: Trongsa to Zhemgang (At 1900m, dit: 110 kms, time: 4-5hrs)

The drive from Trongsa to Zhemgang takes from tempererate boradleaved forest to conifer forest and then to temperate broad leaved forest again. Enroute we will try to catch hold of endangered Beautiful Nuthatch and Yellow-Rumped Honey guide amongst others. We will be entering into the land of the Khengpas with unique dialect. History reveals that the Khengpas once ruled some parts of Assam as well which is evident in the castle of Bjoka’, house. Khengpas are the last of the Bhutanese people who have abondoned the shifting cultivation. Overnight at Tented camp in Zhemgang.

Day 07: Zhemgang to Tingtibi (At 649 m. dist: 18 kms. time 1 hr)

Early morning drive towards Dakhphel to observe the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill and the endangered Golden Langur. Then continue our journey and cross the Mangdechu river and drive towards Tama Goenpa (1500 m), a temple. Starting from Tama lhakhang we will try to explore the birds through a rich vegetation of forests and reach at our camp in Berti. We will get to interact with the people of kheng and also taste the local wine popularly called as Ara.  Cultural dance program can be arranged during night. Overnight at camps in Berti.

Day 08: Tingtibi to Gomphu (At 1487 m, dist: 45 kms, time 2hrs)

Early morning we will try to catch hold of the White-bellied heron by the Berti chu river and after which we will head towards Gomphu, the lower Kheng. We will be basically traversing through the lower kheng from here onwards. We will drive along the Gonphu road and do birding all along to spot Rufous-Necked Hornbill, Blue Throated bee- eater, Collared Falconet etc and also Golden Langur, Yellow throated martin, etc. Overnight at camps in Gonphu.

Day 09: Gomphu to Panbang (At 181 m, dist: 50 kms, time 3-4 hrs )

Basically we will be driving and getting out to do birding and take pictures whenever deemed necessary. We will be almost seeing the similar birds such as Rufous-Necked Hornbill, Blue Throated bee- eater, Collared Falconet. We will stop at Pantang ecolodge for lunch and get to interact with some of the members. Continue driving through the sub-tropical forest and will also pass through the famous twin water fall. There are chances of sighting animals as we approach the lower valley and especailly when we reach as the grasslands.

River rafting can be arranged from the Chengnarzam till Panbang conducted by the River Guides Association of Panbang, a community based organization that employ local youths who are trained professionally. Halt at Eco-camps in Panbang.

Day 10: Visit Royal Manas National Park (sAt 150m) and back to Pangbang

We will drive around 15 kms to Mathang Guri (the border between India and Bhutan), from where we have to cross the river in a boat to get into the Royal Manas National Park office by crossing the Manas River (a largest river in Bhutan). We will also experience elephant safari to spot Gaur, Asiatic Water Buffola, Asiatic Elephants, Sambar deer, Pygmy hog, etc. We can also pay a visit to the Royal Cottage being used by Kings of Bhutan while visiting the RMNP.

Towards evening drive back to Panbang and have born fire. Halt at Eco-camps in Panbang.

Day 11: Pangbang to Gelephug (At 250m, dist: 200 kms, time : 8hrs)

Drive back towards Tingtibi and make headway to Gelephu, the central gateway to Bhutan. Gelephu adjoins with the State of Assam and has got a domestic ariport. Halt at hotel in Gelephug.

Day 12: Gelephu to Darachu, Tsirang (At 1435m, dist: 98 kms, time: 3-4 hrs)

We will driving through the tropical forest, sub-tropical forest and then reach warm broad making several halts to watch Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Collard Falconetn, Bay Woodpecker, Rufous Woodpecker, Blue-throated Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Rufous-bellied Niltava, White-browed Bush Robin, White-tailed Robin, White-throated Laughingthrush, Bhutan Laughingthrush (Streaked Laughingthrush), Striated Laughingthrush, etc. Halt at camps in Darachu, Tsirang

Day 13: Darachu to Paro (At 2200, dist: 210 kmsm time 6-7 hrs)

After Breakfast start our journey to Paro. Enroute visit Burichhu to see the White Bellied Heron Conservation (Ardea insignis). This is one of the critically endangered bird species of the world under Internationa Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also one of the 50 rarest birds in the world. Out of global population of 60 individuals, Bhutan has 28 individuals. It is found in localised area of Punatshangchu, Mangdechu and Drangmechu basin. Some of the birds we will be looking for include Golden throated and blue throated barbet, Striated Prinia, Ble and Chestnit-bellied Rock thrushes, Crested Serpent Eagle, Common Kestrel, etc.

Arrive Paro towards late afternoon and take a leisure walk in the town and have some souvenirs for yourself.  Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 14: Departure

After breakfast, our transport team will reach you to the Airport and will bid farewell for safe journey.

Contact Druk Siddhi Tours for detail itinerary.