Reaching the endemic wonders of this region, embark on an extraordinary birding adventure deep into a mystical kingdom. Here, nature’s marvels unfold as you explore enchanting subtropical forests, broadleaf woodlands, and cool hemlock groves. Specifically designed for avid birders, this journey transcends the ordinary, offering rare glimpses of legendary species like the Satyr Tragopan, Blyth’s Tragopan, and Ward’s Trogon. Meanwhile, the brilliant Blyth’s Kingfisher and regal Himalayan Monal captivate observers, while Black-necked Cranes dance overhead.
As you traverse further, serene landscapes reveal the elusive White-bellied Heron and countless migratory birds. Reaching the endemic heart of these habitats, you’ll witness pristine ecosystems thriving under Himalayan snow-capped peaks. Beyond wildlife, this tour rejuvenates the spirit with awe-inspiring vistas. Finally, immerse yourself in endless forests and tranquil skies—reaching the endemic soul of one of Earth’s finest birding experiences.
DAY 01: GUWAHATI-S/JONGKHAR
Upon arrival at Guwahati airport, our representative from India will greet you and drive you to Samdrup Jongkhar, a town bordering Bhutan. After reaching the border, complete immigration and customs formalities, and bid farewell to your Indian guide. Once in Bhutan, you’ll explore Samdrup Jongkhar’s tropical jungles, featuring broad-leaf evergreen forests and terraced fields. Here, you’ll spot locally common birds like the Blue-throated Barbet, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Indian Pond Heron, Ashy Woodswallow, and Lineated Barbet. Reaching the endemic heart of this region, you’ll also encounter the Blue-bearded Bee-Eater and other fascinating species.
DAY 02: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR-MORANG
Today, you’ll travel to Morang, situated at 4,650ft (1,418m). As you explore, the subtropical evergreen broad-leaf forests and cultivated terraces will reveal globally threatened birds. Among them, you’ll find the Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, and Mountain Imperial Pigeon. Additionally, species like the Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Rufescent Prinia, and Scarlet Minivet will captivate you. Reaching the endemic zones, you’ll also spot the Beautiful Nuthatch, Black-faced Warbler, and Striated Laughingthrush.
DAY 03: MORANG BIRDING
Spend the day birding around Morang. As you traverse forested foothills, you’ll encounter lowland species like the Beautiful Nuthatch, Black-faced Warbler, and Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher. Meanwhile, the broad-leaved forests are home to the Striated Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Sibia, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Reaching the endemic habitats, you’ll also spot the Great Hornbill and Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
DAY 04: MORANG – TRASHIGANG
Drive to Trashigang, Bhutan’s most densely populated eastern district. Along the way, you’ll pass through rhododendron-filled valleys and lofty forests. During stops, you’ll spot species like Ward’s Trogon, Golden-naped Finch, and White-spectacled Warbler. Reaching the endemic areas, you’ll also encounter the Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Green-tailed Sunbird, and Yellow-cheeked Tit.
DAY 05: TRASHIGANG – MONGAR
After an early checkout, drive to Mongar. En route, you’ll spot birds like the Himalayan Bulbul, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, and White-crested Laughingthrush. As you ascend to Kori La Pass (7,800ft/2,378m), you’ll enter rhododendron forests. Here, you might see the Darjeeling Woodpecker, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, and migrant Blue Rock Thrush.
DAY 06: MONGAR – LIMITHANG
From Mongar, descend 600m to Lingmethang, a renowned birding site. Reaching the endemic-rich Thrumshingla National Park, you’ll explore pristine broadleaf and coniferous forests. Today’s highlights include the rare Ward’s Trogon and the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill.
DAY 07: LIMITHANG BIRDING
Spend the day birding in Lingmethang. As you explore, you’ll encounter the Broad-billed Warbler, Spotted Wren Babbler, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Reaching the endemic zones, you’ll also spot the Great Rufous-headed Parrotbill and Yellow-throated Fulvetta.
DAY 08: LIMITHANG – YONGKOLA
Drive to Yongkola, passing through chir pine and warm broadleaf forests. Along the way, you’ll spot the Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Yellow-browed Tit, and Spotted Wren Babbler. Reaching the endemic habitats, you’ll also encounter the Great Hornbill and Striated Laughingthrush.
DAY 09: YONGKOLA
Explore Yongkola’s pristine forests. Today’s highlights include the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Ward’s Trogon, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Reaching the endemic zones, you’ll also spot the Blue-napped Pitta and Purple Cochoa.
DAY 10: YONGKOLA – SENGOR
Drive to Sengor, birding through cool broadleaf forests. Here, you’ll find the Satyr Tragopan, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, and Mountain Scops Owl. Reaching the endemic areas, you’ll also encounter the Rufous-throated Wren Babbler and Green-tailed Sunbird.
DAY 11: SENGOR BIRDING
Spend the day birding around Sengor and Thrumshingla Pass. As you explore, you’ll spot the Satyr Tragopan, Hill Partridge, and Yellow-rumped Honeyguide. Reaching the endemic zones, you’ll also encounter the White-throated Laughingthrush and Grey Treepie.
DAY 12: SENGOR CAMP – BUMTHANG
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang through Thrumsingla National Park. Along the way, you’ll spot the Satyr Tragopan, Great Parrotbill, and Chestnut-breasted Partridge. Reaching the endemic areas, you’ll also encounter the Himalayan Blue Tail and Rufous-breasted Bush Robin.
DAY 13: BUMTHANG – TRONGSA
Drive to Trongsa, crossing Yotongla Pass (11,000ft/3,345m). En route, you’ll spot the Himalayan Rosefinch, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, and Spotted Laughingthrush. Upon arrival, visit the historic Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong watchtower.
DAY 14: TRONGSA – TINGTIBI
Travel to Tingtibi, a bird-rich paradise. As you explore, you’ll encounter the Yellow-browed Tit, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Striated Laughingthrush. Reaching the endemic zones, you’ll also spot the Beautiful Nuthatch and Verditer Flycatcher.
DAY 15: TINGTIBI BIRTI EXCURSION
Explore Birti’s subtropical forests. Here, you’ll spot the White-bellied Heron, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Palla’s Fish Eagle. Reaching the endemic areas, you’ll also encounter the Crested Kingfisher and Orange-bellied Leafbird.
DAY 16: TINGTIBI – PANBANG
Drive to Panbang through broadleaf forests. Along the way, you’ll spot the Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and White-bellied Heron. Reaching the endemic zones, you’ll also encounter the Beautiful Nuthatch and Striated Laughingthrush.
DAY 17: PANBANG WILDLIFE VIEWING
Start early for an elephant safari in Royal Manas National Park. As you explore, you might spot the Goral, Capped Langur, or even the Royal Bengal Tiger. Reaching the endemic habitats, you’ll also encounter rare species like the Assam Roofed Turtle and Pygmy Hog.
DAY 18: PANBANG – GELEPHU
Drive back to Gelephu, stopping for birding. Along the way, you’ll spot Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Beautiful Nuthatch. Reaching the endemic areas, you’ll also encounter the Grey Bushchat and Striated Prinia.
DAY 19: GELEPHU (EXIT BHUTAN)
After breakfast, complete exit formalities and bid farewell to your Bhutanese guide. Reaching the end of your journey, you’ll depart with unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s avian wonders.
