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Paro: Bhutan.

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Bhutan is an incredible destination for bird watching due to its rich biodiversity and variety of habitats ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. The country is home to over 700 species of birds, including several endemic and rare species, such as the Black-necked Crane, White-bellied Heron, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. A birding tour in Bhutan offers the opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems while witnessing some of the most spectacular avian life in the world.

Here’s a 10-day birding tour itinerary that takes you through some of the most prominent bird-watching sites in Bhutan:

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

  • Arrival at Paro International Airport:
    • Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Paro.
  • Bird Watching in Paro:
    • After check-in, take a walk around the Paro Valley, which is home to a range of bird species, including Common Buzzard, Grey Heron, and Eurasian Wren.
    • Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, where you may spot species like the Black-crowned Night Heron or Spotted Dove.
  • Overnight: Stay in Paro.

Day 2: Paro to Thimphu

  • Drive to Thimphu: A scenic 1.5-hour drive.
  • Bird Watching in Thimphu:
    • Visit the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), which offers an excellent birding opportunity. Look for species like Black-throated Parrotbill, White-collared Blackbird, and Blue-fronted Redstart.
    • Stop at the Punakha Dzong area to see Indian Vulture, Great Hornbill, and possibly the Yellow-breasted Greenfinch.
  • Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha

  • Drive to Punakha (2.5-3 hours).
  • Bird Watching in Punakha:
    • Explore the Punakha Valley, home to rare birds like the White-bellied Heron (one of the rarest birds in the world) and the Brown Parrotbill.
    • Visit the Punakha Dzong and the surrounding riverbanks for opportunities to spot Ruddy Shelduck, Common Kingfisher, and Cinnamon Bittern.
  • Overnight: Stay in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang

  • Drive to Wangdue Phodrang (1.5 hours).
  • Bird Watching in Wangdue Phodrang:
    • Visit the Wangdue Phodrang Valley, home to a variety of birds, including Spot-winged Thrush, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, and Ibisbill.
    • Explore the area around Punasangchhu River, where you may spot Blue Rock Thrush, White-capped Redstart, and Dipper.
  • Overnight: Stay in Wangdue Phodrang.

Day 5: Wangdue Phodrang to Phobjikha Valley

  • Drive to Phobjikha Valley (3 hours), known for its wide open landscapes and wetlands.
  • Bird Watching in Phobjikha Valley:
    • Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s prime birding destinations. Here, you can spot the Black-necked Crane (especially from November to March).
    • Other species include Fire-tailed Myzornis, Grey-headed Bullfinch, and Golden Bush Robin.
    • Visit the Gangtey Monastery and surrounding wetlands to see various waterfowl, such as the Ruddy Shelduck and Merganser.
  • Overnight: Stay in Phobjikha.

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley to Trongsa

  • Drive to Trongsa (4 hours).
  • Bird Watching in Trongsa:
    • Explore the Trongsa Dzong area, where you may spot Himalayan Monal, Great Parrotbill, and Pale-billed Parrotfinch.
    • Visit the surrounding forests, which are home to Nepal House Martin and Laughingthrush species.
  • Overnight: Stay in Trongsa.

Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang

  • Drive to Bumthang (2-3 hours).
  • Bird Watching in Bumthang:
    • The Bumthang Valley is a great place for spotting species such as Maroon-backed Accentor, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch.
    • Explore the Jakar Valley, where you may also find Golden Eagle and Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
  • Overnight: Stay in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang to Ura

  • Drive to Ura (1.5 hours).
  • Bird Watching in Ura:
    • Ura is located at a higher altitude, making it a good spot for spotting mountain species such as Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Bluetail, and Rufous-throated Partridge.
    • The surrounding forests are also home to species like Black-headed Shrike-babbler and Green-tailed Sunbird.
  • Overnight: Stay in Ura.

Day 9: Ura to Wangdue Phodrang

  • Drive back to Wangdue Phodrang (5-6 hours).
  • Bird Watching along the way:
    • Stop at various bird-watching points to spot additional species such as Common Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, and Mountain Hawk Eagle.
  • Overnight: Stay in Wangdue Phodrang.

Day 10: Wangdue Phodrang to Paro

  • Drive back to Paro (4-5 hours).
  • Bird Watching in Paro:
    • Visit the Paro Tsechu (Paro Valley) for a final birding session. You may see species like Black-headed Shrike, Long-tailed Minivet, and Eurasian Nuthatch.
    • End the day with a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), where you may spot Blue Whistling Thrush and Himalayan Griffon.
  • Overnight: Stay in Paro.

Day 11: Departure from Paro

  • Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a final bird-watching session or visit the Kyichu Lhakhang again for additional species.
  • Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure.

Key Bird Watching Highlights:

  • Black-necked Crane: Phobjikha Valley (particularly from November to March).
  • White-bellied Heron: Punakha.
  • Rufous-necked Hornbill: Found in the forests of central Bhutan.
  • Himalayan Monal: Found in higher altitudes like Trongsa.
  • Fire-tailed Myzornis and Golden Bush Robin: Phobjikha Valley.
  • Maroon-backed Accentor: Bumthang.
  • Great Hornbill: Common in forested areas, including Punakha.

Bhutan’s rich biodiversity makes it a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts. This 10-day birding tour combines scenic drives through the country’s picturesque valleys and forests, along with ample opportunities to observe a variety of bird species. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual nature lover, this itinerary will provide you with unforgettable experiences in Bhutan’s pristine environments.