Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro
Landing in Paro, you'll get those Himalayan views right away from the plane. Head across the Pa Chhu river to check out Tachogang Lhakhang temple, then make your way to Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang where you can see out over Thimphu. After that, spend the evening walking around Thimphu town and browsing the craft bazaar for gifts and souvenirs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Tachogang Lhakhang
- Visit Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang
- Explore Thimphu town and craft bazaar
Landmarks/POIs Tachogang Lhakhang Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang Paro Dzong Ta Dzong - Day 2
Thimphu
A 1.5 hour drive takes you to the northern end of Thimphu valley and the start of your hike through Jigme Dorji National Park. You'll walk through pine forests where you might spot Laughing Thrush, Brown Dipper, Fire-capped Tit, and Woodpeckers. There's a packed lunch waiting for you in the forest, then you'll head back to Thimphu by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Packed lunch in the forest), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike through Jigme Dorji National Park
- Bird watching in pine forests
- Packed lunch in the forest
Landmarks/POIs Jigme Dorji National Park - Day 3
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley
Stop at Dochu La Pass (3,100m/10,171 ft) for hot coffee and views across the Himalayas, then photograph the 108 stupas with snow peaks behind them. From there, continue to Phobjikha Valley, an important wildlife preserve where Black-necked Cranes spend winters. You'll have chances to see different bird species throughout the valley.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Stop at Dochu La Pass
- Visit 108 stupas at Dochu La
- Explore Phobjikha Valley wildlife preserve
- Bird watching in Phobjikha Valley
Landmarks/POIs Dochu La Pass 108 Stupas at Dochu La Phobjikha Valley - Day 4
Phobjikha Valley to Trongsa
A 3 hour drive through dense evergreen forests full of oak, rhododendron, maple, and fir gets you to Trongsa in central Bhutan. The route crosses Pele La Pass at 3,390m (11,122 ft). Watch for Spotted Laughingthrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, and various rosefinches along this scenic drive.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through evergreen forests
- Cross Pele La Pass
- Bird watching on journey to Trongsa
Landmarks/POIs Pele La Pass - Day 5
Trongsa to Bumthang
Travel to Bumthang, known for pheasant sightings. Visit Tharparling Monastery where Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan show up. Throughout the day you'll keep an eye out for Spot-winged Grosbeak, Daurian Redstart, Olive-backed Pipit, Oriental Skylark, Black-billed Magpie, and other birds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Tharparling Monastery
- Bird watching in Bumthang
- Pheasant sighting opportunities
Landmarks/POIs Tharparling Monastery - Day 6
Bumthang to Eastern Bhutan
You're heading into a 26 kilometer stretch of broad-leaved forest between Sengor and Yonkola in eastern Bhutan, known for its birding. Trek from Sengor to Namling through hemlock and cool broadleaf forests looking for Tragopans and Fire-tailed Myzornis. Then continue from Namling to Yonkola over Thrumsingla Pass (3,800m/12,467 ft) where you might see Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan. The mix of cool and warm forests here has Rufous-necked Hornbill and other species.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through hemlock and broadleaf forests
- Cross Thrumsingla Pass at 3,800 meters
- Bird watching in eastern Bhutan birding capital
- Spot Tragopans and pheasants
Landmarks/POIs Thrumsingla Pass - Day 7
Eastern Bhutan
Continuing through eastern Bhutan, you'll have chances to spot Rufous-necked Hornbill, Tawny Fish Owl, various trogons, wren babblers, Himalayan species, scimitar babblers, minivets, eagles, and laughingthrushes. This area offers exceptional birding with over 50 documented species possible in a day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bird watching in eastern Bhutan
- Explore regional biodiversity
- Day 8
Eastern Bhutan
Driving from Yotongla to Nganglam to Panbang, you'll watch for different bird species along the route throughout the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive through eastern Bhutan
- Bird watching en route
- Day 9
Panbang to Manas
A 13 kilometer rafting trip from Panbang to Manas takes about 30 minutes and offers riverside scenery plus birds from the water. At Manas National Park, you'll do bird watching, rafting, picnics along the riverbank, and walk the Park's Eco Trail. Around 365 bird species live here including Emerald Cuckoo, Spotted Wren-Babbler, White-bellied Heron, Pallas Fish Eagle, and various hornbills.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic along the riverbank), Dinner
Included Activities
- River rafting from Panbang to Manas
- Bird watching at Manas National Park
- Picnic along the riverbank
- Explore Park's Eco Trail on foot
Landmarks/POIs Manas National Park - Day 10
Manas to Tingtibi
Driving from Panbang to Tingtibi, you'll find a magnificent waterfall and check into Tingtibi Eco Lodge for the night. Later, explore the village of Berti. This area offers exceptional bird watching with Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Lesser Yellownape, Scarlet Minivet, Sultan Tit, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, and many others.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Tingtibi waterfall
- Explore village of Berti
- Bird watching at Tingtibi
- Complimentary traditional hot stone bath
Landmarks/POIs Tingtibi Waterfall Berti Village - Day 11
Tingtibi to Trongsa
Spend the day exploring Tingtibi and the surrounding forests for bird watching. You'll look for Spotted Laughingthrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Himalayan Griffon, and other species. If time allows, visit Trongsa Dzong in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bird watching in Tingtibi region
- Optional visit to Trongsa Dzong if time permits
Optional Activities
- Visit Trongsa Dzong
Landmarks/POIs Trongsa Dzong - Day 12
Trongsa to Punakha
Driving from Trongsa to Punakha, you'll cross Pele La Pass and stop to see Chendebji Chorten. Then check out Chimi Lhakhang and learn about the cultural myths and symbolism of the Phallus connected to this unique temple.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cross Pele La Pass
- Visit Chendebji Chorten
- Explore Chimi Lhakhang temple and cultural symbolism
Landmarks/POIs Pele La Pass Chendebji Chorten Chimi Lhakhang - Day 13
Punakha to Paro
Start the day at Punakha Dzong, then head to Jigme Dorji National Park. Explore Mo Chu Valley and Rimchu among warm broadleaf forests. You might spot White-bellied Heron, White-gorgetted Flycatcher, and Yellow-vented Warbler. Later, return to Paro.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Explore Mo Chu Valley and Rimchu
- Bird watching in warm broadleaf forests
- Return drive to Paro
Landmarks/POIs Punakha Dzong Mo Chu Valley Rimchu - Day 14
Paro
Hike up to Tiger's Nest monastery, an iconic spot for Bhutanese culture and tourism. After reaching the top, relax with a hot stone bath to unwind. Later, try some Bhutanese beer at the Namgay Artisanry Brewery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Tiger's Nest monastery
- Complimentary traditional hot stone bath
- Visit Namgay Artisanry Brewery and sample Bhutanese beer
Landmarks/POIs Tiger's Nest Namgay Artisanry Brewery - Day 15
Paro Departure
Your tour wraps up as the team takes you to the airport for departure.
Included Activities
- Airport transfer to Paro
