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Birding holidays

Activity level:

easy/moderate walks
some longer drives expected

Asia/Birding tour in Bhutan

Birds and wildlife in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan birding and cultural highlights, 16 days

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas situated between Tibet and India. Bhutan has snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, dense jungles and crystal-clear rivers combined with an ancient Buddhist culture. The picturesque mountains and endless forests are home to many sought-after Eastern Himalayan birds.

During the 16 days spent in this fascinating country we expect to see up to 350 species of birds including many rare and enigmatic species such as Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Ibisbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Beautiful Nuthatch, Black-necked Crane, White-bellied Heron and many more.

We hope to find a good list of mammals including Golden Langur and Yellow-throated Marten plus colourful rhododendrons and other flowers.

We’ll also visit ancient monasteries, temples and palaces as we traverse stunning countryside. We’ll be staying at good hotels in wonderful locations.

Facts

  • 16 days birding and wildlife watching in Bhutan
  • Starting and finishing in Paro, Bhutan
  • Relaxed pace, walking on uneven trails at times
  • Average elevation during the trip is 2,400m

Highlights

  • 300-350 birds species expected
  • Himalayan Monal, Blyth’s Tragopan, Blood Pheasant
  • Ibisbill, Black-necked Crane, White-bellied Heron
  • Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, Fire-tailed Myzornis
  • 10-15 mammal species expected
  • Breath-taking landscapes, beautiful flowers
  • Ancient Buddhist monasteries, temples and palaces
  • Excellent photographic opportunities

Hotels

  • 1 night at Hotel Park, Thimphu
  • 1 night at Spirit of Village Lodge,  Punakha
  • 1 night at Phobjikha Resort, Phobjikha
  • 1 night at Hotel Ugyenling, Bumthang
  • 3 nights at Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, Yongkola
  • 1 night at Tendrel Resort, Trongsa
  • 2 nights at Hotel Twang, Tingtibi
  • 2 nights at Hotel Kuengacholing, Gelephu
  • 1 night at Damphu Resort, Tsirang
  • 2 nights at Hotel Olathang, Paro

Departure Dates

20 March – 4 April 2026

Price

from 6,990 USD + 490 USD(single room supplement)

Ask about this tour

Itinerary

1

We will take the Druk Air flight to Paro, where we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including some of the highest mountains in the world. Upon arrival, after complet-ing customs and immigration procedures, we will be greeted by our Bhutanese hosts. From the airport, we will embark on a scenic drive along the Pa Chu river. As we traverse the gla-cial stones, keep an eye out for the camouflaged Himalayan riverine species, such as the Ibisbill, as it dips into the snowmelt in search of food. In this area, we are also likely to spot various bird species, including Wallcreeper, Black-tailed Crake, Eurasian Cuckoo, Common Kestrel, Olive-backed Pipit, Hodgson’s and Plumbeous Redstart, White Wagtail, Blue Whistling Thrush, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Rosy Pipit, Common Pigeon, House Crow, Russet and Eurasian Tree Sparrows.
Once we reach Thimphu, we will visit the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, spanning an area of 943 acres. Here, nestled within the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, we will find the Buddha Dordenma statue. The park is surrounded by forests and offers a stunning view of the Thimphu Valley from the southern approach. It presents excellent opportunities for capturing magnificent panoramic photographs of the valley below. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century and is believed to radiate an aura of peace and happiness throughout the world. Made of bronze and gilded in gold, it can house seventeen storeys of different Lhakhang and thousands of statues. Standing at a height of 51 meters, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
Overnight: Hotel Park or similar, Thimphu, (2300m).

2

Birding at Dochu La (3150m), Lampelri Park, and continue to Punakha, 74 km, 3-hour drive.
We will set out early to witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Himalayas as dawn breaks over Dochu La Pass (3150m). The road leading to the pass is adorned with prayer flags and 108 chortens. From the pass there are panoramic views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Dochu La and Lampelri Park provide the best opportunity to spot the rare and elusive Red Panda.
In the high elevations of Bhutan, amidst the mixed evergreen and broad-leafed forests, we will encounter a diverse range of birds and flowering plants. Here, we may have the chance to observe species such as Grey Nightjar, Hill Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Large Hawk-cuckoo, Wedge-tailed Pi-geon, Speckled Wood-pigeon, Rufous-bellied and Darjeeling Woodpeckers, White-collared Black-bird, Maroon-backed Accentor, White-throated Fantail, Brown-flanked and Russet Bush Warblers, Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Tickell’s and Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Pygmy Cupwing, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Red-tailed Minla, Brown Parrotbill, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Rusty-flanked and Hodgson’s Treecreepers, Blue-fronted Redstart, Sap-phire Flycatcher and Rufous-bellied Niltava.
Upon arriving in Punakha, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, which was bult in 1637. Perched on a promontory at the confluence of the Mo (mother) and Pho (father) Chu (river), Punakha Dzong is famously known as the “Palace of Great Happiness” and is regarded as one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan.
After the dzong we will bird along the Puna Tshang Chu river valley where we should find Osprey, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, Common Kingfisher, Goosander, Common Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Garganey, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Pied Avocet, Brown Dipper, Pallas’s Gull, Little Ringed Plover, River Lapwing, Richard’s Pipit, Red-vented Bulbul, Spotted Dove, Scaly-breasted Munia, Slender-billed Oriole, White-browed Wagtail, Sand Martin, and Grey Heron.
Overnight: Spirit of Village Lodge or similar, Punakha (1242m).
 alert.

3

Birding along Khelekha, Nobding, and Lawa La pass (3350m), and continue to Phobjikha, 79 km, 3-hour drive.
Today, we will embark on a scenic journey along the winding mountain road, ascending through oak and rhododendron forests adorned with lichens, leading us towards Lawa La at an elevation of 3350m. Throughout these diverse habitats we will have excellent birding opportunities, where we can expect to spot species such as Ward’s Trogon (one of the top five species in Bhutan and range restricted to Eastern Himalayas), Spotted Elachura (monotypic species and a top target for Bhutan), Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Asian Emerald and Himalayan Cuckoos, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Black-faced Warbler, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Dark breasted Rosefinch, Speckled Piculet, Long-billed Thrush (rare), Rufous-winged Fulvetta, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Himalayan Cutia, Large Niltava, Rufous-gorgeted and Slaty-blue Flycatchers.
Continuing from Lawa La, our journey will take us to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its Black-necked Crane (Near Threatened). These majestic birds migrate from the Tibetan plateau to over-winter in the valley from late October to March. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and serves as an important wildlife preserve. We will spend the rest of the day ob-serving the Black-necked Cranes from advantageous viewpoints and walking in the valley, as these magnificent birds with their impressive seven-and-a-half-foot wingspans gracefully soar overhead. The arrival of these birds is considered an auspicious sign, and the people of the valley eagerly await their annual winter visit, anticipating the blessings they bring. Additionally, the valley is home to a variety of bird species, including Oriental Skylark, Hen Harrier, Northern Lapwing and Himalayan Vulture (Near Threatened).
Overnight: Phobjikha Resort or similar, Phobjikha (3000m).

4

Birding at Pele La pass (3350m) and continue to Bumthang, 146 km, 8-hour drive.
As we make our way back through Lawa La pass at an elevation of 3350m, we pause once again to admire the breathtaking panoramic views before proceeding to our next birding destination at Pele La pass. Here, in the morning light, we will have our first birding session.
Some of the target bird species in this area include Satyr Tragopan (one of the top five of Bhutan), Bearded Vulture, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Brown Bullfinch, Verditer Fly-catcher, White-winged Grosbeak, Gold-naped Finch, Solitary Snipe, Hume’s Bush Warbler and Ru-fous-vented Yuhina.
Continuing our drive towards Chendibji, we will stop to capture photos of the Nepalese-styled Chorten. Situated alongside the river, this picturesque structure was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida and is modeled after the Sambhunath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. According to leg-end, it was constructed to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was vanquished there.
From Chendibji, our journey will lead us through breathtaking landscapes as we make our way to Trongsa. We will then ascend to Yotong La pass, the highest pass of the day at 3450m, before de-scending into the beautiful Bumthang valley for our overnight stay. Along these routes, we may encounter various bird species, including the Himalayan Buzzard, Short-billed Minivet, Eurasian Jay, Yellow-browed Tit, Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, White-throated Laughingthrush, Green Shrike-babbler, Bar-throated Siva, Rufous Sibia, Fulvous Parrotbill, Red-throated Thrush, White-browed Bush-robin, Green-tailed Sunbird, Alpine Accentor, White-browed Rosefinch and Red Crossbill.
Overnight: Hotel Ugyenling or similar, Bumthang (2800m).

5

Bumthang to Yongkola, birding along Thrumshing La (3780m) and Sengor valley, 139 km, 7-hour drive.
This day offers one of the most breathtaking drives in the Himalayas. As we ascend to Selthang La pass at 3600m, weather permitting, we are treated to awe-inspiring views of the magnificent Gangkar Puensum, standing at 7315m, the highest unclimbed peak in the world. Surrounding us are the stunning landscapes of the High Himalayas, adorned with auspicious prayer flags and typical Bhutanese villages. Truly, this is a magical land! Along the way, we will pause and explore the tranquil valley of Ura, the highest of the four valleys in Bumthang. Nestled in the shadow of Thrumshing La (3780m), Ura is a prosperous village. On this section of the journey, we have the opportunity to spot various birds including, Himalayan Monal, Goldcrest, Greenish Warbler, Beautiful Rosefinch, Collared Grosbeak, Gould’s Sunbird, White-browed Fulvetta, Eurasian Hobby, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Upland Buzzard, Himalayan Owl (a recent split from Tawny Owl), Rufous-vented Tit, Buff-barred Warbler and Black-faced Laughingthrush.
Leaving Ura, we continue our ascent through forests of larch, silver fir, spruce, and towering hemlocks until we reach Thrumshing La (3780m). Along this magnificent stretch of road, we keep our eyes open for Blood Pheasants feeding by the roadside while enjoying breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas. From Thrumshing La, we proceed to the picturesque village of Sengor at 3,000m.
In Sengor, we will explore the coniferous forests in search of special bird species, including Bar-winged Wren-babbler, White-browed Shortwing, Blanford’s Rosefinch, Asian House Martin, Hoary-throated Barwing, Black-headed Shrike-babbler, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Crimson-browed Finch, Himalayan Bluetail, Red-headed Bullfinch, Striated Laughingthrush and Rufous-breasted Bush-robin.
Continuing to Yongkola we will stop along Namling valley where we will look for the rare migrant species Gould’s Shortwing. Finally, we descend to the warmer Yongkola region.
Overnight: Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, Yongkola (1800m).

6-7

Exploring the bird-rich Thrumshing La National Park.
Thrumshing La National Park is renowned as one of the finest birding destinations in Asia. This captivating landscape provides us with an exceptional opportunity to encounter some of Bhutan’s most extraordinary bird species, many of which are rarely found elsewhere.
Alongside numerous commoner species, we will look for Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Ashy Wood-pigeon, Blue-fronted Robin, Green Cochoa, Rufous-necked Hornbill (one of the top five species and Bhutan holds the best place to see this species), Long-billed Wren-babbler (rare), Rufous-throated Wren-babbler (Near Threatened), Himalayan Wedge-billed Babbler (Near Threatened), Beautiful Nuthatch (one of the top five species in Bhutan and range restricted to Eastern Himalayas), Besra, Booted Eagle, Collared Owlet, Lesser Cuckoo, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Lesser Shortwing, Scaly Thrush, Fork-tailed Swift, Golden-throated Barbet, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Lesser Yellownape, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Nepal House-martin, Grey-bellied and Slaty-bellied Tesias, Mountain Tailorbird, Black Bulbul, Whistler’s and Broad-billed Warblers, Scaly and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Red-faced Liocichla, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Black-chinned Yuhina, Black-throated and Grey-headed Parrotbills, Alpine Thrush, Golden Bush-robin, Little Forktail, Grey Bushchat, Pygmy Flycatcher, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Common Rosefinch, Scarlet Finch, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Grey-capped Woodpecker, Grey-chinned Minivet, Grey-backed Shrike, Hair-crested Drongo, Yellow-bellied Fantail, and if luck favors us, the elusive Purple Cochoa.
As night falls, we will look for Brown Wood-owl, Hodgson’s Frogmouth, and Mountain Scops Owl. During the night safari we may also encounter the rare Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel.
Overnight: Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, Yongkola (1800m).

8

Yongkola to Trongsa, birding en-route, 190 km, 7-hour drive.
We will begin our morning by exploring the bird-rich areas of Yongkola. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will proceed towards Bumthang, making several additional stops at Namling, Sengor, and Thrumshing La. These stops will allow us to discover more birds, enjoy the vibrant display of flowers, and take in breathtaking vistas.
During our birding excursions, we will be on the lookout for a variety of species, including the
Slender-billed Scimitar-babbler, Shikra, Great Parrotbill, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Eurasian Woodcock, Ashy Drongo, Rufous-fronted Tit, Grey-crested Tit, Stripe-throated Yuhina, White-throated Redstart, Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler and Little Bunting.
In addition to our avian encounters, we might have the opportunity to spot a few mammal spe-cies, including the Hoary-bellied Squirrel, Himalayan Five-striped Squirrel, and with a stroke of luck, the rare Red Panda.
Overnight: Tendrel Resort or similar, Trongsa (2170m).

9

Trongsa to Tingtibi, birding stops along Shemgang road, 110 km, 5-hour drive.
Today’s journey will take us through a wide range of altitudes, starting from 2,170m and descend-ing to 600m as we reach Tingtibi. As we drive, we will be treated to magnificent views of the Hima-layan landscape. In the morning, our focus will be on spotting various bird species, including Black Eagle, White-tailed Robin, Crested Kingfisher, Oriental Turtle-dove, Barred Cuckoo-dove, Asian Barred Owlet, Asian Palm-swift, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crimson-breasted and Bay Woodpeckers, Black-throated Prinia, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Long-tailed Shrike, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Spot-winged Starling, Orange-headed Thrush, Spotted Forktail, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, White-gorgeted and Little Pied Flycatchers, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Black-throated Tit, Striated and Mountain Bulbuls, White-bellied Erpornis, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Tibetan Serin, Crested Bunting, and Grey-headed Bullfinch.
Following a satisfying breakfast around Kuenga Rubten, we will continue our journey towards Tingtibi, making additional birding stops whenever time permits. Some of the species we can ex-pect to encounter in the area include Peregrine Falcon, Oriental Hobby, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo (summer visitor), Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Green-billed Malkoha, Great Hornbill, White-throated Bulbul, Blue Rock-thrush, Common Tailorbird and Yellow-vented Warbler.
Overnight: Hotel Twang, Tingtibi (600m).

10

Exploring the sub-tropical bamboo forests of Tingtibi (Royal Manas National Park).
Our exploration of the rarely visited Royal Manas National Park in Tingtibi will introduce us to one of the most biodiverse areas in Bhutan, where we can witness an incredible variety of rare and special birds. Throughout the day, our target species will include White-bellied Heron (Critically Endangered), Pale-billed Parrotbill, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, White-hooded Babbler (a local bamboo specialist and rarity), Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Plaintive, Banded Bay, Drongo and Grey-bellied Cuckoos, White-browed Piculet, Pale-headed Woodpecker (a bamboo specialist and rarity), Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher, Northern Goshawk, Sultan Tit, Yellow-bellied, Yellow-vented, Rufous-faced and Yellow-browed Warblers, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler, Rufous-necked and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Plain Flowerpecker, Silver-eared Mesia, Blue-winged Siva, Common Hill and Common Mynas, Slaty-backed, Snowy-browed, Dark-sided and Pale Blue Flycatchers, Oriental Magpie-robin, Black Redstart, Crimson Sunbird, White-rumped Munia, Forest Wagtail, House Swift, Bronzed and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongos, Grey-throated and Golden Babblers, Striated Yuhina, Blue-capped Rock-thrush, Small Niltava, Blue-naped Pitta (rare), White-throated Kingfisher, Barred Buttonquail, Rufescent Prinia, Plain Martin, Black-crested Bulbul, Great Cormorant, Tawny Fish-owl, Spot-bellied Eagle-owl, White-throated Needletail and Streaked Spiderhunter.
In addition to the avian wonders, Tingtibi valley presents us with the best chance to observe one of Bhutan’s rare primates, the Golden Langur, as they forage along the roadside.
Overnight: Hotel Twang, Tingtibi (600m).

11

Tingtibi to Gelephu, birding along Tama La at 1,661m, Surey and Loderay valley, 125 km, 4-hour drive.
We will begin the day by exploring the birdlife around our hotel in Tingtibi, immersing ourselves in the delightful morning chorus. Afterward, we will set off on our journey towards Tama La, situated at an elevation of 1661m. As we traverse through mixed temperate forests, we will be enchanted by the natural beauty of the surroundings, eventually arriving at the picturesque village of Surey. Along the way, we will make a special stop near Tama La, where we’ll have the opportunity to search for the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, a species classified as near-threatened.
Continuing from Surey, we will proceed to the captivating Loderay valley, where the changing altitudes and vegetation create a haven for a diverse range of bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the following avian treasures: Changeable Hawk and Rufous-bellied Eagles, Hodgson’s Hawk-cuckoo, Mountain Imperial-pigeon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Wreathed Hornbill, Greater Yel-lownape, Black Drongo, Himalayan Swiftlet, Rufous-throated Partridge, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Eurasian Wryneck, White-naped Yuhina, Black-throated Sunbird, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Ru-fous-backed Sibia, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Maroon Oriole, and Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler.
These are just a few of the many fascinating bird species you may encounter during this section of our journey.
Overnight: Hotel Kuengacholing or similar, Gelephu (221m).

12

Exploring the bird rich tropical forests of Gelephu and the water treatment plant.
This morning, we will begin our birding adventure in the lush tropical forests of Gelephu, situated at an elevation of 250m. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of key bird species, including Alexan-drine Parakeet, Jerdon’s Baza, Asian Koel, Rufous Treepie, Greater Coucal, Indian Peafowl, Black Stork, Crested Treeswift, Eastern Jungle Crow, Blue-eared Barbet, Large Woodshrike, Ashy Prinia, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Puff-throated Babbler, Pin-striped Tit-babbler, Great Myna, Asian Pied Star-ling, Siberian Rubythroat, White-rumped Shama, Black-hooded Oriole, Great (Cinereous) Tit, Com-mon Iora, Indian Thick-knee, Red Collared-dove, Yellow-footed Pigeon, Green Imperial-pigeon, Jac-obin and Indian Cuckoos, Indian Roller and Sand Lark.
After a satisfying breakfast, our next stop will be the Sewage treatment plant, where we can ex-pect to encounter a range of bird species, including Lesser Coucal, Little Cormorant, Pied Kingfish-er, Painted Snipe, Lesser Adjutant, Asian Openbill, Red-naped Ibis, Black-naped Monarch, Lineated Barbet, Red-wattled Lapwing, Paddyfield Pipit, Common Greenshank, Citrine Wagtail, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Green and Common Sandpipers, Lesser Whistling-duck, Indian Pond-heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, Pied Falconet, Black Kite, White-breasted Waterhen, Common Moorhen, Thick-billed Warbler.
As night descends, we will embark on a short drive to explore the bustling town of Gelephu in search of owls. Some of the owl species we frequently encounter include Brown Hawk Owl, Col-lared Scops Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, and Spotted Owlet.
Overnight: Hotel Kuengacholing or similar, Gelephu (221m).

13

Gelephu to Tsirang, birding the areas of Sarpang, Dara Chu and Tsirang valley, 140 km, 7-hour drive.
We will dedicate a significant part of the morning to birding along the Sarpang road. During this excursion, we may encounter a variety of species, including Steppe Eagle, Red Junglefowl, Orange-breasted and Thick-billed Green Pigeons, Eurasian Collared-dove, Rose-ringed Parakeet (introduced species), Large-tailed Nightjar, Striated Heron, Cattle and Little Egrets, Emerald Dove, Oriental and Collared Scops-owls, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Oriental Pied-hornbill, Coppersmith Barbet, Scar-let Minivet, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Rufescent Prinia, Jungle Babbler, Jungle Myna, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Common Stonechat, Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Yellow-vented Flowerpecker, House Sparrow, Taiga Flycatcher, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Ashy Woodswallow, Green-crowned Warbler, Long-tailed Sibia, Green Bee-eater, Smoky Warbler, Pale-footed Bush Warbler, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Dollarbird, Brown Shrike, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Collared Falconet and Abbot’s Babbler.
After a satisfying breakfast, we will continue our birding adventure in the sub-tropical forests above Sarpang. We will enjoy lunch in the scenic surroundings of Dara Chu. In this area, we should find White-crested Laughingthrush, Nepal Fulvetta, Whiskered Yuhina, Red-rumped Swallow, Long-tailed Broadbill, Red-headed Trogon, Red-billed Leiothrix, and Collared Treepie.
Overnight: Damphu Resort, Tsirang (1437m).

14

Damphu to Paro, birding along Sunkosh, Kami Chu, and Puna Tshang Chu valleys, 185 km, 8-hour drive.
This morning, we will embark on a birding journey as we make our way down to the picturesque Sunkosh valley. Our primary focus will be to spot one of the rarest birds in the world, the White-bellied Heron and our third chance on the trip. Along the way, we can also expect to encounter other fascinating bird species such as Greater Goldenback, Barn Swallow, Blue-throated Barbet, Rufous Woodpecker, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Dusky Warbler, Slaty-backed Forktail, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Spot-winged Starling, and Long-tailed Minivet.
Upon reaching Wangdue, we will continue our journey to Paro, making additional birding stops whenever time allows. Species we should find include Crested Serpent-eagle, Crested Goshawk, Alpine Swift, Great Barbet, Grey Treepie, Large-billed Crow, Fire-capped Tit, Eurasian Crag Martin, Ashy-throated Warbler, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Striated Prinia, Black-crested Bulbul, Grey-hooded Warbler, Indian White-eye, and Grey Wagtail.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro (2200m).

15

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, birding en-route (approx. 5-hour return walk).
Today marks our final day in Bhutan, and it promises to be a remarkable experience combining birdwatching and cultural exploration in the beautiful Paro valley. The highlight of the day is the hike up to the renowned Tiger’s Nest, also known as Taktsang Monastery. Perched 600m high on a cliff, this monastery holds great significance as it is believed to be the place where Guru Padma Sambhava, an Indian saint, defeated demons on the back of a tiger to spread Buddhism in Bhutan.
The hike to the monastery takes about 1½-2 hours through wooded areas, involving an ascent of 340m. Along the way, we will have opportunities for birdwatching, seeking out species such as Hume’s Leaf Warbler, Green-backed, Coal Tit, White-tailed Nuthatch, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Spotted Nutcracker and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush.
As we reach the tea house, a welcome spot for refreshments and one of the best viewpoints of the monastery, we continue the ascent for another half-hour to reach a viewpoint directly across from the monastery. The final stretch involves a steep descent into the gorge separating us from the monastery, followed by a climb back up to reach it.
Upon exploring the rocky ledges near the monastery, we’ll keep our eyes open for flocks of Altai Accentor. The nearby waterfall often presents opportunities to observe Little Forktail and White-capped Redstart.
As the day comes to an end, we will come together for a delightful farewell dinner. This enchant-ing evening will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our journey, share our stories and laughter, and celebrate the remarkable experiences we have had in Bhutan. It will be a heartfelt and memorable occasion as we bid farewell to this enchanting land and the beautiful memories we have created.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro (2200m).

16

After breakfast, we will take a short 15-minute drive to Paro Airport and catch our flight with Drukair to Delhi, which will allow us to continue with our onward connection.

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