Name: Awesome Bird Watching Company in Bhutan
Item: Langur Eco Travels
Rating: 5
Author: Helen McAulay Stewart

12 Days – In Search of Birds, Mammals and Flowers of Bhutan

• 4.8/5 from 500+ reviewers

Trip Overview

Overview Dates: 15 – 27 Mar 2026 Starting city: Paro, Bhutan Ending city: Paro, Bhutan Pace: moderate Physical difficulty: easy Focus: birding, culture and flowers Max group size: 3-11* + 1 local leader from Langur Eco Travels *We can also run this tour as private journey for 1 or 2 guests.

Description

Bhutan has been protected by its isolation within the Himalayas and its mountainous terrain. The deep valleys and almost impenetrable jungles have acted as allies in preventing destruction of the forests. Today over 70% of the land is forested and 60% is protected with 10 National Parks, together with great variation in altitudes from 150 m to 4,500m, creates an extremely wide range of habitats from undisturbed tropical jungles, through mixed temperate broadleaved forests to high alpine meadows. In this pristine environment where religion states that all life is sacred, wildlife flourishes, making Bhutan one of the top ten bio-diversity hot spots in the world. To date Bhutan has over 780 species of birds and lies within one of the 221 Global Endemic Bird Areas with 28 species of birds endemic to Eastern Himalayas.
Our Spring birding tour will take you through the most amazingly beautiful landscape, full of birding excellence, where we should encounter some 350 species of birds, over 14 species of mammals and amazing variety of butterflies and flowers.

There will also be time to see the amazing architecture, visit dzong’s and meet the friendly Bhutanese people and a gentle hike to Tigers Nest Monastery. Overall, experience the unique culture of Bhutan, expanding your interests but not compromising your main objectives!

Request Itinerary in PDF

Number of Guests	Price Per Guest
1	US $ 4,220
2	US $ 4,110
3-12	Twin sharing cost: US $ 4,000

Single Occupancy (Optional) – US $275

Flights are not included in the tour cost.

Option 1. Delhi-Paro-Delhi = US$ 750

Option 2. Kolkata-Paro-Kolkata = US$ 465

Option 3. Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu = US$ 400

Option 4. Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok = US$ 972

Book This Tour >>

Reviews

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu or Bangkok

This morning you take the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro, with views of the Himalayas. Stop by Pa Chhu river for Himalayan riverine birds. Species: Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, Common Snipe, Wallcreeper, and more.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro, 2,300m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 2: Paro to Chele La (3,780m) and drive to Thimphu, 120 km

Morning birding en-route to Chele La at 3,780m. Views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Paro & Ha valleys. Birds: Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Cuckoo, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Greenish Warbler, and more.

Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti or similar, Thimphu, 2,300m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha, 78 km and visit Punakha Dzong

Early morning at Dochu La (3,150m) and explore mixed broad-leafed forests. Birds include Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, Fire-tailed Myzornis, White-collared Blackbird, Blue-fronted Robin. Explore Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri. Visit Punakha Dzong.

Overnight: Meri Puensum Resort or similar, Punakha, 1,300m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha over Lawa La (pass), 85 km

Birding along Puna Tshang Chhu valley. Stop at Lawa La (3,350m) for Ward’s Trogon, Long-billed Thrush, Spot-winged Grosbeak. Visit Gangtey Monastery in Phobjikha valley. Watch for Black-necked Cranes, Oriental Skylark, Red-billed Chough.

Overnight: Gakiling guesthouse or similar, Phobjikha, 2,800m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 5: Phobjikha to Trongsa over Pele La (3,350m), 85 km

Travel east through high boreal forests of Pele La. Birds include Himalayan Vulture, Solitary Snipe, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Hume’s Bush Warbler, Crimson-browed Finch. Visit Chendibji Chorten and villages en-route.

Overnight: Yangkhil Resort or similar, Trongsa, 2,000m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 6: Trongsa to Tingtibi, 140 km, birding along the Zhemgang road

Drive along forest roads to Tingtibi. Watch for Blue Whistling Thrush, Spotted Forktail, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Red-headed Trogon, Golden Langurs. Birding in sub-tropical Tingtibi: Crested Kingfisher, Crimson Sunbird, White-crested Laughingthrushes.

Overnight: Hotel Twang or similar, Tingtibi, 600m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 7: Explore the Royal Manas National Park for birds and mammals

Drive along Tingtibi – Gomphu road, bamboo forests for Tawny Fish Owl, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-throated Partridge, White-bellied Heron. Continue birding in Gomphu for Sultan Tit, Grey-chinned Minivet, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush.

Overnight: Hotel Twang or similar, Tingtibi, 600m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 8: Tingtibi to Gelephu, 140 km, birding Tama La and Surey valleys

Birding at Tama La (1,660m) for Oriental Honey Buzzard, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Golden-throated Barbet. Journey to Gelephu with interesting species like Alexandrine Parakeet, Green Bee-eater, Oriental Bay Owl (if lucky).

Overnight: Hotel Kuku Grand or similar, Gelephu, 250m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 9: Explore the bird-rich tropical forest of Gelephu

Visit Gelephu sewage pond and along Tsirang road. Birds: Black Baza, Red-naped Ibis, Himalayan foothill species like Indian Peafowl, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, and more.

Overnight: Hotel Kuku Grand or similar, Gelephu, 250m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 10: Fly to Paro (25 mins), birding and cultural visits in Paro valley

Flight to Paro. Visit Paro Dzong, Nyamai Zam bridge, Chele La road for Kalij Pheasant. Birds: Northern Goshawk, Striated Laughingthrush, Snow Pigeon, Wallcreeper, Pygmy Wren Babbler.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro, 2,300m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 11: Walk up to Tigers Nest Monastery (5 hrs return hike)

Hike to Taksang Monastery with cultural and birding highlights. Birds include Himalayan Buzzard, Snow Pigeon, Altai Accentor, Little Forktail, White-capped and Plumbeous Water Redstarts. Return for farewell dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro, 2,300m. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 12: Fly to Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu or Bangkok for onward connections

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport and fly to your onward destination. (Meals: B & L)

General Knowledge

Included in Bhutan Land Cost:

Bhutan Visa and Tax
Tour Guide who is expert in the field
All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
All accommodation based on sharing twin room
All meals
Tea/coffee and snacks
Bottled water throughout the trip
Ground transportation
Some non-alcoholic drinks
All entrance fees for parks

Not Included:

Travel insurance (essential)
Laundry, phone calls and alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Charges incurred as a result of circumstances beyond control
International flights
Tips/gratuity for guide, driver and porters

Note Regarding Single Supplements:

Single occupancy US $25 per night.

Walking and Terrain:

Easy to moderate. Some long drives and short walks at altitudes up to 4000m. Tiger’s Nest Monastery involves uneven forest trails with 740m ascent.

Climate:

Cold mornings and warm days (0°–30°C). Occasional rain or snow possible at higher passes.

Accommodation:

Good quality hotels with great views and delicious food. No camping involved.

Transport:

By 18-seater minibus or SUVs for private journeys.

Food:

Hot breakfasts and lunches served picnic-style; dinners buffet-style at hotels with continental, Indian, and Bhutanese dishes.

Health:

No mandatory vaccinations. Please consult with your GP for latest recommendations.

Insurance:

Ensure travel insurance includes medical assistance and helicopter evacuation. We cannot be held responsible for medical expenses.

Passports:

Valid for at least 6 months beyond stay in Bhutan with at least 3 blank pages.

Visa Requirements:

Bhutan and Indian visas are required. Bhutan visa (US $40) included; apply for Indian multi-entry visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Reading List

Wildlife Guide

£25.99

Birdwatch Handbook

£18.50

Nature Photography

£22.75

Trekking Essentials

£19.99

Trip Reports

PDF

Bhutan Birding Trip Report 2012

PDF

Endangered Birds of Bhutan

PDF

Endangered Mammals of Bhutan

12 Days – In Search of Birds, Mammals and Flowers of Bhutan (NEW!)