Bird Photography Tour in Bhutan

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Flight from Delhi to Bagdogra, West Bengal and drive to Phuntsholing (approx. 170kms, 4 hrs)
Our Indian representative will meet you at the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and drive you to the border town of Phuntsholing where we will assist in completing your visa formalities before transferring to your hotel for your first night in Bhutan. Phuntsholing, situated at the base of the Himalayan foothills and on the northern edge of the Indian Plains, is a thriving commercial center and a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese people and their cultures. Along the drive we will look for Little Cormorant; Cattle Egret; Purple Heron; Indian Pond Heron; Black, Bronze, and Ashy drongos; Common and Bank mynas; Asian-pied Starling; White-throated Kingfisher and Black Kite.
NIGHT: Peling Hotel, Phuntsholing, (300m).

Day 02: Phuntsholing to Paro (175kms, 6 hrs).
Today we rise early to bird around our hotel. Here we will look for Rose-ringed and Alexandrian parakeets; Common Iora; Great Tit; Chestnut-tailed Starling; Coppersmith Barbet; House Crow and Common Tailorbird.
After breakfast we will begin our journey, climbing approximately 2,000m to reach Paro. The journey climbs north through an ever changing landscape of scrub-land and pristine forests with views of mountain ranges dotted with isolated farms and cascading water falls; deep valleys with roaring rivers and occasional villages. The variations in altitude and vegetation result in a wide range of wildlife and avian species, therefore we will stop and bird en-route as time allows. Arriving in Paro we will check into our hotel for the night. Species we may encounter along the road include Blue-throated Barbet; Oriental Pied and Rufous-necked hornbills; Long-tailed and Rufous sibias; Common Stonechat; Eurasian Jay; Rusty-flanked Treecreepers; Blue Whistling Thrush and Little Bunting.
NIGHT: Hotel Olathang, Paro, (2,300m).

Day 03: Hike/ride a mule to Taksang Monastery and drive to Thimphu.
An accent of 750m and approx 5 hrs return walk.Today you will have a great mix of birding and some of the Paro Valley’s cultural treasures. The cultural highlight will be the walk up to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.  The monastery is perched on a cliff-face, some 600m over looking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Rinpoche, flew from Eastern Bhutan on the back of a tigress to defeat a demon who was opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. It is a steep uphill walk through mix coniferous, of about 1½-2hrs, to reach a teahouse, an ascent of 340m. Apart from offering welcome refreshment, this tea house is one of the best viewpoints of the monastery, and those who prefer not to climb any further can relax here whilst others continue on.  A further half hour’s climb above the tea house is well worth it, as it brings you to another viewpoint directly across from the monastery. From here the final section of the walk takes you steeply down 100m into the gorge that separates you from the monastery and then climbs back up again to reach the monastery. Along today’s route we will look for birds such as; Snow Pigeon; Alpine Accentor; Little Forktail; White-throated, Chestnut-crowned, Black-faced and Spotted laughingthrushes; Rufous-vented, coal and Green-backed tits.
After the visit to the monastery we retrace our path to the valley floor where our vehicle will meet us and drive to Thimphu. The distance is 54km and will take us about an hour.
NIGHT: Hotel Riverview, Thimphu, (2,300m).

Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha, (89kms). Birding en-route at Dochu La and Lampelri Botanical Park.
Today we must leave very early in order to see the Himalayas as dawn breaks over Dochu La Pass (3,116m). This is an awe-inspiring sight; the road is festooned with prayer flags and 108 chortens, celebrating the safe return of the fourth king from a threatened invasion. At the pass we will have breakfast and you can spend time looking at the Bhutanese Himalayas from this advantage point. 
In Bhutan’s high elevation and the mixed evergreen and broad-leafed forests, there is an incredible wide range of birds, mammals, and flowering plants. Here it is possible to see species such as: Fire-tailed Myzornis, Mrs. Gould’s and Green-tailed sunbirds, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker and Green Shrike Babbler around the beautiful blossoms of the rhododendron bushes; Olive-backed Pipit, Gold-billed Magpie and White-winged Grosbeak.

At Lampelri we will explore the Royal Botanical Park where we may see species such as; Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Fire-capped Tit, Red-billed Leiothrix, Scarlet Finch, Mountain Hawk Eagle and Eurasian Treecreeper. From here we continue down through the sub-tropical forests around Punakha where there are cactus, poinsettia and banana plants, then down to the green terraced fields of Punakha.
NIGHT: Camp at Rimchu, (1,300m).

Day 05: Explore the Jigme Dorji National Park and in the afternoon visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Today we will spend the morning, birding in this beautiful pristine forest area of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, at an elevation of 1,400m. This area is much warmer than we have previously experienced, which means a very early rise in order to catch bird activities in the beauty of the warm broad-leaved forest. Here we may encounter: River Lapwing; Red-headed Trogon; Gray-headed Woodpecker; Greater Yellownape; Striated Bulbul; the glowing Little Niltava; the three Tesias; Ferruginous Flycatcher and Spotted Wren Babbler (a constant singer with a beautiful voice!), and the dazzling Scarlet Finch, Nepal Fulvetta, Slaty-backed and Spotted Forktail. When the heat of the day increases, birding lessens so we will drop down to Punakha and spend time exploring the dzong where we will get a glimpse of Bhutanese religion and culture. The dzong’s position at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Chhu is quite spectacular. In April the front of this majestic building is highlighted by the blossoming of the Jacaranda Trees; their purple flowers softening the giant walls, encouraging your eye to the intricate hand-carved and painted windows. In the late afternoon, as the heat lessens we will drive along the Pho Chhu River, where it is hoped that as well as seeing a number of interesting waterfowl, we will also see: Ibisbill; Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler; Palla’s Fish Eagle and the globally threatened White-bellied Heron.
NIGHT: Meri Puensum Resort, Punakha, (1,300m).

Day 06: Punakha to Trongsa over Pele La pass (3,390m).
Today we travel to Trongsa on the western slopes of the Back Mountain National Park, crossing from Western to Central Bhutan. In the forested valley below Pele La we will look for the Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush; Black-eared Shrike Babbler; Fire-capped Tit; Rufous Woodpecker; Speckled Piculet; Greater Yellownape and Ward’s Trogon (rare). Returning to our vehicles we will continue climbing up through mixed forests ablaze with flowering rhododendrons and magnolias, to the pass at Pele La. Here prayer flags flutter in the breeze and on clear days the views across to snow topped Jhomolhari (7,314m), marking the border between central and western Bhutan, are quite breath taking. Birding along the pass we will look for Great Parrotbill; White-browed Rosefinch and Himalayan Griffon Continuing our journey we descend through more beautiful rhododendron forests and thickets of dwarf bamboo where we will stop to bird, looking for the brilliant Spotted, Black-faced and Chestnut-crowned laughingthrushes; Rufous-vented, Whiskered and Stripe-throated yuhinas; Oriental Skylark; and Yellowish-bellied bush Warbler, who can often be heard before seen.

In Trongsa we will settle in to our hotel from where there are magnificent views of Trongsa Dzong, an imposing structure, situated on a spur above the Mangde Chhu gorge.
NIGHT: Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa, (2,200m).

Day 07: Trongsa to Chumey. Stopping for birds along Yotong La and Chummey valley.
This morning we will gradually make our way up to Yotong La Pass (3,425m) through cascading waterfalls and more magnificent rhododendron and magnolia forests. Our camping crew will be waiting with hot breakfast setup on the roadside, so that we can bird and breakfast at the same time! Some of species that are regularly seen here are: Chestnut-headed Tesia; Rufous-vented Yuhina; Black-faced Laughingthrush; Black-eared Shrike Babbler; Solitary Snipe; White-browed Bush Robin; Indian Blue Robin; Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker; Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and White-winged Grosbeak.

Descending through silver fir and spruce forests we come to the upland valley of Chumey, the religious heartland of Bhutan where there are many ancient cultural and religious sites dating as far back as the 7th century. This is the only place we can find the Black-billed Magpie.

One of the common birds around this area is the Red-billed Chough often seen feeding in the buckwheat fields. In the late afternoon we will drive up to the nearby Tharpaling monastery to see the Himalayan Monals at close range where the monks feeds them on a regular basis.  
NIGHT: Chumey Nature Resort, (3,000m).

Day 08: Chumey to Yongkola. Birding en-route at Ura, Thrumshing La and Sengor valleys. 
Leaving Chumey very early, we climb through forests of larch, silver fir, spruce and towering hemlocks, until reaching camp just below Thrumshing La (3,780m), here we will begin to explore the upper reaches of this magnificent stretch of road where Blood Pheasants feed by the road side in the mist and where, once more we have breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas. From here we can also see the village of Sengor where we will be camping for the night. Species we will encounter are flocks of Gray-crested, Coal, Green-backed, Yellow-browed and Black-browed tits; Mrs. Gould’s and Green-tailed sunbirds; Rufous-gorgeted and Ultramarine flycatchers; Ashy-throated, Lemon-rumped, Large-billed and Blyth’s leaf-warblers; White-browed and Rufous-winged fulvettas; Stripe-throated Yuhina; Green Shrike-Babbler; Satyr Tragopan (rare); Eurasian Sparrowhawk; Upland Buzzard; Mountain Hawk-Eagle; Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush; Himalayan Forest Thrush; White-collard Blackbird; Himalayan Bluetail; White-browed Bush Robin; Blue-fronted Redstart; Rufous-bellied Niltava; Rusty-flanked and Brown-throated treecreepers; Gray-sided Bush-Warbler; Black-faced and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes; Red Crossbill; Red-headed Bullfinch; White-winged and Collared grosbeaks and Gold-naped Finch.
NIGHT: Trogon Villa, Yongkola (1,800m).

Day 09 and 10: Exploring the bird rich Thrumshing La National Park. 
Two days are spent exploring the Thrumshing La National Park.In this breathtaking landscape we will bird in a protected area of pristine forests using a paved yet rarely used road, providing the ultimate beneficiary birding opportunities. It is here in this birding hotspot that we can look for some of Bhutan’s most prized bird species: Satyr Tragopan; Beautiful Nuthatch; Fire-tailed Myzornis and Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler. These are species that are difficult to find elsewhere.

After birding the upper elevations above Yongkola, acknowledged being one of the great birding roads of the world, we will slowly descend to our Yongkola camp at approximately 1,889m. From a pass at 3,780m dropping to approx. 900m, the road takes us through some of the most beautiful forests in the entire Himalayas, where some of the most exotic species thrive in the pristine habitats. We have time to explore the wonderfully rich, subtropical, warm and cool, broad- leaved forests along the lower section of this road where ancient trees are festooned with orchids adding a riot of colour to this verdant land.

Trails criss-cross the forests, but few birders venture far into their depth consequently, exactly what avian delights may be around the corner may be a complete surprise. Here we should encounter:Hill and Rufous-throated partridges; Rufous-bellied Eagle; Crested Serpent Eagle; The rare Rufous-necked Hornbill (the forests of Bhutan are the stronghold for this impressive species); Speckled Wood-Pigeon (another rare bird); Blue-bearded Bee-eater and Ward’s Trogon (the male of the species is truly handsome) and two of the Himalayas’ rarest birds, the cobalt Blue-fronted Robin, and the elusive and strange Wedge-billed Wren Babbler; Lesser Yellownape; Golden-throated and Blue-throated barbets; Large and Oriental hawk-cuckoos; Collared Owlet; Himalayan Treepie; Gray-chinned, Short-billed and Long-tailed Minivets; Yellow-bellied Fantail; Blue-capped Rock-Thrush; Lesser Shortwing; Verditer Flycatcher; Large Niltava; Hodgson’s Redstart; Black-headed (rare), Plumbeous and White-capped Water redstarts; Slaty-backed Forktail; Rusty-flanked Treecreeper; Sultan, Black-throated, Rufous-fronted, Yellow-browed and Yellow-cheeked tits; Mountain and Ashy bulbuls; Hill and Striated Prinias; Chestnut-headed, Slaty-bellied and Gray-bellied Tesias; Gray-sided Bush Warbler; Gray-hooded, White-spectacled, Chestnut-crowned, Broad-billed and Black-faced warblers; White-crested, Striated, Rufous- necked, Gray-sided, and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes; Streak-breasted, Coral-billed and Slender-billed scimitar-babblers; Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler (a little known and endangered species); Rufous-capped and Golden babblers; Red-billed Leiothrix; Himalayan Cutia; Rufous-bellied, White-browed and Black-eared shrike-babblers; Rufous-fronted Barwing; Bar-throated Siva; Red-tailed Minla; White-naped, Whiskered and Black-chinned yuhinas; and the amazing Golden-breasted and Yellow-throated fulvettas (unknown elsewhere); Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill (rare); Fire-breasted Flowerpecker; Crimson-browed Finch; Spot-winged Grosbeak; Scarlet Finch (again, incredibly beautiful males).
NIGHTS: Trogon Villa, Yongkola, (1,800m).

Day 11: Yongkola to Tashigang, 140kms.
After a final morning’s birding around the camp we will continue to lower region of Yongkola where the different vegetation supports different bird species such as the Blue-bearded Bee-eater; Streaked Spiderhunter; Blue-throated Barbet; Rufous-necked Laughingthrush; Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler; Crimson Sunbird and White-browed Piculet to name few. We will descend into Lingmethang a small town at 700m before climbing again to the Town of Mongar.

Our journey continues east. From the town of Mongar, we will ascend through a mixed broad-leaved evergreen forest. For the photographers among us, the opportunities will be endless. At this time of the year, with migrant birds streaming north, virtually anything is possible.

After crossing the Kore La at 2,298m, we commence the last section of today’s journey, which takes us through a series of switchbacks as we descend to the Gamri River through Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest, corn fields, and banana groves, to the village of Nagtshang where we will look for Grey-sided, Chestnut-crowned, and Scaly laughingthrushes; Rufous-bellied and Large niltavas; Kalij Pheasant; Himalayan Bulbul, Crimson Sunbird and Crested Bunting.

As we arrive in Trashigang, we should have a superb view of the Trashigang Dzong, one of Bhutan’s justly famous fortified monasteries. Built in 1659, it is superbly located on a spur overhanging the Gamri Chu and is protected on three sides by rivers or ravines. The dzong commands a fine view over the surrounding countryside.
Night: Druk Deojung Resort, Tashigang, (1,100 m).

Day 12: Tashigang to Deothang, 178kms.
This is by far the longest settled and most populous region of Bhutan. Consequently, much of the early part of today’s journey meanders through relatively intensively farmed land. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating landscape with plenty of birds to see. We will stop at marshy rice-fields, where we hope to find a pair of rarely observed Black-tailed Crakes in residence as we have seen on previous visits.

We will bird below Yonphu la (2,500m) before breakfast. From Yonphu La we descend to a small town of Khaling at (2,000m). From here we will continue climbing to Khaling pass at 2,500m.

From Khaling pass we drive southwards to Morong. On this part of the journey, we will pass through the small towns of Womrong, Reserbu and Moshi. The view all along today’s journey is inspirational, as ridges after ridge covered in pristine forest, stretches to the distant horizon, with the promise of endless birding opportunities.

Along today’s drive we should encounter species such as: Yellow-billed Blue Magpie; Grey Treepie; Eurasian Jay; Large-billed Crow; Maroon Oriole; Long-tailed Minivet; Yellow-bellied and White-throated fantails; Ashy and Black drongos; Blue Whistling Thrush; Long-billed Thrush (rare); Ultramarine, Slaty-Blue, Little Pied and White-gorgeted flycatchers (the later is rare); Spotted Forktail; Common Stonechat; White-tailed Nuthatch; Fire-capped, Black-throated Tit; Striated, Mountain and Red-vented bulbuls; Aberrant Bush Warbler; Mountain Tailorbird; Ashy-throated, Chestnut-crowned and Lemon-rumped warblers; Striated, and Chestnut-crowned laughingthrushes, Streak-breasted scimitar Babbler; Rufous-throated and Spotted wren babblers; Russet and Eurasian Tree sparrows; Maroon Accentor (rare); Yellow-breasted Greenfinch; Tibetan Siskin; White-browed Shrike Babbler; Bay and Crimson-breasted woodpeckers; Golden-throated Barbet; Plaintive, Lesser and Asian Emerald cuckoos; Himalayan Swiftlet; Fork-tailed and House swifts; Collard and Asian Barred owlets; Spot-bellied Eagle Owl (rare); Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon; Eurasian Sparrowhawk; Besra; Northern Goshawk; Steppe and Bonelli’s eagles; Orange-bellied Leafbird; Long-tailed and Grey-backed shrikes.
NIGHT: Dungsam Trashiling Resort, Deothang (700m).

Day 13: Explore the sub-tropical forests of Deothang and Morong. 
At this point, we have travelled deep into the eastern part of Bhutan. Very few birders have ever visited this part of Bhutan, therefore we anticipate finding a number of rare and little known species. Although many of the birds will be familiar, we also hope to encounter a number of the more elusive lower elevation species such as Chestnut-breasted Partridge; Gray Peacock-Pheasant; Green Cochoa; Silver-breasted Broadbill; Beautiful Nuthatch; Long-tailed Sibia; Red-faced Liocichla and Blue- winged Laughingthrush, any of which represent a very special experience.

We will spend the afternoon exploring the sub-tropical forest of Bangtar. Birds we may encounter include: Thick-billed and Pin-tailed pigeons; Emerald Dove; Banded Bay, Gray- breasted, Violet, and Plaintive cuckoos; Green-billed Malkoha; Greater Coucal; Blue-bearded and Chestnut- headed bee-eaters;  Wreathed Hornbill; the spectacular  Black-naped Monarch; Greater Racket-tailed Drongo;  Hill Myna; and Crimson Sunbird.
NIGHT: Dungsam Trashiling Resort, Deothang (700m).

Day 14: Explore the tropical forests of Samdrup Jongkhar, 18kms stretch.
We will bird the 18kms stretch of tropical forests from Deothang to Samdrup Jongkahar. Along this stretch we look for: Black Kite; Large-tailed Nightjar; Emerald and Red-collard doves; Coppersmith Barbet; Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker; Himalayan Flameback; Rufous Treepie; Lesser and Greater racket-tailed drongos; Grey-throated and Jungle babblers; Black-crested and White- throated bulbuls; Oriental Pied Hornbill; House Crow; Chestnut-tailed Starling; Indian Paradise Flycatcher; Golden-fronted Leafbird; Little Spiderhunter; White-rumped Shama; Lesser Necklaced and Greater Necklaced laughingthrushes; Plain and Yellow-vented flowerpeckers; Tiaga Flycatcher; Siberian Rubythroat; Hooded Pitta (rare); Asian Fairy Bluebird; Violet and Plaintive cuckoos (both rare); Dollarbird and Red-headed Trogon.
NIGHT: Tashi Gatsel Hotel, Samdrup Jongkhar, (250m).

Day 15: Drive to Guwahati; Fly to Delhi or Calcutta.
Today you exit Bhutan and connect with your onward journey. Our Indian agent will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to Guwahati airport where you connect with your flight to Delhi/Calcutta for your International connection.
En-route you will stop at the Garchawk garbage dumpsite where you have the opportunity to see the rare Lesser and Greater Adjutants; Yellow-wattled Lapwing; Bornze-winged Jacana; Pied Kingfisher; Purple Heron and Little Cormorant.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Included in Bhutan Land Cost:

• 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
• All necessary camping equipment
• All entrance fees for museums

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Not Included in Bhutan Land Cost:

• Travel insurance (essential)
• Laundry, phone calls and alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses
• Charges incurred as a result of circumstances beyond the control of Langur Eco Travels
• International flights

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Note Regarding Single Supplements:
Single occupancy US $25 per night.

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Trip Grade: Gentle to Moderate Hikes:
You should prepare for certain factors of travel in Bhutan. A few of the most important are: elevation, windy mountain roads. Average elevation on this trip is 2,400m. Pass crossings may be up to 4,000m (by vehicle).

Insurance:
We strongly advise that your travel insurance policies include medical assistance and (helicopter) evacuation – we believe that it is ‘better to be safe than sorry!’ Should you decline to do so, we must state that we will in no way, accept responsibility for expenses incurred, should you require medical attention/evacuation whilst on holiday with us.

Accommodation:
It is our policy to use the best available accommodation in each location. All hotels and lodges we use are government approved and registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan. We have our own camping crew who will set up camps, prepare hot meals and provide hot showers.

Clothing:
It is advised that you have layers of light clothing, perhaps some thermal underwear, a warm jumper, fleece or jacket for the evenings when the temperature can suddenly drop. Generally speaking, casual clothing is suitable throughout your stay and that the main requirement is that you are comfortable.

Laundry facilities are available at all hotels. Waterproofs and/or umbrellas – just in case! Sunglasses and sun-cream or blocks are essential. Hand wipes (wet wipes/ anti-bacterial) and tissues are useful.

BHUTAN TOUR ATTRACTIONS
Habitats Covered: Sub-tropical and warm broad leaved forests with bamboo and banana undergrowth, cool broad-leaved forests, Coniferous forests with rhododendron undergrowth, wetlands, rocky slopes, rivers and pastures.

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Top Birds: Satyr Tragopan; Himalayan Monal; Blood Pheasant; Ibisbill; Collard and Spot-winged grosbeaks; Fire-tailed Myzornis; Great, Fulvous and Lesser Rufous-headed parrotbills; Spotted, Grey-sided, Blue-winged, Rufous-chinned, Scaly and Lesser Necklaced laughingthrushes; Rufous-bellied and Bay woodpeckers; Mountain Imperial Pigeon; Red-headed and Wards trogons; Lesser and White-browed shortwings; Golden-breasted and Yellow-throated fulvettas; Fire-tailed and Crimson sunbirds; Long-tailed Sibia; Yellow-rumped Honeyguide; Spotted, Pygmy, Rufous-throated, Wedge-billed and Long-billed wren babblers; Black-headed Shrike Babbler; Slender-billed and Coral-billed scimitar babblers; Dark-rumped Swift; Black-backed and White-crowned forktails; Blue-eared Barbet; Beautiful Nuthatch; Rufous-necked, Wreathed, Oriental Pied and Great hornbills.

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Top Mammals: Large-eared Pika; Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten; Assamese Macaque; Muntjac; Himalayan Striped Squirrel; Hoary-bellied Squirrel; Malayan Giant Squirrel; Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel; Capped and Common Grey langurs.

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Other attractions: Amazing butterflies; strong Buddhist culture, temples and fortresses, spectacular mountain scenery and magnificent forests.

Flights are not included in the tour cost. You can choose one of the options below for your Bhutan connection.
Option 1. Calcutta – Bagdogra and Guwahati – Calcutta = US$ 250
Option 2. Delhi – Bagdogra and Guwahati – Delhi  = US$ 250