16 Days – 
Best Bird Photography Tour in Bhutan

This morning you take the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro, where you should have good views of the Himalayas, including many of the highest mountains in the world. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your guide from Langur Eco Travels.
Next we will stop by the Pa Chhu river, where camouflaged amongst the glacial stones, Himalayan riverine species such as the Ibisbill can be seen as it dips in the snowmelt, searching for food. In this area we should also find; the fairly common Brown Dipper, Common Snipe (rare), Common Hoopoe, Himalayan Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Grey-backed Shrike, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Russet Sparrow, Rosy Pipit, Siberian Stonechat, Citrine Wagtail (rare), Rufous-breasted Accentor and the amazing Wallcreeper.
Northward migration will be underway and many of the valleys throughout Bhutan act as important conduits, therefore, it is possible that you may see species as yet not recorded in Bhutan.
Overnight Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro, 2300m. (Meals: B, L, D).

An early morning departure for our journey up through ancient high boreal forests to Chele La at 3,780m, the highest point we will reach on this tour. Along this route we can look out for Grey Nightjar, often seen on the roadside at dawn. Arriving at the pass there are breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks of Jhomolhari (7,219m), Jichu Drake (6,989m) and down into the Paro and Ha valleys.
Here we have our first of the many opportunities for the colourful, Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasant. Other regular birds include Long-legged Buzzard (rare), Himalayan Cuckoo, Rufous-fronted Tit, Greenish Warbler, Red-tailed Minla, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Black-throated and Dusky Thrushes, Blanford’s Rosefinch, Collared Grosbeak, White-throated Redstart, White-browed Bush Robin, Alpine Accentor and flocks of Plain Mountain Finch.
After breakfast we will continue birding the beautiful areas of Chele La before gradually making our way back to Paro for an overnight.
Overnight Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro, 2300m. (Meals: B, L, D).

Bumthang is the religious heartland of Bhutan and there are many ancient cultural and religious sites dating as far back as the 7^th century. Although our main objective is birding, we will have time to explore the main town of Jakar. In this valley we will look for flocks of Red-billed Chough, Black-billed Magpie (endemic to Bumthang region in Bhutan), Large-billed Crow and Eurasian Tree Sparrow.
Next, we will drive along Selthang La (3,600m), with clement weather; there are spectacular views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7,315m, the world’s highest unclimbed peak. All around are stunning landscapes of the High Himalayas, auspiciously placed prayer flags, typical Bhutanese villages and spectacular temples – truly a magical land! Species we may encounter along this section include the brilliant Spotted Laughingthrush, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, dazzling Long-tailed Minivets, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Brown Bullfinch, the chunky White-winged Grosbeak, flocks of White-browed Fulvetta, Coal, Grey-crested and Rufous-vented Tits.
Overnight Kailas Guesthouse or similar, Bumthang, 2,700m. (Meals: B, L, D).

Leaving Bumthang valley we climb through forests of larch, silver fir, spruce and towering hemlocks, until Thrumshing La (pass) at 3,780m, here we will begin to explore this magnificent forests road, looking for some of Bhutan’s highly prized birds such as the spectacular Satyr Tragopan a species that often provide us with close lengthy views, our second opportunity to see the stunning Blood Pheasants, often seen feeding by the road side in flocks, the rarely seen Great Parrotbill, the amazing Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler (a mega bird for Bhutan) and the uncommon Speckled Wood Pigeon.
From the pass we drive down to the nomadic village of Sengor and continue to Yongkola, stopping for birds such as Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Rufous-breasted Bush Robin (uncommon in this area but rare elsewhere in the world), Rufous-vented Yuhina, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, the photogenic Bar-throated Siva (previously known as Chestnut-tailed Minla), Rufous Sibia (very common through out Bhutan), Grey-chinned Minivet, Grey-sided Bush Warbler and Hoary-throated Barwing (fairly common in this area but range restricted to Eastern Himalayas).
Overnight Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, Yongkola, 1,800m. (Meals: B, L, D).

The areas of Yongkola, Namling, Tshamang and Lingmethang are considered to be one of the finest birding locations in the world.
Therefore we have three full days to explore the pristine forests of Thrumshing La national park using a paved yet rarely used road and it is in this birding hotspot that we look for some of Bhutan’s most sought-after birds such as, Chestnut-breasted Partridge (globally vulnerable), the magnificent Rufous-necked Hornbill (widely distributed in Bhutan but rare elsewhere in the world), Steppe Eagle (globally endangered), Bay and Crimson-breasted Woodpeckers, Long-tailed Broadbill, Blue-naped Pitta (rare), the amazing Yellow-throated and Golden-breasted Fulvettas, the weird looking Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler (there are only two known sites for this rare bird in Bhutan), Long-billed and Rufous-throated Wren Babblers (both of which are very rare in the world), Himalayan Cutia (another top bird), Spotted Elachura (formally known as Spotted Wren Babbler), Broad-billed and Chestnut-crowned Warblers, Black-headed Shrike-babbler (Namling valley is the only known site for this species in Bhutan), Nepal House Martin (big nests on a overhanging cliff near Namling waterfall), Black Bulbul, Scaly and Bhutan Laughingthrushes, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Yellow-bellied fantail, Lesser Shortwing, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Mountain Tailorbird, White-gorgeted and Little Pied Flycatchers.

After birding in the upper region of Yongkola, we have time to explore the wonderfully rich, warm broad-leafed forests of Lingmethang road where we hope to find, Asian Emerald, Chestnut-winged and Grey-bellied Cuckoos, Grey-headed and Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, the secretive but stunning Red-faced Liocichla, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Maroon Oriole, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, White-throated Fantail, Grey Treepie, Grey-bellied Tesia, Striated Prinia, Rufous-capped and Golden Babblers, Grey-headed and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills, Mountain and Striated Bulbuls, Black-chinned Yuhina, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Orange-headed Thrush, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Common Rosefinch (on Tshamang road), Grey-cheeked and Black-faced Warblers, Dark-sided, Snowy-browed and Sapphire Flycatchers.
On one evening, we will take a short night drive hoping to find Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel (which has been regularly seen on our birding tours to Yongkola), Owls and frogmouth we will look for include Hodgson’s Frogmouth (Yongkola is the only known regular site for this species in Bhutan), Brown Wood Owl (rare), and the common but difficult to find Mountain Scops Owl.
Overnight Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, Yongkola, 1800m. (Meals: B, L, D).

This morning we will bird along the cool broad-leafed forests of Namling region, here we can look for the rare altitudinal migrant species Gould’s Shortwing (mega species for Bhutan), Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, and Black-throated Parrotbill amongst many other regular birds.
After breakfast we will continue our birding along Sengor valley, looking for special birds from this higher mid temperate forest, such as the attractive, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Fire-tailed Sunbird (perhaps the most special sunbirds in the world), the secretive and rarely seen Bar-winged Wren Babbler, Tickell’s Thrush and another opportunity to see the rare Satyr Tragopan.
From Sengor we will drive up to the high pass of Thrumshing La at 3,780m, stopping en-route to locate the scarce, Fulvous Parrotbill, the shy Eurasian Woodcock, Black-throated Thrush, and Stripe-throated Yuhina.
From the pass we descend through dense conifer forests which provides us with further opportunities for Himalayan Monal, flocks of Blood Pheasants, as well as regular species like, Winter Wren, Himalayan Bluetail, Goldcrest, Whistler’s Warbler, Spotted Nutcracker, White-collared Blackbird, Green-tailed and Gould’s Sunbirds, Little Bunting and perhaps the rarely seen Chestnut Thrush and Robin Accentor.
Our final journey for today takes us through the picturesque village of Ura and descend to Bumthang valley where we overnight.
As night falls we can listen out for Himalayan Owl which is a species previously thought to be Tawny Owl.
Overnight Kailas Guesthouse, Bumthang, 2,800m. (Meals: B, L, D).

This morning we make an early start to be at Tharpaling Monastery in the early hours as we hope to witness the monks feeding Himalayan Monals, where the birds have become accustomed to this practice.
Other species we will look in the area include, Snow Pigeon, Black-faced Laughingthrush, White-bellied Redstart (rare but amazingly beautiful), small flocks of Alpine Accentor, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, and with a bit of luck we should see the rare vagrant Godlewski Bunting.
After breakfast we will descend to Gattsa valley and continue to Yotong La (3450m) for some high altitude birds such as, Red-throated Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Red-headed Bullfinch, Hume’s Bush Warbler, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Red Crossbill, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch and small flocks of White-winged Grosbeak and Whiskered Yuhina.
Arriving in Trongsa we have the option to visit the historic Trongsa Dzong (fortress) built in 1637, and the Ta Dzong or Watch Tower, which is now the National Museum.
Overnight Yangkhil Resort or similar, Trongsa, 2,000m. (Meals: B, L, D).

Today we drive along the quiet, forest road towards Tingtibi. Blue Whistling Thrushes fly off the road at regular intervals, and we keep a sharp lookout for Spotted Forktail at the beautiful mossy waterfalls that are a feature of the journey.
The whole section of todays journey is spectacular as we look for an amazing variety of rare and special birds in the mixed broad-leafed forests that stretches from 2000m down to 700m. This is also home to the Endangered Golden Langur, which can be seen in small groups along the roadside forests.
In the early part of the morning we will look for species such as, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon (seen in mixed feeding flocks), Large Hawk Cuckoo, Collared Owlet, the noisy Great Barbet, Lesser Yellownape, Bay and Rufous Woodpeckers, the impressive Speckled Piculet, Green-backed Tit, the scarce Eurasian Woodcock, flocks of White-throated Laughingthrush, Spot-winged Starling (rare), Ashy Bulbul, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, White-tailed Nuthatch, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Blue Rock Thrush, Black-throated Sunbird, Crested Bunting, and Tibetan Siskin.
Arriving in the warmer sub-tropical area of Tingtibi, we will look for Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Common and Plaintive Cuckoos, Green-billed Malkoha, the localized Himalayan Bulbul, another vagrant Daurian Redstart, the colourful Emerald Dove, Streaked Spiderhunter, and flocks of noisy White-crested Laughingthrush.
Overnight Hotel Twang or similar, Tingtibi, 600m. (Meals: B, L, D).

After a quick tea/coffee at our hotel, we will drive along the Tingtibi – Gomphu road, exploring the rich bamboo forests, looking for the areas top birds such as, Tawny Fish Owl (at a roosting site at Tingtibi), Red Junglefowl, White-browed Piculet, White-hooded Babbler (only available in Tingtibi), Rufous-faced Warbler (rare), Pale-headed Woodpecker (very rare and elusive), White-browed Scimitar Babbler often associating together with the rare Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Common Hill Myna, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Slaty-backed Forktail, the rarely seen Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher (previously thought to be Asian Paradise Flycatcher which has been split into 3 separate species), Cattle Egret, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon (fairly uncommon in the area but rare elsewhere), the amazing Great Hornbill (globally vulnerable), Eurasian Wryneck, Barred Buttonquail (rare), Large Woodshrike, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Brown Shrike, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, White-rumped Munia, Smoky (rare), Yellow-bellied and Yellow-vented Warblers, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Forest Wagtail (rare), Slaty-backed and Blue-throated Blue Flycatchers, Black Redstart, Crimson Sunbird, Collared Falconet, and along the Mangde chhu (river) we will look for perhaps the rarest bird seen in Bhutan the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, the population of this birds is estimated at only 60 individuals left in the wild.
After breakfast, we will continue birding the beautiful areas of Gomphu searching for, Squire-tailed Drongo Cuckoo, Nepal Fulvetta, White-naped Yuhina (undoubtedly the most beautiful yuhinas in Bhutan), the brilliant Sultan Tit, Blue-throated Barbet, Bronzed Drongo, Rufescent Prinia, Black-crested and White-throated Bulbuls, Grey-throated Babbler, flocks of Silver-eared Mesia, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Sibia, and with a bit of luck, we could also find one or more of the tougher species such as Rufous-throated Partridge (rare and near threatened), and Rufous-bellied Eagle (another near-threatened species).
Our hotel in Tingtibi is situated in the sub-tropical forests, where one can occasionally hear the eerie calls of the scarce Spot-bellied Eagle Owl and Collared Scops Owl.
Overnight Hotel Twang or similar, Tingtibi, 600m. (Meals: B, L, D).

Today we will start early to get to the habitat of the Beautiful Nuthatch (globally vulnerable), allowing ourselves plenty of time to locate and see this amazing and rare bird. Other species we will hope to encounter here include Crested Serpent Eagle, the very colourful Common Green Magpie, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Asian House Martin, Shikra, Fork-tailed Swift, Golden-throated Barbet, Black Drongo, Blue-winged Laughingthrush (an impressive species), Grey-hooded Warbler, Pale Blue Flycatcher (little songster), Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Blue-winged Minla, White-bellied (Yuhina) Erpornis, Grey Bushchat, and Grey Wagtail.
After breakfast we will continue birding along the Zhemgang road, stopping at prime locations and to absorb the sheer beauty of this part of Bhutan. List of possibilities along here include, Asian Barred Owlet, Red-headed Trogon, surely one of the most beautiful trogons in the world, Indian Cuckoo, Common Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Oriental (Crested) Honey Buzzard, Black Eagle, Black-throated Prinia, Common Tailorbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Red-billed Leiothrix, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Brown-flanked Bush Warbler, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Striated Yuhina, and the secretive White-tailed Robin.
Just before arriving in Trongsa we will stop at Bubja near a high cliff-face where we will look for a pair of Yellow-rumped Honeyguide (near-threatened) installed near nests of Giant Rock Bees that hang from a cliff.
Overnight Yangkhil Resort or similar, Trongsa, 2,000m. (Meals: B, L, D).

Another early start as we drive to Bje Zam for our first birding stop, here we hope to see, Bonelli’s Eagle (rare), Black-tailed Crake (at a roadside marsh), Greater Yellownape, the stunning Large Niltava, Verditer Flycatcher, White-capped Water Redstart (found near many of the roadside streams and waterfalls), Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Striated Laughingthrush, White Wagtail (common), Olive-backed Pipit (fairly common), Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Gold-naped Finch, Russet Bush Warbler, and Buff Barred Warbler.
After a hot picnic breakfast, the road takes us through the village of Chendibji, where a Nepalese styled Chorten is picturesquely situated alongside the river. Here our top target includes, Crested Kingfisher and Solitary Snipe (rare), before continuing to Phobjikha, over the pass of Pele La, where Himalayan Vultures and Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) may be seen.
From Pele La we will descend into Phobjikha valley stopping at Gangtey to visit the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan, set on a spur above the Phobjikha valley and surrounded by the quaint village of Gangtey.
We stay overnight in the Phobjikha, considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is also the wintering ground of the rare and little-known Black-necked Crane (globally vulnerable), driven off the vast open plateau of Tibet by the ferocity of its high altitude winter, the cranes find refuge here from November until March.
Also within the valley we can look for the areas specialties like, flocks of chirping Oriental Skylark, the scarce Hen Harrier, and Upland Buzzard.
Overnight Gakiling guesthouse or similar, Phobjikha, 2,800m. (Meals: B, L, D).

Today we take the winding mountain road up through oak and rhododendron forests, festooned with lichens towards Lawa La at 3,350m before dropping down to Nobding valley for our first stop area for birding. In these diverse habitats we have the opportunity to find and locate one of the top targets for Bhutan the Ward’s Trogon (a montane species who’s range is restricted to Eastern Himalayas), Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, the strange and elusive Long-billed Thrush, the beautifully coloured Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, dazzling Scarlet Minivets, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Small Niltava (a view of a glowing male is not to be missed), Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Fire-capped Tit, and Crimson-browed Finch.
After having breakfast in Nobding area, we will continue to the warmer valley of Punakha stopping along the Puna Tshang Chhu (river) valley for some water birds, where we hope to see, Pallas Fish Eagle (another globally endangered species), Osprey, Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck (abundant during winter months), Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Indian Spot-billed Duck (rare), Northern Shoveler (rare), Tufted Duck (rare), Great-crested Grebe (rare), Goosander, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Great Cormorant (common), River and Red-wattled Lapwings, Long-billed and Little Ringed Plovers, Common Greenshank, Green and Common Sandpipers, Pallas’s Gull (rare), Spotted Dove, Long-tailed Shrike, White-throated and Common Kingfishers, Oriental White-eye, Scaly-breasted Munia, White-browed and White Wagtails, Richard’s Pipit (in the nearby paddy fields), Oriental Magpie Robin (abundant), Common Myna (abundant) and the localized Slender-billed Oriole.
Overnight Meri Puensum Resort or similar, Punakha, 1,300m. (Meals: B, L, D).

This morning we will take a cultural break to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong built in 1637, and situated on a promontory at the confluence of the Mo (mother) and Pho (father) Chhu (river), Punakha Dzong is known as the “Palace of Great Happiness” and considered to be one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan.
Continuing our journey through the terraced fields at Lobesa we reach in the mixed broad-leafed forest of Menchuna where we will take a short off-road trial for birding, here we can look for species such as Kalij Pheasant, Besra, Northern Goshawk, Scaly (White’s) Thrush, Short-billed Minivet, Ashy Drongo, Eurasian Jay, Black-throated Tit, Pygmy Wren Babbler (Cupwing), Brown-throated Treecreeper, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, and the beautiful Golden Bush Robin.
After picnic lunch at a beautiful setting, we will proceed to Lampelri Botanical Park for another short walk, searching for, Hill Partridge, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Ashy-throated Warbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Green Shrike Babbler, Brown Parrotbill, Alpine Thrush, a species that is recently split from Plain-backed Thrush, Grey-winged Blackbird, Blue-fronted Redstart, Yellow-browed Tit, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, White-browed Shortwing, Maroon-backed Accentor (another rare bird), Dark-breasted Rosefinch and perhaps the rare and shy Blue-fronted Robin.
Our next stop is at Dochu La, an awe-inspiring sight, where colourful prayer flags and 108 glistening white chortens welcome us. Once again on clear days there are magnificent views across the high Himalayan Mountains.
Eventually we reach Paro where we will stay for the next two nights.
Overnight Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro, 2,300m. (Meals: B, L, D).

Today we will have a fabulous last day in Bhutan with 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 Taksang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.  The monastery is perched some 600m up on a cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from East Bhutan on the back of a tiger to defeat demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.
It is a steep uphill walk through woods, of about 1½-2hrs, to reach a cafeteria (an ascent of 340m). Apart from offering welcome refreshment, at the cafeteria, this is one of the principle viewpoints of the monastery, and those who prefer not to climb any further can relax here whilst others continue their trek. 
From the cafeteria it is a further half hour’s ascent, which brings you to another viewpoint directly across from the monastery. The final section of the walk takes you from this viewpoint steeply down 100m into the gorge that separates you from the monastery and then climbs back up again to reach the monastery.
Up at the monastery by the rocky ledges we will look for flocks of Snow Pigeon and Altai Accentor, while the waterfall next to the monastery is home for the Little Forktail.
After visiting the monastery we will then descend to the valley floor by our outward route back to where our vehicle will be waiting. The full walk to the monastery and back involves approximately 740m of ascent.
In Paro we will have a celebratory farewell dinner to mark the end of our fabulous tour through this magical land.
Overnight Hotel Olathang or similar, Paro, 2,300m. (Meals: B, L, D).

After breakfast we will drive to Paro airport and fly to Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu or Bangkok for your onward connections. (Meals: B & L).