Introduction

Bhutan ‘s extensive bird list reflects the kingdom’s wide range of agro-ecological environments, from subtropical to alpine. Currently 675 species have been recorded in Bhutan. Most widely known are the Black Neck Cranes, a rare and endangered crane. In Bhutan , the Black Neck Crane holds a special place in folklore and Bhutanese hearts. To injure a Black Neck Crane in Bhutan is go to prison for life.

Hundreds flock to the Phobjikha Valley ,a glacial valley in a remote area with no electrical power. Here the Black Neck Cranes are conservatory protected and can be viewed. There are many legends and myths about this bird. The Bhutanese call it Thrung Throng. Black Neck Crane Dancers honor the bird with a festival dance. Other migratory birds as the Pailas’ fish eagle, which is considered rare, migrates through Bhutan between Tibet and northern India . This bird is often seen near Wangdi near spring. Often it will be spotted with Ospreys and Pied Avocet. Wintertime brings numerous species down to lower altitudes, including accentors, rose finches, grosbeaks, snow pigeons and pheasants such as the satyrtragopan, the Himalayan monal and the blood pheasant.

Even the casual observer can be sure to see the blue whistling-thrush, yellow blue magpie, the wall creeper, white capped water redstarts, spotted nutcracker in the pine forest and the red-billed choughs on the roofs on the dzongs. All animals in Bhutan are protected by the Buddhist ethic that prohibits killing. Further protection in the 1995 Forest and Nature Conservation Act defines several species as totally protected. Black Neck Cranes, Monal Pheasant, Peacock, Pheasant, Raven and the Rufous-Necked Hornbill.

Bird watching tours to Bhutan are organised by Mongolian Trekking and Expedition via are agents in Bhutan.Please contact us for further information.

Inclusion

What's included ?

What's not included ?

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 01 : Arrive Paro, transfer hotel / tour briefing / overnight

  • Day 02 : Drive to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan , birding, overnight hotel

  • Day 03 : Drive into the surrounding countryside / a full day birding, return to Thimphu , Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 04 : Drive to Dochula Pass (10,500 ft.) Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 05 : Today we drive to Punakha. Overnight camp

  • Day 06 : Entire day bird watching in Tashithang Valley, overnight at camp

  • Day 07 : Depart Tashithang for Wangdue Pelela Pass. Overnight in Trongsa Hotel.

  • Day 08 : Drive from Trongsa to Kuengarabten. Overnight in Bumthang

  • Day 09 : Depart Bumthang, for Gayzamchu.

  • Day 10 : Leave Gayzamchu for Sengor crossing Thumshingla pass, overnight Halt in Sengor.

  • Day 11 : Continuing on to Thrumshingla – overnight camp at Yongkola Lingmithang.

  • Day 12 : Lingmithang birdwatching full day. overnight camp

  • Day 13 : Begin drive back to west. Photos stops. overnight hotel.

  • Day 14 : Continue our drive back to Paro

  • Day 15 : Travel airport / depart for onward destination.