Bhutan Birdwatching & Wildlife Photography Tour (12 days/11 nights)
Bhutan’s diverse ecosystems, from subtropical jungles to alpine meadows, make it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike. This 12-day tour will take you to some of the best birdwatching and wildlife photography hotspots in the country, including Phobjikha Valley, Bumdeling, and Manas National Park. With the opportunity to spot rare species like the Black-necked Crane, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, and more, this tour offers a deep dive into Bhutan’s rich biodiversity, with the perfect balance of adventure and conservation.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
-Arrive at Paro International Airport where your guide will welcome you.
- Transfer to your hotel for a relaxing check-in.
- Briefing on the itinerary, Bhutan’s birdlife, and the importance of wildlife photography in Bhutan’s conservation efforts.
- Take an afternoon walk in Paro Valley, observing common species like the Common Redstart and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro – Taktsang Monastery Birdwatching Hike
- Begin with a birdwatching hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), one of Bhutan’s most iconic sites.
- Along the way, spot species like Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon, and the elusive Red-headed Trogon.
- Continue hiking through forests of pine and cedar, capturing stunning wildlife and avian photography moments.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Phobjikha Valley (Black-necked Crane Habitat)
- Drive to Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its wintering grounds of the Black-necked Crane.
- Spend the day birdwatching and photographing the Black-necked Crane and other species like Eurasian Kestrel, Himalayan Bulbul, and Great Crested Grebe.
- Visit the Black-necked Crane Center to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts for this endangered species.
- Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.
Day 4: Phobjikha Valley – Wangduephodrang
- Continue exploring the Phobjikha wetlands and surrounding meadows, spotting species such as White-capped Redstart, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Blue-winged Minla.
- Transfer to Wangduephodrang(1.5 hours), another prime birdwatching area.
- Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
Day 5: Wangduephodrang – Bumthang
- Drive to Bumthang(5-6 hours), passing through dramatic landscapes and bird-rich forests.
- Upon arrival, take a birdwatching walk in the forests surrounding Jakar Dzong, home to species like the Himalayan Mona and Black-tailed Crake.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang – Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
- Explore the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Bhutan’s most important conservation areas.
- Focus on photographing high-altitude species such as the Satyr Tragopan, Golden Eagle, and Snow Partridge.
- Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), a sacred site with opportunities to photograph the landscape and its avian residents.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang – Tang Valley Birdwatching
- Tak a short drive to Tang Valley, an area known for its rich birdlife.
- Birdwatching opportunities include spotting Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Spotted Nutcracker, and Black-breasted Thrush.
- Visit Tamzhing Lhakhang, a serene spot for wildlife photography and birdwatching.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang – Trongsa
- Drive from Bumthang to Trongsa (2-3 hours), passing through scenic habitats.
- In Trongsa, birdwatching includes species like Brown Parrotbill, Crimson Sunbird, and Woolly-necked Stork.
- Explore the Trongsa Dzong area, keeping an eye out for raptors and alpine species.
- Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 9: Trongsa – Manas National Park
- Travel to Manas National Park, one of Bhutan’s largest and most biodiverse protected areas.
- Spend the day capturing wildlife photography of mammals, including the elusive Golden Langur, and avian species like the Pallas's Fish Eagle, Slender-billed Vulture, and Spot-billed Pelican.
- The park offers an incredible variety of bird species, including both lowland and highland birds.
- Overnight at a lodge near Manas National Park.
Day 10: Manas National Park Exploration
- Full day of birdwatching and photography within the park, where you can expect to see White-winged Duck, River Lapwing, and various raptors.
- Explore the Manas River region, spotting snipe, duck species, and Kingfishers.
- Learn from local conservation experts about the importance of protecting Manas’ biodiversity.
- Overnight at a lodge near Manas National Park.
Day 11: Manas National Park – Punakha
- Drive to Punakha (6 hours) via scenic routes, with opportunities for birdwatching stops along the way.
- Visit Punakha Dzong and nearby wetlands for species such as White-capped Redstart, Common Kingfisher, and Brown Dipper.
- Overnight in Punakha.
Day 12: Punakha – Paro and Departure
- Drive back to Paro (3 hours), with a few stops along the way to spot birds in different habitats.
- Reflect on your birdwatching and photography experiences as you journey through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes.
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure, with a camera full of memories and a heart full of Bhutan’s avian beauty.