8 Days – Bhutan Birding & Cultural Tour

1- Distinct world class architecture
2- Only carbon negative country in the world
3- Happy and contended people
4- Home to Himalayan range
5- Mountain forts and monasteries
6- Himalayan birding
7- Scenic and picturesque
8- Food habit and culture of the Bhutanese people
9- Birdwatching at Dochula pass, Nobding, Phobjikha, Pele la pass, Tashitang, Po chhu river, Lamprey botanical garden, Pa Chu, Chula la pass,

• Thimphu

• Phobjikha

• Punakha

• Paro

Day 01: Arrival in Paro- Thimphu (1.5 hrs drive)

Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival at Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where our dedicated team will be holding placards, no one will be missed. We welcome Khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and a half. The route will follow the Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards the Thimphu River taking us to the heart of the capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is scenic as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina, etc until we enter the welcome gate in Thimphu. Tachongang Lhakhang– En route to Thimphu, stop over for a little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending on your arrival time. Chuzom– Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is a tri-junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing in three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of a beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at Chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visit Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Birding & city tour

Day 02: Thimphu- Phobjikha (5 hrs drive)

The valley of black-necked cranes and rhododendrons and often referred to as Asian Switzerland. The natural beauty of the Phobjikha, beautiful homestays, and nature add more value to experiencing the living style, food habits, and culture of the Bhutanese people. The drive also passes through some of the most beautiful forests, waterfalls, hills, rivers, and villages, and Pelela passes before stepping into Phobjikha. Enjoy the most scenic and adventurous drive today. Buddha Dordenma– The Buddha Dordenma is located at the top of the hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic 51.5-meter-tall statue, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Dochula Pass– The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan Mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Birdwatching at Dochula Pass– Out of many birds, some of the birds seen are fire-tailed myzornis, rufous-gorgeted flycatchers, rufous-breasted bush robins, black-eared shrike babblers, grey-winged blackbird, white collared blackbird, and yellow-billed blue magpie.

Bird watching in Nobding- Some of the birds you can see en route to Pobjikha are Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Scarlet minivet, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Yellow-bellied fairy Fantail, etc. Bird watching in Phobjikha– The birds found here are Alpine Accentor, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Scaly Thrush, Tickell’s Thrush, Fire-capped Tit, Amur falcon, Blue Rock Thrush, Black-faced Laughing thrush, Spotted Laughing thrush, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Black-rumped magpie, Red-billed chough, spotted nutcracker, Himalayan griffon etc. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Birding & city tour

Day 03: Phobjikha- Punakha (3 hrs drive)

Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Phobjikha over Pele La pass which takes about three hours. After the break at Pele La Pass, the road descends into Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Bird watching at Pele La Pass– The Pele La Pass is famous for Pheasants like Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Brown Parrotbill, and Maroon- backed Accentor. Punakha Dzong– Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must-see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between the meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha Suspension Bridge– The Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu River. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. The suspension bridge is only about 15 15-minute walk from Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Birding & city tour

Day 04: Punakha Sightseeing

Punakha is often referred to as the second capital having the best Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha is the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas, and listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Bird watching at Tashithang – There are chances you might see great barbet, barred cuckoo dove, magpie robin, palla’s fish eagle, osprey, river lapwing, ruddy shelduck, mallard duck, common merganser, pied kingfisher, white crested kingfisher, red-vented bulbul, kalij pheasant, orange-bellied leaf bird, Himalayan buzzard, great cormorant, crested bunting, etc. Bird watching at Po Chhu River– You can see White-bellied Heron, Osprey, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White-throated Fantail, ruddy shelduck, ibisbill, river lapwing, etc. Overnight in Punakha

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Birding & city tour

Day 05: Punakha- Paro (3 hrs drive)

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom, and further to Paro. The entire stretch of the drive will refresh your mind and give you a second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Bird watching at Lamperi Botanical Garden– The Royal Botanical Park is the country’s first nature recreational park, to preserve the rich natural biodiversity of the area. You will be able to spot some rare Himalayan birds such as the Great Parrotbill, Darjeeling woodpecker, streak-breasted scimitar babbler, Eurasian jay, bush warbler, chestnut-crowned and spotted laughing thrushes. Birdwatching at Pa Chu– You will be able to find water birds like Ibis Bill, Brown Dipper, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, etc. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Birding & city tour

Day 06: Paro Sightseeing

Home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Blessed with beautiful weather throughout the year and world-famous and most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage Taktsang is located in Paro. Chele La Pass- Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, with an elevation of 3988m above sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy the view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro Valley with a stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. Bird watching at Chele La Pass– There are chances of spotting pheasants: Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, there is also a chance of sighting Fire- tailed Sunbird, Beautiful Rose finch, White-winged Grosbeak, Collared Grosbeak, Tit, Grey bush chat, Snow pigeons. Overnight in Paro

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Birding & city tour

Day 07: Paro Sightseeing

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more historical sites, high-end tourist resorts, and many souvenir shops for shopping including the world-famous Takstang. Taktsang Gompa/Tiger’s Nest Temple– is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take a whole day to complete the hike. Some of the birds you can see on the way are snow pigeons, yellow-billed blue magpies, white-throated laughing thrush, rufous sibia, etc. Overnight in Paro

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Birding & city tour

Day 08: Paro-  End of the Tour

Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

Includes

1. Visa fee for a single entry, per person for foreign nationals
2. Visa process and arrangement, only valid passport accepted.
3. Sustainable Development Funds to the government
4. All accommodations are on a sharing basis 
5. Buffet set breakfast & dinner in the hotel, Lunch in tourist standard restaurant
6. Full-time English-speaking guide will be provided
7. Transfers and sightseeing as per your itinerary (Sightseeing entrance fee not included)
8. Domestic flight if required
9. Complimentary a bottle of water per head
10. Tip to Guide & Driver 

Excludes

1. Flight (International)
2. Bank charges for payment transfers, if applicable only
3. Entrance/Monument visiting fees, directly payable at the site
4. Any alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages
5. Personal expenses/shopping etc
6. Travel Insurance
7. Unforeseen COVID expenses & Personal PPE
8. Outdoor activities (Cycling, River Rafting, Motor Biking, Horse Riding, Cultural Program, Traditional
9. Sports, Costumes, Hot Stone Bath etc.
10. Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion is not included in the cost