Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Bird watching tour in Bhutan
Despite its small size about 770 species of birds have been recorded in Bhutan, Bhutan is birding paradise and ultimate destination for the birdwatcher and bird lovers around the world, Over 60% of the land is still forested and 26% of the land is protected as National Parks. It is an ideal place to see a wide variety of birds that are impossible or difficult to see anywhere else. Unlike the other Himalayan countries which suffer from much deforestation and environmental degradation, Bhutan's richly diverse and beautiful forests are some of the best remaining forest habitats in the Himalayas. So much so that the country is claimed to be the major part of the high bio-diversity conservation hotspot known as Eastern Himalayan hotspots.
Birds in Bhutan can be found from the glacial alpine regions of the north to the sweltering tropics of the south. The geography and altitude is also the most diverse areas of bird habitats ever found in a single country. 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. 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.
Bhutan Bird watching Tour Itinerary Details:
Day 01: Arrival Paro 2250m: Transfer from hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air flight to Paro. During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, meet and greet transfer to hotel and briefing about the programme rest and free Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02: Birding and Tour in Paro
After breaffast start our Birwatchign tou in Bhutan,the ideal birding spots in Paro are through the farmlands, the lower and upper broadleaved evergreen forests, the riversides, subalpine forests and shrubberies. The valley also possesses wealth of cultural attractions such as Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and Taktsang Lhakhang.
Some of the recorded bird species in Paro includes: Aberrant Bush Warbler (Cettia flavoivacea), Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum), Himalayan Whistling Thrush (Myiophonus caeruleus), Common Teal (Ana crecca), Greyheaded Flycatcher Warbler (Seicercus xanthoschistos), Greenbacked Tit (Parus monticolus), Hodgson’s Redstart (Phoenicurus hodgsoni), Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), Himalayan Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasi), Crestee Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus), Himalayan Treecreeper (Certhia hamalayana), Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris), Rufousbreasted Accentor (Prunella strophiata), Rufous Turtle Dove (Streptoppelia orientalis), Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagle (Hieraaetus kienerii), Stripethroated Yuhina (Yuhina gularis), Longtailed Minivet (Pericrocotus ethologus).
Day 03: Paro / Thimphu ( 54 km, 1 and half hours), 2350m
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan, the Thimphu valley is surrounded by fine stands of Blue Pine and temperate evergreen forests. The increasing human settlement has pushed birding spots at least 10 km and now the ideal areas for birding are around the stream near Motithang and in and around Begana and Cheri villages.
Few of the bird species recorded here are: Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos), Redrumped Swallow (Hirunda daurica), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus melaschistos), Grackle or Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa), Grey Wagtail (Motacilla caspica), Whitebellied Yuhina (Yuhina xanthoteuca), Upland Pipit (Anthus sylvanus), Plumbeous Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosus).
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha. ( 77 km, 2 hours), 2350m
after breakfast drive to Punakha over dochula pass (3150 m). stop for a while at the pass for a breath taking of eastern Himalayan Mountain Ranges on a clear days and also to see the 108 small chhortens (stupas). The following birds species can be found on our way to Punakha.
- Gold-naped Finch.
- Rufous-breasted Bush Robin
- Satyr Tragopan
- Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler
- Tree Creepers.
Lunch will be at Lobesa. PM: Hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hill top. This temple is also known as ‘the temple of fertility’. The hike will take about 25 minutes from the road end through the farm fields. Then we will drive to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 5: Punakha – Trongsa
After breakfast drive to Trongsa over Pelela pass. Today we may find the following birds on our way to Trongsa.
- Blood Pheasant
- Yellowish-billed Bush Warbler
- Great Parrotbill
- White Winged Grosbeak
- Fire-tailed Myzornis
- Maroon-backed Accentor.
after having Lunch continue our journey to Trongsa. if time permit visit the impressive Trongsa dzong, overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Trongsa - Zhemgang.
After breakfast drive to Zhemgang with pack lunch. Today we may see the following birds beside the good opportunity to see the golden langure - an animal endemic to Bhutan.
- Chestnuts Breasted Partridge
- Ward’s Trogon
- Rufus Necked and Great Horn Bill
- Blue-napped Pitta
- Blue fronted Robin
- Wedge Billed and Bar winged Wren Babblers and many more. Dinner and overnight stay in Zhemgang, Camp.
Day 7: Zhemgang – Tingtingbi. Today we will explore the birds from Zhemgang till Tingtingbi. Dinner and overnight stay at Tingtingbi, Camp.
Day 8: Tingtingbi – Trongsa.
After an early breakfast, drive to Trongsa with your pack lunch. We will stop wherever necessary if we spot birds on our way back to Trongsa. overnight at hotel
Day 9: Trongsa – Wangdue: After breafkst drive to to Wangdue. The drive will take about 5 hours. Lunch will be served at Nobding and continue our journey to Wangdue. Evening at leisure. overnight at hotel
Day 10: Wangdue – Paro. AM: Drive to Paro. Lunch at Thimphu. PM: Continue our journey to Prao. Evening stroll around the Paro town for your last shopping in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.
Day 11: Final Departure: After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport in Paro for departure flight to Kathmandu or your onward destination.
Accommodation:
Most hotels in Bhutan meet the recent standardization policy and are approved and classified by the government, most tourists accommodate in a 2/3 star category, All are inspected regularly and have en-suite bathrooms. Hotels and lodges become slightly more basic the further east you travel into the country. However town like Thimpu, Paro has 5 star category hotels also available and town like towns like Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang also have a variety of hotels that are comfortable. Away from town, you may find it tempting to camp outside in the forest or make a night halt at the purpose-built in cabins sprinkled along some main trekking routes. To use the special deluxe 4 and 5 star hotels take an supplement fee please Contact US for more details.Meals
All your meals included during your stay in Bhutan. A variety of meals are available in most hotels – Most Bhutanese dishes are rich and spicy with a lot of cheese and chilli. It is advisable that visitors stick to the Chinese, Continental or Indian cuisine that is served in most restaurants. Visitors can also choose among the various vegetarian and non-veg food. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings, you may try out the ema datshi dish served with cheese and chili and other typical Bhutanese dishes.Cost Include:
- Airport pick ups and drops
- Transportation on comfortable vehicle by private car or Hiace as per the group size
- All necessary travel permits
- Experienced English speaking Bhutanese guide and local staff.
- Accommodation on twin sharing room basis
- All city tour with Sightseeing and monastery
- entrance fees as per our itinerary.
- All the meals during the trip full board basis (B/L/D),
- All government taxes
- Bhutan Visa fee
Cost Exclude:
· Airfare To/From Paro, Bhutan
· Travel Insurance, Personal equipment, telephone calls, internet, laundry
· Personal expenses such as a drinks, beverages, tips and gratitude
Extend your Holiday
Bhutan Bird watching Tour do not included any services in Kathmandu like hotels, tour and trekking in Nepal, but on your request we can help you to get any level of accommodation, Airport pick up, arrangements of Trekking, Day Hiking, Sightseeing and Cultural Tour , Rafting, Jungle Safari, Flight, Paragliding, Car Rental and more.Contact us for any services in Nepal, Tibet and India.