Himalayan Birding Expedition- From Valleys to High Ridges
16-Day Itinerary
DAY 1
Your grand Himalayan odyssey commences at Paro International Airport (PBH). The adventure leads directly to the riverside to glimpse the unique Ibisbill amongst the shingle. Nearby, the elusive Black-tailed Crake often reveals itself in clandestine corners. Following encounters with vibrant Hodgson’s Redstarts, you ascend to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Within this architectural marvel, ancient forests teem with the Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Ultramarine Flycatcher, and the striking Yellow-billed Blue Magpie. Your first night remains peaceful in the serene valley of Paro.
DAY 2
A scenic ascent to the alpine meadows of Chele La (3800m) reveals high-altitude specialties. Expect views of Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, and the magnificent Himalayan Monal. The summit area provides opportunities to spot Indian Blue Robin, Rufous-vented Tit, various leaf warblers, Himalayan Bluetail, and the White-winged Grosbeak. The afternoon features a drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu
DAY 3
An early arrival at Dochu la (3150m) offers panoramas of snow-capped peaks. This habitat supports the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Great Parrotbill, and Hoary-throated Barwing. The journey continues through pristine forests, providing chances for Ward’s Trogon and diverse bird flocks including Darjeeling Woodpecker and Yellow-throated Fulvetta. The day concludes in Punakha with an optional visit to the historic Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha
DAY 4
Exploration focuses on the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers to locate the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. This region remains the most reliable location on Earth for sightings. Other possibilities include the rare Pallas’s Fish-Eagle and Ibisbill along the shingle banks. Migratory Bar-headed Geese and Pallas’s Gulls may appear during their transit to the Tibetan Plateau. Overnight in Tsirang
DAY 5
Morning birding begins in the lush wet forests surrounding the hotel, targeting species of the middle and lower elevations. After lunch, the route leads to Gelephu on the Indian border. Roadside stops offer potential sightings of the Beautiful Nuthatch. A visit to the Gelephu area may add various lowland Indian species to the trip list. Overnight in Gelephu
DAY 6
The road to Tingtibi crosses several elevations rich in avian life. Key targets include the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, and Scarlet Finch. Forested slopes provide habitat for the Himalayan Cutia and Rufous Sibia. Later, the Berti Eco-camp area offers a first chance to see the endemic Golden Langur. Overnight at Berti Eco-camp
DAY 7
Detailed exploration of the forested valley toward Zhemgang focuses on the Beautiful Nuthatch, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, and Violet Cuckoo. Search efforts also target specialized bamboo species in the dense undergrowth. Overnight at Berti Eco-camp
DAY 8
Travel through extensive bamboo stands yields habitat specialists like the Pale-headed Woodpecker, White-hooded Babbler, and various Parrotbills. A second chance for the White-bellied Heron exists in this area. The route descends through a dramatic forested gorge towards Panbang. Overnight in Panbang.
DAY 9
Birding the road to Nganglam offers access to shy forest dwellers such as the Large Scimitar Babbler and Rufous-backed Sibia. Rare possibilities include the Green Cochoa or Blue-naped Pitta. Before reaching Gyelposhing, the Kuri Chhu River is scanned for Pallas’s Fish Eagle. An evening excursion targets the Hodgson’s Frogmouth. Overnight in Gyelposhing
DAY 10-11
The legendary Limithang Road within Thrumsingla National Park provides world-class birding in subtropical wet forests. Dawn reveals the calls of the Golden-throated Barbet, while searches continue for Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, and the Bhutan Laughingthrush. The dense undergrowth holds the Spotted Elachura and Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler. Nights in Yongkola.
DAY 12
Focus shifts to the higher elevations of the national park while transiting to Sengor. This area is the premier location for the Satyr Tragopan. Other sightings may include Gold-naped Finch and Scaly-breasted Cupwing. After dark, look for the Himalayan Owl near the camp. Overnight in Sengor
DAY 13
High-altitude birding at Phrumseng la pass (3800m) focuses on Fire-tailed Sunbird and Fire-tailed Myzornis among the rhododendrons. The valley floor offers views of Snow Pigeon and Black-rumped Magpie within the agricultural landscapes. Overnight in Bumthang Valley
DAY 14
Morning birding provides a final opportunity for the Himalayan Monal before traveling west. Stops near Trongsa target the Tibetan Serin and Nepal House Martin. Upon arrival in the Phobjikha Valley, efforts focus on the elusive Wood Snipe and potential late-staying Black-necked Cranes. Overnight in Phobjikha.
DAY 15
The return journey to Paro includes a stop for the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and additional roadside birding. Afternoon remains flexible for final observations in the Paro valley. Overnight in Paro
DAY 16
Departure
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