Bhutan has 745 Bird species of 89 families across Bhutan. Some of the unique birds of Bhutan are the necked Crane and white-bellied Heron. The popular Birding sights are Lamperi Royal Park in Thimphu, Bumdeling National Park in Trashi Yangtse and Zhemgang in Central Bhutan.

Overview

Itinerary

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FAQs

Bhutan Birding Tour

Discover more than 700 Bird species in Bhutan through our guided tour with Bird Specialist. Nestling in the heart of the Himalayas and protected by a complex geography of high mountains and deep valleys, Bhutan is certainly one of the most mysterious countries in the world (Dompnier,1999). The intriguing yet profound tale of the transformation of this traditional kingdom, without losing out on its traditional norms and values while embarking on a modern course of development in the last half a century has been both a story of sustainable and progressive development in harmony with its natural environment. Small and landlocked, to the north lies the great Tibetan plateau and to the south, the tropical Indian plains and jungles. Today, the proportion of land under forest cover is 72.5%, including shrub forest (2008). The need to live in harmony with rather than against nature has never been illustrated better. When Global Warming is now an accepted universal “Inconvenient Truth,” the need to preserve, conserve and respect the air we breathe. Bhutan is considered a Birding paradise for BIRD Lovers.

Popular Tour sights in Bhutan:

Lamperi Nature Park In Thimphu
Pho Chu and Mochu River side in Punakha.
Tango and Cheri Monastery in Thimphu
Phobjikha Valley
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Bumdeling National Park

Things to carry for bird Watching:

Be quiet always. Birds have extremely acute hearing. Talk softly and as little as possible. Watch your step. Don’t tread on dry branches and do not wear squeaky clothes or clanking equipment.
Move carefully and regularly. Do not make a sudden move or point at the birds.
Try to approach the bird casually as though you were not interested in it.
Wear somber clothing so that you merge into the background as much as possible.
Your birdwatching will be most successful on warm, sunny, still days. In general, birds do not like windy, wet, or very hot weather.

Bird watching, also known as birding, offers numerous advantages to individuals who engage in this fascinating hobby. Some of the key advantages of bird watching include:

Appreciation of nature: Bird watching allows you to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty and diversity of bird species. It encourages you to spend time outdoors, explore different habitats, and develop a deeper understanding of ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Relaxation and stress relief: Engaging in bird watching can be a tranquil and calming activity. It provides an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, immerse yourself in nature, and experience a sense of peace and serenity. Observing birds in their natural habitats can have a soothing effect on the mind and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Physical exercise: Bird watching often involves walking or hiking in various environments, such as forests, wetlands, or mountains. It promotes physical activity and encourages a healthier lifestyle. Exploring different habitats and searching for birds can increase your stamina, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall fitness.
Mental stimulation: Bird watching requires concentration, observation, and identification skills. It challenges your mind and helps improve cognitive abilities such as attention to detail, memory recall, and pattern recognition. Learning about different bird species, their behaviors, and habitats stimulates curiosity and provides ongoing opportunities for intellectual growth.
Social connections and community engagement: Bird watching is a popular hobby enjoyed by a diverse community of individuals around the world. Joining bird watching groups, participating in birding events or citizen science projects, and sharing sightings and experiences with fellow birders can foster new friendships and create a sense of belonging. It provides a platform to connect with like-minded people who share a passion for birds and conservation.
Conservation and environmental awareness: Bird watching promotes awareness and appreciation for the natural environment. By observing birds and their habitats, birders become more conscious of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect ecosystems. Bird watchers often contribute to citizen science initiatives by reporting their observations, which aids in research, conservation planning, and monitoring of bird populations.

Bird Recording:

Carry a notebook and pencil and make notes in the field.
Make notes as soon as you have finished watching birds. Don’t wait until you get to the hotel or you may forget the important details.
Record the habitat.
Record the date.
Make notes on the Bird’s behavior, including any breeding behavior.
Draw a sketch of birds that you cannot identify and label them with the most important feature.

Trip Highlights

Discover the rare Bird Species of Bhutan
Explore the different districts of Bhutan where rare birds are found
Visit Lamperi Birding Park
Explore Thimphu the capital city
Discover the rare Bird Species like White-Bellied Heron in Punakha

Day 1 :

Arrival to Bhutan

Can you see the bird in Paro? Here are some of the rare birds found in Paro Bhutan. Ruddy Shelduck, Greater White-fronted Goose, Ferruginous Duck, Gadwall and many more.

Day 2 :

Paro to Thimphu. Which Bird to watch in Thimphu?

What Bird is found in Thimphu? After breakfast drive to Dodena to see the Birds. Drive to Dodena north of Thimphu valley, where you may see Laughing Thrust, Brown Dipper, Spotted Laughing Thrush, Fire capped Tit, Chestnut-crowned Laughing Thrushes, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, and White-collared Blackbirds.

Day 3 :

Thimphu Birding Tour

Visit Begana for the Birding tour by visiting Takin Center. Hike the Tango Monastery for the beautiful views. Our Guide will take you to the place where you can see the Bird. The bird found in the forest of northern Thimphu is the beautiful Oriental Turtle Dove.

Day 4 :

Thimphu to Punakha, Which Bird do you see in Punakha?

Royal Botanical Park is one of the best birding sites in Bhutan. The park host about 230 species with possibility of recording more in future. Species like the endangered wards Trogon, fire tailed myozenin, satyr Tragopan and many more beautifully species add charm to the bird diversity.

Day 5 :

Punakha to Mochu River Bird watching

Mo Chu river flows from Glacial lake in the north of Bhutan. Today we will go birding to the warm forests along the banks of the Mo Chu river, where we will be looking to find; White Bellied Herons, Great Barbet, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Osprey, River Lapwing Ruddy Shelduck, the European Wigeon, Kingfisher, Bulbuls etc. Over Night at Hotel.

Day 6 :

Punakha Pho Chu River Bird watching

Visit Pho chu riverside for Bird Watching. In Pho Chu valley if we are lucky we shall try to spot White-bellied Heron. This is one of the most endangered bird species in the world, with only 60 birds remaining. We can also spot Pallas Fish Eagle, White-throated and Crested Kingfisher, Ibisbill, River Lapwing, and a few species of Ducks. Over Night at Hotel.

Day 7 :

Punakha to Paro Tour

Visit Paro. Paro is a fertile valley and only Country’s International airport. Visit Drugyel Dzong (victory Dzong) 16 Km from Paro city towards North. Visit the popular places like Kichu Temple and in the evening city walk. Over Night at Hotel Trashi Namgay Resort.

Day 8 :

Paro Tiger Nest Hike

Which Bird do you see while hiking the Tiger nest Temple? Nature lovers can now rejoice! With support from the World Wildlife Fund, the Bhutan Ecological Society has installed signages of five species of plants and 33 species of birds on the Taktsang trail. Out of the 33 species of birds, 10 are residential while the others are migratory.

Day 9 :

Departure from Paro airport.

9 Days Bhutan Birding Tour ends here. Our team from Tour Bhutan will assist you to the airport and see you off.

FAQs

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What are the hotels included in the Tour?

Termalinca Resort (Read more)
Hotel Meri Phuensum(Read more)
Tashi Namgay Resort (Read more)

What are the unique destinations included in the itinerary for this tour?

What types of bird can i expect to see in Bhutan?

Bhutan is home to over 700 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species. Some notable birds you can expect to see during a birding tour in Bhutan are the Satyr Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Monal, Black-necked Crane, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Beautiful Nuthatch. The country’s varied ecosystems, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, provide habitat for diverse bird species.

When is the best time for a Birding tour in Bhutan?

The best time for a birding tour in Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and bird activity is high. Migratory birds arrive in Bhutan during spring, while autumn is known for excellent birdwatching opportunities due to clear skies and the breeding season for many species.

Are there specialized birding guides available for tours in Bhutan?

Yes, there are specialized birding guides available for birding tours in Bhutan. These guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the bird species found in Bhutan. They can identify various bird calls, habitats, and behaviour, enhancing your birding experience. They also have access to prime birding locations and can help you spot rare and elusive species.

Are there specific birding spots or national parks to visit in Bhutan?

Bhutan has several national parks and protected areas that are excellent for birdwatching. Some popular birding spots include Jigme Dorji National Park, Phobjikha Valley, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Tingtibi-Dorokha area, and Zhemgang. These areas offer diverse ecosystems and are home to a wide range of bird species.

Do I need any special equipment for a birding tour in Bhutan?

It is recommended to bring your own birding equipment for a tour in Bhutan. Essential items include binoculars, a spotting scope, a field guidebook specific to the birds of Bhutan, comfortable walking shoes, appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, and a camera with a telephoto lens for capturing bird sightings.

How do I book a birding tour in Bhutan?

Birding tours in Bhutan are usually organized through authorized tour operators like us specialising in nature and birding experiences. You can contact us directly or through travel agencies. We can customize your tour itinerary, provide transportation, arrange accommodation, and provide experienced birding guides to ensure a fulfilling birding experience.

Are there any conservation efforts for birds in Bhutan?

Bhutan places great importance on conservation efforts. The country has established a network of protected areas to safeguard its rich biodiversity, including bird species. The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) and other organizations work towards bird conservation and habitat preservation. By participating in a birding tour, you contribute indirectly to these conservation efforts through sustainable tourism practices.