Tour Overview
- Duration: 16 Days
- Best Season: Mar - May & Sep - Nov
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Set out on a 14-day birding journey through Bhutan, traversing nine districts rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. This expedition takes you deep into pristine forests and varied elevations where rare and elusive species thrive. From the vibrant Himalayan Monal to the striking Ward’s Trogon and the magnificent Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills, you’ll have the chance to spot between 250–270 bird species along with 10–15 different mammals in their natural habitat.
Beyond birding, the adventure weaves in Bhutan’s cultural treasures, with visits to centuries-old temples, monasteries, and fortresses that reflect the country’s deep spiritual roots. Immersive experiences such as farmhouse stays, traditional cuisine, and a rejuvenating hot stone bath ensure your journey is as enriching culturally as it is adventurous in the wild.
Key Highlights:
Duration: 15 nights / 16 days
Experience: Birdwatching across Bhutan’s diverse districts
Wildlife Encounters: 250–270 bird species & 10–15 mammal species
Cultural Touches: Ancient temples, farmhouse stays, Bhutanese dishes & attire
Wellness: Traditional hot stone bath
Best Season: All year (best: Mar–May & Sep–Nov)
Tentative Itinerary
- One of the most breathtaking mountain flights in the world, the journey to Paro offers a continuously shifting view of some of the world's highest peaks. Once customs procedures are completed, our representative from Found Bhutan will meet you at the Paro airport exit doors.
- After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Paro, exploring the attractions in Paro.
- In the early morning, embark on a scenic drive to the breathtaking Chelila Pass, a pristine alpine meadow at an elevation of 3890m. Return to Paro for lunch, and afterward, journey to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, with a drive lasting approximately 1.5 hours. In the evening, indulge in birdwatching at the sewage pond in Thimphu. Your overnight stay awaits in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- In the morning, embark on an early drive to Punakha via the majestic Dochu-La Pass, situated at an elevation of 3150 meters. Explore the vibrant avian life at the Lamperi Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha with lunch along the way, and in the late afternoon, visit the historic Punakha Dzong. Your overnight accommodation will be in Punakha, Bhutan.
- Following an early breakfast, embark on a journey south of Punakha, where you'll traverse some of Bhutan's most pristine and lesser-explored forests. Spend the evening indulging in birdwatching along the scenic Tsirang and Darachu areas. Your overnight stay will be in Tsirang, offering an authentic Bhutanese experience.
- Enjoy an early breakfast, and dedicate ample time to birdwatching within the lush forests of Tsirang and Darachu. Afterwards, we'll descend to lower elevations, where you can spot a diverse array of low-elevation avian specialties. Your overnight accommodations await in the enchanting region of Gelephu, offering a unique Bhutanese experience.
- In the morning, our birdwatching adventure begins with an exploration of the sewage pond and the fields surrounding Gelephu. Following a satisfying lunch, we'll continue our journey further north of Gelephu, delving into the lush lowland forests that are renowned for their remarkable richness and biodiversity. Your overnight stay will be in Gelephu, ensuring you experience the best of Bhutan's natural wonders.
- Begin your day with an early morning ascent from the foothills, where you'll encounter a remarkable range of elevations, starting at 150 meters and reaching as high as 2500 meters. As the day progresses, you'll traverse through Tamala and venture into the picturesque Zhemgang region. Your overnight accommodations will be in Tingtibe, offering a memorable Bhutanese experience amidst the changing landscapes.
- In the morning, our exploration continues along the Dakphel – Tingtibe road, covering its entire stretch. In the afternoon, we'll shift our focus to the Gomphu road, the pathway that takes you towards the breathtaking Manas National Park. Your overnight stay will be in Tingtibe, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Bhutan.
- Concluding our morning birdwatching in this remarkable habitat, we set out on a journey towards Bumthang. This day primarily serves as a transit day, involving a relatively long drive, as we make our way to the captivating Bumthang valley. Your overnight stay will be in Bumthang, where you can unwind amidst the serene beauty of Bhutan.
- Our journey takes us from Bumthang to Sengor, as we traverse the Phrumshingla Pass at 3800 meters. In the evening, we'll immerse ourselves in birdwatching amidst the natural wonders of Sengor. Your overnight accommodations await in Sengor, providing an authentic Bhutanese experience amidst the stunning landscapes.
- We'll kickstart our day with birdwatching in the Sengor and Phrumshingla area before embarking on our journey to Yongkala. Along the way, we'll continue birding amidst the lush forests of Namling and Yongkala. Your Bhutanese adventure continues as you make your way to Yongkala, reveling in the stunning natural beauty of the region.
- For two full days, we'll be immersed in birdwatching, exploring the pristine birding havens of Namling, the upper Limithang road, and the lower Limithang road. This region is renowned as one of the premier birding destinations in the Himalayas. Your overnight stay promises a memorable experience in Yongkala, where you can witness Bhutan's avian wonders at their finest.
- We'll begin our return journey, offering the opportunity to observe and listen to the enchanting flocks of birds along the way. Your overnight stay will be in the charming town of Trongsa, where Bhutan's avian delights continue to amaze.
- The return drive is estimated to take approximately 6 hours, during which we'll retrace our journey, making stops whenever we encounter captivating bird flocks. Your overnight accommodations will be in Paro, where your Bhutanese adventure continues amidst the beauty of the region.
- This is one of the most exciting day for every tourist here in Bhutan. We will drive to Satsam Chorten, the base of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Your hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) starts here. You can hike through Paro's stunning pine forest, past trees covered in Spanish moss, and occasionally come across a grove of prayer flags fluffing down the trail. This amazing construction clings to the brink of an extreme rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
- As your trip in the magical country of Bhutan draw to a close, take away priceless memories, fresh insights, and a profound respect for Bhutan's opulent natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy.
- Your tour guide will assist you in boarding the plane for your next location.








