10 Days – Bird Photography Tour
Capture the rare and vibrant birdlife of Bhutan’s pristine forests and majestic landscapes on a 10-day photography adventure like no other.
10-Day Spring Birding Tour in Bhutan – Discover the Land of the Thunder Dragon’s Natural Wonders
Bhutan, protected by its Himalayan isolation and mountainous terrain, is a paradise for nature lovers. With over 70% forest cover and 60% of its land protected by national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Bhutan is home to an extraordinary range of birds, wildlife, and plants. This 10-day spring birding tour takes you through eastern Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, where you’ll encounter over 350 bird species, including rare gems like the Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Ward’s Trogon. Along the way, you’ll also spot mammals, butterflies, and vibrant flowers, while exploring Bhutan’s rich culture, visiting dzongs, and experiencing the lively Trashigang Festival.
Your Bhutan birding adventure starts with a flight to Guwahati, where our Indian representative from Langur Eco Travels will greet you. From there, you’ll travel 110 km to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s border town. Along the way, stop at a rubbish dumpsite near Guwahati and Dipor Bil wetland to spot plains birds like Greater and Lesser Adjutants, Purple Heron, and Pied Kingfisher. Upon arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar, look for unique species like Red Junglefowl, Asian Koel, and Crimson Sunbird. Spend the night at Tashi Gasel Guesthouse, ready for more birding adventures tomorrow.
Highlights of Your Day
Flight to Guwahati
Experience: Fly from Kolkata or Delhi to Guwahati, where your birding adventure begins.
Significance: This is the starting point of your journey into Bhutan’s rich biodiversity.
Birding at Dipor Bil Wetland
Experience: Stop at Dipor Bil wetland and a rubbish dumpsite near Guwahati to spot plains birds like Greater Adjutant, Purple Heron, and Pied Kingfisher.
Significance: These sites are excellent for observing a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Travel to Samdrup Jongkhar
Experience: Drive 110 km to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s border town, and look for unique birds like Red Junglefowl, Asian Koel, and Crimson Sunbird.
Significance: Samdrup Jongkhar is a gateway to Bhutan’s diverse birdlife and culture.
Overnight at Tashi Gasel Guesthouse
Experience: Relax and recharge at Tashi Gasel Guesthouse, preparing for the next day’s birding adventures.
Significance: This comfortable stay ensures you’re ready for an exciting journey ahead.
Today, you’ll explore the lush tropical forests of Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang, one of the finest birding areas in the Himalayas. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot rare and stunning species like the Wreathed Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Blyth’s Kingfisher, and Hooded Pitta. In addition to the incredible birdlife, you’ll also discover a variety of orchids and butterflies, making this a truly unforgettable day for nature lovers. Spend the night at Dungsam Trashiling Resort, ready for more adventures tomorrow.
Highlights of Your Day
- Birding in Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang
- Experience: Explore the tropical forests and look for rare and colorful birds like the Wreathed Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, and Hooded Pitta.
- Significance: This region is a birding hotspot, offering a chance to see species rarely found elsewhere in Bhutan.
- Spot Rare and Iconic Birds
- Experience: Keep an eye out for Blyth’s Kingfisher, Siberian Rubythroat, and Indian Roller, among many others.
- Significance: These birds are a highlight for bird enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- Discover Orchids and Butterflies
- Experience: Along with birding, enjoy the beauty of diverse orchids and butterflies in the forest.
- Significance: This adds another layer of wonder to your exploration of Bhutan’s biodiversity.
- Overnight at Dungsam Trashiling Resort
- Experience: Relax and recharge at Dungsam Trashiling Resort, surrounded by nature.
- Significance: This comfortable stay ensures you’re ready for the next day’s adventures.
Today, your adventure continues as you travel to Trashigang, a region rarely visited by tourists. The journey takes you through dense subtropical forests, mountain passes, and stunning valleys, offering incredible birding opportunities and breathtaking views. Along the way, look for rare species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Gold-naped Finch. Enjoy a hot picnic breakfast prepared by our crew and soak in the panoramic views of Bhutan’s landscapes. Spend the night at Druk Deothjung Resort in Trashigang, ready for more exploration tomorrow.
Highlights of Your Day
- Birding in Dense Subtropical Forests
- Experience: Explore the dense forests near Deothang and look for rare birds like the Rufous-necked Hornbill and Blue-winged Laughingthrush.
- Significance: These forests are a haven for birdwatchers, offering a chance to spot globally vulnerable species.
- Scenic Drive Through Morong Valley
- Experience: Scan the warm broad-leafed forests of Morong Valley for the Beautiful Nuthatch, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, and other stunning birds.
- Significance: This valley is a hidden gem, rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.
- Hot Picnic Breakfast
- Experience: Enjoy a delicious hot picnic breakfast prepared by our crew, surrounded by nature.
- Significance: This is a perfect opportunity to relax and recharge during your journey.
- Drive Through Melong Brak and Mountain Passes
- Experience: Travel along the dramatic Melong Brak road, carved into a cliff face, and cross high mountain passes like Kharung La and Yonphu La. Look for birds like the Crimson-breasted Woodpecker and Gold-naped Finch along the way.
- Significance: These scenic drives offer breathtaking views and unique birding opportunities.
- Arrive in Trashigang
- Experience: Descend through terraced fields to Trashigang, a historic trade center with Tibet.
- Significance: Trashigang is a charming town that offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s culture and history.
- Overnight at Druk Deothjung Resort
- Experience: Relax and recharge at Druk Deothjung Resort, surrounded by the beauty of Trashigang.
- Significance: This comfortable stay ensures you’re ready for the next day’s adventures.
Today, you’ll set off early from Trashigang and travel through the Sheri Chhu Valley, climbing the famous Yadi Loops – 10 hairpin bends in just 10 km! Continue through cool broad-leafed forests to Kore La Pass, where you’ll look for birds like the Scarlet Finch and Grey-sided Laughingthrush. Descend to Mongar for a brief stop, then drive to Yongkola, stopping along the Lingmethang Road to spot rare species like the Tawny Fish Owl and Blue-naped Pitta. Spend the night at Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, surrounded by nature.
Highlights of Your Day
Drive Through Sheri Chhu Valley and Yadi Loops
Experience: Travel through the scenic Sheri Chhu Valley and climb the dramatic Yadi Loops, a series of 10 hairpin bends in just 10 km.
Significance: This drive offers stunning views and a thrilling start to your day.
Birding at Kore La Pass
Experience: Explore cool broad-leafed forests at Kore La Pass and look for birds like the Scarlet Finch, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, and Hill Partridge.
Significance: This area is a birding hotspot, offering a chance to spot rare and colorful species.
Visit Mongar
Experience: Stop briefly in Mongar to explore the town and stretch your legs.
Significance: Mongar is a charming town that offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s culture and daily life.
Birding Along Lingmethang Road
Experience: Drive to Yongkola, stopping along the Lingmethang Road to spot rare birds like the Tawny Fish Owl, Blue-naped Pitta, and Steppe Eagle.
Significance: This area is rich in biodiversity, offering unique birding opportunities.
Overnight at Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse
Experience: Relax and recharge at Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, surrounded by the beauty of Yongkola.
Significance: This comfortable stay ensures you’re ready for the next day’s adventures.
Spend two full days exploring the pristine forests of Yongkola, Namling, Tshamang, and Lingmethang, some of the finest birding spots in the world. Using a quiet, paved road through Thrumshing La National Park, you’ll search for rare and sought-after birds like the Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Ward’s Trogon, and Yellow-throated Fulvetta. In the warm broad-leafed forests of Lingmethang Road, look for species like the Red-faced Liocichla and Maroon Oriole. On one evening, take a short night drive to spot the Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel and owls like Hodgson’s Frogmouth and Brown Wood Owl. Spend both nights at Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, surrounded by nature.
Highlights of Your Days
- Birding in Thrumshing La National Park
- Experience: Explore the pristine forests of Thrumshing La National Park, looking for rare birds like the Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Ward’s Trogon, and Long-billed Wren Babbler.
- Significance: This area is a birding hotspot, offering a chance to spot globally vulnerable and near-threatened species.
- Explore Lingmethang Road
- Experience: Search the warm broad-leafed forests of Lingmethang Road for birds like the Red-faced Liocichla, Maroon Oriole, and Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush.
- Significance: This area is rich in biodiversity, offering unique birding opportunities.
- Night Drive for Wildlife
- Experience: Take a short night drive to spot the Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel and owls like Hodgson’s Frogmouth and Brown Wood Owl.
- Significance: This is a rare opportunity to observe Bhutan’s nocturnal wildlife.
- Overnight at Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse
- Experience: Relax and recharge at Trogon Villa or Chengala Farmhouse, surrounded by the beauty of Yongkola.
- Significance: This comfortable stay ensures you’re ready for more birding adventures.
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After a final morning of birding around your hotel, you’ll retrace your journey back to Trashigang, stopping along the lower region of Yongkola. This area is known for its rich birdlife, including raptors and a variety of other species. The journey offers a chance to spot some of the region’s most fascinating birds, making it a perfect conclusion to your birding adventure.
Highlights of Your
DayFinal Morning Birding
Experience: Enjoy a final morning of birding around your hotel, soaking in the last moments of the pristine natural surroundings.
Significance: This is your last opportunity to spot any species you may have missed, ensuring a fulfilling birding experience.
Birding in the Lower Region of Yongkola
Experience: Explore the lower forests of Yongkola, where raptors such as Rufous-bellied and Mountain Hawk Eagles, Crested Goshawk, and Eurasian Sparrowhawk can be seen. Other species you may encounter include Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Streaked Spiderhunter, Golden-throated Barbet, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, and the scarce White-browed Piculet. You may also spot flocks of Rufous-necked and White-crested Laughingthrushes, Greater Yellownape, Grey-capped Pygmy and Rufous Woodpeckers, Blue-throated Barbet, Long-tailed Minivet, Long-tailed Shrike, Black Drongo, Grey Treepie, Ashy Bulbul, Green-billed Malkoha, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Blue-winged Minla, and White-bellied Erpornis (formerly known as White-bellied Yuhina).
Significance: This area is a treasure trove of birdlife, offering a diverse range of species to observe and photograph.
Overnight at Druk Deojung Resort or Similar
Experience: Relax and unwind at the Druk Deojung Resort or a similar accommodation in Trashigang, situated at 1,100 meters. Enjoy the comfort and hospitality of the resort after a day of exploration.
Significance: This stay ensures a peaceful and comfortable end to your day, preparing you for the next leg of your journey.
Start your day with a short birding trip towards Kanglung, where you’ll search for some of Bhutan’s fascinating bird species. After breakfast, return to Trashigang, the largest district in Bhutan, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Trashigang Festival, a cultural spectacle that brings together locals and visitors in a celebration of tradition, spirituality, and community.
Highlights of Your Day
Morning Birding in Kanglung
Experience: Drive to Kanglung in the early morning for a short birding session. Look for species like the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Grey Nightjar, Kalij Pheasant, Black and Crested Serpent Eagles, Blue Whistling Thrush (very common), Barred Cuckoo Dove, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon (often seen in mixed feeding flocks), Large Hawk Cuckoo, Collared Owlet, Great Barbet (listen for their beautiful calls), Lesser Yellownape, Ashy Drongo, and the winter migrant Wallcreeper.
Significance: Kanglung is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, offering a mix of resident and migratory species in a serene setting.
Return to Trashigang
Experience: After breakfast, drive back to Trashigang, Bhutan’s largest district. Along the way, admire the picturesque countryside, with small villages scattered across the mountainsides.
Significance: This journey offers a glimpse into the rural life of Bhutan, showcasing the harmony between nature and human settlement.
Trashigang Festival at the Dzong
Experience: Join hundreds of locals at the Trashigang Dzong to witness the annual festival. Watch mystical masked dancers perform religious purification dances, depicting stories of good and evil and invoking blessings for all attendees. Between dances, the Atsaras (clowns or jesters) entertain the crowd with their playful antics. The vibrant silk robes of the dancers, the majestic dzong, and the joyful atmosphere create an unforgettable experience.
Significance: The Trashigang Festival is a deeply spiritual and cultural event, offering a rare opportunity to witness Bhutanese traditions and connect with the local community.
Overnight at Druk Deojung Resort or Similar
Experience: Return to the comfort of Druk Deojung Resort or a similar accommodation in Trashigang (1,100m). Relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Significance: A peaceful stay ensures you’re refreshed and ready for the next day’s activities.
Today, you’ll retrace your journey to Samdrup Jongkhar, a town near the Indian border. The drive takes you through ever-changing landscapes, offering breathtaking views of forested mountain ranges and opportunities to spot a variety of bird species along the way. This day is a perfect blend of scenic beauty and birding excitement, making it a memorable part of your Bhutan adventure.
Highlights of Your Day
Scenic Drive Through Forested Mountains
Experience: Enjoy a leisurely drive through stunning landscapes, with ridge after ridge of forested mountains stretching into the distance. The views are even more spectacular on your return journey, allowing you to fully appreciate Bhutan’s natural beauty.
Significance: This journey showcases the diverse and pristine landscapes of Bhutan, offering plenty of photo opportunities and moments of awe.
Birding Stops Along the Route
Experience: Make several stops along the way to look for birds such as Oriental Honey Buzzard, Shikra, Black-tailed Crake, Green-backed and Sultan Tits, Nepal Fulvetta, Oriental Turtle Dove, Whiskered and Stripe-throated Yuhinas, Grey Bushchat, Verditer Flycatcher, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Black-throated Sunbird, Olive-backed Pipit, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch.
In Khaling, stop near a roadside cliff to search for the near-threatened Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, often found near nests of Giant Rock Bees. Other species you may spot include Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Great Hornbill (globally vulnerable), Black-eared Shrike Babbler, Himalayan Bluetail, Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Green-tailed Sunbird, Hoary-throated Barwing, Black-faced and White-throated Laughingthrushes, Plain Mountain Finch (often in large flocks), Bay Woodpecker, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, White-tailed Nuthatch, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Tibetan Siskin (often feeding in alder trees), Blue-throated Barbet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Bronzed and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongos, Common Green Magpie, and Black-crested Bulbul.
Significance: These stops provide excellent birding opportunities, allowing you to spot both common and rare species in their natural habitats.
Overnight at Tashi Gasel Lodge or Similar
Experience: Arrive in Samdrup Jongkhar (250m) and check into Tashi Gasel Lodge or a similar comfortable accommodation. Relax and unwind after a day of travel and birding.
Significance: A cozy stay ensures you’re well-rested and ready for the next part of your journey.
Today marks the end of your incredible journey through Bhutan. After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to this beautiful country as our Indian representatives drive you through the lush plains of Assam to Guwahati Airport. From here, you’ll catch your flight to Kolkata or Delhi, taking with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Highlights of Your Day
Farewell to Bhutan
Experience: Enjoy a final breakfast in Bhutan, reflecting on the amazing experiences you’ve had over the past days.
Significance: This is a moment to cherish the memories you’ve created and the connections you’ve made with Bhutan’s people and landscapes.
Scenic Drive Through Assam
Experience: Our Indian representatives will drive you through the picturesque plains of Assam, a region known for its lush greenery and vibrant culture.
Significance: The drive offers a peaceful and scenic transition as you leave Bhutan and head towards your next destination.
Departure from Guwahati Airport
Experience: Arrive at Guwahati Airport, where you’ll board your flight to Kolkata or Delhi.
Significance: This marks the end of your Bhutan adventure and the beginning of your journey home or to your next destination.
