Bhutan’s Avian Odyssey – 12 Nights & 13 Days

“Bhutan’s Avian Odyssey” offers a comprehensive exploration of Bhutan’s diverse birding habitats over 13 days. The journey begins in Paro, where birdwatchers can spot species like the Aberrant Bush Warbler and Himalayan Whistling Thrush in various ecological zones, including farmlands and evergreen forests. The tour then transitions to Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey, each area providing unique birding opportunities from the temperate Blue Pine forests of Thimphu to the semi-tropical zones of Punakha and the renowned Phobjikha Valley, home to the Black-necked Crane.

As the tour progresses, it ventures into the high-altitude regions of Trongsa, Bumthang, and Ura Valley, offering a range of bird species adapted to varying elevations and habitats. Highlights include the elusive Monal in Limithang and the diverse birdlife along the Chamkhar Chhu River. The tour concludes with a return to Paro, allowing for additional birding and cultural exploration before departure. This itinerary promises an enriching birding experience amidst Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.


Day 01: Arrival at Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide and driver. After completing immigration formalities, transfer to your hotel. This evening, participate in an orientation program to familiarize yourself with the birding itinerary and what to expect over the next 13 days.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

Day 02: Birding in Paro

After breakfast, start your birding journey around Paro, exploring diverse habitats including farmlands, evergreen forests, riversides, and subalpine zones. Key species to look out for include the Aberrant Bush Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Himalayan Whistling Thrush, and Common Teal. You may also visit cultural highlights like Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) if time permits.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

Day 03: Paro to Thimphu (54 km, 2 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city. Birding opportunities are excellent in the Thimphu valley’s Blue Pine and temperate evergreen forests. Ideal birding spots include the stream near Motithang and the areas around Begana and Cheri villages.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha (75 km, 2 ½ hours)

Travel to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,050m), enjoying panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. The route transitions from temperate forests to semi-tropical zones, providing a range of birding opportunities. Explore birding spots in the Punakha valley, and if time allows, visit cultural sites.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

Day 05: Punakha to Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours)

Drive to Gangtey Valley, with frequent stops for birding and photography. Explore the Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its wintering Black-necked Cranes. The area also offers a variety of other bird species in the valley’s expansive green landscape.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Phubjikha (Altitude 3,000m).

Day 06: Gangtey to Trongsa (130 km, 5 hours)

Journey to Trongsa via Pele La Pass. The drive takes you through dense evergreen forests and diverse bird habitats. Although not a prime birding area, you can still spot some important species in this region.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Trongsa (Altitude 2,200m).

Day 07: Trongsa to Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)

Drive to Bumthang, passing through varying altitudes from 2,200m in Trongsa to 3,400m at Yotong La Pass before descending to Bumthang at 2,800m. The diverse vegetation offers excellent birding opportunities in the farmlands and along the Chamkhar Chhu River. Look for species such as the Goldcrest, Blyth’s Pipit, and Common Sandpiper.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m).

Day 08: Birding in Ura Valley (50 km, 2 hours)

Drive to Ura Valley, the highest valley in Bumthang. The route offers birding in open countryside, fields, and pastures. Ura’s unique clustered houses and high altitude make it a special place for birdwatching.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m).

Day 09: Bumthang to Limithang (200 km, 5 hours)

Ascend through forests of firs and rhododendrons to Thrumshing La Pass, the highest pass in Bhutan. Descend to Sengor village, where you may spot the elusive Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), the region’s most special bird.

Overnight stay at a rural house in Limithang.

Day 10: Limithang to Bumthang (200 km, approx. 5 hours)

Return to Bumthang, with opportunities for additional birding along the way. Visit cultural sites such as Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang, and Kurjey Lhakhang. Explore the Membarstho (Burning Lake) in the afternoon.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m).

Day 11: Bumthang to Punakha/Wangdue (220 km, approx. 9 hours)

Drive back to Punakha, visiting Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong en route. Enjoy birding in the varied habitats along the way, and explore Punakha’s cultural and natural sights if time permits.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

Day 12: Punakha to Paro (125 km, approx. 4 ½ hours)

Drive back to Paro, with a stop at Dochu La Pass and Tachog Lhakang. Spend the afternoon birding in Paro or relax before your departure. Enjoy your final evening in Bhutan.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

Day 13: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your flight to your next destination. Your guide will assist with departure formalities. Have a safe journey and cherish the birding memories from Bhutan!


For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.

If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.

We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Day 1: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 2: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 3: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 4: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 5: Phubjikha – Overnight stay at Phubjikha Resorts

Day 6: Trongsa – overnight stay at Norbu lingka Resort

Day 7: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 8: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 9: Limithang – Overnight stay at Limithnag Rural Home stay

Day 10: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 11: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 12: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

 


  • All Transportation including airport Transfer
  • All Accommodation –  Twin/Dbl sharing Rooms
  • All Breakfast & Dinner
  • Govt. SDF of US$ 100 PPN
  • One time visa fee of US$ 40
  • All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
  • Professional English Speaking Birding Tour Guide
  • Birding Permit/Park Permit if required
  • All Visa Formalities
  • 1 Bottle Each Mineral Water daily
  • 1 Tourist Sim-Card
  • All Internal Taxes
  • No Hidden Cost

  • Those Services not mentioned under Inclusions
  • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, Travel Insurance
  • Entry Fees to museums and Monuments
  • Lunch
  • Air tickets

Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group.


N/A


  1. Peak Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December
  • The cancellation before 30 days will lead to 50% of the total amount cancellation.
  • The cancellation after 30 days will lead to 100% of the Total amount cancellation.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Lean Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
  • The Cancellation before 30 days will lead to Zero cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 30 days but before 15 days will lead to 25% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 15 days to 7 Days will lead to 50% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation 7 Days will lead to 100% cancellation of the total amount.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Refund Policy:
  • In case if eligible for any refund occurring due to cancellation or any other reasons, the same will be processed within 7-14 working/ business days in the mode deemed suitable or appropriate at the discretion of both the parties.
  1. Postponement Policy: –
  • Postponement of the tour will be allowed once and will be Valid for 6 Months.
  • If the trip is postponed and not cancelled, there will not be any refund under any circumstances irrespective of any reason/cause after postponement of the trip.
  • This rescheduling is allowed only once, hence choose your new dates wisely and inform us at least 30 Days in advance from your new dates. Further, reschedules may or may not have some additional charges and that will be communicated in real-time. Execution of the rescheduled trip will depend upon the availability of all the inclusions as per the original itinerary. We advise you to discuss well in advance before making any flight or train booking.
  • The inclusions as per the original itinerary may or may not remain same, all depends upon the availability at the time of rescheduled dates.
  • The total package cost may or may not change at the time of rescheduled dates. The increase or decrease in the prices will depend upon the current prices of all the inclusions at the time of new booking.
  • Any force majeure situation, addition/amendment in the package may or may not attract additional charges, the additional charges shall be borne by the traveler.
  • Payment Schedule will be at AD Tours & Travels discretion and has the right to forfeit the payment for not receiving payment on time.
  • Change of Destination is not allowed under any circumstances. Still the final decision will be taken on the basis of situation.

Booking policy:

  • For booking this package, you need to provide verbal consent on the acceptance of the offered package including all the inclusions and exclusions as mentioned in the quote. Such acceptance will be received on the quote as a whole including each and every minute details as a part of it.
  • On the receipt of the same, the concerned trip advisor in contact with you will raise the invoice specifying the number of installments, installment amount and their due dates as agreed.
  • On the receipt of the 1st installment, the booking will stand confirmed untill and unless any changes are made thereafter.
  • The Visa/Permit, hotel and flight bookings will be thereafter initiated and the vouchers for the respective services will be updated for you within 3-4 working/ business days. Though the cab details will be updated 1-2 days piror before the trip.

Payment Policy:

  • The payment will be received as per the agreed number of installments, amount and due dates.
  • On non-receipt of the payment of the 1st installment as scheduled until and unless any prior notice, the booking remains unconfirmed. In such cases, no booking procedures will be initiated at our end.
  • Special Notice has to be put forth in a proper manner in case of any delays in making the payment of any installment so that a next due date can be planned for you.

Package Summary



Tour Code: ADS25BAO

13Days/12 Nights

Bhutan

AD Special

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