A 9-day Bhutan Birding & Black-necked Crane Tour designed for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking to explore Bhutan’s diverse Himalayan habitats. The journey travels from the subtropical valleys of Punakha to the high-altitude forests of Chele La and Tharpaling, with Phobjikha Valley as the main destination for observing wintering Black-necked Cranes. Along the way, travellers can encounter Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Griffon and numerous other mountain and river birds.

Highlights

Black-necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley – Experience Bhutan’s iconic winter visitors in their natural feeding and roosting grounds, particularly from November to February.
High-Altitude Himalayan Birding – Explore Chele La, Dochula and Tharpaling for opportunities to spot Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Snow Pigeon and other high-altitude species.
Diverse Bird Habitats – Travel through Bhutan’s river valleys, subtropical forests, alpine meadows and mountain forests, experiencing a remarkable variety of ecosystems and birdlife.

Day 01 :

Paro – Chele La – Paro

Begin your Bhutan birding adventure with an excursion to Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable mountain passes. Explore blue pine, fir and rhododendron forests while looking for Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Snow Pigeon, Himalayan Griffon and Red-billed Chough.

Elevation: Paro 2,250 m → Chele La 3,988 m
Overnight: Paro

Day 02 :

Paro – Thimphu

Travel from Paro to Thimphu through scenic river valleys and forested landscapes. Make birding stops along the route, with opportunities to spot Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, White-capped Water Redstart, River Lapwing, Grey Wagtail and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.

Elevation: 2,250 m → 2,320 m
Overnight: Thimphu

Day 03 :

Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha

Cross Dochula Pass and descend into the warmer Punakha Valley. Birdwatch around the pass for Green-tailed Sunbird, White-collared Blackbird, Grey-crested Tit and Spotted Laughingthrush before continuing towards Punakha, where river habitats offer opportunities for Crested Kingfisher and River Lapwing.

Elevation: Thimphu 2,320 m → Dochula 3,100 m → Punakha 1,200 m
Overnight: Punakha

Day 04 :

Punakha – Phobjikha Valley

Journey through changing forest habitats towards Phobjikha Valley, the principal destination of the tour for Black-necked Crane watching. After arrival, explore the valley’s open fields and wetlands and look for wintering Black-necked Cranes.

Elevation: 1,200 m → approximately 3,000 m
Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 05 :

Phobjikha – Bumthang

Enjoy an early morning crane-watching session in Phobjikha before continuing towards Bumthang. Cross Pele La Pass, where the changing alpine environment provides opportunities to see Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Great Parrotbill, White-winged Grosbeak and Himalayan Griffon.

Elevation: Phobjikha 3,000 m → Pele La 3,350 m → Bumthang 2,600 m
Overnight: Bumthang

Day 06 :

Bumthang – Tharpaling – Bumthang

Set out early for Tharpaling for a high-altitude birding excursion. Explore mountain forests and alpine habitats in search of Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Snow Pigeon and White-winged Grosbeak.

Elevation: Bumthang 2,600 m → approximately 3,500 m
Overnight: Bumthang

Day 07 :

Bumthang – Paro

Enjoy a morning birding session around Bumthang before returning to Paro by domestic flight. Depending on the habitat and season, keep watch for White-collared Blackbird, Himalayan Buzzard, Red-billed Chough, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie and Black-faced Laughingthrush.

Elevation: Bumthang 2,600 m → Paro 2,250 m
Overnight: Paro

Day 08 :

Tiger’s Nest Excursion

After breakfast, hike through pine and rhododendron forests to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Along the trail, watch for Bhutan Laughingthrush, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Bluetail, White-browed Fulvetta, Blue-fronted Redstart and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery before returning to Paro.

Elevation: Paro 2,250 m → Tiger’s Nest approximately 3,120 m
Overnight: Paro

Day 09 :

Departure from Bhutan

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Bhutan birding adventure.