Embark on an unforgettable 16-day spring birding expedition through Bhutan’s diverse ecosystems, from the subtropical forests of the east to the alpine passes of the central Himalayas. Guided by experienced local birding experts, you’ll explore some of Asia’s finest birdwatching destinations, including the legendary Yongkola region, Thrumshing La National Park, Royal Botanical Park, and the rich forests of Tingtibi and Zhemgang. Spring is one of the best seasons for birding in Bhutan, with breeding plumage, active birdlife, and excellent opportunities to observe many of the Himalayas’ rarest and most sought-after species while enjoying Bhutan’s spectacular mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
- World-Class Himalayan Birding – Search for over 300 bird species, including the elusive Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Blue-fronted Robin, Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler, and many other Eastern Himalayan specialties.
- Explore Bhutan's Premier Birding Hotspots – Discover the renowned birding regions of Yongkola, Tingtibi & Zhemgang, Thrumshing La National Park, Jigme Dorji National Park, and Phobjikha Valley, each offering unique habitats and exceptional biodiversity.
- Nature, Wildlife & Culture Combined – Experience breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine forests, the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, the magnificent Punakha Dzong, and opportunities to spot mammals such as Gee's Golden Langur, Red Panda, Musk Deer, and other Himalayan wildlife.
Distance: 105 km | Drive Time: Approx. 3 hours
Upon arrival at Guwahati Airport, you will be welcomed by your Langur Eco Travels representative and begin the scenic drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan's eastern gateway. The route passes through agricultural fields and wetlands that offer excellent introductory birding opportunities.
Likely sightings include Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, Little Cormorant, and White-throated Kingfisher. After completing immigration formalities at the Bhutan border, continue to your hotel.
If time permits, enjoy an afternoon birding session around Samdrup Jongkhar. Target species include Black-crowned Night Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Asian Pied Starling, Common Myna, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Common Tailorbird, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Black-hooded Oriole, Common Iora, and Green Bee-eater. With luck, we may also encounter the elusive Blyth's Kingfisher, Dark-rumped Swift, and Black-backed Forktail.
Overnight: Norbu Khangsar Resort, Samdrup Jongkhar
Spend the day exploring the rich tropical forests between Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang, one of eastern Bhutan's finest lowland birding areas.
Target species include Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Pied Harrier, Hooded Pitta, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-eared Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Lineated Barbet, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Green-billed Malkoha, Scaly Thrush, Long-tailed Sibia, White-rumped Shama, Thick-billed Warbler, Striped Tit-Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Black-naped Monarch, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Dollarbird, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Violet Cuckoo, Collared Scops Owl, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Red-throated Flycatcher, Large-tailed Nightjar, Long-tailed Broadbill, and Puff-throated Babbler.
Overnight: Norbu Khangsar Resort
Distance: 175 km | Drive Time: Approx. 7 hours
Depart early for the spectacular Morong Valley, renowned for its pristine forests and outstanding birdlife. After morning birding, continue toward Trashigang with frequent stops along the scenic mountain road.
Highlights include Beautiful Nuthatch, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Cutia, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Red-tailed Minla, Hill Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Red-headed Trogon, Greater Yellownape, Golden-throated Barbet, Mountain Tailorbird, and several raptors.
Throughout the journey, expect to encounter an impressive diversity of flycatchers, laughingthrushes, warblers, scimitar-babblers, sunbirds, tits, bulbuls, shrikes, nuthatches, pipits, finches, and forktails.
Overnight: Lingkhar Lodge, Trashigang
Distance: 165 km | Drive Time: Approx. 7 hours
Travel west through Sherichhu and the dramatic Yadi Loops before crossing Kore La (2,450 m). Birding stops are made in broadleaf and rhododendron forests before descending to Lingmethang and climbing to Yongkola.
Target species include Brown Bullfinch, Scarlet Finch, Grey-winged Blackbird, Sikkim Treecreeper, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Gold-naped Finch, Asian Barred Owlet, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Kalij Pheasant, and Fire-capped Tit.
Overnight: Trogon Villa Lodge, Yongkola
Spend two full days exploring Yongkola, Tsamang, Namling Valley, and Sengor—widely regarded as some of the finest birding locations in the Himalayas.
The rich broadleaf forests support an extraordinary diversity of species, including Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-fronted Robin, Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Bay Woodpecker, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Himalayan Cuckoo, Collared Owlet, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Slaty-backed Forktail, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Sultan Tit, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Scarlet Finch, Spot-winged Grosbeak, and Crimson-browed Finch.
An early morning excursion to Sengor offers opportunities for Satyr Tragopan, Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Green Shrike-Babbler, and numerous Himalayan leaf warblers.
Overnight: Trogon Villa Lodge
Distance: 190 km | Drive Time: Approx. 8 hours
Bird the upper Yongkola forests before ascending to Thrumshing La (3,799 m), Bhutan's second-highest motorable pass. Continue through spectacular conifer forests before descending via Ura and Chumey to Trongsa.
Possible sightings include Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Fulvous Parrotbill, Himalayan Bluetail, White-browed Bush Robin, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, White-winged Grosbeak, Red-headed Bullfinch, and Red Crossbill.
Overnight: Tendrel Resort, Trongsa
Distance: 110 km | Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours
Travel south along the famous Zhemgang Road with birding stops at Chunjey Pang, Dangdung, Koshala, and Dakphai.
Highlights include Rufous-necked Hornbill, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Greater Yellownape, Blue-throated Barbet, Rufous Woodpecker, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Crimson Sunbird, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Common Green Magpie, and Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker.
Overnight: T Wang Hotel, Tingtibi
Explore the subtropical forests surrounding Tingtibi and Zhemgang, among Bhutan's richest birding habitats.
Specialties include Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, White-browed Piculet, Bay Woodpecker, Long-tailed Broadbill, Green Cochoa, White-tailed Robin, White-hooded Babbler, Beautiful Nuthatch, Cutia, Sultan Tit, Lesser Rufous-headed Parrotbill, and excellent opportunities for Rufous-necked Hornbill.
The area is also one of the best places to observe the endemic Gee's Golden Langur.
Overnight: T Wang Hotel
Distance: 130 km | Drive Time: Approx. 5 hours
Return toward Trongsa, revisiting productive birding sites along the Zhemgang Road. Search once more for the remarkable Beautiful Nuthatch before continuing through scenic mountain landscapes.
Near Trongsa, stop at towering cliffs to look for Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, while nearby streams provide opportunities for Little Forktail.
Overnight: Tendrel Resort, Trongsa
Distance: 75 km | Drive Time: Approx. 3 hours
Bird along the Trongsa–Chendebji road before ascending to Pele La (3,350 m). Continue into the beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha, one of Bhutan's most important conservation landscapes.
Possible species include Brown Dipper, Crested Kingfisher, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and Yellow-browed Tit.Overnight: Phobjikha Resort
Distance: 80 km | Drive Time: Approx. 3 hours
Bird the forests around Lawa La before descending through rhododendron and fir forests toward Punakha.
Target species include Spotted Laughingthrush, Beautiful Rosefinch, Brown Bullfinch, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Cutia, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, and Speckled Piculet.
Evening birding around the lodge may produce Grey Nightjar and Collared Scops Owl.
Overnight: Meri Puensum Resort, Punakha
Spend the day exploring the southern forests of Jigme Dorji National Park.
Highlights include Red-headed Trogon, Greater Yellownape, Speckled Piculet, Rufous Woodpecker, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Large Niltava, Small Niltava, Slaty-backed Forktail, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Crested Kingfisher, Spot-winged Grosbeak, and Tibetan Siskin.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Overnight: Meri Puensum Resort
Distance: 145 km | Drive Time: Approx. 5 hours
Travel through the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri before climbing to the spectacular Dochu La Pass (3,100 m), famous for its 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views.
Birding highlights include Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, and Dark-breasted Rosefinch. Mammals occasionally seen include Red Panda, Musk Deer, Leopard Cat, and, rarely, Tiger.
Continue through Thimphu with a stop at Babesa Marsh in search of the elusive Black-tailed Crake, before arriving in Paro.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang, Paro
Enjoy a memorable hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Bhutan's most famous cultural landmark.
The trail passes through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests that offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching while ascending to the monastery perched dramatically on a cliff face approximately 600 meters above the Paro Valley.
Following your visit, descend to the valley floor and enjoy a relaxing final evening in Bhutan.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang, Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to the Himalayas as you board your flight to Delhi or connect via Guwahati for your onward international journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan's remarkable birds, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
- Comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels (upgrade to 4-star or 5-star hotels available upon request).
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour.
- Private airport transfers and all ground transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Services of a licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide.
- Experienced professional driver throughout the journey.
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
- Bhutan tourist visa processing and visa fee.
- All entrance fees to monuments, museums, temples, monasteries, and attractions included in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
- Guided hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery.
- Government royalties and all applicable Bhutan tourism taxes.
- 24/7 local assistance and support throughout your stay.
- International airfare to and from Bhutan.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, snacks, beverages, shopping, and minibar charges.
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks.
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and driver (at your discretion).
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Horse hire for the Tiger's Nest hike (available at an additional cost).
- Camera or video fees where applicable.
- Expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, road closures, natural disasters, political events, or other circumstances beyond our control.
- Any services not specifically listed under Tour Inclusions.
- Note: Accommodation upgrades to 4-star, 5-star, or luxury hotels, as well as customized itineraries and private experiences, can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.
