- Best travel time: September to May
- Accommodation: Hotel, homestay or campsite
- Itinerary: individually according to your wishes
- Fitness level: depends on the journey
- Highest Altitude: depending on the selected route
- Guides: English, other on request
Highlights of the Tour:
- Spot some of the rarest birds in the world
- Explore the rich flora and fauna of Bhutan
- Explore the rich religious culture of Bhutan
- Enjoy a local trip through the country
Perfect Birding Spots
- Spott some of the rarest bird
- Enjoy a beautiful landscape
- Explore one of the remotest places in Bhutan
- Gain a deep insight into religious culture
- Enjoy a traditional hot stone bath
- Overnight in a Homestay
Phobijkha Valley
Royal Manas National park
Jigme Dorij National Park
Punakha Valley
Paro Valley
Bumthang valley
Why travelling to Bhutan for a birding trip?
Bhutan is a true paradise for bird lovers. Over 774 species of birds can be found in the country. The country’s pristine forests and diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of unique birds, including some rare and endangered species. There are several famous birding destinations in Bhutan. Over 7% of the world’s bird population is found in Bhutan. In addition, around 26 endangered bird species can be seen in Bhutan.
Bhutan offers a variety of bird species, some of which are unique and rare. Several famous birding destinations can be found in the country Over 7% of the worlds birds’ population can be found in Bhutan. Also, around 26 endangered species of birds can be spotted in the country. Bhutan offers various species of birds, some of them are unique and rare.
Top five birds in Bhutan
1. The Raven
The raven is revered in Bhutan as the country’s national bird. It is depicted on the king’s crown. Historically, the raven led the founder of Bhutan to victory during the invasion from Tibet in the seventeenth century.
2. The Himalayan Monal
This very colourful bird occurs in the alpine meadows of Bhutan at altitudes between. 2100 up to 4500m. The Himalayan Monal belongs to the genus of pheasants, characteristic are the different coloured upper sides, which contrast with the black underside of the bird. Like most pheasants, this bird can fly, but most of the time it is found on the ground.
3. The Satyr Tragopan
The tragopan belongs to the pheasant genus and is known for its flamboyant and striking features. This bird species is found in the dense rhododendron forests of Bhutan
4. The White Bellied Heron
This bird is the rarest heron in the world. It is found in the mountainous regions of Bhutan, north-east India and Myanmar. With its white and grey colour, the White-bellied Heron blends in perfectly with the great slate cliffs of the Himalayas. This bird is also threatened with extinction and the global population has dwindled to less than 300 individuals.
5. The Black Necked Crane
From November to March, the black-necked crane descends from its breeding grounds on the Tibetan plateaus to the lower-lying lakes and flooded fields, making this an ideal time to observe this rare bird. In Bhutan, the black-necked crane is revered through Buddhist traditions. It is strictly protected throughout the country. Bhutanese believe that they are blessed when the cranes circle over their valleys. A festival in honour of the black-necked crane is held every year in November to mark the bird’s arrival.
More species of birds to spot in Bhutan
Bhutan offers many more bird species, other famous birds in Bhutan are:
- Blood Pheasant
- Bengal Florican
- Himalayan Griffon
- Golden Eagle
- White Winged Duck
- White Browed Bush Robin
- Blue Fronted Redstart
- Himalayan Cutia
- Rusty Flanked Treecreeper
- ...
Bhutan Birding Tour Itinary
We are happy to customise your birding trip according to your own wishes and preferences. As Bhutan offers many birding sites and even more bird species, each trip is planned according to your own preferences.
FAQ:
Bhutan has implemented special entry regulations to regulate the amount of tourism.
– Travelling into Bhutan is only possible with a visa. This is then only valid for the duration of the booked trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
-Every tourist has to pay a Sustainable Development Fee which is 200 USD per person and night. Special discounts for longer stays are available. Detailed information will be provided during the planning of the trip.
-When planning a trekking trip, a guide is mandataroy.
-In Bhutan you are not allowed to drive a car on your own, you always need a driver.
The climate in Bhutan is divided in three climate zones, so there is no general answer for the best travel time to Bhutan. As a basic rule it can be said that spring and autumn are the best travel times to Bhutan.
-For north Bhutan the best travel time is from March to May and from September to October
-For central Bhutan the best travel time is from April to the end of October
-For south Bhutan the best travel time is from November to March
All guides speak English. German speaking guides are sometimes avaiable on request.
Bhutan is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage. Therefore the country offers several famous attractions. Most known attractions are the city of Paro and the capital of Bhutan Thimphu. One of the most known religious sites of Bhutan is the Taktsang Monastery or also called the Tiger’s Nest.
Furthermore Bhutan offers many Monasteries, Dzongs and other religious sites. Bhutan also offers beautiful nature and landscape.
The most common way for European travelers how travel to Bhutan is via airplane. Bhutans only international airport is located in Paro. The national air carrier of Bhutan is called Drukair and operates flights from several cities in Asia, including Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore and Dhaka.
Travel by road from India is possible but so far not very common for European tourists.
When planning a trekking tour to Bhutan it is important to know, that a guide is mandatory. And trekking through Bhutan without a Guide is not allowed.