Overview
Led by a certified guide, the Bhutan Birding Journey crosses multiple elevation zones — from warm subtropical river basins to high alpine ridges.
It targets legendary species including the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron, the stunning Himalayan Monal, and the rare Ward’s Trogon. The package combines active field tracking with premium 4-star comfort at the end of each day.
Trip Highlights
- Ibisbill, River Lapwing and Crested Kingfisher along the Paro Chhu.
- The mossy forests of Dochula Pass for Fire-Breasted Flowerpecker and Laughingthrushes.
- A search for the White-Bellied Heron — fewer than 60 remain globally — on Punakha’s rivers.
- Black-Necked Cranes and the RSPN Crane Center in the Phobjikha Valley.
- Satyr Tragopan and the elusive Ward’s Trogon in the virgin forests toward Trongsa.
- The Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasants at Chelila Pass (3,988m).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Paro. Meet your specialist ornithology guide. Spend your afternoon scouting the pebble-lined banks of the Paro Chhu River to look for the iconic Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Crested Kingfisher, and Plumbeous Water Redstart.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Drive to Thimphu. Spend the afternoon hiking through the protected pine and oak forests surrounding Cheri Monastery, looking for the Spotted Laughingthrush, Fire-Tailed Sunbird, White-Capped Water Redstart, and Rufous-Bellied Niltava.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Depart early to explore the wet, mossy forests of Dochula Pass (3,100m). Target high-altitude species like the Fire-Breasted Flowerpecker, Rufous-Vented Yuhina, and various Laughingthrushes. Descend into the warm subtropical valley of Punakha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Dedicate your morning to scouting the pristine Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu river systems. This is the primary habitat of the ultra-rare and critically endangered White-Bellied Heron (fewer than 60 individuals remain globally). Look also for the Pallas’s Fish Eagle and the Great Cormorant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Ascend through dense bamboo forests over Pele La Pass to the high-altitude wetlands of Phobjikha Valley, the world-renowned wintering ground of the majestic Black-Necked Crane. Spend the evening at a ridge viewpoint observing crane behavior.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Phobjikha
Visit the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) Crane Center. Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail through pine forests and marsh boundaries to spot the Oriental Skylark, Hen Harrier, and Red-Billed Chough.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Phobjikha
Drive east toward Trongsa through the thick virgin forests of central Bhutan. Stop along pristine road corridors to spot the brilliantly colored Satyr Tragopan, Golden-Breasted Fulvetta, and the elusive Ward’s Trogon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Trongsa
Take a morning view of Trongsa Dzong, then begin your return journey west in your luxury vehicle. Spot birds through the sweeping valleys of central Bhutan, arriving late evening back in Paro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery. As you ascend through hemlock and rhododendron zones, watch for high-altitude specialists like the Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, Wallcreeper, and Alpine Accentor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Take an early morning day trip to Chelila Pass (3,988m), the highest drivable point in Bhutan. Look for Bhutan’s dazzling national bird, the Himalayan Monal, alongside Blood Pheasants and the White-Browed Rosefinch. Relax in a hot stone bath in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Final transfer to Paro International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.