Day 01: Paro-Thimphu(54Km/1.5 Hours)

Enter the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and be bedazzled with the spectacular view of the tallest mountain peaks of the world. You will be greeted by your guide at the airport and transferred to Thimphu.

• On the way stop and take a walk to the hilltop of Tachogang Lhakhang across the Paro river.

• Upon reaching Thimphu visit the golden statue of Buddha Dordenma and enjoy the spectacular view of the Thimphu valley and settlement.

• In the evening take a stroll around Thimphu town and you can visit the Authentic Craft Bazaar where various handmade Bhutanese souvenirs are sold before you retire to your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Birding In Thimphu

Take a pleasant drive to Northern Thimphu through the forest of pine and apple orchards of Begana village. You will have the chance to see Laughing Thrush, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, and White-collared Blackbirds making your way to the hilltop monastery of Cheri Goemba.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Journey To Punakha Valley

After a good breakfast, wind your way up to Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters above sea level marked with a cluster of 108 stupas and bright prayer flags. Enjoy the great view of the Himalayan ranges and bird watching around the area which has ample bird species. Hike up to Lungchutse Temple and have the chance of coming across Ward’s Trogon, Spotted Spotted Nutcracker, Yellow-Billed Magpie, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Collard Blackbird, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Chest-Tailed Minla, and Brown Bullfinch.

After the hike, descend to the warm subtropical region of Punakha valley at 1,200 meters above sea level. On the way take a walk through the rice paddy of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Mad Man. Punakha is popular with the birds like the Red-headed Trogon, Wedge-Tailed Pigeon, Fire-Capped Tit, White-Gorgeted Flycatcher, the rare Yellow-Vented Warbler, Magpie Robin, Green Magpie, and Osprey.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha 

Day 04: Birding In Punakha Valley

Punakha is a warm place in the western part of Bhutan. Drive along the bank of the Mo Chhu ( Female River) and explore and discover the endangered White- Bellied Heron for which this place is famous. Make a stop to visit the incredible Punakha Dzong and enjoy the intricate pattern of this fortress.

Explore the villages and forests beyond Punakha Dzong and you may be able to spot Red-headed Trogons, Bay Woodpeckers, Fire-Capped Tits, White-Gorgeted Flycatchers, Wedge-Tailed Pigeons, rare Yellow-vented Warblers, Green Magpies, Magpie Robins, Ospreys, River Lapwings, Ruddy Shelducks, and Eurasian Wigeons dart into and out of sight along riverbanks and villages. You may also be able to see a variety of skulkers that also call this region home, including the Spotted Elachura and Pygmy Wren-Babbler, and two of Bhutan’s three species of Tesia.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 05: Birding The Mountain Range And Onward To Phobjikha Valley

Take a mysterious drive to the beautiful Phobjkha valley which is a plain valley hidden in the mountains of Gangtey. You may be able to see Wedge-Tailed Green Pigeons and Flycatchers. This is a realm to the Black Drongo, Carlet Finch, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch, Slaty-Backed Forktail, Gorgeted Flycatcher, White-Throated Laughingthrush, and more.

During October and March, you will be able to see the majestic Black-Neck Cranes in the valley. You can visit the Black-Neck Crane Center and watch short documentary videos of this endangered species of birds that fly all the way from Tibet.

It is suggested to take a walk through the Gangtey Nature Trail and explore the glacial Phobjika Valley. You will be able to witness White-Throated Laughingtrushes, Mountain Imperial Pigeons, Slaty-backed Forktails, Rusty-Flanked Tree Creepers, White-Browed Bush Robins, and White-Winged Grosbeaks make their home. Later time permitting visit the beautiful Gangtey Monastery overlooking the valley.

Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha valley 

Day 06: Phobjikha To Paro

Take a scenic drive from Phobjikha to Paro passing the Pelela Mountain Pass, where you may be able to spot Satyrs Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Yellow-Billed Magpie, Chest-Tailed Minla, Collard Blackbird, and Ultramarine Flycatcher. On the way to Paro, you may stop along the way spotting birds.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 07: Tiger Nest Hike Paro

Get your energy up to hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery). Tiger’s Nest is the signature spot of Bhutan. You will have the chance to Brown Dippers, Spotted Laughingthrushes, and Fire-Capped Tits.

In the afternoon, visit another of the Paro Valley’s best birding areas: the banks of the Paro River. The most common bird here is the Ibisbill, which is found throughout the year. Other birds likely to make an appearance include Black-faced Laughingthrushes, Brown Dippers, Spotted Laughingthrushes, and Fire-Capped Tits. In the late afternoon, head back to Paro for your last dinner of the trip.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro 

Day 08: Departure