ROYAL manas park & Birding tour
In this Royal Manas Bhutan bird watching tour you will be almost making a 360 degree Bhutan Tour , covering the major birding sites. The tour will be a treat to nature and bird lovers. As you move you can see the change in vegetation from the Hemlock and cool broadleaf forest in the west to warm broadleaf in the east to subtropical forest in the southern part.
You will be passing through some of the best birding sites in the kingdom. You would also be covering a short stretch of 26 Kilometers found between Sengor to Yongkola which is considered as “ Birding Capital of the world” by birders.
You may see a few endangered bird species like White-bellied-Heron, Baer’s Pochard & few other vulnerable species like Rufous –Necked Hornbill , Black Necked Crane, Satyr Tragopan and so on and so forth.
The Bhutan bird watching tour also includes camping in the jungle camp, day hike through national park, and village visits. We have also included a few of the cultural sightseeing and famous Tiger nest hike to make this tour more wholesome.
Duration: 16 Nights/ 17 Days
Location:Thimphu – Phobjikha- Trongsa- Bumthang – Sengor- Yotongla – Yongkola-Nganglam-Panbang- Tingtibi
Day 01: Paro-Thimphu(54Km/1.5 Hours)
- Enjoy the breeze & the view on hilltop of Tachogang Lhakhang. You got to cross the bridge Over Pa Chhu river before reaching the Lhakhang.
- Visit Dordenma and take a blessing from the world largest Buddha’s statue.
- In the evening stroll around Thimphu town, you can visit craft bazaar and check out small souvenir to take back home
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu: Visit Jigme Dorji National Park
Today we will take an hour and half drive towards the northern end of Thimphu valley and hike through Jigme Dorji National Park. It is a huge park covering 4316KM Sq.feet , the park is a natural jewel with the wealth of biodiversity. However we will be just covering a very tiny part of it. It would be a pleasant hike through the forest of pines . You will be welcomed by variance of Bird . Commonly you may sight Laughing Thrust, Brown Dipper, Spotted Laughing Thrust, Fire capped Tit, Chestnut–crowned Laughing Thrushes, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, and White-collared Blackbirds. We will have packed lunch in the forest. Evening return to Thimphu . Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu-Gangtey(134Km/6hrs)
- Phobjikha valley is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and it serves as the nesting grounds for the endangered Black-necked Crane in winter. The bird species found in this valley are Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Blue-capped Rock Thrush,Fire-tailed Myzornis, Great Parrotbill, Alpine Accentor, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Scaly Thrush, Tickell’s Thrush, Fire-capped Tit, Amur falcon, Ward’s Trogon, Blue Rock Thrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Red-headed Bullfinch, Scarlet Finch, White-tailed Nuthatch, etc.
Overnight At Hotel in Phobjikha
Day 04: Phobjikha – Trongsa ( 87kms/ 3 Hours)
Drive for three hours through dense evergreen forests of oak, rhododendron, horse chestnut, laurel, maple, fir, spruce, larch, hemlock and juniper to the central district of Trongsa crossing Pele La (pass) at 3390m. The species found in this area includes Spotted Laughingthrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Himalayan Griffon, Himalayan Swiftlet, Asian House Martin, Nepal House Martin, Common Rosefinch, Beatiful Rosefinch, White-browed Rosefinch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Streaked-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Brown Parrotbill, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, and Speckled Wood Pigeon
Overnight at hotel in Trongsa
Day 05: Trongsa-Bumthang(68Km/2-3Hrs)
Bumthang is famous for sighting pheasants . We can visit Tharparling monastery for magnificent Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan. You may sight Spot-winged Grosbeak, Daurian Redstart, Olive-backed Pipit, Oriental Skylark, Black-billed Magpie, etc.
Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang – Sengor- Yotongla (10 Hours)
A short stretch of 26Km of broad leaved forest in eastern Bhutan, found between Sengor & Yonkola is considered by birders as “Birding Capital of The World”. Sengor to Namling : The hemlock and cool broad leaf forest host of Tragopans, Bar-winged Wren Babbler and the fire tailed Myzornis. Namling to Yonkola: Cool Broad leaf forest hostssing over Thrumsingla pass at 3800m.The species you would encounter are Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Namling to Yongkhala: Cool and warm broad leaf forests host the yellow -rumped Honey Guide, Rufoused -Necked Hornbill,Laughing Thrush, Coral Billed Scimitar Babbler, ad the golden breasted Fulvetta.
Overnight at Hotel in Yongkola
Day 07: Explore Yongkola-Paradise For Birders
In this area you will sight Rufous-necked Hornbil, Tawny Fish Owl, Ward’s Trogon, Red-headed Trogon, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Himalayan Cutia, Grey-winged Blackbird, Hoary-throated Barwing, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Steak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Collar-billed Scimitar Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Long-tailed Minivet, Short-billed Minivet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Black-throated Prinia, Striated Prinia, Gray-throated Babbler, Ashy Bulbull, Mountain Bulbull, Himalayan Bulbull, Grey-throated Babbler, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Beautiful Nuthatch, White-tailed Nuthatch, Asian-barred Owlet, Short-billed Minivet, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush etc.
Overnight at hotel in Yotongla
Day 08: Yongkola-Nganglam-Panbang(158kms/6hours)
Today we will drive from Yotongla-Nganglam-Panbang. On the way we will come across various birds.
Overnight at Marang Jungle Lodge
Day 09: Explore Panbang And Royal Manas National Park
Today we will raft 13Km from Panbang to Manas.On foot it might take few hours but the boat ride takes only thirty minutes. Many prefer boat rides to enjoy the scenic beauty and watch birds. You can explore the park through various activities like – bird watching, river rafting , picnicking along the river and walking through the Park’s Eco Trail. This place is a treasure house of around 365 bird species among which the Emerald Cuckoo, Spotted Wren-Babbler, White-bellied Heron, Pallas Fish Eagle, Wreathed Hornbill, Pied Hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill are commonly visible.
Overnight At Marang Jungle camp
Day 10: Panbang-Tingtibi
We will drive from Panbang to Tingtibi. On the way you can witness a giant waterfall. We will stay at Tingtibi Eco lodge and later visit the village of Berit. Tingtibi is another hotspot for birds. You may spot Explore Tingtibi where you can spot the Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreated Hornbill, Lesser Yellownape, Scarlet minivet, Sultan Tit, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, White-bellied Erpornis, Long-tailed Sibia,Silver-eared Mesia, Red-billed Leiothrix, Bar-throated Siva, Blue-Winged Siva, Red-tailed Minla,Red-faced Liocichla, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Straited Laughingthrush, White-crested Laughingthrush, Jungle Babbler, Golden Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Pin-striped Tit Babbler, Long-billed Wren Babbler, Eye-browed Wren Babbler and many more
Overnight at Tingtibi Eco Lodge
Day 11: Tigtibi-Trongsa
The species found in this area includes Spotted Laughingthrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Himalayan Griffon, Himalayan Swiftlet, Asian House Martin, Nepal House Martin, Common Rosefinch, Beautiful Rosefinch, White-browed Rosefinch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Streaked-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Brown Parrotbill, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, and Speckled Wood Pigeon. If time permits we can also visit Trongsa Dzong Today
Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa
Day 12: Trongsa-Punakha(129Km/5hours)
We will visit Chimi Lhakhang today and learn the myths of Phallus
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Day 13: Punakha
In the morning we will visit Punakha Dzong before heading to Jigme Dorji National Park
After detouring Punakha Dzong, we will explore Mo Chu Valley & Rimchu to Jigme Dorji National Park. The warm broad leaf forest here are the habitat of the rare White-Bellied Heron, White -gorgetted Flycatcher and Yellow-vented Warbler
Overnight at Hotel
Day 14: Punakha-Paro(130Km/4-5hours)
Early morning we will drive to Paro. Later we can do some sightseeing Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 15: Paro To Chelela Pass
Early in the morning drive to Chelela pass for pheasants: Kalij Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal. There is also chance of sighting the Fire-tailed Myzornis as well. We can have a picnic lunch today Evening Return to Paro
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 16: Tiger Nest (4-6 Hours)
Today we will hike to Tiger’s Nest. It is a signature spot of Bhutan Tourism. After the hike you can relax by soaking yourself in hot stone bath. And later you can try some Bhutanese Beer at Namgay Artisinary Brewery
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 17: Departure
Our guide and driver will drop you to the Airport and bid your farewell
Royal Manas And Bhutan Birding Tour Map
HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Adventure into the birding paradise of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
Spot many rare and endangered birds and bump into variety of bird species.
Explore the Royal Manas sanctuary; Bhutan’s crown jewel consisting of tropical and subtropical ecosystem.
Stay at the unique Marangdut jungle camp located by the Marangdut tributary of Drangme River.
Try out your taste pallet to Tongba, a local beverage of Panbang, made out of local maize or millet.
Venture into the rapids of the river of Panbang.
Delve into the most scenic valleys of Phobjikha and Bumthang.
Drive past the overhanging cliffs of Thrumshing La at 3,750 kilometers.
Hike to the most iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 4680
PACKAGE INCLUSION
A Sustainable Tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education, helath, road sectors, etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Complimentary from company:
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for the guide and driver