Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Day 2: Paro to Punakha
Day 3: Punakha Valley
Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
Day 5: Phobjikha Valley
Day 6: Phobjikha Valley to Thimphu
Day 7: Thimphu
Day 8: Departure from Paro
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
- Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
- Afternoon birding excursion around Paro Valley to spot species such as the Himalayan Monal, Fire-tailed Sunbird, and Rufous-necked Hornbill.
- Welcome dinner and tour briefing in the evening.
Day 2: Paro to Punakha
- Morning drive to Punakha Valley, passing through picturesque landscapes and villages.
- En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) for bird watching and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Continue to Punakha and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon birding along the banks of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, looking for species like the White-bellied Heron, Great Cormorant, and Red-headed Trogon.
Day 3: Punakha Valley
- Full day of birding in Punakha Valley and surrounding areas.
- Visit the lush paddy fields, riverbanks, and subtropical forests to spot species such as the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Crested Kingfisher, and Black-throated Parrotbill.
- Explore Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress at the confluence of two rivers, and its surrounding gardens for birding opportunities.
Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
- Drive to Phobjikha Valley, a designated conservation area and wintering ground for the endangered Black-necked Crane.
- Upon arrival, visit the Gangtey Monastery and take a nature walk in the valley, keeping an eye out for bird species like the Ibisbill, Spotted Laughingthrush, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.
- Overnight stay in a cozy lodge overlooking the scenic valley.
Day 5: Phobjikha Valley
- Spend the day exploring the pristine habitats of Phobjikha Valley, home to a diverse range of bird species.
- Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the conservation efforts for these majestic birds.
- Birding excursions around the valley’s marshes, forests, and grasslands to spot species such as the Himalayan Griffon, Eurasian Woodcock, and White-browed Rosefinch.
Day 6: Phobjikha Valley to Thimphu
- Morning birding session in Phobjikha Valley before departing for Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
- En route, stop at scenic viewpoints and birding hotspots for additional sightings.
- Arrive in Thimphu and check into your hotel.
- Evening at leisure to explore the vibrant city center or visit local markets.
Day 7: Thimphu
- Full day of birding in and around Thimphu Valley.
- Visit the Botanical Garden and Nature Reserve to spot species such as the Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Brown Parrotbill, and Fire-capped Tit.
- Explore the outskirts of Thimphu for opportunities to see the Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Cutia, and Golden-breasted Fulvetta.
- Farewell dinner with traditional Bhutanese cuisine in the evening.
Day 8: Departure from Paro
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
- End of the bird watching tour in Bhutan.