Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Birdwatching in Paro Valley
Arrive at Paro International Airport; traditional Bhutanese welcome.
Short orientation and briefing on birding protocols.
Afternoon: Birding around Paro River Valley and paddy fields.
Key birds: Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Ruddy Shelduck, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Brown Dipper.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Overnight: Paro
Day 2: Paro – Chelela Pass – Thimphu
Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988 m), with forest trail birding.
Target species: Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Spotted Laughingthrush.
Continue to Thimphu via scenic route.
Visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) in the evening.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing – Lamperi Park – Punakha
Morning birding in Lamperi Royal Botanical Park (over 220 bird species).
Species: Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Hoary-throated Barwing, Golden-breasted Fulvetta.
Drive through Dochula Pass to Punakha Valley.
Visit Punakha Dzong and Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 4: Punakha – Pho Chhu Valley Birding
Morning birdwatching along Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Key species: Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Scarlet Minivet.
Afternoon: Walk to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, observing rural bird habitats.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley
Drive to Phobjikha Valley (4 hours), famous for Black-necked Cranes.
Birding en route at Lawala Pass: Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Fire-tailed Sunbird.
Visit Gangtey Gompa and explore Gangtey Nature Trail.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 6: Phobjikha – Trongsa
Early morning birding in Phobjikha wetlands.
Drive to Trongsa, stopping at Pelela Pass.
Visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum.
Birdwatching: Great Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Mountain Hawk Eagle.
Overnight: Trongsa
Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive through temperate forests to Bumthang Valley.
Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery.
Afternoon birding near Chamkhar River: Brown Dipper, White-collared Blackbird.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 8: Bumthang – Tang Valley Excursion
Full-day birding in Tang Valley, exploring forests, meadows, and villages.
Target species: Ward’s Trogon, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Beautiful Nuthatch, White-gorgeted Flycatcher.
Visit Ogyen Choling Heritage Museum for local culture.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 9: Bumthang – Paro
Early morning departure to Paro by road (7 hours) or optional domestic flight.
Leisure time in Paro for souvenir shopping or short walks.
Overnight: Paro
Day 10: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike – Departure
Early morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
Birding along trail: Fire-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, White-throated Laughingthrush.
Return to Paro town and transfer to airport for onward journey.
