Hornbill HikeBhutan Birding

Choose this tour if you want to experience Bhutan birdwatching beyond its famous sights and discover the forest through the eyes of a birdwatcher. Follow a scenic forest hiking trail in Bhutan, where every bend can bring a new sound, movement or glimpse through the canopy. Walk at an easy pace, listen closely and give yourself time to notice the rich birdlife and biodiversity around you. The forest rewards patience, making this an ideal experience for nature lovers, birdwatching enthusiasts and travelers seeking an authentic Bhutan nature tour away from the usual tourist routes.

This is more than a walk in search of birds. Your local birding guide helps you read the forest, recognize bird calls, spot movement and understand the habitats that support Bhutan’s diverse wildlife. You may pause beneath the canopy, follow a distant call or wait quietly for a bird to reveal itself. Along the way, discover the beauty of Bhutan’s woodland, from towering trees to subtle signs of wildlife. Whether you enjoy bird photography in Bhutan, guided forest walks or discovering birds in their natural habitats, Hornbill Hike offers a rewarding guided birdwatching experience in Bhutan. Come curious, stay patient and let the forest reveal itself.

What makes this journey different?

This is not a sightseeing itinerary with birds added along the way. The route itself follows Bhutan’s changing habitats, giving you time to explore rivers, subtropical forests, bamboo, broadleaved woodland and higher mountain forests with birding always at the center.

Bhutan currently records 754 bird species, with protected areas and biological corridors supporting an exceptional range of habitats. Royal Manas alone has recorded more than 365 bird species, while eastern Bhutan offers some of the country’s richest specialist birding environments.

Habitats

Different habitats create different opportunities, making habitat observation as important as searching for individual species.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Paro - Thimphu
Drive Distance: 55km | Drive Time: 01Hr | Elevation: 2250m - 2320m
Arrive in Paro and begin the journey gently, following the valley road towards Thimphu. Use your first hours to settle into Bhutan while keeping your eyes on the rivers, fields and wooded slopes. Short stops beside the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu introduce the first river birds, with the guide checking exposed rocks, fast water and nearby trees. The changing scenery also gives you an early sense of Bhutan’s remarkable elevation range.
As the road climbs towards Thimphu, the valley gradually narrows and the surrounding hills become more wooded. Keep the pace relaxed after the flight, allowing time for careful scanning rather than chasing a long list. Riverside habitat can reward patient observation, especially where water meets vegetation and open ground. Arrive in Thimphu with time to rest, review the day’s sightings and prepare for an early start towards Punakha.
Birds to watch for
Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, Plumbeous Water-redstart, White-capped Redstart, Blue Whistling-Thrush, Common Sandpiper, River Lapwing, Crested Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Grey-backed Shrike, Rufous Sibia, Green-tailed Sunbird, Russet Sparrow, House Sparrow, Black Bulbul, Red-billed Chough, Eurasian Treecreeper, Black Eagle
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive Distance: 77Km | Drive Time: 02Hr | Elevation Range: 2320m – 1240m
Leave Thimphu early and climb through cool mountain forests towards Dochula, where changing elevation brings a new birding environment. Work the road slowly, stopping at forest edges, clearings and quieter bends where mixed flocks may move through the canopy. Keep your attention on calls as well as movement, particularly around mature trees and sheltered patches where smaller forest birds can remain hidden.
After Dochula, descend steadily towards Punakha and watch the forest change from cool mountain vegetation to warmer broadleaved habitat. The journey becomes a moving transect through Bhutan’s ecological zones, giving you opportunities to compare birds and habitats across elevation. Use roadside stops selectively rather than trying to bird continuously. By afternoon, arrive in the warmer Punakha valley and allow the final light for a gentle exploration around the river or nearby woodland, building anticipation for tomorrow’s dedicated birding day.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Himalayan Cutia, Wards Trogon, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Crested Kingfisher, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Black-throated Sunbird, Grey-chinned Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, Grey Treepie, Plumbeous Water-redstart
Day 03: Punakha Birding
Elevation Range: Approx. 1200m – 1500m
Start before sunrise and spend the day exploring Punakha’s warmer forests, river corridors, farmland and quieter valleys. Early morning brings the forest alive, so begin with patient listening before moving through productive sections and listening again. Follow the river edges as the light strengthens, checking exposed rocks, overhanging branches and quieter pools. In the broadleaved forest, pause beneath mature trees and fruiting canopies where movement may appear high above you.
Later, work the forest margins, open clearings and cultivated areas where habitats meet. This variety creates opportunities for both forest specialists and river birds. Leave the afternoon flexible, returning to productive locations when conditions remain favourable rather than rushing from one site to another. Punakha rewards travellers who enjoy patient observation, because careful watching can reveal birds that disappear when the forest feels hurried. End the day slowly and review the sightings before another early morning.
Birds to watch for
Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Himalayan Cutia, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, White-bellied Heron, Crested Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Plumbeous Water-redstart, River Lapwing, Ibisbill, Pallas Fish-Eagle, Lesser Fish-Eagle, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon
Day 04: Punakha – Tsirang
Drive Distance: 110Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation Range: 1000m – 1500m
Leave Punakha and follow the Punatsang Chhu south through one of Bhutan’s most rewarding ecological transitions. Begin along the river, checking exposed banks, rocky stretches and wooded edges before moving into increasingly humid forest. As the road changes elevation, watch for differences in vegetation, bird calls and canopy structure. Short stops around cultivated land can add open country species to the forest birds encountered earlier.
Continue towards Tsirang through greener, denser country, allowing the landscape itself to guide the day’s stops. Rather than treating the four hour drive as a simple transfer, use selected viewpoints, forest margins and river crossings for focused observation. The warmer environment prepares you for the subtropical character ahead. Arrive in Tsirang with enough time to settle in and make a gentle late afternoon walk near the accommodation. Keep tomorrow’s early forest session in mind and rest well for a dedicated day.
Birds to watch for
Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, White-bellied Heron, River Lapwing, Crested Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Plumbeous Water-redstart, White-capped Redstart, Brown Dipper, Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Grey-chinned Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Black-crested Bulbul, Oriental Magpie-Robin
Day 05: Birding In Tsirang
Elevation Range: Approx. 800m – 1500m
Rise before sunrise for a full day of birding around Tsirang and Darachu, where subtropical forest, bamboo, farmland and open slopes create varied habitat. Begin on quieter forest roads while the air remains cool and bird activity is high. Listen carefully before moving, using calls to locate hidden birds and scanning the canopy only after you understand where the movement comes from. Work slowly through bamboo and dense forest, then shift towards more open country as the morning warms.
Keep the afternoon flexible and return to productive sections when recent sightings or changing weather suggest another opportunity. This gives the guide room to follow birds rather than a fixed sequence. Tsirang’s position between the southern foothills and higher interior makes the day interesting for observing how subtropical species occupy different layers of the landscape. End with a relaxed evening, reviewing the day’s sightings and preparing for the descent towards Gelephu.
Birds to watch for
Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Blue-throated Barbet, White-bellied Heron, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Golden-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill, White-hooded Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-naped Yuhina, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Day 06: Tsirang – Gelephu
Drive Distance: 90Km | Drive Time: 03Hr | Elevation Range: 1000m – 200m
Descend steadily from Tsirang towards the southern foothills, watching the landscape become warmer, greener and increasingly subtropical. Leave early and use the changing elevation as your guide to different habitats. Stop along suitable river stretches, forest edges and open agricultural areas, particularly where several habitats meet. The road gradually leaves the cooler Himalayan environment behind and introduces the lush character of southern Bhutan, creating opportunities for birds associated with lower elevations.
As you approach Gelephu, the vegetation becomes denser and the air noticeably warmer. Keep the birding relaxed, with short focused stops rather than long sessions during the drive. Look around ponds, cultivated fields and roadside vegetation for lowland species before reaching the town. Arrive with enough time for an evening exploration around nearby habitats, when the softer light can offer another productive window. This day marks an important ecological shift, taking the journey from Himalayan valleys into the southern foothills.
Birds to watch for
Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Indochinese Roller, Lesser Whistling-Duck, Indian Pond-Heron, White-breasted Waterhen, River Lapwing, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Oriental Pied-Hornbill, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Crested Kingfisher, Blue-throated Barbet, Lineated Barbet, Asian Green Bee-eater, White-rumped Shama
Day 07: Gelephu – Birti
Drive Distance: 54Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation: Approx. 200m – 500m
Leave Gelephu and continue east towards the foothills, gradually leaving the plains behind. As the road rises, the landscape becomes increasingly forested, with streams, cultivated patches and dense vegetation creating a succession of habitats. Use roadside clearings and river crossings for short, focused stops, especially where sunlight reaches the forest edge. The changing elevation offers a chance to notice how the bird community shifts as the lowland environment gives way to foothill forest.
Continue towards Birti at an unhurried pace, allowing the journey to become part of the birding experience. The environment grows quieter and more secluded as the road enters deeper woodland. Rather than chasing a large list, concentrate on calls, canopy movement and birds using forest edges. Arrive at Birti with time for a gentle exploration around the accommodation and nearby woodland. The late afternoon can provide a useful first look at the habitat before the journey moves deeper into central Bhutan’s forests.
Birds to watch for
Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Blue-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, White-bellied Heron, Brown Dipper, Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Scarlet Minivet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-hooded Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Slaty-backed Forktail
Day 08: Birti – Tingtibi
Drive Distance: 06Km | Drive Time: 30Minutes | Elevation: Approx. 500m – 600m
A short transfer opens a full day around Tingtibi, allowing you to move quickly into the surrounding forest rather than spend the morning travelling. The area combines mature broadleaved forest, streams, steep slopes and small clearings, creating varied habitat for patient forest birding. Walk slowly, pause often and listen before moving again. Forest calls can reveal activity that remains hidden in the canopy, while streams and shaded slopes create different microhabitats worth exploring.
Use the afternoon to revisit productive sections or explore a different elevation band. Let recent sightings, weather and bird activity shape the route rather than following a rigid sequence. Tingtibi forms an important part of the Zhemgang birding landscape, where several protected areas meet around a rich subtropical ecosystem. The day should feel unhurried and observant, with enough time to appreciate the forest itself rather than simply ticking species from a list.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Blyths Kingfisher, Bay Woodpecker, Sultan Tit, Slaty-backed Forktail, White-hooded Babbler, Pale-billed Parrotbill, Pale-headed Woodpecker, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, White-browed Piculet, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Rusty-fronted Barwing
Day 09: Tingtibi – Panbang
Drive Distance: 85Km | Drive Time: 03Hr | Elevation: Approx. 600m – 250m
Continue south and east towards Panbang, following a dramatic route through increasingly warm forest. The road descends gradually, marking the movement from central foothill woodland towards the lowland forests of Royal Manas. Build short birding stops into the drive rather than waiting until arrival. Rivers, roadside forest and open patches each offer different opportunities as elevation changes, so watch the habitat carefully and use the most productive locations for focused stops.
Reach Panbang later in the day and allow the remaining light for a gentle introductory walk. The landscape feels noticeably more tropical here, with denser vegetation and warmer conditions creating a different birding character from Tingtibi. Use the evening to become familiar with the surrounding forest and river environment without pushing too hard. Tomorrow brings a dedicated exploration around Royal Manas, so finish the day early, organize equipment and prepare for a pre sunrise start into the southern forest.
Birds to watch for
Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Sultan Tit, Greater Yellownape, Whiskered Yuhina, White-naped Yuhina, Long-tailed Broadbill, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Common Green-Magpie, Blyth Kingfisher, Wreathed Hornbill, Green-billed Malkoha, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, White-rumped Shama, White-bellied Erpornis
Day 10: Panbang – Royal Manas National Park
Elevation: Approx. 200m – 500m
Start before sunrise and spend a full day exploring the forests and river systems around Panbang and Royal Manas National Park. Enter the forest while temperatures remain cool and bird activity is high, then work slowly along forest tracks, river edges and quieter clearings. Listen for calls before moving between locations, and allow the guide to adjust the route according to weather, light and recent sightings. The southern landscape feels distinctly different from the mountains experienced earlier.
Return to productive habitats later in the day when the heat begins to ease. Patience matters here; long periods of careful observation can reveal more than constantly moving between sites. Royal Manas is one of Bhutan’s most important protected landscapes, and Bhutan Tourism describes it as the country’s “Crown Jewel.” The surrounding Zhemgang region also supports a remarkable range of birds, including Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, hornbills and other subtropical species.
Birds to watch for
Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Long-tailed Broadbill, Green-billed Malkoha, Asian Fairy-bluebird, White-rumped Shama, Pallas Fish-Eagle, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Oriental Pied-Hornbill, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Common Green-Magpie, Sultan Tit, White-crested Laughingthrush, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Black-hooded Oriole, White-bellied Heron
Day 11: Panbang – Lingmithang
Drive Distance: 190Km | Drive Time: 06Hr | Elevation: Approx. 250m – 600m
Leave Panbang early for a longer journey through Bhutan’s eastern foothills. Use carefully chosen stops along forested stretches, river crossings and roadside habitats rather than trying to bird continuously throughout the drive. As the road gradually climbs away from the lowland environment, cooler conditions and changing vegetation introduce a different forest structure. Focus on places where the landscape opens into forest edges, follows water or creates natural viewpoints across the valley.
The long drive becomes part of the ecological story, showing how quickly Bhutan changes across relatively short distances. Keep the afternoon comfortable once you reach Lingmethang, allowing time to settle into the quieter surroundings. If conditions permit, take an optional evening walk around the accommodation or nearby woodland. This gentle introduction prepares you for the richer forest habitats ahead, while giving the guide an opportunity to listen for local activity and identify promising areas for tomorrow.
Birds to watch for
Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Green-billed Malkoha, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Himalayan Cutia, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Greater Yellownape, Sultan Tit, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Bay Woodpecker, Scarlet Minivet, Grey-chinned Minivet, White-naped Yuhina, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-hooded Babbler, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Slaty-backed Forktail
Day 12: Lingmethang – Yongkola
Drive Distance: 55Km | Drive Time: 2Hr | Elevation: Approx. 600m – 1500m
Leave Lingmithang and begin climbing towards Yongkola, entering increasingly cool and densely forested mountain country. The road winds through steep terrain where moss covered trunks, broadleaved forest and mountain streams create a noticeably different atmosphere. Keep the journey unhurried and stop where the forest opens, streams cross the road or suitable habitat appears. As elevation increases, watch the vegetation change and listen for different forest calls.
Reach Yongkola with enough time for a gentle first exploration before the longer birding session tomorrow. The region is recognized as one of Bhutan’s major birdwatching circuits, and its varied elevation and forest structure make it particularly rewarding for specialist birders. Use the afternoon to become familiar with the area, checking nearby roads, streams and forest edges without exhausting yourself. Leave the more focused forest walks for tomorrow, when you can spend the full day working carefully through the habitat.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Himalayan Cutia, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Red-faced Liocichla, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Yellow-cheeked Tit, White-naped Yuhina, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Sapphire Flycatcher, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Wards Trogon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Grey-chinned Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Rufous Sibia, Little Forktail
Day 13: Yongkola Birding
Elevation: Approx. 1500m – 2300m
Give Yongkola a full day and start early, entering the forest while the mountain air remains cool and the canopy is active. Work slowly along forest roads and trails, listening for movement before approaching. Spend time around mature trees, bamboo patches, mossy slopes and streams, because each habitat offers different possibilities. Keep the group quiet and patient, allowing the guide to identify calls and direct attention towards movement that may otherwise remain hidden.
Keep the middle of the day flexible and return to productive areas later when temperatures fall and forest activity rises again. Avoid rushing between locations; Yongkola rewards careful observation and repeated visits to the same habitat. The region is especially valued by specialist birders for species such as Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon and Red-faced Liocichla. End the day with time to review sightings, compare calls and prepare for the long journey towards Bumthang tomorrow.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Himalayan Cutia, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wards Trogon, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Red-faced Liocichla, Spotted Elachura, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Small Niltava, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Sapphire Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, White-naped Yuhina, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Grey-chinned Minivet
Day 14: Yongkola – Bumthang
Drive Distance: 150Km | Drive Time: 6Hr | Elevation: Approx. 1600m – 2500m
Leave Yongkola and begin the long climb towards the higher valleys of central Bhutan. The journey crosses dramatic mountain terrain, moving from dense eastern forests through cooler and higher landscapes before descending towards Bumthang. Make carefully selected stops at changing elevations rather than attempting continuous birding throughout the drive. As the forest becomes cooler, vegetation changes, the canopy opens and mountain landscapes begin to replace the dense subtropical woodland.
Use the journey to compare habitats and listen for birds associated with higher elevations. Early stops can provide opportunities for pheasants and mountain species, while open sections may offer views of raptors moving above the ridges. Arrive in Bumthang by late afternoon and settle into the quieter rhythm of the central valleys. The day is less about building a large list and more about experiencing the transition from eastern forest to higher Himalayan landscapes, setting up tomorrow’s long return towards Paro.
Birds to watch for
Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Blyth Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Cutia, Hoary-throated Barwing, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Rufous Sibia, Green-tailed Sunbird, Olive-backed Pipit, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Black-billed Magpie, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, White-browed Fulvetta, Himalayan Bluetail, White-browed Bush-Robin, Common Merganser
Day 15: Bumthang – Paro
Drive Distance: 322Km | Drive Time: 08Hr | Elevation: Approx. 2500m – 2250m
Begin the long journey west towards Paro, crossing high mountain roads and moving through several changing landscapes. Start with a short early morning exploration around Bumthang before departure, giving you one final opportunity to search for higher elevation species. As the road climbs and descends, watch the vegetation shift from open mountain valleys to cool forest and eventually towards the familiar landscapes of western Bhutan.
Keep the journey comfortable with planned breaks for scenery, refreshments and brief habitat checks. Rather than trying to turn a long transfer into a full birding day, use suitable stops selectively and focus on quality observation. The changing elevations can still provide opportunities for mountain birds, raptors and forest species. Arrive in Paro by evening and enjoy a quieter night before tomorrow’s final mountain walk. Use the evening to organise binoculars, cameras and field notes for the last birding opportunity.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Hoary-throated Barwing, Himalayan Bluetail, White-browed Bush-Robin, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Rufous Sibia, Green-tailed Sunbird, Black-faced Warbler, White-browed Fulvetta, White-tailed Nuthatch, Eurasian Nutcracker, Olive-backed Pipit, Grey-winged Blackbird, Blue Whistling-Thrush, Plumbeous Water-redstart, White-capped Redstart, Black Eagle
Day 16: Hike To Tiger’s Nest
Elevation: 2950m | Walking Distance: 04Km | Walking Time: 04 – 05Hr
Rise early for the final major exploration of the journey and walk into the mountains above Paro. The trail climbs steadily through pine and mixed mountain forest, creating a final opportunity to explore a higher elevation habitat on foot. Move at a comfortable pace, stopping beneath the canopy and around quieter forest sections to listen for movement. Prayer flags, shaded woodland and open viewpoints add another dimension to the final day, while the changing light can reveal birds missed earlier.
Continue towards Taktsang before beginning the descent, keeping time for careful observation along the return trail. The forest can feel different later in the day as birds shift between feeding areas and sheltered sections. This final walk brings together Bhutan’s mountain landscape, forest habitat and cultural setting in one memorable experience. Finish back in Paro with time to rest, reflect on the journey and review the bird list before departure tomorrow.
Birds to watch for
Kalij Pheasant, Rufous Sibia, Green-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, Black-faced Warbler, White-browed Fulvetta, Himalayan Bluetail, White-tailed Nuthatch, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Eurasian Nutcracker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-winged Blackbird, Blue Whistling-Thrush, Black Bulbul, Grey-chinned Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, White-throated Fantail, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Himalayan Monal, Fire-tailed Sunbird
Day 17: Depart Bhutan
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Paro before transferring to the airport. If your flight timing allows, take one final quiet look around the valley rather than rushing into the departure routine. The fields, river corridor and wooded slopes that introduced the journey can offer a gentle final opportunity for familiar species and a chance to appreciate how much the landscape has changed since your arrival.
As you leave Bhutan, the journey comes together as more than a search for individual birds. It has followed rivers, forests, farmland, foothills and mountain habitats across a remarkable range of elevations. From the first river birds around Paro to hornbills in the subtropical south and specialist forest species in the east, each region has added another layer to the experience. Carry your field notes, photographs and sightings home with you, along with a deeper sense of Bhutan’s remarkable natural diversity.

Inclusions | Exclusions

Inclusions

Accommodation in comfortable, approved hotels or guesthouses on a twin-sharing basis
Daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Private ground transportation throughout Bhutan, including airport transfers and all scheduled journeys
Services of a licensed Bhutanese tour guide throughout the journey
Services of a specialist birding guide for birdwatching tours, where specified
All sightseeing, excursions and birding sessions mentioned in the itinerary
Entry fees to museums, monuments, national parks and other sites included in the itinerary
Assistance with Bhutan visa or entry permit arrangements
Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Applicable government taxes and service charges included in the quoted tour price
Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and birding excursions
All accommodation and meals for the guide and driver during the tour

Exclusions

International airfare to and from Bhutan
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, accidents, evacuation and trip cancellation
Additional meals, beverages and snacks
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, internet charges and room service
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, birding guides and hotel staff
Optional activities, excursions and experiences not listed in the itinerary
Personal birding equipment, including binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras and accessories
Additional accommodation, meals or transport resulting from flight delays, cancellations, weather disruptions or other unforeseen circumstances
Medical expenses, emergency evacuation and costs arising from personal illness or injury
Excess baggage fees and airline charges
Any service or expense not expressly mentioned under Inclusions

Birding highlights

Hornbills in the subtropical forests
River birds along Bhutan’s major waterways
Forest specialists around Tingtibi and Yongkola
Birding in and around Royal Manas National Park
High elevation pheasants and mountain birds
A changing birdlife across Bhutan’s ecological zones

Season to travel

Spring is Bhutan’s peak birding season, when forests become especially active and bird activity is strong. Autumn also offers favorable conditions, while winter brings a different mix of resident and migratory birds.

Accommodation: You will stay in comfortable hotels, lodges and locally run properties, with the itinerary designed to balance field time with a good night’s rest.
Meals: Early breakfasts support the best morning field sessions. Packed lunches can be arranged on longer birding days so you can spend more time outdoors.
Group style: We keep the group small enough to move quietly, hear calls, share sightings and adapt the day according to bird activity.

If the Rufous necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill and the sound of the subtropical forest have caught your curiosity, let’s shape a day around the places where they thrive. Tell us what you hope to see, and we’ll create the right Hornbill Hike for you.

Make it yours

Tour map

Explore all birding tours

Discover more of Bhutan’s extraordinary birdlife with our diverse range of birding tours, crafted for unforgettable encounters across the Eastern Himalayas. From lush subtropical forests to pristine mountain woodlands, each journey offers unique habitats, fascinating species and breathtaking landscapes. Explore our tours, find the adventure that matches your passion, and book your next birding experience in Bhutan today!

Where will your curiosity take you?

Tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll help you create the journey

Connect with expert

Hornbill HikeBhutan Birding

What makes this journey different?

Habitats

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Paro - Thimphu

Birds to watch for

Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha

Birds to watch for

Day 03: Punakha Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 04: Punakha – Tsirang

Birds to watch for

Day 05: Birding In Tsirang

Birds to watch for

Day 06: Tsirang – Gelephu

Birds to watch for

Day 07: Gelephu – Birti

Birds to watch for

Day 08: Birti – Tingtibi

Birds to watch for

Day 09: Tingtibi – Panbang

Birds to watch for

Day 10: Panbang – Royal Manas National Park

Birds to watch for

Day 11: Panbang – Lingmithang

Birds to watch for

Day 12: Lingmethang – Yongkola

Birds to watch for

Day 13: Yongkola Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 14: Yongkola – Bumthang

Birds to watch for

Day 15: Bumthang – Paro

Birds to watch for

Day 16: Hike To Tiger’s Nest

Birds to watch for

Day 17: Depart Bhutan

Inclusions

Exclusions

Tour map

Explore all birding tours

The Big Tit Trail

Crane and the Festival

The Winter Migrants

Where will your curiosity take you?