Reaching the Endemic

Bhutan holds some of the Eastern Himalayas’ most sought-after birds, often hidden in deep forests, quiet valleys, and high mountain woodlands. Reaching the Endemic invites you to discover them one habitat at a time, following forest calls, scanning the canopy, and searching secluded trails for birds that many birdwatchers dream of seeing. From the striking Ward’s Trogon to the Beautiful Nuthatch and Hoary-throated Barwing, every encounter brings the thrill of finding something extraordinary. Guided by local birding expertise, you will explore renowned birding locations and lesser-known corners where patience, keen observation, and a little luck can turn a quiet morning into an unforgettable discovery.

The adventure extends beyond a checklist. As the route crosses subtropical forests, river valleys, and cool mountain woodlands, each change in landscape opens a new chapter in Bhutan’s birdlife. You may hear an unfamiliar call before spotting its source, catch a flash of color between branches, or discover a species you never expected along the trail. For dedicated birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and curious naturalists, this Bhutan birding tour offers the excitement of exploration and the chance to experience the remarkable diversity of the Eastern Himalayas up close.

What makes this journey different?

Some birds can be found across continents. Others belong to just one corner of the world. Reaching the Endemic is a journey into the latter, following Bhutan’s forests and mountain landscapes in search of bird species found nowhere else on Earth.

With expert guidance, patient observation and time in carefully chosen habitats, each sighting carries a deeper sense of achievement. Here, the thrill lies not simply in seeing a bird, but in finding a species that belongs exclusively to this extraordinary corner of the world.

Habitats

Exploring these habitats across changing elevations offers the chance to seek out species with remarkably restricted ranges, where understanding habitat becomes essential to finding the birds that make this journey unique.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Paro
Elevation: 2250m
Arrive in Paro, where your first introduction to Bhutan’s birdlife begins almost as soon as you leave the airport. After meeting your guide and settling into your accommodation, take time to explore the nearby Pa Chhu river if your arrival time and energy allow. The clear, fast-flowing water, exposed stones, gravel banks and riverside trees create a rewarding first setting for observing birds without travelling far.
Move slowly along accessible stretches of the river, watching the water’s edge and the rocks between the currents. Scan overhead for birds moving between the valley slopes, and listen for calls from trees and hedgerows. Your guide will help establish a relaxed pace, introduce the field notes and identification approach for the journey, and explain how to distinguish birds by shape, movement, habitat and call. If the flight arrives late, keep the afternoon unhurried and save the first serious birding session for tomorrow.
Birds to watch for
Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Brown Dipper, White-capped Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Crested Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Indian Pond-Heron, Black Kite, Himalayan Swiftlet, House Swift, Red-billed Chough, Large-billed Crow, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Blue Whistling-Thrush, White-throated Kingfisher, Russet Sparrow.
Day 02: Hike To Tiger’s Nest
Hike Distance: 04Km | Hiking Time: 04Hr | Elevation: 3120m
Begin early on the trail to Taktsang, better known as Tiger’s Nest, giving yourself time to enjoy the forest rather than treating the hike as a race to the monastery. The path climbs through pine forest, shaded woodland and open viewpoints, with changes in elevation bringing different opportunities to listen and look. Pause where the trail is quiet, scanning trunks and branches for movement and checking mixed flocks as they pass through the canopy.
Birding today is opportunistic, woven into the walk rather than pursued at the expense of the hike. Look for small birds feeding among needles and broad leaves, listen for calls from dense undergrowth, and watch the forest edge where sunlight encourages activity. The steep sections require care, particularly when stopping to observe through binoculars. After visiting the monastery, descend at a comfortable pace, allowing time for additional sightings on the way down. Return to Paro for a restful evening and prepare for the journey east tomorrow.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Green-backed Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Coal Tit, Rufous-vented Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Black-browed Tit, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, Gray Treepie, Blue Whistling-Thrush.
Day 03: Paro – Punakha
Drive Distance: 132Km | Drive Time: 03Hr | Elevation: 1350m
Leave Paro after breakfast and travel east towards Punakha, making the changing landscape part of the day’s birding. The route climbs towards Dochula Pass, where cool mountain air, forest edges and mixed woodland offer opportunities to look for high-elevation species. Allow time to scan the trees and listen for calls before descending through Lamperi and its forested surroundings. As the road drops, the vegetation becomes richer and more subtropical, bringing a different set of birding possibilities.
Continue towards Punakha through villages, cultivated slopes and river valleys. Where safe stopping places are available, look along the road margins and canopy edges rather than attempting hurried roadside observations. The descent towards the warmer valley can produce a noticeable change in bird activity, and the transition itself is one of the day’s highlights. Arrive in Punakha with time for a short late-afternoon walk beside the Mo Chhu or nearby fields if daylight permits. Keep the evening flexible, since tomorrow is dedicated to the lower-elevation forests around Tashithang.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Red-headed Trogon, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Green-backed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, Gray Treepie, Striated Laughingthrush, Rufous Sibia, White-capped Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart.
Day 04: Tashithang Birding
Elevation Range: 1350m – 1600m
Spend the day exploring the warm, forested surroundings of Tashithang, where lower-elevation woodland, bamboo, river corridors and forest edges create a different birding experience from the high passes. Start early, when calls carry through the trees and birds are often more active near the canopy and along quieter roads. Move in short sections, giving your guide time to identify calls and locate birds before the group advances.
Pay particular attention to mixed feeding flocks, where several species may move together through the foliage. Check bamboo thickets and shaded understory for birds that reveal themselves through movement or sound rather than bright colour. At open patches and river margins, scan for kingfishers, waterbirds and species feeding along exposed banks. The aim is not to cover the greatest distance, but to work productive habitat carefully and return to promising areas when calls are heard again. Take a midday break during the warmer hours, then head out once more in the afternoon, when the forest may become active again.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Red-headed Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Hill Partridge, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, White-naped Yuhina, Striated Yuhina, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Sultan Tit, Scarlet Minivet.
Day 05: Punakha – Phobjikha
Drive Distance: 85Km | Drive Time: 03Hr | Elevation: 2900m
Leave the warm Punakha valley and climb towards Phobjikha, watching the forest change as the road gains height. Early stops around the valley edges and forested slopes offer one final chance to look for subtropical birds before the journey enters cooler, higher terrain. Continue through Wangdue and towards the mountain road, where mixed broadleaf forest gradually gives way to conifers, open slopes and higher-elevation vegetation.
Build in time to stop at suitable forest edges, roadside clearings and sheltered bends. Scan the canopy for feeding flocks, inspect shrubs for movement, and listen for calls coming from deeper woodland. As you approach Phobjikha, the landscape opens into a broad glacial valley of grassland, marsh and scattered woodland. The cooler conditions and open terrain bring a new set of birding opportunities, especially around wet ground and stream margins. Arrive before dusk if possible, settle in, and use the last light to observe the valley from an appropriate viewpoint without disturbing wildlife.
Birds to watch for
Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Rufous-vented Tit, Coal Tit, Gray-crested Tit, Black-throated Tit, Black-browed Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Rufous Sibia, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, White-capped Redstart.
Day 06: Phobjikha Birding
Elevation: 2900m
Set aside the day to explore Phobjikha’s open valley, wet meadows, streams, marshy ground and surrounding woodland. Begin early along suitable valley tracks, scanning wet areas and shallow water for feeding birds. In spring, the valley’s character differs from its famous winter season, when Black-necked Cranes gather here; do not expect wintering cranes to be present in late April or early May. Instead, focus on resident birds, returning migrants and species using the valley during the warmer months.
Later, work the woodland margins and nearby forest paths, where changes in vegetation may reveal a different range of birds. Listen for calls before moving on, and give mixed flocks time to pass through rather than chasing each sighting. The open valley is also a good place to practise careful scanning, checking distant birds through a spotting scope and comparing silhouettes before identifying them. Take a midday break, then return to a productive stream or field edge in the afternoon. Keep the pace gentle and allow the day’s observations to guide the route.
Birds to watch for
Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Black Stork, Great Cormorant, Common Merganser, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Himalayan Griffon, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Gray-crested Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing, Brown Dipper.
Day 07: Phobjikha – Trongsa
Drive Distance: 120Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation: 2200m
Depart Phobjikha and travel east towards Trongsa, crossing forested highlands and the Pele La area. Begin with a final scan of the valley margins before the road enters woodland again. Along the route, habitat changes with altitude, exposure and slope, creating opportunities to encounter birds associated with conifer forest, broadleaf woodland and open mountain edges. Pele La and nearby forest patches deserve unhurried stops where road safety and access allow.
Rather than making frequent brief stops, choose a few promising stretches and spend enough time listening for calls, checking the canopy and watching the understory. Look for mixed flocks moving between trees, and scan open slopes for larger birds riding the air currents. Continue through changing forest and cultivated clearings towards Trongsa, where the landscape becomes more rugged and river valleys cut deeply into the hills. Arrive in the afternoon and, if time allows, take a short walk near the accommodation or a suitable roadside forest patch. Tomorrow’s journey to Bumthang is shorter, allowing more time to explore the central highlands.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Hill Partridge, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Ashy Wood-Pigeon, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Gray-crested Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Rufous Sibia, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, White-capped Redstart.
Day 08: Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive Distance: 68Km | Drive Time: 02Hr | Elevation: 2580m
Travel from Trongsa to Bumthang through the forested slopes and high country around Yotong La. Although the drive is relatively short, it crosses a varied landscape, so allow time for birding along suitable stretches. Start with a scan of the wooded edges outside Trongsa, then stop where conifer and broadleaf habitats meet. These transitions can attract mixed flocks and provide chances to compare species from different elevations.
As the road climbs towards Yotong La, watch for birds moving through the canopy and along the roadside shrubs. In open areas, scan the slopes and sky for raptors, while quieter forest sections may reward patient listening. Descend towards Bumthang, where broad valley floors, cultivated land, rivers and woodland create a different setting from the high pass. If arrival time permits, spend the late afternoon around a stream or field edge, checking exposed stones and shallow water for birds. Keep the day flexible, since the best observations may come from a few carefully chosen stops rather than from rushing to reach the destination.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Hill Partridge, Snow Partridge, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Ashy Wood-Pigeon, Great Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Gray-crested Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Rufous Sibia, Black-browed Tit, White-capped Redstart, Brown Dipper.
Day 09: Bumthang Exploration
Elevation: 2580m
Explore Bumthang’s combination of open agricultural valleys, rivers, wooded slopes and higher forest. Start early along a quiet stream or river, checking rocks and banks for birds feeding close to the water. Move on to field edges and hedgerows, where small birds may feed among shrubs and cultivated ground. The valley’s open character makes it easier to scan birds at a distance, while nearby wooded slopes offer a chance to search for species that prefer denser cover.
Depending on conditions, your guide may suggest a higher-elevation excursion towards Tharpaling or another suitable forest area. There, scan the ground and understory for pheasants and listen carefully for movement beneath the trees. The day is designed to give time to work a location properly, rather than treating Bumthang as a quick stop between destinations. Take breaks during the warmer hours, then return to productive habitat later in the afternoon. Record sightings carefully, noting the elevation and habitat, as these details can help distinguish similar species and make the birding experience more rewarding.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Snow Partridge, Hill Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Ashy Wood-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Great Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Gray-crested Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Brown Dipper, Ibisbill.
Day 10: Bumthang – Yongkola
Drive Distance: 146Km | Drive Time: 06Hr | Elevation: 1700m
Leave Bumthang early for one of the journey’s most rewarding transitions, travelling through Ura and across the high country towards Thrumshing La before descending towards Yongkola. The route crosses several vegetation zones, so the birding opportunities change markedly through the day. Start with open valley edges and cultivated land, then focus on forested slopes as the road climbs. At higher elevations, listen for calls from conifers and scan the canopy for mixed flocks.
Around the pass, take advantage of safe stopping points to look into the forest and check open patches for birds moving between trees. The descent towards Yongkola brings warmer conditions and increasingly rich woodland. Allow time for careful observations in suitable forest sections rather than trying to cover every possible stop. The drive can be long, and the winding road requires a realistic schedule. Arrive before dusk if possible, settle in, and prepare for an early start tomorrow. The forests around Yongkola are a major focus of the trip, with several days available to work productive habitat patiently.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Hill Partridge, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Ashy Wood-Pigeon, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Gray-crested Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Rufous Sibia, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, White-capped Redstart.
Day 11: Yongkola Birding
Elevation: 1700m
Dedicate the day to the forested slopes and roadside habitats around Yongkola, an established birding area in eastern Bhutan. Start at first light, when forest birds are most vocal and the cooler air makes it comfortable to work slowly. Walk suitable stretches of road, pausing whenever calls or movement suggest a feeding flock. Scan the canopy first, then follow the flock through the middle layers and into the understory, where smaller species may be harder to see.
Give particular attention to mature broadleaf forest, bamboo patches and places where the vegetation changes along the slope. These transitions can bring different species together and are often more productive than uniform stretches of woodland. Your guide will help identify calls and distinguish similar birds, while the group keeps enough distance to avoid disturbing them. Return to a promising location if activity builds, rather than moving on simply to keep to a schedule. After a midday rest, revisit the best forest sections in the afternoon. The aim is to build a detailed picture of this habitat and improve the chance of finding its more elusive residents.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Red-headed Trogon, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Hill Partridge, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, White-naped Yuhina, Striated Yuhina, Sultan Tit, Scarlet Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird.
Day 12: Yongkola – Gyelpoizhing
Drive Distance: 53Km | Drive Time: 02Hr | Elevation: 550m
Depart Yongkola and descend through eastern Bhutan towards Gyelpoizhing, passing through changing forest and river landscapes. Begin with a short session near Yongkola, where the cooler forest may still be active in the early morning. As the road drops, watch how the vegetation changes from higher-elevation woodland to warmer broadleaf forest and subtropical growth. These shifts provide opportunities to add species from different habitat zones to the day’s observations.
Choose a few safe stopping places along the route and scan the canopy, roadside shrubs and forest edges. Listen for calls before leaving the vehicle, since a quiet pause can reveal birds that are otherwise overlooked. As you approach lower elevations, pay attention to river valleys, cultivated patches and open clearings, which may attract species not encountered in the mountain forests. The road is winding, so keep the schedule realistic and avoid trying to bird every stretch. Arrive in Gyelpoizhing with time to settle in and, if daylight remains, make a short observation stop nearby. Tomorrow’s drive south towards Panbang continues the journey into warmer habitats.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Red-headed Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Hill Partridge, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, White-naped Yuhina, Striated Yuhina, Scarlet Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Black-crested Bulbul.
Day 13: Gyelpoizhing – Panbang
Drive Distance: 135Km | Drive Time: 06Hr | Elevation: 300m
Travel south towards Panbang, moving deeper into Bhutan’s warm subtropical landscape. Start early and use the first suitable forest sections to listen for calls before the day warms. The route passes through wooded hills and river valleys, with changes in vegetation offering opportunities to find birds that favour lower elevations. Where road conditions and access permit, stop to scan forest edges, bamboo growth and open patches near streams.
As the journey continues, pay attention to the canopy for larger birds and to the understory for quieter, more secretive species. River corridors can be especially useful places to pause, offering a view of exposed banks and trees along the water. Avoid lengthy stops where visibility is poor or traffic makes observation unsafe; instead, focus on locations with room to stand quietly and watch. Arrive in Panbang with enough daylight to settle in and assess nearby habitat. The area is associated with the Royal Manas landscape, and the following days offer a more concentrated opportunity to work the subtropical forest and riverine environments. Keep expectations flexible, as bird activity varies with weather and local conditions.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Red-headed Trogon, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Hill Partridge, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Black-crested Bulbul, Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, Sultan Tit, Scarlet Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird.
Day 14: Panbang Birding
Elevation: 200m - 300m
Spend the day exploring the lowland forest and riverine habitats around Panbang, working slowly through selected areas associated with the Royal Manas landscape. Begin early, when bird calls are most active and the subtropical forest is still cool. Listen for vocal species from the forest edge before moving into suitable stretches of woodland, checking bamboo, vine-covered trees and the middle canopy for movement. Mixed flocks may pass quickly, so pause and follow them carefully rather than trying to identify every bird at once.
The day’s approach is patient and selective. Work along safe roads and established tracks, using openings in the canopy to scan larger birds and shaded areas to search for smaller, less conspicuous species. Near rivers and streams, look for birds feeding along the margins and watch for movement between the water and forest. Take a midday rest and return to the most promising habitats later, especially if the morning has produced active calls or a productive flock. Your guide will help prioritise local targets and avoid unnecessary disturbance. The richness of the area lies in its habitat variety, so record where each sighting occurs as carefully as the species itself.
Birds to watch for
White-bellied Heron, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Red-headed Trogon, Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Hill Partridge, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Black-crested Bulbul, Sultan Tit, Scarlet Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Crested Serpent-Eagle.
Day 15: Panbang – Tingtibi
Drive Distance: 72Km | Drive Time: 03Hr | Elevation: 600m
Leave Panbang and travel north towards Tingtibi, following a route through forested hills, river valleys and subtropical woodland. Start with a short morning session near Panbang if time allows, then continue towards the Mangde Chhu corridor. The changing terrain provides a chance to observe birds moving along forest edges and over river openings. Use safe stopping points to scan the canopy and listen for calls, particularly where bamboo or dense undergrowth borders the road.
As you approach Tingtibi, the habitat becomes especially important for the search for forest specialists. The surrounding woodland is known for sought-after species, including Beautiful Nuthatch and Sapphire Flycatcher, although sightings depend on local conditions and patient searching. Keep the day’s pace measured, balancing travel with a few well-chosen birding stops. After arrival, take a break and, if daylight permits, visit a nearby forest stretch to familiarise yourself with the terrain and sounds. This will help make tomorrow’s full birding day more productive. Keep binoculars ready during transfers, but only stop where it is safe and practical to observe without obstructing traffic.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Sapphire Flycatcher, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Red-headed Trogon, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Hill Partridge, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Black-crested Bulbul, Sultan Tit, Scarlet Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird.
Day 16: Tingtibi Birding
Elevation: 600m
Begin at first light in the forest around Tingtibi, where a patient approach is essential for finding birds that stay high in the canopy or remain concealed in dense foliage. Work along suitable forest roads and established tracks, listening carefully before moving. Calls may lead you towards mixed flocks, and a single flock can provide several rewarding observations if the group remains quiet and allows the birds to move naturally through the trees.
Give priority to habitat known to support Beautiful Nuthatch and Sapphire Flycatcher, but avoid focusing so narrowly on one target that other species are missed. Check mature trees, bamboo patches, and shaded understory and forest edges, noting where birds feed and how they move. The best strategy is to revisit productive areas when calls or movement suggest renewed activity. Take a midday break, then return to the strongest sites in the afternoon. Your guide will help distinguish similar calls and identify opportunities without disturbing nesting birds or sensitive habitat. By the end of the day, compare notes and review photographs or recordings, where permitted, to consolidate identifications and plan the next morning’s search.
Birds to watch for
Beautiful Nuthatch, Sapphire Flycatcher, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Red-headed Trogon, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Hill Partridge, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, White-naped Yuhina, Striated Yuhina, Sultan Tit, Scarlet Minivet.
Day 17: Tingtibi – Gelephu
Drive Distance: 94Km | Drive Time: 05Hr | Elevation: 250m
Depart Tingtibi and continue south towards Gelephu, moving through subtropical hills, wooded valleys and increasingly warm lowland terrain. If time allows, begin with a short early-morning scan near Tingtibi before setting off. As the route descends, watch for changes in vegetation and bird activity, particularly around forest edges, streams and openings in the canopy. These transitional habitats can offer species not encountered in the higher forests.
Choose safe places to stop and listen before scanning. Look for larger birds crossing above the road, smaller species feeding in roadside trees and birds moving between woodland and cultivated land. As you approach Gelephu, the landscape opens into a warmer southern environment with a mixture of agricultural areas, watercourses and lowland vegetation. This is a different birding zone, so avoid expecting the same species encountered around Tingtibi. Arrive with enough time to settle in and, if conditions permit, explore a nearby wetland, field edge or river margin before dusk. Tomorrow’s route towards Tsirang will bring another change in elevation and habitat.
Birds to watch for
White-bellied Heron, Lesser Whistling-Duck, Indian Pond-Heron, Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, White-breasted Waterhen, Gray-headed Lapwing, River Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Little Cormorant, Black Kite, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Red Junglefowl, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Asian Koel, Greater Coucal, Green-billed Malkoha, Black-crested Bulbul.
Day 18: Gelephu – Tsirang
Drive Distance: 104Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation: 1600m
Leave the southern lowlands and begin climbing towards Tsirang, watching the landscape change from warm subtropical vegetation to hill forest and cultivated slopes. If the morning schedule allows, make a short stop around Gelephu before departure, checking suitable water margins or open fields. As the road gains elevation, roadside woodland and forest edges become increasingly important. Stop where it is safe to observe and allow time to listen for calls before scanning the trees.
The climb brings changes in temperature, vegetation and bird communities. Look for mixed flocks along wooded stretches and inspect clearings where birds may feed at the edge of the forest. Rather than filling the day with too many stops, select a few habitats that offer good visibility and enough space to watch quietly. As you approach Tsirang, pay attention to the transition between forest, orchards, village gardens and farmland. These varied edges can attract a useful range of species. Arrive in the afternoon and, if time permits, take a short walk near your accommodation to become familiar with the local habitat before tomorrow’s full day of birding.
Birds to watch for
White-bellied Heron, Indian Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Green-billed Malkoha, Greater Coucal, Asian Koel, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Black Eagle, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Scarlet Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Black-crested Bulbul, White-throated Kingfisher.
Day 19: Tsirang Birding
Elevation: 1600m - 1800m
Explore the forested hills and varied landscapes around Tsirang, where woodland, village gardens, cultivated slopes and subtropical vegetation create a rich mix of habitats. Start early along a quiet forest edge, listening for calls and watching for birds moving through the canopy. Give mixed flocks time to pass through, checking both the upper branches and the shaded vegetation below. Small birds may be detected first by their calls or movement, so patience is more useful than covering long distances quickly.
Later, explore suitable lower slopes, streamside vegetation and open areas near farmland. These habitats can attract a different combination of species from the denser forest, making it worthwhile to move between them during the day. Your guide will help select productive stretches based on recent calls, weather and access. Avoid approaching nests or entering sensitive areas, and keep observation points unobtrusive. After a midday break, revisit locations where activity was strongest in the morning. The day’s goal is to explore Tsirang as a distinct birding area rather than simply repeat sightings from the southern lowlands. Finish by reviewing the day’s records and preparing for the final journey back towards Thimphu.
Birds to watch for
White-bellied Heron, Indian Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Green-billed Malkoha, Greater Coucal, Asian Koel, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Black Eagle, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Scarlet Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Black-crested Bulbul, White-throated Kingfisher.
Day 20: Tsirang – Thimphu
Drive Distance: 166Km | Drive Time: 06Hr | Elevation: 2320m
Begin the journey back towards Thimphu, climbing from Tsirang’s warmer hills into higher forest and mountain terrain. If time permits, spend a short period near the accommodation before departure, listening for birds in the surrounding woodland. The drive offers a final opportunity to observe the changes in Bhutan’s habitats, from subtropical vegetation through mixed forest to cooler mountain slopes. Rather than treating the day as a simple transfer, use suitable stopping places to scan forest edges and look for birds moving between canopy and roadside shrubs.
As the road gains elevation, pay attention to differences in calls and flock composition. A few careful stops can be more productive than frequent hurried pauses, especially on a winding mountain road. Keep the schedule flexible for traffic, weather and road conditions, and never stop where visibility or safety is compromised. Arrive in Thimphu in the afternoon or evening, depending on the pace of travel. If daylight remains, a short walk near the accommodation may provide a final chance to observe familiar valley birds. Use the evening to review your sightings and photographs, noting which target species were found and which remain memorable possibilities for a future visit.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Gray-headed Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Green-backed Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Coal Tit, Rufous-vented Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Black-browed Tit, Hoary-throated Barwing, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, White-capped Redstart.
Day 21: Thimphu – Paro – Depart
Drive Distance: 55Km | Drive Time: 01Hr | Elevation: 2250m
After breakfast, travel from Thimphu to Paro for your departure flight. Keep the morning practical and relaxed, allowing enough time for the drive, check-in and airport procedures. If your flight schedule leaves a suitable window, you may pause briefly at a safe viewpoint or accessible roadside location along the route, but the priority today is reaching the airport comfortably. There is no dedicated birding excursion planned, and any observations should be treated as a final bonus rather than a scheduled activity.

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

Bhutan’s endemic birds in their natural habitats
Rare and range-restricted species across the Himalayan foothills
Specialised forest birding around Tingtibi and Yongkola
Endemic bird searches across subtropical and temperate forests
High elevation birdlife in the eastern Himalayas

Season to travel

March to May is ideal for seeking Bhutan’s endemic birds, with active bird calls and rewarding forest exploration. September to November offers clear skies and excellent birding opportunities.

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.

Venture into Bhutan’s wild heart, follow unfamiliar calls through hidden forest habitats, and uncover the thrill of finding birds found nowhere else on Earth. Your search for the endemic begins here.

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

Reaching the Endemic

What makes this journey different?

Habitats

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Paro

Birds to watch for

Day 02: Hike To Tiger’s Nest

Birds to watch for

Day 03: Paro – Punakha

Birds to watch for

Day 04: Tashithang Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 05: Punakha – Phobjikha

Birds to watch for

Day 06: Phobjikha Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 07: Phobjikha – Trongsa

Birds to watch for

Day 08: Trongsa – Bumthang

Birds to watch for

Day 09: Bumthang Exploration

Birds to watch for

Day 10: Bumthang – Yongkola

Birds to watch for

Day 11: Yongkola Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 12: Yongkola – Gyelpoizhing

Birds to watch for

Day 13: Gyelpoizhing – Panbang

Birds to watch for

Day 14: Panbang Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 15: Panbang – Tingtibi

Birds to watch for

Day 16: Tingtibi Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 17: Tingtibi – Gelephu

Birds to watch for

Day 18: Gelephu – Tsirang

Birds to watch for

Day 19: Tsirang Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 20: Tsirang – Thimphu

Birds to watch for

Day 21: Thimphu – Paro – Depart

Inclusions

Exclusions

Tour map

Explore all birding tours

The Big Tit Trail

Hornbill Hike

Crane and the Festival

Where will your curiosity take you?